It's All About Moms, Even After Sunday

Everyone will remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001 and now on May 1, 2011 when President Obama announced that al-Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden had been killed, but it was a little more poignant for military families and those directly affected by the events of 9/11.

grad Jayne Wentzel Ellis was in St. Louis for the funeral of former 1975 classmate Vicki Feagans Simonavice, who passed away from cancer. Vicki was married to LHS grad Denny Simonavice and lived in Kentucky. She is the mother of Nicholas and Christopher (Emily) Simonavice.

Ellis' husband (and also a LHS grad) Major Richard Ellis, retired USMC who is a pilot for Delta Airlines was in New York City the day of the attacks on the Twin Towers.

Sunday night, when news came out about bin Laden's death, she was anxious to hear from her son Air Force Captain Richard T. Ellis, Civil Engineer stationed in Iraq at the time. Her husband  was in Alaska, one son in Iraq, and other son and daughter in other states, so motherly worry kicked-in and she was in a frenzy to make sure everyone was OK—which they were.

"I was happy when I found out about bin Laden," Jayne said. "They did their task. Maybe my son will be able to come home earlier now. . ."

The Lindbergh District Activity Office sponsored a family swim night for children with cancer at Sperreng Middle School on Friday April 29, 2011. LHS students Sophia Meyer, Lindsay Ganter, Jordan Ganter and Matt Bavslik volunteered their time that evening to lifeguard the event along with Sperreng Middle School teacher Christine Fisher. Sammye LaRose of the Activities Office organized and Tina Doherty, Diane Neutzling and Marilyn Tenholder donated refreshments for the fun evening. Families enjoyed cookies, lemonade and a night of swimming, all free.

It can be rough as the parent of a kid with cancer or any sort of illness. Organizations like Rainbows For Kids, a co-sponsor of the swimming event stepped in to help serve up the evening's fun. . .

Mother's Day was Sunday, so happy times to all the mothers out there. Sometimes a celebration can be tough on those who don't have the typical greeting-card sort of situation. So I want to wish Happy Amazing Women Day to all of you. . .

Crestview Senior Living in Crestwood put on a mother-daughter fashion show this past week and it was all smiles for those in attendance. A special shout-out to the prettiest model up there, my own mother, Margie Tippett.

Speaking of fun, Laumeier Sculpture Park held the 24th annual Art Fair this weekend. It's 150 artists' works, music, food, drinks, and interactive artwork activities for the kids.

Friday, May 6, will be a wine-tasting event, 6-10 p.m. at Laumeier Sculpture Park. The fair runs all weekend beginning Friday 6-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  It's a great way to spend Mother's Day. Become a member and support the arts with information at www.laumeier.org