Columnists

Do you need a college degree to succeed? That assumption is long-entrenched, and it isn't hard to see a relationship between education and earning power. Yet the cost and debt linked to getting a degree are so significant now that some contrarians are saying “skip it” - go learn in the world rather than on campus, if you're smart you'll do just as well in life.

For those who know me and my family, it comes as no surprise that I am in the middle of cherry season. You may think that since I spend long days around cherries, the last thing I want to do is see the fruit when I come home. While that could be true, I would not be able to make one of my favorite cherry desserts, Cherry & Almond Galette.

The chamber of commerce brochure says our summer California hills are golden. I don’t buy it. Except for a few moments after sunrise and before sunset, the hills look brown to me. Each year, the warming weather dries the seasonal streams and bakes the life force out winter’s lush grasses. When it does, I feel a bit of my life force ebb as well.

“Fiddler on the Roof” is a perennially popular musical that opened on Broadway in 1964. The first musical in U.S. history to surpass 3,000 performances, it won nine Tony awards and went on to hit performances in London and elsewhere. A successful movie version followed in 1971, and the show has enjoyed enduring popularity.

Butterflies in Flight, shadow boxes and African themed art, creations by artist Louise Shields, are currently on display in the Gilroy City Hall Gallery. The unique pieces are not only attractively displayed but I've been told by some of the ladies who work at City Hall that Louise's art makes them happy.

Rather than trying to cope with Silicon Valley's fast-paced, stressful life alone, some people take advantage of the support offered through counseling or therapy. Sometimes support groups can be helpful – they provide awareness or consciousness, followed by education, growth and acceptance that help in the healing process. Such groups addressing many areas of need are available in South Valley. The Morgan Hill United Methodist Church (17175 Monterey St.) hosts several (free or with sliding-scale fees) that are focused on common, everyday trials and tribulations.