ALICE HANDELMAN is truly a jewel in this community and a many faceted one at that. Did you know that for 10 years she was a sports writer for the St. Louis Blues and the National Hockey League and that she taught a course at Meramec Community College on Hockey For Women Only? However, it was not for this achievement that Alice was named a Woman of Achievement in 2002.

She was recognized for her service role to older adults and for adding to their quality of life in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

For 18 years, as a member of the Jewish Center for Aged management team, Alice handled all the JCA publicity, edited the newsletter, served as photographer and was a whiz at fundraising.

Perhaps her most outstanding contribution to the JCA was growing the permanent art collection from 20 works to more than 1,000 pieces. She also has served as president of Gateway Elder Services, now Mid-east Area Agency on Aging Foundation.

Recently, Alice was elected president of Women of Achievement, an organization dedicated to honoring outstanding women who have made a significant contribution to the area. A former president of the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis, she was honored in December with its prestigious Catfish Award. She has worked like a Trojan to build Press Club’s scholarship funds. Almost by accident I discovered the root of this passion. “Raising money for our underserved journalists of the future is one of my life’s missions,” she explained. “I was once there and will never forget being able to complete my four years at Mizzou and to receive my degree in journalism because of the Bessie Marks Memorial Scholarship that I was presented by the Missouri School of Journalism.”

As the new president of Women of Achievement I am sure that Alice Handelman will be an ardent supporter, not only of older adults and scholarships, but a host of good causes in our community.

* CHRIS JACKSON, according to singer Suzie Broddon, “was an up and coming playwright, composer and lyricist whose work gained fame in St. Louis as well as in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and other cities. Chris died two years ago of cancer at the age of only 47. Along with Crystal, his mom (and constant companion) many of us who were in so many of his productions are dedicated to keeping his music alive.”

To that end, a large cast of theater and cabaret friends, including cabaret singer Steve Ross will present “Somewhere in the Stars — the Immortal Music of Chris Jackson” on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard.

Chris wrote many shows and hundreds of songs, some of which you will hear at the memorial show. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Call 314-505-5438 or MetroTix at 314-534-1111.

* “DELILAH’S WISH,” presented by Metro Theatre Company, is a play about 8-year-old Delilah who lives on the north side of St. Louis and whose mother is serving in the military in Iraq. Delilah lives in a neighborhood full of all kinds of people. “Delilah doesn’t miss anything, but she sure does have questions about a lot of stuff,” the play’s description states. “Why is Stanley always on punishment? He better not be hanging with Roy-Roy and Poochie. Those two are just trouble waiting to happen. That’s what Grandmama says. She and Mr. Horowitz have been on this block so long, they know everything. Except who’s taking Mr. Horowitz’s paper every morning, and why somebody would set fire to the Abu’s store, and when Mama’s coming home from Iraq.”

Matt Neufeld, the new managing director at Metro Theatre Company, recommends the show as an example of tikkun olam. Written and performed by St. Louis native Mariah L. Richardson, “Delilah’s Wish” will be presented at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28 in the Lee Auditorium in the History Museum in Forest Park. The play is part of the museum’s “RACE: Are We So Different?” exhibit. For tickets at $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors call 800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/80472.