This could be considered a “connect the dots” or a “fill in the color” or even “paint by numbers” column, as there is information elsewhere in the Light about both topics. So, in response to two requests, I am repeating what you might read elsewhere in the paper which I have not knowingly done in my 44 years as a columnist. Then again, I am told that many readers turn to Lois Caplan first (unless their orientation is to the obituaries). Both events are worth knowing about, so forgive me if you think that I am being unnecessarily repetitious.

Jewish singles will be interested in the December DecaDance on Monday, Dec. 24 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Marriott St. Louis Airport Hotel. The event, sponsored by B’nai B’rith St. Louis and the St. Louis Jewish Light, is designed to bring together unmarried men and women for an evening of sophisticated socializing which includes a lavish dessert buffet, fruit and cheeses and a cash bar featuring the event’s signature drinks, the Mazeltini and Glass of Choliday Cheer. There will also be a raffle, attendance gifts, and DJ music for dancing. It sounds to me like an opportunity for singles to meet other singles not from St. Louis as unmarrieds from surrounding cities and states are invited to attend.

December DecaDance is being presented for the third year in a row.

This year’s sponsors are the Fox Family Foundation, B’nai El Congregation, MatchBook and the JCC in partnership with Sparks Matchmaking Service. Get your tickets at $25 in advance by sending your check payable to B’nai B’rith St. Louis to P.O. Box 50321, Clayton MO 63105-5321 or register on line at www.bnaibrithstl.org.

It will cost you $35 (cash only) at the door.

Michelle Gralnick, Executive Director of B’nai Barith St. Louis Missouri Lodge Singles Division 50 Something Group, tells me that there will be some interesting and fun entertainment provided by Jodi Goone’s Utopia Entertainment including an emcee and dance motivator to teach guests the steps to current dances and encourage people to get on the dance floor.

During the evening there will be appearances by Aaron Goldstein, “The Magic Man” and super balloon artist Mike Geerlof. If dancing is not your thing, these talented guys will entertain and keep you company. For more information on the party call Michelle at 314-569-4122.

‘YOU TAKE THE CAKE’ is an aptly named fundraiser honoring Marla Scissors, an accomplished baker, the originator of the pastry and dessert lines for Companion Baking and a very special young woman who is the victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which claimed the life of Hans Vonk, our Saint Louis Symphony Music Director and Lou Gehrig, the famous baseball player for whom the disease is nicknamed. On Sunday, Jan. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, those interested in honoring Marla are invited to attend “You Take the Cake,” a benefit for the ALS Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association which offers a most comprehensive range of services and leads the search for a treatment or cure through its aggressive worldwide research program.

Bakers, both professional and non-professional who might have been Marla’s students at the Kitchen Conservatory, have been asked to donate pastries, pies and cakes which will all be part of the afternoon’s silent auction. I am told that many bakers have honed their baking skills under Marla’s tutelage and that she has taught a lot of people to bake the best challah ever. The story about Marla that I like best is that she single handedly baked 300 shortbread cut out cookies in the shapes of menorahs, dreidels and stars, and enough frosting for every child attending Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Hanukkah dinner that year to decorate one.

You may attend this benefit for a little as $10 per adult up to $500 per family or more if you wish. The dollars raised from this event will stay in St. Louis to help hundreds of families living with ALS.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association provides funding for research at Washington University and St. Louis University to find a cure for this devastating disease. For more information on “You Take the Cake” call committee member Cathy Sullivan at 314-503- 8140.