Artist Cathy Trachok Barnes is best known as a children’s book illustrator and as the artist behind the colorful literary-themed mural in the children’s section of the Napa City-County Library.

Last weekend, 90 local artists welcomed the public into their studios for the first weekend of Napa Valley Open Studios 2007. The event continues this weekend, with studios open again on Saturday and Sunday.

Appearing on stage with a stool, a microphone, and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula Poundstone is famous for her spontaneous wit and off-kilter humor. By popular demand, Poundstone returns to the Lincoln Theater in Yountville for one show this Saturday night.

Close to 100 people, including artists, officials, teachers and parents, gathered at the Napa Valley Opera House Café Theatre last week to help plan the future of the arts in Napa County; a subsequent meeting in Yountville drew a more intimate crowd of 15.

Hope for the Future, a non-profit organization created to help Romanian children living in Romania who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, holds its annual fundraiser Oct. 6 at Skyline Park in Napa. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. features a traditional Romanian dinner, live and silent auctions and live music.

Bay Area crooner Jonathan Poretz grew up listening to songs from the great American songbook.

Performances by the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats have been called “incredible,” “breathtaking,” “stunning,” and “quite unbelievable.”

Some of Ireland’s best known musicians will be in Napa tomorrow night to perform at the Opera House in a benefit concert for the Napa Valley Shelter Project.

More than a consummate performer, Rita Moreno is a force of nature, as she proved again over the weekend at the Napa Valley Opera House.

The Napa County Historical Society announces Jeannine Schoos as the Society’s new research and volunteer coordinator. Schoos was a research library volunteer prior to accepting the position.

After having been on the honor roll every semester of high school and achieving many academic rewards, Matthew Lewis has been deemed a candidate worthy of National Merit consideration by Napa High.

The Area Agency on Aging serving Napa and Solano announces Josie Lopez as the Latina outreach coordinator.

Education

Mrs. Lola White of Napa shares a photo of her seven-year old cherry tomato plant. 

What’s the most memorable meal you can have in wine country?

The texture is crunchier than other focaccias.

1 stick (half cup) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan, at room temperature

8 eggs

This lively oil and vinegar-based salad dressing is easily prepared ahead. Toss the beans with the dressing just before you leave for the picnic.

I always wanted to make bread. I just didn’t want to put in the effort.

Warning: This potato salad is addictively good. It’s best made a few hours ahead or the day before.

This tenderloin has a kick to it. The crunchy and spicy pepper crust contrasted with the tender rare interior will make this a favorite dish for entertaining. Tenderloin is an easy and elegant main course and the leftovers make a great picnic entree. There is almost no fat in a tenderloin, so it is important to serve it rare for the best flavor. Seasoning at least an hour if not the night before you cook it will give the meat the best flavor.

Fasting and festive meals might seem unusual partners to many Western sensibilities, but for Muslims around the world the monthlong celebration of Ramadan weds the two gloriously.

According to Muslim tradition, in emulating the Prophet Muhammad, a date is the first food to pass one’s lips when breaking the fast at Ramadan. But here are a few more delectables that are feasted on from dusk to dawn in the Muslim world during the monthlong holiday.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live the life of a full-time artist in Napa County, now’s the time to explore the possibilities.

Have you ever been in the position of trudging from door to door with a bucket of baseball bat-sized zucchini, only to find that the neighbors have mysteriously vanished?

With cooler weather approaching, it’s a good idea to inspect your home’s heating system to make sure that it’s safe and in peak operating condition.

In April 1942 my family, including me, made the big move from Los Angeles to Napa.

The Xbox 360 isn't known for having a lot of role-playing games. That's usually the area of other systems. So having a new RPG for the system is welcome, even if the game isn't perfect.

By IRA SALETAN

WASHINGTON -- In the middle of the 19th century, people flocked to a different kind of circus -- the flea circus.

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

CLARK — Alan vs. Hisae, Sept. 14, 2007

ALLEN-GIFFORD — Stephen Lewis Allen, 52, Jasmine Street, Yountville, to Nancy Eloise Gifford, 53, Jasmine Street, Yountville.

Elsa Black was surprised the weekend of Sept. 8-9. On Saturday, she arrived at the home of her daughter, Joyce Sears, to find more than 40 friends and relatives ready to celebrate her 90th birthday. Those attending included her son, Richard Black, and three grandchildren, Sierra Black, Arianna Black and Ashley Sears.

Nickname: Morgan

Name: Mandy (Stone)

Find a spot high enough in the Jarvis Conservatory’s balcony, and Luman Coad’s face is visible within the puppeteer’s stage below, where his face tenses with concentration and morphs into the expressions his silent puppets are meant to convey.

Australia has suffered through a severe drought, which one wine industry leader called “one of the most devastating things we’ve gone through,” but it looks as if the industry is on the road to recovery.

After a hurried harvest up to Labor Day, nearly all of the growers are reporting that the cooler temperatures have dropped the sugars in their grapes and harvest has slowed down.

Rabbi Oren Postrel of Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa will conduct Jewish blessing of the grapes ceremonies Sunday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. at Judd’s Hill Winery, 2332 Silverado Trail, and at noon at Hagafen Cellars, 4160 Silverado Trail. Check www.cbsnapa.org for other locations throughout the day.