Alan Ludmer, a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth, has become president and co-owner of AeroWorks LLC, one of the Midwest’s leading aircraft maintenance companies. It specializes in inspections, maintenance, modifications and customization. 

JDRF, formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, has created the Alan Permutt Career Development Award – named in honor of the late Dr. M. Alan Permutt, a longtime JDRF advocate and Washington University researcher. Dr. Permutt died in June 2012 from cancer, at the age of 72. He was a professor of medicine, cell biology and physiology, and the former director of the Diabetes Research and Training Center at Washington University School of Medicine.  

Brian Mitchell, formerly of St. Louis, has become the new director of Camp Daisy and Harry Stein at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale, Ariz. Most recently, Mitchell, son of Carol and Donald Mitchell of Chesterfield, served as director of the Hillel at the University of Missouri-Columbia since the fall of 2011.

Elliana Hentoff-Killian (who goes by the professional stage name Elliana Grace) made her debut as the youngest (and only Jewish) human cannonball. She is touring throughout America and Mexico with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus “Built to Amaze” tour. Hentoff-Killian, 20, is the daughter of Jessica Hentoff, executive director of Everyday Circus and Circus Harmony.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (NCADA) – St. Louis Area recently appointed Howard M. Weissman as its new executive director effective April 1. Weissman, a member of Central Reform Congregation, is a former NCADA Board Member where he served for over 10 years, including four years as Board President. For the past 23 years he was the President and CEO of the EASE Program, an Employee Assistance Program serving business clients throughout southwestern Illinois. 

Joel Ferber, of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, recently received the Alberta Slavin Consumer Award from the Consumers Council of Missouri for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of low-income Missouri consumers. Ferber is director of advocacy for LSEM, an organization that provides legal assistance in civil cases to the low-income community. He previously served as managing attorney for the non-profit agency’s Health & Welfare Unit. Ferber began his work at LSEM in 1985 focusing on welfare law issues. The mission of the Consumers Council of Missouri is to educate and empower consumers statewide and advocate for their interests.

Karen Aroesty, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of Missouri/Southern Illinois, was recently recognized for her work supporting the needs and rights of victims by the Crime Victim Advocacy Center of St. Louis, the oldest victim assistance program in the country. Aroesty, a member of Shaare Zedek Synagogue, also staffs the U.S. Attorneys Hate Crimes Task Force. Last December, Aroesty gave the commencement speech to the graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences at University of Missouri-St. Louis

Les Nackman of Ballwin and Delray Beach, Fla., has been chosen to be the National Campaign Chair for the Israel Tennis Centers. Since 1976, the Israel Tennis Centers have helped more than 400,000 children and teens. Most of the 14 centers are located in economically challenged neighborhoods and towns throughout Israel. Currently, over 20,000 Israeli children participate annually in its programs. Nackman is also the vice-chairman of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer and serves on the board of Temple Israel.

Mark Herwitz, a leading salesperson for over 10 years at Weber Chevrolet in Creve Coeur, recently was recognized as being a top producer in 2012 out of the four locations in the organization. A member of Congregation Shaare Emeth, Herwitz works at the newly remodeled showroom in Creve Coeur.

Michelle Brooks has been named program coordinator/fundraising associate for the American Parkinson Disease Association – St. Louis Chapter. Brooks is now responsible for the chapter’s two large fundraisers each year; a golf tournament in May and a luncheon/fashion show in the fall. Prior to this position, Brooks, a Congregation Shaare Emeth member, was with the Central Agency for Jewish Education.

Husband and wife, Norman Pressman and Wendi Alper-Pressman are serving as honorary chairs for the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s 23rd annual Justice For All Ball on February 23rd. He is with Goldstein & Pressman and she is associated with Lathrop & Gage.

Ralph W. Kalish, Jr., an IP attorney at Husch Blackwell and member of Temple Israel, has written and will perform in the play, “Winning History –The Branch Rickey Story.” Rickey served as the general manager of both the St. Louis Cardinals (1925-1942) and the Brooklyn Dodgers (1943-1950). He was most well known for signing Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball. Kalish will be performing at the Gaslight Theatre February 15-17 and February 22-24.

Dr. Shari D. Cohen recently converted her traditional medical practice into an increasingly popular concierge-style practice in Creve Coeur. Cohen is a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona.

The St. Louis Attractions Association recently awarded Tami Goldman, tourism and group sales manager for the Missouri History Museum, the 2012 Spirit of St. Louis Individual Award for exemplifying the spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry in the St. Louis region. The Spirit of St. Louis Individual Award is given annually to honor an individual who has gone the extra mile and put forth exemplary effort in helping to further the goals, objectives and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry. A member of Central Reform Congregation, Goldman has 26 years of combined experience in the tourism, marketing, leisure and group sales industry. 

St. Louis native Tanya Fredman’s artwork is currently on display at the Go North art exhibition in Karmiel, Israel. Daughter of Susie and Carey Fredman of St. Louis and former member of Young Israel, Fredman made aliyah with her husband in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in studio art from Brandeis University in 2008 and lives in Kfar Pines, where she teaches art in an elementary school and at the Yemin Orde Youth Village. Much of her work is influenced by her experience living in Rwanda and by various forms of movement and dance. Fredman is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in visual art.