Kansas City Ballet hosted KC Dance Day on August 24th at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity. Nearly 1,600 participants enjoyed free dance and fitness class for children and adults, along with performances by local  and world dance groups representing different dance cultures. The ninth annual event featured a performance by Kansas City […]

Vaughn Good, chef and co-owner of Fox and Pearl, originally thought he wanted to do a deep dive into molecular gastronomy while attending the French Culinary Institute in New York City in 2011. Then he met a professor who was passionate about charcuterie, curing meats and sausages, and Vaughn did a 180-degree professional pivot. After […]

In this busy back to school season, I love both being able to finish a book in one sitting and learn something new. Short novels are fascinating to me because an author accomplishes so much in so few pages. I also find it mind expanding to read books from other countries because I believe that […]

Mark Mattison has successfully built a life where his vocation and avocation are almost interchangeable, and the skills he develops at one ultimately benefit the other. He does this effortlessly, with exceptional skill, great enthusiasm, and a genuine spirit of compassion and giving back. After graduating from the University of Missouri, Mark’s first job was […]

Grace Irene Crowe and Michael Lawrence Sherlock were married on July 6th at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois. The bride is the daughter of Susan and John Crowe of Kansas City, Missouri. She is the granddaughter of the late Donna Seigfreid, the late James T. Seigfreid, the late Kathryn Kerdolff Koslowsky, and the late […]

The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, will host Holiday Mart, its annual shopping event, at Bartle Hall on October 17th through the 20th. This year’s beneficiaries are Amethyst Place, Inclusion Connections, Jewish Family Services, Lazarus Ministries, Shadow Buddies Foundation, Solace House, and Wayside Waifs. C’mon along and listen to the ding, ding, ding of […]

Abby Mocek and Ken Barnes were the honorary chairmen for believe – illuminating hope. For 30 years in a row, Kris Ketz has been the emcee. The event, a benefit for Hope House, was held at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center on August 3rd. The 2019 Barbara Potts Award was presented to The […]

Lydia Clair Osmundsen is the new girl in town! The blue-eyed, brown-haired beauty was born on May 29th to Megan Sinclair Osmundsen and Mark Osmundsen of Fairway, Kansas. Lydia weighed seven pounds, 14 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Her grandparents are Deborah and Ronald Sinclair and Diane and Robert Osmundsen. Lydia’s nursery is decorated […]

Jennifer Vitela works for the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, where she oversees public programs, special events, visitor services, volunteers, and museum store operations. She graduated from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism. Jennifer earned her juris doctor degree from Loyola Law School. She is a member of the Centurions […]

Tracy and Charlie Tetrick’s lovely home was the setting for the BOTAR Escort Mothers’ Coffee. Mothers gathered on August 15th to learn about the exciting BOTAR season ahead.   Escort Mothers’ Coffee Committee Members: Emily Hill, Janet Taggart, Tracy Tetrick, host; Bridget Hoffman, and Mary Ann Knopke    Sarah Tate, Amy Polen, and BOTAR President […]

AdventHealth Foundation Shawnee Mission’s Golf Classic featured two shotgun start times, entertaining games at various holes, and great raffle items. All the golfers enjoyed a lunch, with prizes and winnings for the early players. Golfers who had the later tee-off time celebrated at dinner. The event was held on July 15th at Shadow Glen Golf […]

June 12th was the date for A Night at the Helm. The event, a benefit for the Park University Global Warrior Center and School of Business, was held at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Melanie and Jim Rine were the honorary chairmen. Vince Clark served as chairman, with Jeanette Prenger, Kimberlee Ried, […]

On August 3rd, Mimosas & Mulligans took place on the South Lawn of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, hosted by the Young Friends of Art. Janeane Thompson served as the chairman. Partygoers enjoyed specialty cocktails and playing on Art Course.   Jordan Haas, Taylor Hines, Susanne Watson, Jordan Dockery, and Dakota Loftin   Sabrina Wells […]

Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Leroy Nelson of Mission Hills, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Hayley Elizabeth Nelson, to Charles August Eckert IV, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Ferneding of Montgomery, Ohio, and Mr. Charles August Eckert III of Cincinnati, Ohio. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mrs. […]

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.  Winston Churchill Kansas City uniquely embodies the philanthropic spirit. Here, everyone has a cause (or many) that they passionately believe in and to which they give their time and money. In fact, at a fundraising talk earlier this year, […]

Author’s note: A decade ago, Michael Churchman wrote Storied Halls: The Brookside Hotel, Treadway Hall, and the Crestwood Condominiums Through Ninety Years, and this scribe is heavily indebted to him for his research. For anyone who grew up enchanted by the stories of Eloise at The Plaza, (in New York, alas, not on the Country […]

Chantell Garrett loves traveling. The Dillard University graduate (her bachelor’s degree is in marketing and management information systems) returned to her alma mater in 2017 to receive a 40 Under 40 Award. In addition to her duties as manager for diversity, inclusion, and strategic engagement at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Chantell focuses […]

This house has curb appeal – and more! It’s the Home for Little Heroes, which was built by Summit Homes and its trade partners, who donated materials, labor, and services. Levi Ryff, who is a Children’s Mercy patient, served as the face of the Home for Little Heroes project. When the house was sold, 100 […]

Sydney Sutherland is the special events chairman for Holiday Mart 2019. The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s annual fundraiser is scheduled for October 17th through the 20th at Bartle Hall. The morning of the 17th is the time for Preferential Shopping (which requires a special ticket). Hilarity (or, at least, much merriment) will ensue […]

Margaret Marie Donnelly and Thomas Michael Ryan were united in matrimony on June 1st at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roeland Park, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Suzanne and Joseph Donnelly of Fairway, Kansas, and her groom is the son of Nancy and Richard Ryan of Manhattan, Illinois. Lauren Elizabeth McDonnell, who is […]

The Summer Celebrations Signature Issue debuts every August and features photos from Our Town’s summer scrapbook. The Independent joins with our loyal subscribers and Our Town’s non-profit organizations and country clubs to celebrate the 2019 summer!   Emmett Langdon at T-ball in Leawood Park   John Fryer in Grand Lake, Colorado   Everett Langdon splashed all […]