Women's Crisis Center Honors Napa Men

"To be a good man is going against almost everything your DNA is telling you to do," Barry Martin told a ballroom full of Napans Friday afternoon.

"Most of what we want to do as men is counter to the good of people around us," continued Martin.

But, he said, "we're going to evolve and become something better."

Martin made his remarks as master of ceremonies at Friday's "Men Making NEWS" awards luncheon at .

The awards were created by to highlight the contributions of men in our community.

Napa architect David Horobin was the keynote speaker at Friday's luncheon, talking about how his men's group is working to end domestic violence.

"What better cause to unite men than helping stamp out abuse?" Horobin asked. "Why take on anything smaller?" 

After Horobin's speech, Martin introduced the 15 nominees and four award winners.

Young Man of the Year awards went to Andres Cantera and Edgar Gutierrez, who received warm applause.  

Veterinarian Randy Lung and community organizer Ian Stanley of the Napa LGBTQ Project were named NEWS's "Male Role Models of the Year."

As it happened, neither man could attend the lunch: Lung's son accepted the award on his father's behalf, while Stanley submitted a moving acceptance speech by video.

More information about NEWS, from the napanews.org website:

Napa Emergency Women's Services was formed in 1981 when a group of community members realized there was no safe place for women and children to go when they were fleeing abuse at home. Volunteers had been taking battered women and their children into their own homes to protect them, and the need for a safe shelter was clear. Our founders worked in partnership with local leaders to acquire a house where women and children could find safety and support, and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

Today NEWS has grown into a strong organization with a dedicated group of staff and volunteer domestic violence and sexual assault counselors, providing direct client services as well as shelter 24 hours a day/7 days a week, to approximately 1200 women and children each year. We work on prevention through education and outreach programs.

Support for NEWS comes from many sources. The largest portion of our funding comes from grants from federal, state, and local sources such as the Auction Napa Valley. Our community fundraising events make up part of our budget, and we depend on the generosity of individuals and community groups who support us in our mission.

The NEWS Board of Directors is a group of leaders from a wide cross-section of the Napa community, providing governance and support to help NEWS meet its mission. They give their time, talents, and support to keep NEWS going strong, always guided by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

President:
Sandra Re

Vice President:
Toni Renee "TR" Vierra

Secretary: Danielle Schmitz
Treasurer: Randy Gnagy

Immediate Past President: Cathy D'Angelo Holmes

Members:
Brian Banducci
Rebekah Barr
Diane Bishofberger
Doug Ernst
Jim Gill
Donald Hitchcock, M.D.
Richard Melton
Nancy Mott
Danielle Schmitz
Gail Silverman
Katie Somple
Jennie Thayer

Executive Director: Tracy Lamb

Mike Thompson, Congressman
Joan D’Angelo
Kathryn Hall, Ambassador
Rick Jones, Jones Family Vineyards 
Gary Lieberstein, District Attorney
Barbara Nemko, Napa County Superintendent of Schools
Andrea Phelps
Lee Schwab
Kass Simon
Brad Wagenknecht, County Board of Supervisors

If you would like to become a part of the movement to end domestic violence and sexual assault in our community there are many ways to get involved. Become a volunteer, give financial support, attend a NEWS event such as the annual Candle Light Vigil in October, or apply to become a member of the NEWS Board of Directors.

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