Rob Currin

St. Helena, Then and Now: St. Helena Odd Fellows

Celebrating Friendship, Love, and Truth: Odd Fellows Holiday Party 2025

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, members, family and guests of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows gathered at our Lodge for a joyful and heartwarming Holiday Party that perfectly embodied the timeless principles of the Order: Friendship, Love, and Truth.

The evening was filled with laughter, good food, and the warm camaraderie that makes the Odd Fellows family so special. Festive decorations transformed the hall into a winter wonderland,  and a beautifully adorned tree that sparkled throughout the night.

Guests enjoyed a delicious spread featuring seasonal favorites and the program included heartfelt toasts to the season, a special recognition for the work and leadership of the outgoing Noble Grand, and a few lighthearted holiday stories that had everyone smiling. Music filled the air—some classic carols, a bit of dancing, and plenty of opportunities to catch up with old friends and welcome new ones.

A huge thank you to the planning team, kitchen crew, decorators, and everyone who pitched in to make the night so memorable.

Events like this remind us why we belong to this remarkable organization: To share fellowship, lift one another up, and spread a little more light in the world—especially during the holiday season. Here’s to good friends, cherished traditions, and a bright new year ahead.

We look forward to many more gatherings in 2026!

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Veterans Home of California-Yountville Cemetery hosted a moving Wreaths Across America ceremony, joining thousands of locations across the nation in a unified mission to Remember the Fallen, Honor Those Who Serve, and Teach the Next Generation the value of freedom.

Nestled among the oak-covered hills of Napa Valley, this historic cemetery is the final resting place for more than 5,700 veterans and their eligible dependents, with interments dating back to the late 19th century. Established alongside the Veterans Home in 1884, it stands as a serene testament to the sacrifices made by those who served our country—from the Spanish-American War through today’s conflicts.

The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. with a solemn remembrance program, featuring speeches, patriotic music, and the traditional laying of ceremonial wreaths honoring each branch of the military, as well as those still missing in action and prisoners of war. Volunteers then fanned out across the grounds, carefully placing fresh remembrance wreaths on individual headstones while speaking each veteran’s name aloud—a profound act ensuring no hero is forgotten.

This annual tradition, coordinated nationally by Wreaths Across America, was made possible through the generous sponsorship of wreaths by community members, organizations, and businesses.

Members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, whose longstanding commitment to fraternity, charity, and community service shone brightly in their support of this event.

In a season of reflection and gratitude, events like this remind us that freedom is never free. Thank you to all who sponsored, volunteered, or attended—you helped ensure that the legacy of these brave men and women lives on.

St. Helena Lodge #167 Brings the Christmas Cheer!

Saturday evening December 6th 2025, St. Helena Odd Fellows Lodge #167 rolled into Calistoga with our trusty pickup and BBQ trailer decked out stem-to-stern in twinkling lights, garlands, and more than a few strategically placed Santa hats of the red-and-white variety.

Joined by members, family, and a few very enthusiastic grand-kids, we cruised Lincoln Avenue among the sea of vintage tractors, fire trucks, and fellow community groups, waving, laughing, and spreading that classic Odd Fellows holiday spirit: Friendship, Love, and Truth wrapped in Christmas lights.

The crowd was huge, the cocoa was hot, and the smiles were bigger than the wheels on some of those tractors. Special shout-out to the crew who spent the time needed turning our rig into a rolling North-Pole float, and to everyone who came out to cheer us on.

From all of us at Lodge #167, thank you Calistoga for another magical Lighted Tractor Parade. We’ll be back next year, probably with even more lights (because there’s no such thing as “too many” when it comes to holiday joy).

Wishing every family in the valley a warm, bright, and very Odd-Fellows-style Christmas season!