For eight years, 82-year-old Yvonne Walker has struggled with Parkinson's disease. Unable to drive, clean her home or care for herself, she hired a caregiver, Sue Barstad, to help her out during the day.

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.

The Silverado Handweavers and Spinners Guild is hosting Japanese textile artist John Marshall on March 3 through 5 at the Napa Senior Center.

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.

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that a small congregation in New Mexico may use hallucinogenic tea as part of a four-hour ritual intended to connect with God.

Conservatives criticize Colorado gay bill

GARDEN GROVE -- Robert A. Schuller remembers working hard as a child for his father's fledgling church, cranking out Sunday programs on a mimeograph machine and spending hours tiling the floor of a new church building.

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil -- Charged with promoting Christian unity, the World Council of Churches has taken its work seriously -- each of its meetings has grown bigger and more ambitious over the past six decades.

Education