meet the world | Festival of Nations will return to Tower Grove Park on Aug. 23 and 24. Throughout the two-day event, guests can expect an immersive experience filled with international flavors, live entertainment, and artisan goods, many from immigrants and refugees supported by the International Institute of St. Louis. Learn more at festofnations.com.
Safe Connections has appointed Karen Aroesty as its new CEO. Aroesty has experience driving community impact through nonprofit management, policy advocacy and coalition building. “I am honored to lead Safe Connections as we approach our 50th anniversary,” she says. “Together, with our community, we will continue to empower survivors, educate future generations, and build a safer, more compassionate St. Louis.”
Chabad of Chesterfield is helping women learn about and celebrate their role in Judaism. Starting in September, it will offer a Bat Mitzvah Milestone course. The year-long course will cover the basic tenets of Judaism and the special role of Jewish women in history. It will culminate with a special ceremony to celebrate with family and friends. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/batmitzvahmilestone.
TREE House of Greater St. Louis is celebrating five decades of supporting individuals with disabilities. The nonprofit is holding a 50th Anniversary Open House and Community Celebration on Aug. 24 at its campus in Wentzville. Along with celebrating, guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase artwork created through a collaborative effort involving TREE House clients, their equine partners and talented artists from the Crossroads Arts Council. For more information, visit thstl.org.
Frances Levine, former president and CEO of Missouri Historical Society, is exploring the stories of women who made the journey along the Santa Fe Trail in her latest book. Crossings: Women on the Santa Fe Trail highlights how the nexus of nations and trade impacted society, politics and culture. On Aug. 13, Levine will present a discussion and signing of the book at the St. Louis County Library’s Clark Family Branch. For more information, visit slcl.org.