Walk to Defeat ALS and more

WHEN SAM GOLDSTEIN DIED OF ALS in 2007, sunshine was slightly diminished. Sam was an outgoing, cheerful, fun guy with a sunny disposition and a lot of musical talent. His family, especially his sister Suzie Broddon, has never let us forget Sam’s plight and reminds us annually of the Walk to Defeat ALS, a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. It’s often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease which can strike anyone and for which there is no known cause or cure. “Let’s get together and walk in memory of Sam and help all those who are still fighting ALS. With help from your readers, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me,” Suzie said. This year’s Walk is on Saturday, June 27 at Forest Park. Registration is a 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10. To register online, visit Walk to Defeat ALS or call Suzie at 314- 727-0325 or ALS at 314-432- 7257.

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION — that is what Na’Amat USA calls its rescue program of Israeli children. These children of poverty come from families in distressed economic situations. Many of them have experienced abuse, neglect, malnourishment, or abandonment. Through the Spiritual Adoption program, Na’Amat takes these children and provides a loving and caring environment in their facilities for them – a setting which develops their emotional security and good social skills, giving them affection and understanding and guidance during their formative years. It is a wonderful way to help mold good future citizens for Israel. Na’Amat USA cooperates with its sister organization in Israel to support educational, vocational and child care services through a broad network of 1,500 installations. Shirley Asner explained that the program is based on a dollar a day contribution, so for $365 your gift will help an Israeli child for a year. Send your check for Spiritual Adoption (really in any amount) to St. Louis Council, 9369 Olive Blvd. Suite 15, St. Louis, Mo. 63132.

BEFORE ASKING FOR A DIVORCE…READ THIS BOOK. It may be able to save your fortune, your sanity…and even your marriage. The book has the unsexy title of Divorce in Missouri and is written by two divorce attorneys whose approaches to the problem appear to be diametrically opposed. Authors Alan Freed and Alisse Camazine have practiced law together for 16 years. Freed’s expertise is in mediation, collaborative divorce, and creative resolutions while Camazine is a litigator who believes in reaching fair settlements, but in the event one is not possible, tries the case in court. Divorce in Missouri, written in plain English, not legal-ese, is available for $19.95 at area booksellers including Barnes and Noble and Borders.

PAUL WEXLER AND HIS KLEZMER GROUP “YIDN” will play a benefit for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry on Sunday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Admission to the concert, sponsored by Brith Shalom Kneseth Israel, 1107 Linden is $10 ($5 for children under 15) plus a can of food for the food pantry. Phyllis Hyken says Wexler is a classically trained klezmer clarinetist and that he and his group are not to be missed.

DENISE THIMES, St. Louis’ first lady of song, has a voice and a personality that combines the best of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, she will bring her considerable talent to the Sheldon Concert Hall for a benefit performance for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (NCADA) – St. Louis Area. Patron tickets at $50 per person include preferred seating, a gourmet dessert reception and a $25 tax deductible contribution. The concert is only $25 or $5 for students, and all proceeds benefit NCADA’s programs for youth. To order tickets visit www.ncada-stl.org/denisethimes.html.