It’s had the feel of an ongoing Neil Simon fest lately in Napa, what with Dreamweavers producing four or so of Simon’s works.

Artist Randy Strong challenges the notion that glass is cold and hard, creating fluid glasswork that seems like a living thing.

Chances are good that you’ve seen color photographs by Jock McDonald in glossy magazines and any number of advertisements, from Baby Gap to haute couture: The Canadian-born, Bay Area-based artist is prized for his whimsical portraits, “situation” shots and TV ads.

Wesla Whitfield charmed an appreciative audience at the Napa Valley Opera House last week, and for the first time, she sang as a local.

Napa High School’s dance department presents its spring production this weekend and next. “We Dance for Mrs. V” is a tribute to the late Kris Van Treese, who died this winter of a rare encephalitis infection. Van Treese was a popular dance teacher in the program, which involves more than 400 students.

Copia is spending the merry month of May exploring Sonoma County, with food programs, including the popular Taste of Copia lunch and brunch designed on Sonoma themes, as well as a Walk-Around Wine Tasting Saturday.

Mumm Napa continues its tradition of fine art photography exhibits with the opening of “Mixed Emotions,” a collection of works by Andy Katz, which opens at the winery May 19 with a sparkling wine reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

It is hard to imagine the history of rock and roll without the contributions of Neil Sedaka.

“The Queen of Spades” is a tale of wildly romantic passion thwarted by a sinister obsession; in it playfulness, horror, intoxicated rapture and suicidal despair are capped off by a touch of the supernatural.

Mother’s Day at the Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living, the Rev. Janet Garvey-Stanvik talks about the transformative power of love. Services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. with the children’s program at 10:30 a.m. Monday at 7 p.m., guitarist Michael Mandrell and multi-instrumentalist Anton Mizerak present a concert. 1249 Coombs St. Info, 252-4847.

Education

As Elaine Villamin tells the story, her father wanted to plant something in his backyard.

By dint of many subtle hints, (“Can I come?” “Can a photographer come too?” “When can we come?”) I had finally secured an invitation to what was beginning to seem like the most exclusive club in town.

There will be plenty of smiles and toasts of sake in small upraised cups at the Fujiya restaurant in Napa this May as the little eatery celebrates its 20th year in business, a record as the longest-lasting Japanese establishment in the county.

Think a juicy steak has no place in a healthy diet? Think again.

Copia hosts Chef Marco Pierre White, author of “The Devil in the Kitchen: Sex, Pain, Madness and the Making of a Great Chef” Wednesday, 7-8:30 p.m.

The meatball has become so synonymous with Italian food it’s easy to forget there is a world of variation out there.

Frank Ottomanelli makes a point of knowing his customers. If not by name, at least by meat.

“Executive retires to Napa Valley to make wine” is a headline that could be written here about 365 days a year. “Home boy retires to Napa Valley and doesn’t make wine” — now that’s another story.

Sex is “good exercise” and should be included in the regimen at least once or twice a week.

Have you ever had wine in a tasting room, bought some and later when you open it at home, the wine seems to taste different?

The terms “New World” and “Old World” may take on a new meaning in the next 10 years.

Schramsberg Vineyards continues its streak of having its sparkling wines served at White House State Dinners, with the announcement that Schramsberg brut rosé was featured at the dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Monday.

One of the fastest-growing charity wine auctions in the United States is A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters, held in Los Angeles for the benefit of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Bejeweled, speckled and shimmering with flecks of gold, the newest tiles are going way beyond the backsplash, brightening living spaces all over the house.

Spring brings the same old question: Why won’t the deck stay bright and fresh-looking for more than a year at a time?

Six Napa Valley homes will open their doors for the Symphony League Home and Garden Tour May 19. The tour benefits the Napa Valley Symphony, celebrating its 75th year.

Amanda Trimble and Jon-Michael Dannenberg of Dixon announce their engagement to be married on Sept. 8.

Jamie Marie Stager of Cupertino and Tyler Elliott Nelson of Napa announce their engagement to be married June 16, in Napa.

ALCANTAR GAZCA-EUSEBIO ASCENCIO -- Carlos Andres Alcantar Gazca, 26, Big Ranch Road, Napa, to Rosa Eusebio Ascencio, 26, Big Ranch Road, Napa.

Queen of the Valley

SCHELLING -- Dennis Schelling vs. Donna Schelling, April 19, 2007