WHAT’S A NICE JEWISH GIRL doing as a human cannonball? Working, what else? Twenty-year-old Elliana Grace Hentoff-Killian, a native St. Louisan and the daughter of Circus Harmony’s Jessica Hentoff, blasted off in New York City with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus on March 20. After six months of training, Elliana has joined the circus in a show called “Built to Amaze,” which features over 100 people from 17 countries along with 95 animals, 16 musicians and a sensational support crew.  The show will travel more than 30,000 miles over two years. Audiences are likely to see Elliana get shot from her 24-foot long cannon when the circus comes to St. Louis in October. 

THE INAUGURAL REBBETZIN RIVKIN MEMORIAL LECTURE, presented by the Jewish Book Festival in partnership with Nishmah and the former Jewish Council Against Family Violence, will be held 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive.  The event will feature writer Eishes Chayil (a pseudonym meaning “Woman of Valor”) and her award-winning book “HUSH” which deals with a subject that is usually shrouded in shadows and shame. A panel discussion moderated by Larry Levin, publisher and CEO of the Jewish Light will feature the author and Michelle Schiller-Baker, executive director, St. Martha’s Hall Shelter for abused women and children. As a friend of the late Paula Rivkin, I only regret that she will not be with us to witness some of the progress made in the area of domestic and family abuse, which she bravely exposed. 

THE SECOND CITY; LAUGHING MATTERS, Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theater, will light up the stage at the Touhill’s E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theatre Performing Arts Center for four performances April 5 and 6. Both scripted and improvisational, Second City tours the globe with their wickedly funny satiric sketches. Now in its 52nd season, Second City returns to the Touhill with its talented cast which once included Tina Fey and Bill Murray.  Tickets are $35 and are on sale at the Touhill box office, online at toughill.org or by phone at 314- 516-4949. 

HOLD THE DATE: Thursday May 2.  Meet me at the Ritz-Carlton ballroom at 11:45 a.m. for an afternoon of good food, good friends and 10 especially good women who will be honored as Women of Achievement. They are Kim Eberlein, Sheila Greenbaum, Margaret E. Israel, Sally Katziff, Veronica McDonnell, Merry Mossbacher, Peggy Nelson, Brenda D. Newberry, Marian Nunn and Vida Goldman Prince. Since 1955 the Women of Achievement award has been given annually to select women to recognize and honor the achievements of women who, through their volunteer efforts, have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life in the St. Louis community. Reservations for the award luncheon are $60 per person with seating available at tables of 10.  For reservations, contact Sarah Thorowgood, MAC Meetings and Events at 314-421-2995 or [email protected]. 

REMEMBER LINDY SQUARED? It was a huge mural painted by Robert and Sarah Linquist on the wall of the old Lion Gas Building at 9th and Chestnut. When the building was torn down, Lindy went with it. Now there is a movement afoot to recreate Lindy Squared. For every donation of $25 the donor will be designated the official sponsor of one square (12 by12).  There are other perks for other options. The budget does include compensating local artists to do the painting.  It was decided to paint the Lindy Squared mural on a movable backing so it can travel. To join the Lindy Squared project go to http://www.rallystl.org/Ideas/detail/171  

THE GOBBLE STOP SMOKEHOUSE in the Castillion Arcade Plaza at Fee Fee and Olive roads is a relatively new restaurant specializing in poultry only barbecue – chicken and turkey.  This is the tastiest, tender-ist, barbecue I have ever encountered and I really want to share the treat with you.  The turkey ribs are awesome, large and juicy, but the chicken wings are the best I ever tasted. There are other kinds of chicken dishes like a pulled chicken sandwich.  The sauce, served on the side, is sensational. Even the sides are excellent.  Gobble Stop Smokehouse is a small storefront restaurant that seats 20 and does a nice takeout business.  It is basically a family owned and operated business run by DeMarco Howard, his brother DeMones and other relatives who help. Tip- the turkey and chicken taste even better when eaten at home.