LeeAnn Gauthier PHOTO

Book sale, poetry reading benefit Jewish Academy

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article created on: 2012-01-01T00:00:00

This year’s used book sale to benefit the Portland Jewish Academy library will kick off with a reading by Claire Warton, parent of two PJA middle school students.

Warton will read selections from her book of poetry “Enduring Friendships” at 3 p.m., March 25.

Proceeds from the sale of her book ($18) and the double CD set of Warton reading the book ($36) will benefit the PJA scholarship fund.

The annual used book sale will be open March 25-27 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center Ballroom on the Schnitzer Family Campus, home to both PJA and MJCC.

“Enduring Friendships” is the culmination of 10 years of writing and a lifetime of introspection, inspection and retrospection.

The collection of poems reflects a passion for life and love, reshaped and re-forged in the fires of disability. It is a celebration; a call to action; a eulogy and, in the end, a redemption.

Warton lives in Beaverton with her husband Peter and two sons. She said her life changed at age 22 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Warton said her son Joseph, 13, inspired her to do the reading to benefit PJA. The eighth-grader and his classmates are raising money for the eighth-grade class trip to Israel in the spring.

“Joseph believes Israel is the culmination of centuries of Jewish life,” said Warton, noting her other son Philip is a sixth-grader at PJA.

“PJA does not have grades 9-12, so the trip to Israel is truly one of the highlights of being a PJA student.”

Warton’s book, published in October, has received an enthusiastic response.

Former PJA Head of School Patricia Schwartz said, “I am always impressed by the reach of your intellect and curiosity.”

Oregon Poet Laureate Paulann Petersen said of the poems, “Claire Warton not only abjures complacency, she transcends it, refusing to wait for heavenly intervention, choosing to be her own Messiah.”

Warton’s readings have also been well received.

Following a reading in the Bay Area she received the following note from Nadya (Tichman) associate concertmistress of the San Francisco Symphony: “Your poetry is beautiful, powerful, insightful and funny (obviously not always at the same times!) It reminded me of experiences I have had, too, and opened my eyes to new ones. Thank you for reading to us—what a treat.”

For more information on the book sale and reading, contact PJA at 503-244-0126.

THE FACTS 

 PJA Annual Used Book Sale

Sunday, March 25, 2-9 p.m.

Monday, March 26, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: MJCC Ballroom, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. 

Why: Proceeds benefit the PJA library and will be used for electronic and print collection development. 

To Donate Books: Bring them to the PJA Library at 6651 SW Capitol Hwy beginning Jan. 9.

OR contact Sam Metz at samuelmetz@samuelmetz.com to arrange for pick-up. l If possible, books should be boxed rather than bagged.