The Insider: 9.12.18

St. Louisans tend to associate billionaire Rex Sinquefield with campaign contributions and chess, just to name a couple of things. Recently, he and his wife, Jeanne, also wrote a record-breaking check of $50 million to his alma mater, Saint Louis University, to fund economic research programs. The school’s largest gift to date will help pay for fellowships, research grants and technology. (Not surprisingly, some of the money will support the SLU chess team as well.)

Top names in tennis will be in town Oct. 4 for the True Champions Classic, part of the Invesco Series competitive circuit. John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis and Jim Courier will take to the court at Chaifetz Arena to compete in exciting semifinal and championship matches. Tickets are available at invescoseries.com.

A very happy birthday to Creve Coeur Assisted Living resident Roberta Micketts, who celebrated her 105th trip around the sun Sept. 1. She was born in Wisconsin just before the outbreak of World War I and grew up on a farm. She left home to become a surgical nurse and had two children with her husband, Joseph. Family and friends were on hand to celebrate the milestone birthday.

If you aren’t yet familiar with the Google Expeditions virtual reality tool, you can check it out at several St. Louis County Library branches starting this month. The program lets small groups of ‘virtual explorers’ enjoy trips to exciting destinations all over the world, even outer space! Participants are seated during the 30- to 45-minute journey, which uses headsets to create a completely immersive experience.

the main events

Welcome the change of season at the family-friendly South Grand Fall Fest Sept. 15. Community organizations and businesses along Grand Boulevard will offer fun activities, shopping discounts, entertainment, food, artwork, crafts and more.

Commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House at a special Founder’s Day Celebration Sept. 18. The event includes kids’ activities, live animals, snacks, drinks and free admission for the entire day.

Find out what life was like for frontier settlers at Shaw Nature Reserve’s Prairie Day Sept. 22. There will be historical activities and exhibits for visitors of all ages, plus music, guided hikes, craft demonstrations and games.