The Insider: 11.7.18

Creatures great and small have been an important part of Kathy Warnick’s life since she was very young. Recently, the longtime leader of the Humane Society of Missouri was featured in Enterprising Women, a national magazine. The story highlights Warnick’s lifelong love of animals and her journey from volunteer to her current role as president of the 148-year-old organization.

This month, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s music director designate, Stephane Deneve, will conduct his first to Powell Hall concerts in his new role. On Nov. 10 and 11, he’ll lead a love-themed program of music featuring selections from Berlioz, Wagner and others. A native of Tourcoing, France, Denève officially takes over for outgoing music director David Robertson next year.

Congratulations to Jay Rainey, recently named the next head of school for MICDS. He comes to the post from Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama, where he served in a similar role. Rainey, a Princeton University and College of William & Mary grad, will take the helm at MICDS at the end of the current school year.

Launching a company is always a gamble, and local businessman Walker Deibel addresses the issue in his new book, Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game. Released by Lioncrest Publishing in October, it examines why many new companies don’t succeed and how entrepreneurs can buck the trend by buying and developing an existing business. Available at amazon.com.

the main events

Join the Arts & Education Council Nov. 13 for a special discussion with Hana Sharif, recently named artistic director of The Rep. The event will be held in A&E’s Catalyst Innovation Lab and led by Chuck Harper of SIUE’s theater and dance department.

Dances of India celebrates its 41st season with The Forgotten Ramayana: The Tale of Urmila, the Sleeping Princess, performed by traditional Indian dancers. Shows are Nov. 16 through 18 at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, and are narrated in English. The Nov. 18 show is a special afternoon children’s performance.

Learn how to make sweet and savory slab pies at a baking demonstration by Cathy Barrow, Washington Post food writer and author of Pie Squared. The event takes place at 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at The Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves. Tickets are required, and a copy of the cookbook is included.