PEACE THROUGH PYRAMIDS describes the multicultural collaboration between Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches and the Jewish/Arab Galilee Circus. In 2007, the Galilee Circus invited the St. Louis Arches to partner with them in Israel and the following year the Israelis came to America. The combined troupes showed St. Louis audiences how they used circus to defy gravity, soar with confidence and leap over social barriers.  “This project promotes peace through pyramids, joy through juggling and harmony through handsprings.  The path to peace is a path of cooperation and communication,” said Jessica Hentoff, artistic/executive director of Circus Harmony.

Now Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches are planning a return to Israel on July 17 to continue their Peace through Pyramids project with the Jewish/Arab Galilee Circus. The Galilee Foundation for Value Education will cover all ground expenses of travel, lodging and food.  According to Hentoff “We need only to supply the airfare for 15 children and two adults which is $25,600. We have already raised $21,500 through fundraisers at temples churches, at a book store and even a car wash but we are still $3,500 short.”  My hope is that some of you out there will help Circus Harmony by donating (securely) online at www.circusharmony.org or by calling Hentoff at 314-436-7676.

KRANZBERG ARTS CENTER, it seems, is the place to be. Nancy and Ken Kranzberg have to be thrilled at the success of the arts center housing Craft Alliance and several theater companies. In the cabaret this coming weekend, June 19 and 20, Jim Dolan will bring us my favorite cabaret performer/pediatrician Ken Haller in an evening of Steven Sondheim music. They just returned from New York where Dolan produced and Haller performed this show at Don’t Tell Mama, a famous entertainment venue in the Big Apple’s theater district. For tickets online visit www.licketytix.com or call 725-4200, ext 10.

HADASSAH IS PLANNING Framing the Future, a fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 26 at which Dr. William Danforth will be honored for his role in the passage of legislation permitting and protecting embryonic stem cell research. The event will highlight embryonic stem cell research and the remarkable results that are being made at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel.  Hadassah will be bringing to St. Louis their top researchers to discuss the great strides they have made on the most distressing diseases including Parkinson’s, ALS, Muscular Degeneration, Diabetes and more. I tell you this three months in advance (more later) so that you can save the date and your shekels.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY, a month later on Saturday, October 23 at Celebration of Hope, will honor Michael and Noemi Neidorff and Tom and Carol Voss/Ameren UE for their leadership in our community, which has made a significant difference to families affected by cancer. Chaired by Joan Quicksilver and co-chaired by Donna Cohen, Celebration of Hope is to be held at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.  All proceeds from the event remain in St. Louis and support the free programs and services that The Wellness Community provides – social and emotional support, educational workshops, nutrition, exercise and stress reduction classes to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their loved ones. Eager beavers who plan ahead may want to make reservations now.  To do so or for more information call Richard Dee, Development Director at The Wellness Community at 314-238-2000 ext 235.

THE GOOD NEWS AND THE BAD NEWS – KWMU (90.7 FM), St. Louis public radio station, has rescued all of the Saint Louis Symphony’s Saturday night concerts from oblivion. The bad news is that, after 79 years on KFUO on Saturday afternoons, the live performance of the opera from the Met will disappear. Sad for an opera oriented city with two fine opera companies. However, we should count our blessings and be thankful that KWMU stepped in to fill the symphony void.  The first live broadcast from Powell Hall will be at 8 p.m., Sept. 18 on 90.7 FM or on your computer at www.stlpublicradio.org.