Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The Alzheimer’s Association website (azl.org) reports: “A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as we age might lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.” So in honor of…
The open vista that greets students and visitors entering Portland Jewish Academy is now the physical manifestation of the open, collaborative learning environment that has long been a hallmark of the Jewish day school. PJA has renovated the lobby, removed walls between hallways and the library, and reorganized the open space and adjacent rooms to…
At 16, Jack Green is not just chasing his dreams, he’s living them. “School, soccer and Judaism – being part of all three is important to me,” says Jack. This year all three areas of his life have gotten a big boost. The Alaskan teen moved to Portland in August after earning a slot in…
Classically trained violinist and vocalist Michelle Alany draws on an eclectic background to perform fiddle-driven Sephardic, klezmer, Balkan and Mediterranean soul music. “I consider songs a vehicle for culture and language,” says Michelle, now in her early 30s. She describes her musical focus as “celebrating differences and appreciating similarities. … Music can reach that space…
Each October Oregon Jewish Life focuses on women. This year our “All About Women” special section features profiles of remarkable women using their skills and passions to change their world. From Ovarian Cancer Superhero Phyllis Lang to Principal of the Year Deanne Froehlich, women are making a difference. This section also features useful information on…
Phyllis Lang is a bona fide Superhero – complete with a caped alter ego, a transformative event that gave her superpowers and a mission to save lives. Phyllis is among one of six local Superheroes – Susan, Peg, Jasmin, Phyllis, Sherry and Mary – who are working to deliver a knockout punch to ovarian cancer….
Life has thrown two major curveballs at Teva Harrison in her adult life. The first – being stranded in Canada on 9/11 – she slammed for a home run. With the second – metastatic breast cancer – she has hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field. In May Teva was in Portland for the…
A self-described product of Portland’s Jewish community and Portland Public Schools, Deanne Froehlich has been named the 2017 Principal of the Year by the Portland Council PTA. Deanne was nominated by the parents, community and students of Hayhurst Elementary and Odyssey School in Southwest Portland. “One of the most important parts of my job is…
Kiaran lived with seven different families during her first six years of life. When she was in kindergarten, Valerie Tobin and Rodrigo Diaz became her foster parents and a year and a half later her adoptive parents. Now Kiaran Diaz-Tobin has dim memories of frequent moves and feeling adrift. So when she was considering a…
At least four Oregon teens picked up gold medals at the 20th Maccabiah Games held in Israel this July. Portland teen Maya Rayle won a gold medal and two silver medals as a member of the U.S. Junior Track Team. Portlanders Claire Rosenfeld and Kaisa Autumn competed as members of the U.S. Junior Lacrosse Team…
