St. Louis’ own twin comic duo, Randy and Jason Sklar, swung by their hometown to headline Project Wake Up’s inaugural Comedy Night at Chaminade College Preparatory High School. The fundraiser supported the nonprofit’s efforts to raise mental health awareness, including scholarship funding and a new documentary on suicide prevention.

Believe it or not, the ‘Bingwa Bunch’ is already a year old! The St. Louis Zoo’s celebrated family of cheetah cubs—three males and five females—is growing and thriving. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, they are the first litter of eight to be reared by a female cheetah at a U.S. zoo. The cubs, born to parents Bingwa and Jason, weigh about 55 pounds each and are nearly full grown.

A singular vision to advance education and research is behind Dr. Nancy Holekamp’s recent Women in Opthalmology Suzanne Veronneau Troutman Award, which recognizes female leaders in the field. Holekamp is director of vitreoretinal disease and the Center for Macular Degeneration at Pepose Vision Institute and a professor at Washington University School of Medicine. Congratulations!

The power of the pen was celebrated at the St. Louis Press Club’s recent annual meeting and dinner at the Norman Probstein Golf Club. Special recognition was given to Miran Halen, Sheri Sherman, Phyllis Langsdorf, Faith Berger and T&S contributing writers Ellen Soule and Joan Berkman for their work to support the organization and raise funds for journalism scholarships. St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson gave a talk about the state of the city.


the main events 

For a dash of holiday humor, check out the New Jewish Theatre’s production of An Act of God, on stage at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex through Dec. 16. The play stars Alan Knoll as the man upstairs.

Don’t miss Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of holiday lights adorning the Climatron, Tower Grove House and other favorite sites. The exhibit runs through Jan. 1; it’s closed on Dec. 24 and 25.

Bundle up, lace up and head downtown to the Winterfest Ice Rink at the Arch, open through Jan. 1. The outdoor rink at Kiener Plaza entices holiday revelers with free admission, hot chocolate and skates for rent.