The Insider: 12.16.15

Can you believe that a local Hanukkah celebration was on the short list of 8 Amazing Hanukkah Parties Across America’ ? The list was compiled by Religion News Service and published in The Washington Post. The noteworthy ‘do, Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo, took place Dec. 5 at Covenant Place, a senior residential community on the Jewish Federation campus in Creve Coeur/Maryland Heights.

Congrats to Scott Mosby, newly elected 2016 board chairman of the St. Louis Better Business Bureau. Mosby has served on the board for five years, and his family-owned company, Mosby Building Arts, was the recipient of BBB Torch Awards in 2009 and 2015 in recognition of honest business ethics and exceptional customer service.

Finally A Locally Produced Guidebook to St. Louis has been penned by Amanda Doyle, the author of two previous guidebooks and longtime associate editor of Where magazine.  She writes about both classic and under-the-radar attractions, organized by neighborhoods, from the city to the outer suburbs. Published by Reedy Press, the book costs $19.95 and is available at local bookstores and online.

The Zoo’s recent Marlin Perkins Society Celebration recognized several individuals and institutions for their efforts on behalf of conservation and the zoo’s mission. U.S. Fish and Wildlife director Daniel Ashe received the Conservation Award; The Tilles Foundation received the Foundation Award; Nestlé Purina received the Corporation Award; and Bill and Kerry Holekamp received the Individual Award. Kudos all around!

Pedal the Cause has donated an astounding $3.147 million to Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital this year. The money is raised entirely by the public in a community-wide cycling event. Sponsorship from Edward Jones and others ensures that all PTC donations go toward cancer research.