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Odd Fellows Step Up to Support Runners at Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon – Sunday, March 1st, 2026

Odd Fellows Step Up to Support Runners at Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon

Early this morning, while most of the Napa Valley was still quiet, members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows accompanied by family, friends and treasured pets were already at their posts along Pope Street in St. Helena.

Since the early hours, a dedicated band of Brothers has been manning a vital water station for participants in the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon.

Positioned along one of the most scenic and demanding stretches of the course, the station has provided thousands of runners with hydration, encouragement, and a friendly face during the long push toward the finish line.

The Odd Fellows’ involvement is part of their long-standing tradition of community service, and today’s effort was coordinated with local race organizers to ensure runners had reliable support at a key point in the race. Volunteers arrived well before sunrise to set up tables, fill cups, and prepare for the first wave of athletes passing through.

“Being out early is a small price to pay when you see the determination on the runners’ faces,” said one Brother who has volunteered at the station for several years. “We’re proud to give back to the community and help make this event successful and safe.”

The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon draws thousands of runners each year, many traveling from across California and beyond to experience the stunning vineyard-lined course.

Race officials have expressed gratitude for the Odd Fellows’ early-morning commitment, noting that volunteer support like this is essential to the event’s success.

FLT — Friendship, Love, and Truth — were on full display today as the Brothers served, smiled, and cheered on every runner who passed by.

If you see the Odd Fellows in their signature vests along Pope Street today, give them a wave or a thank-you.

It was a good day to be an Odd Fellow.

Stay tuned for more community highlights from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

St. Helena Library showcases the Odd Fellows Lodge #167

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

The St. Helena Odd Fellows Lodge #167 is currently being featured in a special display at the St. Helena Public Library (1492 Library Lane), offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the lodge’s enduring legacy in the heart of Napa Valley.

Titled “St. Helena, Then and Now: St. Helena Odd Fellows”, the exhibit features a curated selection of historical pictures, artifacts, and memorabilia in the library’s display case. These items highlight the lodge’s founding in 1870, its role in early community life (including charter members who were farmers, physicians, a viticulturist, and a cabinetmaker/undertaker), and the construction of its iconic 1885 Italianate building at 1352 Main Street, one of the largest stone structures in St. Helena. Designed by architect Albert Schropfer and built for about $20,000 as a nearly fireproof gathering place, the IOOF Building has hosted meetings, socials, theatre productions, and more for generations.

On January 20, 2026, Brothers from Lodge #167 attended a reception at the library to support the exhibit. Their presence and the thoughtful presentation left a genuine impression on the community, including the City Manager and members of the St. Helena Historical Society. Attendees appreciated the lodge’s commitment to its core principles: Friendship, Love, and Truth, and its ongoing contributions to local aid, support for the less fortunate, youth, elders, and environmental efforts.

This temporary showcase is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Odd Fellows’ impact in St. Helena over more than 150 years. Stop by the St. Helena Public Library during regular hours to view the display case up close. The artifacts and photos bring the lodge’s story to life in a quiet, welcoming setting.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows remains dedicated to service and connection in Napa Valley, and events like this remind everyone of the lasting value of community involvement. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit!

A Festive Holiday Party – Saturday, December 13th, 2025

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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!

CJ Veterans Wreath Wreath - Decemeber 13 2025

Wreaths Across America – Saturday, December 13th, 2025

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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.

Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade – Saturday, December 6th, 2025

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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!

A Heartfelt FriendsGiving Celebration: Honoring Friendship in the Odd Fellows Tradition – Tuesday, November 25th 2025

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What a beautiful way to mark the season—turning FriendsGiving into a tribute to one of the Odd Fellows’ foundational pillars: Friendship. As the first of the three cardinal virtues (alongside Love and Truth), Friendship embodies the unbreakable bonds that unite us, fostering support, joy, and mutual growth in our communities.

The International Order of Odd Fellows, with roots dating back over 200 years, emphasizes elevating humanity through these virtues—Friendship as the spark that ignites Love and Truth.

This Lodge gathering gave us the opportunity to share stories, laughter, and connection and in doing so create memories that linger far beyond the meal. It’s a reminder that true friendship isn’t just about presence—it’s about the meaningful moments that strengthen our collective spirit.

Putting up Old Glory – Friday, November 7th 2025

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The Brothers of Lodge #167 joined the Kiwanas and American Legion members in a long standing St Helena tradition of putting up the American flags. We are proud to participate in this event and to collaborate with other community organizations for the good of the people of St Helena and Napa Valley. God Bless America.

Harvest Festival Fundraiser – Saturday, October 9th 2025

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The St Helena Harvest festival was a bustling event and we were supplying food and drinks as fast as we could. We sold out of some of the items and had to do a hurried re-supply. It was a warm day and the froze tent was struggling to keep up. The wine and gift certificates for events auction did a brisk trade throughout the day. This is our biggest fund raiser for the year and 100% of all monies raised goes directly to needy causes. We plan on being back next Harvest Festival and look forward to another successful fund raising effort.

Oddtoberfest Fundraiser – Saturday, September 27th 2025

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The St Helena Odd Fellows hosted a very successful Oddtoberfest on Saturday September 27th 2025. As always there was hospitality in abundance, great hot food, cold beer and pleasant music. Axe throwing was popular and the kids enjoyed the festivities with special activities put on for them. Look forward to next years Oddtoberfest.

Painting the Up Valley Family Center in Calistoga – Saturday, March 15th 2025

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UpValley Family Centers mission is to provide guidance, support and resources in the community, in the home and for the individual, so that everyone can achieve a better life. The Brothers and Families of Lodge 167 assisted in the conversion of an older home to become the new Family community center by painting the interior.