Special to the Register

Seventh- and eighth-grade students of St. John the Baptist Catholic School dominated this year’s Justin-Siena Speech Contest, winning in 13 out of the 18 prize categories. Led by St. John’s seventh-grade teacher Julie Picard, the students showcased their talents in public speaking and writing speeches on a multitude of topics.

Education is certainly alive and well in the beautiful Napa Valley, and the junior high school students at St. Apollinaris Catholic School have the medals to prove it.

When I started playing “Patapon 2,” I was a little worried. The missions and even the story seemed horribly familiar, as if the game was going to be just a rehash of the original.

One of life’s great pleasures is the people you meet along your journey. I was recently introduced to Maria Stokes, the public relations director for the United Way of the Bay Area, who has very graciously written some terrific and timely material for us today:

Are you feeling out of sorts, putting on a little weight, watching too much TV?

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Out of the mouths of babes come pearls of wisdom.” Those words are so true.

Hi, my name is Jennifer — and I’m a recovering dentaphobe.

My wife and I have five (soon to be six) great-grandchildren. While I know how that happened, it is hard for me to come to terms with the fact that it did happen.

There’s a saying that all you ever needed to know you learned in kindergarten.

NAME: Zoey

NAME: Riley Max

NAME: Elliott

NAME: Chip Douglas