The Optimistic Decade author Heather Abel in conversation with Leni Zuman. 7:30 pm at Powell’s Books, 3732 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland. Kirkus Reviews calls Abel’s debut novel “a playful look at Jewish coming of age and coming-to-terms in the American West.”
Heather Abel in Conversation With Leni Zumas
Framed by the oil shale bust and the real estate boom, by protests against Reagan and against the Gulf War, Heather Abel’s debut novel, The Optimistic Decade (Algonquin), takes us into the lives of five unforgettable characters, and is a sweeping novel about idealism, love, class, and a piece of land that changes everyone who lives on it. There is Caleb Silver, the beloved founder of the back-to-the-land camp Llamalo, who is determined to teach others to live simply. There are the ranchers, Don and his son, Donnie, who gave up their land to Caleb and who now want it back. There is Rebecca Silver, determined to become an activist like her father and undone by the spell of both Llamalo and new love; and there is David, a teenager who has turned Llamalo into his personal religion. Abel’s novel is a brilliant exploration of the bloom and fade of idealism and how it forever changes one’s life. Abel will be joined in conversation by Leni Zumas, author of Red Clocks.
800-878-7323, powells.com
The View of Three Venture Capitalists: Lessons from Early Stage Venture Investing Panelists include: Edy Dorsen, Women’s Venture Capital Fund Diane Fraiman, Voyager Capital Cheryl Krane, Fluffco, LLC Eric Rosenfeld, Oregon Angel Fund, Moderator.
Vegetarian breakfast provided. Kosher breakfast available upon request.
Mark your calendars for PDX Business Breakfast #3, featuring a panel of Venture Capitalists, which includes:
- Edith Dorsen, Women’s Venture Capital Fund
- Diane Fraiman, Voyager Capital
- Cheryl Krane, Fluffco, LCC
Moderated by: Eric Rosenfeld, Oregon Venture Fund
Thank you to our sponsors: Barry and Karla Benson, Jonathan Singer of Barg Singer PC, The Jerry & Helen Stern Grandchildren’s Fund of OJCF, Richard Barker of Merrill Lynch, Opus Bank, Office of the President at Portland State University, Keith Berne of ReMax, and Turner Construction Company.
Learn to play this ancient game. It will give your mind a workout! First class in the Ballroom, then in the Cafe at the J.
Registration code: CG303
Take your game to the next level. It will give your mind a workout!
Registration code: CG304
In the Cafe at the J
Join our Emeritus Rabi for weekly study of our sacred texts.
Join us for a fun, introductory Israeli dance class. All levels are welcome. Six people needed to run class. Instructor: Allsion Victor
Register with code: CG302
Rabbi David Zaslow is teaching a Beginner’s Hebrew class beginning Thursday, May 17 from 5 to 6 pm, and continuing each Thursday through June 14. Participants will learn to read, write and pronounce Hebrew. No prior knowledge required. Class fee, including text and Aleph Bet poster by local artist Abby Lazerow, is $40 for the series. The class will also be accessible via live streaming for those unable to attend in person. Pre-registration requested by calling 541-488-7716. The Havurah Synagogue is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland.
First Thursday Opening of new OJMCHE exhibition—R.B. KITAJ: American Jew, June 7 – Sept. 30, 2018 curated by Bruce Guenther. R.B. KITAJ: American Jew illuminates the artist’s exploration of his Jewishness and the evolution of his painting and includes 20 paintings from Kitaj’s estate and various collections.
Weekly learning and discussion with Rabbi Emeritus, Daniel Isaak.