For more than five centuries, European settlers went to extravagant lengths to erase Native American tradition, culture, and even language from the face of North America. The effect was devastating for Native peoples already contending with disease, massacres, and forced displacement.  The past half-century has seen a dramatic turnaround, both in attitudes and in legal protections […]

In celebrating Native American Heritage Month, I of course turn to literature. Native stories are not just tales of sorrow and the past, but also encompass stories of joy, cultural pride, overcoming obstacles, fun, and celebrations of family and friendship. Nowhere is this more apparent than in children’s books. Contemporary Native writers have been actively […]

Claire Schaefer Kramer and John Peter Cunningham exchanged wedding vows on June 29th at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, Kansas. The daughter of Pam and Kevin Kramer of Overland Park, Kansas, and the son of Tina and Lawrence Cunningham of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, were toasted at a gorgeous reception held at […]

Kansas City native Lindsey Rood-Clifford has deep roots in the community where she has made it her mission to show the value of the arts and non-profit service. To her, the arts are more than entertainment — they’re essential to the city’s soul. Yet, she has been involved in multiple facets of community service. This […]

October 5th was the date for Breaking Ground: Starlight’s 37th Annual Gala. Whitney Bartelli and Andrew Bogucki, and Anita and Dean Newton were the co-chairs. Jean and Don Wagner were the recipients of the Star Award, and Ora Reynolds was the recipient of the Star of Touring Broadway Award. Following a red-carpet reception, guests enjoyed […]

Children’s Mercy Kansas City hosted Dream Big Day in September at Crown Center Square, with a one-mile walk and a family-friendly celebration. Dream Big Day brings the community together around the mission of providing answers, hope, and care to patients and their families. Featured in the November 16, 2024 issue of The Independent

The KC Live! Block in the Power & Light District was the site for Lucky to Know You: Sunday Night Live, a benefit for Kansas City Hospice on October 6th. The fun event featured delicious fare, drinks, games, prizes, and more. The Patron Party was held a few nights prior, with a gorgeous Plaza view […]

Glendolyn Jackie Neely and Dr. William Ryan Jones will meet at the altar of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas, on May 23rd. Glendolyn is the daughter of Mrs. Mark Ellery Neely of Chanute, Kansas, and the late Mr. Neely. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Eugene McClaskey […]

Kansas City Ballet Guild members gathered at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity on September 26th to assemble invitations for the Nutcracker Ball, to be held on December 7th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Lynne and Carl Weilert are the chairmen, and Linda and Topper Johntz are serving as […]

The American Royal organization hosted a Royal Welcome party to honor the belles and escorts of the 2024 BOTAR class on October 23rd at the American Royal facility. Guests were treated to a fun tour, refreshments, and a meet-and-greet of Royal staff and board members. Featured in the November 16, 2024 issue of The IndependentPhoto […]

“The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today, and the modernity of today will be tradition tomorrow.” Jose Andres Tradition is a beautiful thread that weaves itself throughout the tapestry of human history. It binds our past, guides our present, and helps to shape our future. At one end of the spectrum, it is […]