SCOPE it out

To many of us in the Jewish community, Jacob Talve-Goodman is best known as the son of Rabbis Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation and James Stone Goodman of Neve Shalom Congregation. But 27-year-old Jacob is making a name for himself as statewide outreach coordinator for SCOPE, which stands for Science & Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration. 

SCOPE was begun by Cynthia Kramer (a former Trustee of the Light), who credits science and clinical trials at Washington University with saving her life.  Now in remission for cancer, Cynthia started SCOPE to reach out to young people and adults to encourage them to have a career in science and technology.  Today, Jacob and Cynthia travel throughout the state to bring education and outreach programs to under-served areas — both rural and urban.

“I traveled to 22 state fairs this summer, where we put on a hands-on activity related to science and technology that engaged kids as well as educated them as to what opportunities are available to them in Missouri,” said Jacob. “We also want to engage parents so that they can understand how rewarding and interesting a career in science and technology can be for their children.”

Jacob recounted meeting 8-year-old Corey at a fair in Marion County. Corey loves to play with Legos but never saw a robot kit before. “He came to our tent and spent four hours building the coolest robot I ever saw,” recalled Jacob. “He drove it back and forth, figured out how to turn it into an elevator shaft. We couldn’t pry him from the tent.

“Afterwards, I contacted his mother to help her get him further involved in robot building. I tracked down different 4-H clubs in their county and now Corey is building robots with them twice a month.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, SCOPE is putting on its first of five major events in the St. Louis area to spread the word about summer camps, internships, college and scholarship opportunities and jobs as they relate to science and technology. The free event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lift for Life Academy, 1713 S. Broadway. For more information, contact Danielle Lee at 314-246-0274 or [email protected].

“We have invited educational and industry partners, requiring each to bring a hands-on activity that explains what they do and is a pathway into science and technology,” Jacob explained. “This is an event for both adults and children. Today, a person cannot be a mechanic without understanding computers. We are a completely free resource committed to providing the community with the tools — and the right people — to help them further their interest in science and technology.”

Shtick and stones

If you forgot to buy tickets for Carol Burnett at the Fox or the Kingston Trio at the Sheldon when each performs here Friday, Nov. 5, consider “A Musical Evening of Classic Stage Variety” featuring St. Louisan Alan Oxenhandler, a.k.a. Al Ox. Never having seen Ox perform, I can’t vouch for his talent, but people whose taste I trust recommend the show.

“If your readers dig the music of Mel Torme, Sinatra or even the Beatles (and don’t mind a little humor and soft-shoe thrown into the mix), then they will dig this show and the talented artists who have Alan Ox’s back,” says local jazz promoter Dawn DeBlaze, who is helping him get the word out.

Ox, 59, has an impressive musical resume, having drummed and played piano around town for the past 30 years. He holds patents for the “RoboKey,” which allows drummers to take drum heads off faster and “the snake,” which lets guitarist do the same with guitar strings.

He also has a passion for dance; he studied tap for five years with national champion Elena Lyaschenko at the JCC. And he’s something of a shtick comedian; in fact, he says, he was recently banned from one the area’s top retirement communities because of his humor.

“My heritage is Jewish,” he says, “and I do this routine called ‘If the Song were Jewish.’ So say the song title is ‘Call Me.’ If it were Jewish it would be, ‘Would It Kill You to Call Me?’ Or if it were the Beatles’ ‘Hard Day’s Night,’ the Jewish song would be ‘I Can’t Work for Your Father Another Day.’

“Anyhow, toward the end of this shtick one lady yells out, “Stop with the jokes and get to the music.’ The next thing you know, I’m getting an email that I am no longer welcome (at the facility) because my humor is racist and offensive.”

Ox says has wanted to do a variety show for years that combines his love of music, comedy and soft-shoe. He’s producing it himself (“which means I am writing the checks,” he says), and he’s quick to add that some great local musicians as well as Lyaschenko will join him on stage.

The show takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at Washington University’s 560 Performance Center, 560 Trinity Avenue in University City. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for students and can be gotten at the Edison Theatre box office (with no service charge) or by calling 314-534-1111. For more information, go to www.aloxlive.com.