Oasis in Chesterfield

St. Louis OASIS is partnering with the Jewish Community Center in Chesterfield to offer an array of classes and learning opportunities for adults ages 50 and older. 

“The J’s Marilyn Fox campus focuses on engaging community and providing services that promote healthy living,” said Paul Weiss, president of OASIS. “This aligns well with the OASIS mission of lifelong learning, active lifestyles and volunteer engagement.” 

What’s particularly cool about many of the classes is that they are one and done. In other words, participants don’t have to commit to weeks — or months — of attendance; rather they can spend a morning learning about Egyptian hieroglyphics or the pre-historic rock drawings of Missouri. 

Yes, these are actual classes, though not all are science related. I’m eyeing some of the ones on entertainment, including Bette Davis as a Leading Lady, and Hollywood Films and Music: The War Years 1941-1945. Other areas of programming include art, technology, health and wellness and social interaction. As for the latter category, Caring for the Caregiver: A Story of Love, Loss and Hope seems particularly compelling. And I must admit, How to be a More Educated Cocoa Consumer definitely piqued my interest.

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Most of the classes run for 90 minutes or two hours and cost about $20. To kick off this new partnership, OASIS and the J in Chesterfield, 16801 Baxter Road, are hosting a free open house between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Light refreshments will be served. To register for the open house or to learn more about other Oasis classes and area locations, call 314-862-4859 ext. 24.  

That’s a rap

When nationally known rapper Kosha Dillz was the main act at downtown’s Fubar in November, the club’s promoter, Jason Thompson, needed an opening act. Thompson had gone from kindergarten through Parkway North with Ellis Brodsky and remembered Brodsky did some rapping back in high school. So Thompson called and asked if he would serve as the opener for Kosha.

“I remember (Ellis) saying, If I don’t do this, I’ll kick myself,’ ” recalled Dennis Brodsky, Ellis’ father. So Ellis, 24, whose rap name is Denny and whose “day job” is at an internet technology company in Clayton, obliged. 

Well I guess Thompson and the Fubar audience liked what Denny did because now he is headlining at the club, located at 3108 Locust St., on Friday, Jan. 11. The show, which starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $10, also features Denny’s younger brother, Drew Brodsky, 20, on drums, as well as a slew of special guests, including Sammy Elfanbaum, another friend of this group, whose rap name is, well, Sammy.

For details, go to www.fubarstl.com. 

And if rap isn’t your thing . . . 

Consider checking out klezmer musician extraordinaire Will Soll, who sings and plays the mandolin and guitar, at the Sheldon Concert Hall, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15. He will be joined by Alyssa Avery (violin), Tim Hirzel (flute) and Shlomo Ovadya (doumbek, electric bass). Their concert combines Old World Jewish instrumental folk music with its New World offspring, and also includes Yiddish songs. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, go to www.thesheldon.org. 

Achieving women

St. Louis Women of Achievement is calling for nominations for the 2019 Class of Honorees. This award is the oldest ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to recognize the volunteer service and volunteer leadership of women. The deadline for nominations is midnight Monday, Jan. 21. Apply online or find a printable nomination form at www.woastl.org/nominate (printed forms can be mailed to 3418 Charlack Ave., Suite 615, St. Louis, 63114). Eligible individuals are female volunteers from the St. Louis metropolitan area who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through voluntary contributions, volunteer leadership and a significant breadth of a volunteer career. Nominees can be making a difference in a variety of areas, such as education, arts, health and human services, youth and family, philanthropy, social justice and advocacy. Nominations of women representing diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments are encouraged. 

The 10 honorees will be recognized at the 2019 Women of Achievement Luncheon on Tuesday, May 14 at the Ritz-Carlton.