Want to see a real Wappo dwelling made of redwood bark? How about visiting Napa’s Chinatown of 100 years ago? Wipe the sweat from your brow and experience life on a Mexican rancho. Or go to a movie at Napa’s Uptown Theater in its 1940s heyday.

Jayme Whitmore, of Napa, and Milton Gallegos, of St. Helena, are pleased to announce their engagement to be married Aug. 1, 2009, in Napa.

Evert and Anneke de Laat celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a private family celebration. They were originally married June 20, 1959, in Oysterwilk, Holland.

Education

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

BURR — Kelly Eugene vs. Rosa Aracely, June 15, 2009.

Kelly Dugan of Napa recently graduated from the University of Portland with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. University president Rev. E. William Beauchamp conferred 644 bachelor’s and 171 master’s degrees during the commencement exercises May 3 on the University of Portland campus.

Rebekah N. Kramer, of Napa, 2008 graduate of Justin-Siena High School, finished her freshman year at Concordia University, Irvine, and was named to the dean’s list both semesters. Students must earn a 3.75 or higher grade point average to qualify.

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Silvio G. Bettinelli, son of Marsha and Larry Bettinelli, of St. Helena, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned to his current rank in the United States Marine Corps.

PEPPER-FRYE — George Clayton Pepper, 28, Napa, to Brandy Jean Frye, 25, Napa.

Army Reserve Pvt. Sophia V. Mendez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Grace Asleson, the daughter of Carol Swenson and Roger Asleson of Yountville, graduated on June 10, 2009, from Napa High School with distinction. Selected senior speaker for Napa High’s commencement ceremony, she excelled both in academics and extracurricular activities.

Erich Kramer of Napa, 2005 graduate of Justin-Siena High School, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado on May 27, 2009, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.

Stacey Lee, of Napa, and Isaac Pelz, of Concord, are pleased to announce their engagement to be married Jan. 2, 2010, in Napa.

Loyola University New Orleans awarded 987 degrees at its 98th commencement ceremony on May 9 at the Louisiana Superdome. Frances Merkley, of Napa, received a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Social Sciences. Heather Wilson, of Napa, received a master of science in nursing degree from the College of Social Sciences.

Cool temperatures and overcasts skies couldn’t dim the brilliance of celebration June 4 when more than 100 people turned out to watch Calistoga Mayor Jack Gingles and Calistoga Community Pool Project Committee chair Kerry Eddy cut the ribbon that officially opened the long-awaited Calistoga Community Pool.

Jack and Mary Gilliland celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2009. They originally married on June 12, 1934, in Glenwood, Iowa, and spent more than        50 years in Napa County.

Jaclyn Walkenhorst recently graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Monterey Bay. She received her bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in information technology and e-commerce. She was the recipient of the CSUMP School of Business Outstanding Senior Award, presented by Cater & Styles Financial Services. She accepted a certificate of special congressional recognition from Rep. Sam Farr, D- Santa Cruz, in acknowledgment of her outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

DICKERSON — Jacob vs. Tracy, June 5, 2009.

DePaul University student Carmen Briwa, of Yountville, has been named to the dean’s list for the 2009 winter quarter. To receive dean’s list commendation, full-time students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above on a four-point scale./Register

Karly Comfort, a 2006 graduate of Vintage High School, was named to the dean’s honors list at the University of California, Berkeley, for the Fall 2008 semester. She is a psychology major and plans to graduate after the Fall 2009 semester. By taking AP courses in high school, she has enough units to graduate early.

Army Pfc. Bryan J. Peck has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

CASTILLO CONTRERAS-ZAVALA ALVAREZ — Rigoberto Castillo Contreras, 33, Napa, to Juana Zavala Alvarez, 32, Napa.

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Stephen G. DeVries, a 2006 graduate of Kolbe Academy, Napa, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned to his current rank in the United States Marine Corps.

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

To tell you the truth, if it hadn’t been suggested that I write a Father’s Day column, I’d probably be giving this tribute day scant attention.

Forces unknown are messing with my mind.