MAY

‘Autism’ is a word tossed around in medical circles and news reports as a catchall description for a whole range of symptoms.

One in 88. That is the stunning statistic defining how many American children have autism, based on recent research.

Kim Eberlein (Volunteer Leadership)

For those facing illnesses or disabilities, ‘alternative’ therapies—such as laughter, music or animal therapy—can offer a range of benefits. These local programs are doing their parts to make a difference.

One comic book character has big mechanical legs. Another carries a giant pencil. Embodying the ideas of walking, talking, reading and writing, the four superhero characters created for the St. Louis Arc represent the key services the organization provides children with developmental disabilities in the local community. “We wanted something that captures the spirit of what we do to help kids succeed,” explains John Taylor, the organization’s VP of advancement.

For the second year, in a tight competition with less than 20 votes separating the top two churches, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Fenton, beat out St. Dominic Savio, Affton, to win Friendship Village Sunset Hills' Fourth Annual Quilting Competition. Several hundred voted in the week's competition and display of quilts from area churches at Fountain View, the freestanding assisted-living community at Friendship Village Sunset Hills. Pictured: Erlinda Madridondo, Ruth Finder, Donna Robinson and Mary Haukap (kneeling) proudly display their winning quilt.