Columnists

Of course, every religious institution has its own method of choosing its leadership. The news recently guided us through the ancient process by which Francis I became Pope, leader of the Roman Catholic Church's one billion members.

I have always hated group work. Why? Because the word

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You know how some mornings you sit down with your newspaper and

After my last column detailing the finger-lickin’ goodness found at Gilroy’s famous Garlic Festival, I was contacted by the program director at Live Oak Adult Day Services, who asked if I’d be interested in swinging by to visit the seniors and share the details.

Exactly one year ago, I challenged you. I hoped to either inspire you or provoke you to join me on a rugged hike to the top of Clouds Rest, one of Yosemite's iconic peaks. The first of our preparatory hikes was on New Year's morning. I have led a New Year's hike for several years, and it is usually an intimate affair. Last January, when more than one hundred of you came, I knew I had touched a nerve.

Thanksgiving is a special time to share a meal in the company of family and friends. Unfortunately, for many people, spending time with family during the holidays is not always possible due to distance, finances or work schedules. No one knows this better than Marta Valle, who for the past eight years has been organizing a charity dinner at St. Catherine's Catholic Parish Center on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. She and a group of volunteers serve those who are away from their families, especially the day workers in our community.