AN ALL-GAMES PARTY sounds to me like bingo or poker, neither of which is a favorite.  Now Hadassah is planning my idea of a perfect all-games party from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 5 at Crown Center, 8350 Delcrest Drive in University City. In addition to the games — Mah Jongg, bridge, Scrabble, canasta and backgammon — there will be a light lunch, raffles and door prizes and, if I am not mistaken, maybe a little bingo and poker, should you insist. The cost is $10 per person in advance and $15 at the door and all proceeds benefit St. Louis Chapter Hadassah. A little bird told me that the chapter is badly in need of more resources so this is a painless way to pitch in and help.  To reserve your spot and places for your partners send your check to Hadassah, 745 Craig Road, Suite 102, St. Louis MO 63141 or call 314-991-0414.  Need more information? Contact Jerri Livingston at 314- 469-3553.

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID COBLITZ’S unusual exhibit will open Friday, Aug. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the new Ober-Anderson Gallery, 101A West Argonne in Kirkwood across from the railroad station. The exhibit features Coblitz’s “photographic sculpture” and photographs printed on aluminum d-bond, which does not require protective glass thus eliminating distracting reflections. Coblitz, I am told, has established a reputation for high mood-based design art, which has been proven to relieve stress and pain and is often found in medical settings or spas. A display of his photographs will be presented in continuously changing video presentation set to music.  The exhibit continues through Thursday, August 29.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ARLEN CHALEFF who was elected last week as the president of St, Louis NAMI — the National Alliance of Mental Illness. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans afflicted by mental illness. Chaleff joined the St. Louis board of directors four years ago, has served as vice president for the past three years and is the first NAMI St. Louis board member who has personally lived with mental illness. “If anyone would have told me that one day I would be president, I would have told them that they were crazy. I know what crazy was and have the hospital records to prove it!” joked Chaleff, who has played a major role in expanding the board to broaden their reach throughout the community. Another of her goals is to develop partnerships with other mental health organizations to give them all a stronger voice in helping to de-stigmatize the illness. 

THANKS TO MICHELLE GRALNICK for the “Roses for Rosh Hashanah” program, which revives the tradition of sending flowers to celebrate the Jewish New Year. Mel Worley, a fine florist, is providing the roses, which will be arranged with greenery and baby’s breath in a white presentation box and will be delivered on Sunday, Sept. 16. The roses, priced at $40 per dozen and $25 for a half dozen, are available in pink, red, white or yellow.  Net proceeds will benefit Jewish Family and Children’s Service Homemaker Program, which provides in-home care giving assistance to seniors and adults with special needs so that they can maintain their independence. Michelle Gralnick is coordinating the program.  Order your roses order before Aug. 31 on Michelle’s secure website, www.MGralnickEnterprises.com/roses or call her at 314-991-8888. 

THE ART FAIR AT QUEENY PARK returns for the Labor Day weekend from Friday, Aug. 31 to Sunday, Sept. 2. This is a juried show and a great opportunity to meet artists, approximately 130 of them, representing the following media: ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, printmaking, digital art, glass, mixed media, fiber, sculpture, wood and more.  Don’t worry about the heat, as the art fair is indoors in the air conditioned Greensfelder Recreation Complex.

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY (CSC), formerly the much admired Wellness Community, is planning its signature fundraising gala, “Celebration of Hope,” featuring Kevin Nealon, a star of the Showtime series “Weeds” and formerly of “Saturday Night Live” on Friday, Sept. 7 at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. CSC of greater St. Louis is the only organization providing comprehensive psychological/social support and educational workshops, along with nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction classes to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their loved ones. These services are free, professionally led and are offered in a homelike setting. For information on the gala and how you can help support this incredible organization, call Linda Novak at 314-238-2000, ext. 231 or Joan Quicksilver at 314-991-4985.