The Insider: 11.14.18

St. Louis popped up on a recent Healthgrades list of cities that are “getting healthcare right.” The Lou ranked 63rd in the U.S. based on access to care, population health, hospital quality and availability of local specialists. Rochester, Minnesota, came in at No. 1, and Kansas City (No. 43) was the only other Missouri city to make the list.

Hometown entrepreneur and Washington University alum David Dresner is branching out to support local reforestation efforts. He’s the owner of Sleeve A Message, an environmentally conscious maker of coffee-cup sleeves. Dresner recently partnered with the university to add 60 new trees and plants behind Whittemore House on Forsyth Boulevard. The idea is to increase the campus’ tree canopy and set an example for sustainability.

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Katie Vo, recently named chief of neuroradiology at Washington University School of Medicine. She has been serving as interim chief for the past year and a half, and also is director of advanced stroke and cerebrovascular imaging. Vo is a graduate of Weill Cornell Medical College.

They may be small, but they’re mighty important! A clutch of 39 Ozark hellbender salamanders recently hatched at the Saint Louis Zoo’s herpetarium, a milestone for the endangered species. It’s the first time the zoo’s first-generation hellbenders have successfully reproduced. They are the largest species of aquatic salamander in North America.

the main events 

Andrew Cuneo will be the featured soloist at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s world premiere of composer Christopher Rouse’s Bassoon Concerto Nov. 16 and 17. Works by Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland will be on the program as well.

Join Saint Louis University Nov. 17 for its black-tie Third Century Gala at Chaifetz Arena. The event kicks off the school’s capital and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, evening program and after-party. Proceeds help fund scholarships and student initiatives.

Get in holiday gift mode Nov. 23 and 24 at Shop Clayton, a lively event featuring a number of area retailers. In-store specials, food, decorations and more will help you get in the spirit, and Stray Rescue will be on hand Saturday with mobile pet adoptions.