Teens learn theater

With more than a dozen filmed versions, one stage drama and a wildly popular megamusical, Victor Hugo's "Les Misrables" can lay claim to being the most adapted novel in history.

Bruce Vilanch is bringing his unique brand of comedy -- and hairstyle -- to Yountville's Lincoln Theater for one night this Saturday.

"Plein air" is a French term, meaning a style of painting produced outdoors using natural light. On Saturday, the Robert Mondavi Winery was the setting for a group of local artists painting en plein air and producing a wide assortment of artwork.

Donald Pippin's much loved Pocket Operas have gotten such a warm welcome on ventures into Napa, the group has decided to make the Napa Valley Opera House a regular stop on the 2006 season.

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A VOENA CHRISTMAS -- VOENA, Voices of Eve 'N Angels, is the internationally acclaimed, multi-ethnic children's choir that combines inventive a cappella vocal arrangements with percussion, dance and theatrical elements. A joy for the eyes, ears and heart, and one you won't want to miss. Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Copia. $25 general/$22.50 member. Info, 259-1600.

The nightmare began in a theater-rama type classroom. I filed in with the rest of the students. Desks were backed up six aisles and I chose one closest to the door. A giant whiteboard spanned ten feet of wall space before me. In the center, a large letter D loomed. A nightmare? D for dread. D was the final red mark, the last letter grade I received in high school algebra. That morning's breakfast, buttered toast and coffee churned in my stomach. I fought an urge to flee as the professor stepped up to the podium.

Four years ago Makayla Harrison didn't know if she'd walk again, let alone cross a stage in performance. Today she's not only walking, she's dancing in hopes of becoming the next Miss Napa County.

Anthea Tolomei

The following 56 out of 102 students were named to the Napa Christian honor roll for the fall semester 2005-2006:

Obesity has become a national calamity for adult humans, as well as children. It's hardly surprising that obesity is also of major health concern for our animal companions. Nutrition in general has never been better AND worse for our pets.

Anthea Tolomei, fashion educator and consultant, will interpret spring fashions and demonstrate the best way to wear them when First Impressions holds its third annual tea and fashion show, Feb. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Embassy Suites, in Napa.

Education

Cooking at Andretti

Special to the Register

Register Staff Writer

Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops with Parsnip Puree

Celery Root and Apple Soup with Roasted Chestnuts and Vanilla Oil

New flooring can be an excellent means of giving your kitchen a new look. The choices for kitchen flooring are almost endless, depending on what best suits your sense of style and your pocketbook.

Tree stewardship

After climbing steadily for a decade, the nation's homeownership rate appears to have leveled off.

The Home and Garden Network specializes in shows where an energetic team takes over someone's house, banishes the person and redoes the homestead. They always end with the homeowner being led, with eyes closed, back into the newly redesigned house, and going into transports of joy and incredulity. (Actually once I watched a show where the designer later admitted the man had hated the Greek island theme she'd redone his room in, and she had to repaint the bright blue walls plain beige.)

The making of a gardener

Jill Hammond and Christopher Jones, residents of Tacoma Wash., announce their engagement with a wedding planned for July 1, 2006, at Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood, Wash.

Patricia V. Malack and Chris N. Osborn, both of Fair Oaks, were married Sept. 17, 2005, at the groom's parents' country home in Napa.

ANDERSON-DAYTON -- David Larz Anderson, 52, Wales Street, Napa, to Laura Louise Dayton, 53, Rockwood Avenue, Napa.

Abigail O'Keefe and Christopher Edwards of Cedar Flat were married Oct. 2, 2005, at Fitzhaven Estate in an outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Dr. Ryan Michael Crowley, formerly of Napa, and Monica Diana Batanero announce plans to marry on Sept. 23, 2006, in Laguna Beach.

Residents of Napa, Danielle Presley and Jack Harris announce their engagement with a wedding planned for Oct. 7, 2006, at St. Apollinaris Church.

Queen of the Valley

ARNOTT -- Jenner Arnott vs. Sean Arnott, Jan. 31, 2006