The local arts community has a friend in Edward Jones, recently recognized by the Arts and education Council for pledging more than $1 million to the nonprofit’s annual fundraising campaign. The financial services company contributed $330,000, and 2,800 of its employees chipped in more than $680,000.

We’ve all had that one special teacher (or two or three!) who had a strong impact on our lives. In Kirkwood, one of the best is Jen Hoell, a P.E.teacher recently named Health Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Association for health, physical education, Recreation and Dance. Hoell is on the faculty at Nipher Middle School. Congrats!

Hats off to Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur resident Debbie Walker, who won third place in the Missouri Health Care Association’s Beauty Is Ageless pageant in August! Walker is a former chemical engineer and VFW volunteer, and a mother of three. pageant contestants compete for the title of Ms. Missouri nursing home Queen at the MhCA annual convention each year.

One of the latest biographies to come out of St. Louis is I Trust You with My Life, the story of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club co-founder Martin L. Mathews. He and author Dick Weiss offered a sneak peek at the book during a recent signing event at the Missouri Athletic Club. The book is available at itrustyouwithmylife.com.

Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear 1715-2015 is a coffee table book that makes a statement. It accompanies the Saint Louis Art Museum’s fascinating exhibit by the same name. Delving into the relationship between fashion and history, the colorful book is perfect for local fashionistas.