Fran Ostendorf

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What a month it’s been. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, we continued to stay home to help flatten the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a community, we tried to stay connected online … more

Fran Ostendorf | 6/5/20

Just another day in quarantine

I am happy to stay at home and do my part to stop the spread of that nasty coronavirus. But have you noticed how the days seem to blend together? I occasionally find myself stopping to ask, … more

Fran Ostendorf | 4/30/20

We are down, but not out

Last month, when I started my column by asking if spring would ever be the same, I had no way of knowing what that question would come to mean. When we started to put together last month’s … more

Fran Ostendorf | 4/3/20

Will spring be the same this year?

It’s the beginning of March and here in southern New England we are all looking forward to spring. This is our annual Home & Garden issue, because it’s around now that we’re … more

Fran Ostendorf | 3/8/20

Do you remember?

Welcome to February! I have many reasons to like this month. This year, I’m not sick of the weather – yet. Usually, I take a few days of vacation in February, whether it’s a … more

Fran Ostendorf | 2/6/20

A new decade is cause for reflection

As a new decade dawns, I was curious to look back at the past 10 years. The passage of time becomes something you are more conscious of as you age. I wrote about this last month and it’s … more

Fran Ostendorf | 1/8/20

Many opportunities for civil discourse

Who would have thought? On a recent rainy Monday, four Israel-oriented programs were scheduled in our community. Whether or not you agree with the viewpoints presented in these programs, you have … more

Fran Ostendorf | 12/9/19

Step away from the rat race

Do you find that you have trouble slowing down? After the introspection and renewal of the high holidays, do you launch back into your schedule with the vigor of a speeding train? I know I do. … more

Fran Ostendorf | 10/31/19

Looking back at Jewish Rhode Island in 5779

This is a time of introspection for many of us. We’ve welcomed 5780 with joy and anticipation. We’ve heard the sound of the shofar and look forward to the coming days. And we look … more

Fran Ostendorf | 10/2/19

We’re starting ‘The Conversation’

This is traditionally our biggest issue, and our sales team and local advertisers have come through this year. The robust advertising in this issue reflects just how involved our community can … more

Fran Ostendorf | 9/5/19