The Loop KC brings together similar yet unique minds to create genuine friendships and ignite the next generation of business leaders in Kansas City. Members of The Loop KC are required to give back to local non-profit organizations. Learn more about The Loop KC, here.   “I’m fortunate to say that I work for one of […]

NOTE: This is an adaptation of an article first published in The Independent in November 2020, shortly before the December world premiere of the Lyric’s Amahl. That year, COVID-19 prevented live performances of the production, which was instead filmed and made available for home viewing. In 2021 it was finally presented to live audiences. This […]

Amal S. Gochenour and Dr. James K. Fields were united in matrimony on August 20th at Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C. The bride, born in Kuwait, is the daughter of Helen Gochenour of Sterling, Virginia, and Tatiana Federovskaya and David Gochenour III of Moscow, Russia. Amal is the granddaughter of the late Natiba and […]

Truman Library Institute held a Reception and Ribbon-Cutting at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum on October 12th. The occasion was the opening of the exhibition, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, which will be on display through December 31st. Former President George W. Bush created the 66 […]

Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport is located on Lou Holland Drive. Dr. Wheeler, physician, lawyer, and former mayor, is well-known to residents of Our Town – but who was Lou Holland? He is the man who was largely responsible for the creation of the Municipal Airport in the 1920s.  Nothing about Louis Edward Holland’s childhood […]

October 8th was the date for Sheffield Place’s Off the Wall at The LEX at Municipal Auditorium. Peter Sunderman and Curt Thomas served as the honorary chairmen. More than 450 supporters enjoyed dinner, drinks, and local art to benefit programs for the homeless children and mothers at Sheffield Place.       Featured in the […]

The people who give you their food give you their heart.” – Cesar Chavez As the holidays approach and families gather once more, I am reminded again and again that to cook is to nourish, not just the body, but also the spirit. The sharing of food gives pleasure and renewal. Each time we gather […]

October 22nd was the date for Pathway To Hope’s eighth annual Night of Hope Gala. The event helped to support the organization’s goal of ensuring that no one has to face mental illness alone.   Featured in the November 26, 2022 issue of The Independent. 

The Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties held its Dad’s Ice Breaker for the fathers of participants in the Community Ball and Cotillion. Everyone gathered on October 23rd at Dub’s Dread Golf Club to watch football, have some fun – and be fitted for those all-important tuxedos for the big night. (Final score? Chiefs […]

I have always been “anti-gadget” when it comes to stocking my kitchen tools. I went years without owning a crockpot. Having never been a fan of most recipes prepared in this midwestern kitchen must-have, I finally caved when my second child went through a phase of screaming and crying as an infant in the early […]

October 27th was the date for Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri’s Tough Cookies. Joni Wickham and Sly James served as the co-chairs. The event brought individuals together in a community conversation with an hour-long presentation about developing strong, resilient, and confident girls in today’s world. Guests enjoyed listening to a teen panel […]

Amy Lee Middleton and James Paul Uhlmann will be united in matrimony at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on January 21st. The bride-to-be is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Verne Middleton. Amy is the granddaughter of the late Edith Delores Lyle, Mrs. Jack Lee Lyle of Maryville, Missouri, and the late […]

Band of Angels is very grateful to have a volunteer like Kathleen McCullough. Kathleen is a retired orchestra director who serves on the organization’s board of directors. She also leads the music camp scholarship program, is developing the college scholarship process, and volunteers at every Band of Angels’ event. Kathleen’s unflappable dedication ensures that students […]

October 4th was the date for The Gathering, a benefit for New Roots for Refugees. Bridget Lee was the host of the 10th annual event. Guests enjoyed remarks from Lauren Solidum, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas; and Kristin Selby, New Roots for Refugees; along with delicious fare from Páros Estiatorio, and an opportunity to shop […]

Homegrown and brilliant, Designer and Artist Brady Legler might be the most significant creative export from Kansas City in the last few decades. While he calls New York home now, he is a frequent visitor to Our Town, where his parents still live and hold down the fort of what has become the family business. […]

Lynn Nottage’s play Clyde’s takes place in a “liminal space,” as the playwright has written, a truck-stop sandwich shop that is trying to “carve out space in a rapidly evolving landscape.” This place of transition is a bit like Lynn’s work itself: Her impressive output stands as a refreshing, transformative locus within the shifting terrain of […]

October 15th was the date for the 72nd BOTAR Ball, which was held at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The Ball had a chinoiserie theme, enhanced by panels commemorating Our Town’s landmarks. The lovely floral design was created by The Little Flower Shop. The BOTARs of 2022 were attired in stunning […]

Sarah Marie Ingram Dunn and Alec Dunn are lullabying a new little darling! John Oliver Robert Dunn was born on September 28th. He weighed eight pounds, one ounce, and was 20 inches long. John Oliver is the first grandchild for Laurie and Chip Ingram and Julie and William Dunn. His great-grandparents are the late Mr. […]

October 7th was the date for The Family Conservancy’s 11th annual Blue Carpet Event at The Abbott. The annual Betsy Vander Velde Award was given to Jennifer Bedell, Angie Davids, Lisa Foley, and Angie Smith, the four founders of Project 39. The program featured the story of the journey of TFC clients who immigrated to […]