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.

Larry and Carrie Prince of Napa are proud to announce that their son, Luke Prince, has been promoted to sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.

Education

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.

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.

“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.

I first encountered designer Linda Applewhite’s work at the Cottages of Napa Valley, when new owners had renovated the World War II era housing into vacation rentals.

With warm temperatures finally here, it’s time to haul out the barbeque and get it ready for the season. We think we can make it a bit easier for you this go round.

When Bob Shingler designed his Evo circular flattop grill, he wanted to create an outdoor appliance that promoted social interaction.

Before you buy, keep in mind these simple priorities:

Just sit back and watch the grass grow. And grow.

Denise Petersen and Michael Bair of Napa announce their engagement to be married on Aug. 11 at Peju Province Winery.

Lanna Lee Nakone recently became engaged to Bradley Robert Cairns while vacationing in New York City.

ALDRICH-MONDLICK -- William Newell Aldrich, 46, Monticello road, Napa, to Lisa Marie Mondlick, 43, Frances Road, Guilford.

Michele Marie Moline and Sean William Ashby of St. Helena announce their engagement to be married in June 2008.

Dr. Lynn M. Rudee celebrates 90 years of life!

St. Helena Hospital