"Look closely at Brian's work," one viewer instructs another in the preface to "Aquatique," a collection of photographs by Brian Oglesbee. "It brings great rewards."

Widely considered one of contemporary African music's most exciting new talents, 25-year-old Dobet Gnahoré performs at the Napa Valley Opera House on Sept. 22. The singer, dancer and percussionist from the Ivory Coast thrilled the audience when she appeared at the Opera House in 2006 with Putumayo's Accoustic Africa with Malian guitarist Habib Koité and South African troubadour Vusi Mahlasela

An evening for the arts

Education

Aaren Fox, in a surprise outdoor ceremony at a family reunion, was awarded his Eagle Scout at Kennedy Park last weekend.

The theme for September is “Opening Doors.” The following classes are being offered: foundations, self mastery and exploring the roots of science of mind.

David Gingrass was born to cook.

David Gingrass

Braised Oxtail Stew

Summer Berry Buckle

When we arrived at Juju's Kitchen, Register photographer Greg Hess made a serious mistake: He had brought with him a paper bag lunch to munch on the run.

A money-savvy homeowner knows that an attractive, wisely planned landscape can not only enhance a lifestyle, but increase the property value by as much as 15 percent.

A couple of weeks ago I was in the checkout line at Longs Drugs and overheard a conversation the people next to me were having. A man talking to his friend said, “Finally, my summer holiday will begin as my kids head back to school next week.” I almost started to laugh, but then I wanted to cry when I thought about summer being officially over.

It’s no secret that a bathroom remodel is one of the top projects that will yield the best bang for your home-improvement buck.

North Napa isn’t normally red carpet country, but Friday night brought some razzle dazzle to a usually quiet corner of Claremont Way. It was the night of the Millies, the annual awards given to young Napans, between fourth and eighth grades, at CyberMill Technology Center. The local nonprofit is dedicated to giving students after-school  opportunities to develop computer and multimedia skills. The fourth annual Millies were “fantastic,” said CyberMill Executive  Director Cynthia Dempsey. “Full house. Standing room only.” Emcee Barbara Nemko, whose day job is superintendent of the Napa County Office of Education, “was an absolute delight,” said Dempsey. “It was a great, great show.”

Christa Phillips plays like a girl. And she’s perfectly OK with that.

ANGEL-DIAZ-NAVA — Heriberto Angel, 31, Creekside Circle, American Canyon, to Silvia Diaz-Nava, 22, Creekside Circle, American Canyon.

DE HARO — Benita vs. Efren, Aug. 31, 2007

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

Nickname: Boo

Nickname: Baby Girl

Vintner Daryl Sattui has his Castello di Amorosa, but Napa dog lover Kip Atchley has Poodle’s Palace.

Wine industry icon Robert Mondavi, wife Margrit and granddaughter Chiara teamed up with director of winemaking Genevieve Janssens and estate manager Christopher Barefoot for the 41st annual  blessing of the grapes at the Robert Mondavi Winery Tuesday.

Folio Enoteca and Winery has announced plans to open a café, wine shop and micro-winery at the Oxbow Public Market, scheduled to open this fall in Napa. 

One of the busiest winemakers in the business today, Nils Venge has carved yet another notch in his enological belt.

The harvesting of the red grapes, particularly merlot, malbec and zinfandel, is under way, with some of the correspondents reporting the harvest of cabernet sauvignon to start within a week or two. All reported last week’s cool and foggy weather was welcome and slowed down the red grapes’ ripening.