A&E

If you have never heard of Katniss Everdeen, you soon will. She is the strong young, warrior woman who volunteers for the Hunger Games to save her younger sister from this annual battle to the death against other “tributes” (contestants) from the twelve districts. This takes place in a future when the Capital’s forces keep tight control to prevent the rebellion that occurred in North America 70 years earlier.

In Stronger, Jeff Bauman goes to see the Boston Marathon to impress a girl named Erin, and loses his legs to a terrorist’s bomb. His obnoxious family rushes to the hospital and continues to scream at each other throughout the film. In contrast, Erin’s demeanor is reserved. She dumped Jeff before the race, was wary of meeting him at the finish line, and is challenged by his injury and subsequent double amputation. But she still shows up to be at his bedside and takes a slew of undisguised verbal abuse from Jeff’s alcoholic mother. In addition, two other issues take center stage: the unflinchingly realistic portrayal of Jeff’s recuperation, and the constant pressure exerted by the Boston community to have Jeff be their “poster boy” for the “Boston Strong” mantra.

It was a 4th grade lesson on birds and flowers at Oak Grove School in the 1920’s that ignited Louise Hallberg’s passion for science and nature. It seems to be the winged one’s she’s most fond of, earning her the nickname, “The Butterfly Lady.”

Talented musicians have historically gathered in the Russian River Resort Area to play for enthusiastic crowds enjoying the region’s beaches.

Between the north and west county, Sonoma denizens will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the fruits of the region and world-class entertainment this summer, thanks to a dizzying array of outdoor festivals and events.

The warm weather of February and March has given gardeners planting fever, and a few local farmers are planting out tomatoes in hopes of being the first to bring the precious fruit to market. But is it worth the risk for a backyard gardener to plant summer crops early?