People in Our Neighborhood
Meet Shelly Lohmann
Finding your way after loss can feel isolating, but being part of a Community for Widows and Widowers can make it feel a little less lonely. After navigating profound loss in her own family, Shelly Lohmann is creating a warm, welcoming space where people in their 60s and 70s can connect, share, and build new […]
Meet Lisa Greenberg
For Lisa Greenberg, kindness isn’t just something she believes in—it’s something she lives every day. A lifelong Baltimorean, educator, author and dedicated volunteer, Lisa brings heart, intention and deep care into everything she does. What began as a single connection through Dignity Grows has grown into a meaningful way for her to create space for […]
Meet the Birenbaum Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month!
The Birenbaum family — Michele and Dan, along with their daughters Emily (7) and Isabelle (5) — fill their Reisterstown home with warmth, tradition, and an unmistakable love for Judaism, Israel, and Jewish learning. Their home is lively not only with two young daughters, but also with three beloved dogs: Honey, Goldie, and Maple. Michele grew […]
Meet Sammi Darmon
Get to know Sammi Darmon, one of our Young Adult VolunTeam leaders! Originally from Michigan, she now works as a physician’s assistant at Baltimore’s Good Samaritan Hospital. Through The Network and the Knit & Nosh VolunTeam, Sammi has found meaningful friendships and helps create a welcoming space for young adults. How has The Network and […]
Meet Marina, our Russian Speaking Grandparent Connector
Meet Marina Vugaftman (second from the left), our Russian-Speaking Grandparents Connector, whose energy, warmth and love of bringing people together make our community feel a little smaller and a lot more connected. From trivia nights to holiday concerts, Marina creates spaces where people feel welcomed, valued and inspired to show up as their full selves. […]
Meet Alyson, Purim Party Co-Chair
Alyson Friedman is our Purim Party co-chair who brings heart, creativity and a true love of community to the table. She is deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can come together, feel connected and celebrate Jewish joy. We’re excited to spotlight her and share a little more about what inspires her and why this […]
Meet the Rosenberg Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month!
Meet Gabriella and Evan Rosenberg, and their children, Luna, age 8, and Scarlett, age 4. Gabby and Evan both grew up in Jewish households- Gabby was born in Pikesville and moved to Cockeysville with her parents when she was in Lower School, and Evan was born and raised in Silver Spring. Both attended Jewish day […]
Catching Up with Yael Hamburger
Originally published January 2026. Updated September 2026. A lot has changed since we first introduced you to Yael Hamburger. Now a pediatric nurse, Yael is also eight months into her role as a Young Adult Connector in Baltimore with The Network. She’s enjoying this new chapter and finding plenty of ways to bring people together. […]
Meet Dante Barboy
My name is Dante Barboy, and I recently became one of the new Baltimore City Jewish Young Adults (20s & 30s) Connectors. I was originally born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and came to the Baltimore region at age 6 with my family. I attended Jewish day school in Buenos Aires, and Hebrew School once here […]
Meet Rachel Plotkin
For moms of teens who are finding a little more breathing room and a lot more curiosity about what’s next, Sip and Stitch offers a cozy place to land. Led by Rachel Plotkin, local Jewish communal professional, this gathering brings together moms of teens (age 14+) to connect over coffee or drinks while knitting and […]