I can Harry Houdini our home and my life to trick anyone into thinking I’ve got it together.  Spilled milk? Throw a blanket over it! Kids toys? Toss them downstairs. Counter clutter? Shove it in a drawer.  At the surface our house seems orderly and tidy, but don’t you dare open a drawer or closet.  […]

To describe Tanya Hartman is to find words in the softest, most respectful, deepest, safe place in the heart. This gem of an artist, teacher, mentor, and human being is an angel among us, and she is creating every single day. Tanya is true to her background, her family, and her passion every single day. While […]

Randy Pope and Walter Porter were the co-chairmen, and Chanie and Tom Mitchell and Drs. Susan and Greg Sweat served as the honorary co-chairmen of The Hands and Hearts Auxiliary of Children’s Mercy’s Red Hot Night, “Virtually Over the Rainbow.” The 17th annual event, a benefit for the new Children’s Mercy Research Institute, was held […]

Dr. Morgan Elizabeth Gonder and Dr. Robert Wayne Weidling were married on September 26th. The bride is the daughter of Andrea and Gil Gonder of Loch Lloyd, Missouri. Her groom is the son of Vicky and William Weidling of Wilmington, Illinois. Morgan’s grandparents are Anne and Howard Elsberry of Leawood, Kansas, the late Norma Bossaler, […]

It’s really quite simple. Homelessness is defined as the lack of permanent housing. That means no roof, no electricity, no running water, no heat, no security, no place to put the keys – because no keys exist. The condition of homelessness has been a challenge throughout Kansas City’s history. The onset of a pandemic has […]

Elaine Ung York Lipsun and James Anderson Egerstrom were joined in matrimony on October 24th on the island of Maui in Wailea, Hawaii. The bride is the daughter of Elizabeth Ung York Lipsun and Antonio Yee Lipsun of Alhambra, California. Elaine is the granddaughter of the late May Lee Ng and Tony Ung York, and […]

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates Throughout the world there are incredible women doing remarkable things. With International Women’s Day taking place on March 8th, I wanted to recommend a few memoirs and biographies by or about women from around the world. These are just a few […]

“Dan Cupid pranced merrily this summer, positive his persuasive powers would tie a nuptial knot of importance to Kansas City, a union of big business and much musical ability,” our scribe wrote, back in September 1929. The duo in the limelight were Margaret Jane Armstrong, a coloratura soprano, and Thomas Johnson Strickler, World War I […]

The 15th Annual Dancing With The Kansas City Stars!, a benefit for Cristo Rey Kansas City, will be held on June 26th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The Airline History Museum was the setting to announce seven stars, Nick Durand, Phil Glynn, Mike Jackson, Mary Haggerty Kroening, Kate O’Keefe, Julie Towner, […]

University Academy is forever grateful to Melynn Sight. Several years ago, Melynn inquired about volunteering at UA. She had a desire to educate children about bullying. Out of her passion were born two projects: Step Up Sisterhood and Stand Up Brotherhood, two anti-bullying groups in University Academy’s fourth grade. Since then, a new group, the […]

Olathe Medical Center is very grateful for Doris Chrisenbery, who has been volunteering there since 2011. She brings warmth and cheer to the lobby of the hospital and the cancer center every week, as she greets people. Doris serves on the ambassador finance committee, preparing the annual budget. She also volunteers at special events and […]

Beginners, be not afraid! Neophytes, knowledge is everything! Bravely go where others have tread and embrace the new, the tasty, the vegan. The land of all things vegan doesn’t mean that beef must be banished, it just means that eating a plant-based meal or two can be pleasant, nay – delicious! For those committed to […]

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Arthur Schneweis of Shawnee, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Abby Lynne Schneweis, to Richard Andrew Launder, the son of Mrs. David Branson Launder, Sr., of Prairie Village, Kansas, and the late Mr. Launder. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dean Johnson and […]

“My story is not unique or unusual. It’s about falling to depths never expected. It’s about all hope being gone,” said Jamie Boyle, CEO and president of Welcome House. Jamie talks the talk and walks the walk, every single day: the walk of sobriety, the walk of redemption, the walk of hope being right around […]

For most of my adult career, I’ve worked from home. I hopped on the home office train in the year 2014 B.C. – “before children,” and “before COVID.” Working from home has shown me the power of working smarter, not harder. My flexible schedule led me to master the skills of time management and productivity […]

March 21st is the date for Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy’s Civic Service Award Private Broadcast Celebration. Pella Fingersh and Neil Sosland are serving as co-chairmen of the virtual event. The late Tiberius Klausner, acclaimed violinist, concertmaster, educator, and parent and grandparent of HBHA graduates, will be posthumously honored with the Civic Service Award. The late […]

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Alan Krizek of Mission Hills, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kylie Alice Krizek, to Stephen Louis Finno, the son of Mrs. Stephen Finno of Chicago, Illinois, and the late Mr. Finno. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Jeanne Marie Swalm of Sedona, Arizona, the late Mr. […]

Luke Deets, Vice President, McCownGordon Construction As the leader of McCownGordon Construction’s K-12 market sector, Luke Deets provides client, design, and student-focused solutions for pre-construction and construction services. Luke exemplifies the McCownGordon core values of integrity, relationships, and performance. “Luke is a natural leader, motivator, mentor, and philanthropist,” said Sheri Johnson, McCownGordon. “Through his volunteer […]

The Independent is delighted to share some of the many wonderful philanthropic endeavors from 2020. Kansas City is filled with fabulous volunteers and organizations that stepped up for our community during the pandemic. Join us as we celebrate their hard work and kindness. Kelly Van Allman, Kate Cullinane, and Marcus Rhodes, board member; participated in […]

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Patel of Chillicothe, Missouri, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Amy Patel, to Joseph Rathermel, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rathermel of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Amy is a graduate of Chillicothe High School. She earned a bachelor of liberal arts degree and a doctor of […]

InterUrban ArtHouse may be a mouthful, the multi-pronged concept may be a bit confusing, the location may be intriguing, but all of the layers of concept and construction and utilization lead to one thing: a creative space in which artists are to be seen and heard. The kernel of truth is that despite Kansas City’s […]