Lift for Life Academy has celebrated the opening of the Staenberg Arts & Activities Center, in honor of Carol and Michael Staenberg’s overwhelming support. The center features music and art rooms, an exercise and wrestling studio, fashion and culinary workspaces, and counseling office.  

Philanthropist Harris Frank has been nominated by the Bethesda Health Group Foundation to receive the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award bestowed by LeadingAge Missouri, an organization for nonprofits in the senior living, care and services field. After recognizing all that Frank has accomplished in his 92 years, LeadingAge Missouri created the Spirit-in-Aging award in his honor and made him the first recipient. Frank is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth. 

Jane Neff Rubin, a founding board member of Missouri Eating Disorders Association (MOEDA), received the Founder’s Award at the association’s fifth annual Benefit Gala “Unlocking the Truth” on Saturday. A counselor specializing in eating disorders, Rubin is a member of Central Reform Congregation. 

Dr. Jeffrey I. Gordon of the Washington University School of Medicine has been awarded the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize by Columbia University. He was honored for his leading role in founding and expanding the field of human microbiome research. Forty-three Horwitz Prize awardees have gone on to win Nobel Prizes.

Jack Fishman, Marlene Hammerman, Robert Kalish, James Katzman and Jerry Sugerman were among 11 people inducted into the University City High School Hall of Fame on Oct. 13. 

Fishman (class of 1966) is a professor of meteorology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at St. Louis University. 

Hammerman (1969) has long been associated with the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis and the fight for women’s rights and social justice.

Kalish (1958), a journalist, has covered stories ranging from Hollywood to Vietnam for newspapers, television and radio. He is author of the “Bloodrun” book series. 

Katzman (1964) is a co-founder of Tandem Computers Inc., now a part of Hewlett-Packard. He is a private investor in high-tech companies and is listed in “Who’s Who in Technology Today.”

Sugerman (1959) is a conservationist known for his vision and perseverance in preserving the Meramec River and its surrounding land. 

Risa Brown, a member of CRC, has joined the staff of LUME Institute as the project coordinator for Vroom. Vroom is a set of tools and resources designed to empower parents to turn everyday routines into brain building moments.

Eagle Scout Max Wild is among 14 boys in the country to be presented the 2017 Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) award from the Boy Scouts of America. This is only the third time this award has been earned in the Greater St. Louis Area Council in the past 11 years. Its purpose is to encourage exploration of adult Jewish roles in the context of family, community and Jewish people. Max, a student at Whitfield School, is the son of Marla and Jim Wild and attends United Hebrew Congregation. 

Former St. Louisan Cameron Gellman, 19, has signed on for a recurring role as Kurt, a high school jock, in TV’s “Heathers.” The series, based on the 1988 cult classic film, is set to premiere on the Paramount Network (Viacom’s rebranded Spike TV) early next year. “Heathers” is a pitch-black comedy anthology set in the present day. Gellman, the son of Kim and Jeff Gellman, lives in California. 

Dr. Michael Schachter has joined the Esse Health offices in St. Peters and Florrisant. Board certified in family medicine, Schachter has a special interest in preventative medicine. He is a member of Bais Abraham Congregation.  

Sam and Marilyn Fox (Spirit of Philanthropy) and Amy Rome (Outstanding Fundraising Executive) will be honored by the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at a National Philanthropy Day Luncheon onNov. 14 at Union Station. These awards are given in recognition of those who positively affect nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis region, improving the quality of life for all people. Rome, founder and principal of the Rome Group, has been a nonprofit consultant for more than 22 years and is a leader in nonprofit education. Kristi Meyers Gallup, a former Jewish Light board trustee, is co-chair of National Philanthropy Day. 

Maria Guadalupe Taxman was among 15 “Latinas of Distinction” recognized by the Hispanic Leaders of Greater St. Louis on Oct. 13. She has made significant contributions within the St. Louis area in business, art, and in service to the Hispanic community locally and nationally.

Area lawyers who have been chosen for inclusion in the 2018 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” publication are: Wendi Alper-Pressman, Leonard Frankel,  Bruce Feldacker, Steven Goldstein, Michael Kass, Robert Kaiser, Saraann Parker, Norman Pressman, David A. Rubin, Mark Temkin, Richard Tishler, Daniel Wofsey and Alan Zvibleman. 

Jews in the News is  compiled monthly by Editorial Assistant Elise Krug. Contact Elise at: [email protected] or 314-743-3671.