Brigham Young University-Idaho's wind ensemble played at the Lincoln Theater last Friday evening, and their "American Salute" performance was, in a word, "memorable."

Some of Napa's most powerful officials are in for a very different kind of public appearance this weekend at Dreamweavers Theatre.

Artists live in the same Napa as the rest of us, and struggle with the same concerns over land use, environmental policy and social migration. That message comes through clearly in the latest juried show at the Napa Valley Museum, "Paradise Lost and Found."

She will be singing many of her favorite songs this Saturday when she performs at Yountville's Lincoln Theater. It's fitting that it is Mother's Day weekend because Dionne Warwick is what you might call "motherly" about her music.

It seems that dysfunctional families are in the majority these days. "Escape From Happiness," a hilarious, action-packed play written by George F. Walker and directed by John Epperson, is an exaggerated testament to the trials and complications facing modern families. Part of Walker's East End trilogy, a group of stories originally written about Toronto, "Escape From Happiness" is currently in production at the Fetterly Playhouse in Vallejo.

The write stuff

Readers of her three popular Napa Valley mystery novels know her as Nadia Gordon. The book jacket photos show a stylish young woman with a model's cheekbones in a fanciful feathered scarf.

In Napa County during the last five years, an increasing number of children have been receiving needed dental care, and more families been able to get affordable health insurance. Home visits to new moms have encouraged more breastfeeding, which helps build a child's immunity to diseases. More preschool children have been learning to love books by reading with their parents.

On a dreary winter day several years ago a photograph caught my eye in the Napa Valley Register. The familiar tiles of a Mah-Jongg set filled the frame and the caption announced a pending "Day of Mah-Jongg" fundraiser for the Napa Valley Symphony. Warmth immediately blanketed the bleak afternoon.

The long-dormant idea of teaching public school students about the literary and historic importance of the Bible is getting a fresh look this year from state legislatures and local school boards -- though with political bickering and questions about what should be included.

Unitarians to consider mother's role

Although the cold wet spring delayed the iris bloom season, John and Lesley Painter, owners of Napa County Iris Gardens, said it is turning into a glorious season with the gardens in full bloom for Mother's Day, one of the most popular days to visit.

Education

Since opening in 2003, the Carneros Inn has been a magnet for celebrities, high-end executives and others who enjoy the simple life (with style) -- and don't mind paying for it. Set on the hills of the Carneros district, the setting is stunning, with bucolic views of vineyards, horses and farm animals. Resort guests stay in sumptuously appointed "cottages," scattered in little communities around the 27-acre resort.

Golden Key Honour Society inducts Young

"They don't talk human," explained James Taft, 9, to his mother as he corralled Spike, his Bernese Mountain dog, and Sienna, a chocolate Labrador, in for a bath on a recent afternoon, despite the human-dog language barrier.

Although the 1887 edition of "The White House Cook Book" confidently presents these items of advice under the heading "Facts Worth Knowing," samples are quoted here for their historical value only:

When Diane De Filipi sold the Ink House Bed and Breakfast in St. Helena in 2004, she faced the question of what to do with all the hours she had typically spent looking after guests.

The popular and highly acclaimed Foothill Caf may be closed but it will only be for a short time.

NEW YORK -- In a country where people routinely purchase premade versions of easy-to-make foods like croutons (seasoned toast), pancake mix (flour and baking powder) and even pre-buttered garlic bread, it shouldn't be a surprise that they also unthinkingly squander money on sugared-up, bottled salad dressings.

Register Staff Writer

Americans today are increasingly turning to their homes and backyards as a retreat for comfortable, cost-effective and carefree entertaining.

People transition to smaller living quarters for a variety of reasons, and deciding what to keep and how to place the furnishings in a new residence can be a daunting task. If there is considerably less square footage than in the previous home, you have to be conscious of everything you put into the space. But always keep something that you love, feel is beautiful or know to be useful.

I've already seen two incidents this month where occupied bird nests interrupted tree work. First, when a dying tree, with a deep cavity in the upper trunk was taken down, a little nest with a few blue eggs popped out. Second, in a hedgerow of evergreens being pruned for shaping, one plant held a nest with a single white egg in it.

A courthouse, a cow barn, an elegant winery and a simple 19th-century schoolhouse are among the recipients of Napa County Landmarks annual Awards of Merit for Historic Preservation for 2006. Also singled out for honors are two historic homes, a library and a bank.

Every gardener in Napa has been longing to dig in the garden and bask in the warmth of May. Our wet winter left the soil soggy and impossible to work with or walk on. On the other hand, daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers extended their show in the cooler temperatures, although camellia blossoms turned brown in the incessant rain.

Queen of the Valley

Residents of Oakland, Julianne Mills and Erik Mrazek announce their engagement with plans to marry in October 2006 at Ocean Cove Campgrounds.

Rebekah Kamauu and Kyle Paredes of Napa announce their engagement with plans to marry June 10, 2006, in Napa.

Residents of Sonoma, Julie Duncan and Troy Garrett, announce their engagement with plans to marry July 22, 2006, in Novato.

Melvin and Sonja (Borreson) Gelow of Napa celebrated their golden wedding anniversary April 22, 2006, at Napa Valley Country Club with 125 of their friends and family.