We really don’t mean to sound like old fuddy-duddies, but in all probability, we will be judged as such. Stay with us as we explain how we’ve transformed ourselves into cool, hip, enlightened middle-agers. We never expected halls of indoor graffiti to make our hearts sing. We’ll get to the “why” in a minute, but […]

August 24th was the date for the 39th Annual Ben & Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic. The event, which was held at Lake Quivira Country Club, supported Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Honoring the late Betty and Ben Zarda, 120 golfers raised more than $160,000 for Catholic Charities’ summer food initiatives, including the Kids Summer […]

Fancy footwork was imperative as Cristo Rey Kansas City’s annual fundraiser, Dancing with the Kansas City Stars, made the switch to a live-streamed event. The honorary chairman was David Johnson, with Julisha Wilkins and Justina Wilkins, Cristo Rey alumnae and seniors at the University of Missouri – Columbia, as honorary co-chairmen. Kathleen Couchonnal, Kathleen Callahan, […]

In the Directors of Philanthropy issue, The Independent celebrates the remarkable people in Our Town who donate so much of their time and talents to charitable organizations.          Also featured in the October 3, 2020 issue of The Independent

Shadow Glen Golf Course was the site for the KidsTLC Open. The event was held on August 17th and featured libations, food stations, and unique games. Players safely hit the links at staggered, assigned tee times, and enjoyed a beautiful day of golf. Proceeds support services that help children deal with the challenges of mental […]

Generations of Kansas Citians would agree that a firefighter’s memorial was an excellent idea. It took a considerable amount of time to create one, but the finished product was well worth the wait. Discussions for a firefighter’s memorial began in earnest in 1968. The city government was receptive to the idea. Mayor Ilus Davis agreed […]

Henry Wollman Bloch was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in July 1922. He was the son of Hortense Bienenstok Bloch and Leon Bloch. Henry and his brothers, Leon and Richard, were great-grandsons of Betty Kohn Wollman and Jonas Wollman, who was a prominent merchant in Leavenworth, Kansas, during the latter half of the 19th century. […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing their special moments. We are excited to feature many happy celebrations that were held with healthy protocols in place, including masks, social distancing, and temperature taking. Cheers to some Kansas City fun!   Additional photos featured in the September 5, […]

October 10th is the date for the 2020 Kemper Gala, “Ions & Elements: Through the Microscope.” During this year’s event, the exhibition on display at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art will be Elias Sime: Tightrope. Elias takes salvaged electronic components and creates artworks that highlight the effects of technological progress on the global environment. […]

The Meyer Circle Sea Horse Fountain has graced Kansas City with its presence for nearly a century. Prior to that time, the original statuary, which was made of Carrera marble and dated from the 17th century, was on display in Venice, Italy. J.C. Nichols, the real estate developer, decided that it should be a gift […]

Keep calm and marry on! If the guest of honor leans more towards a bridechilla than a bridezilla, then a Picnic At The Park with a yoga flow session is a breath of fresh air for all. Celebrate the bride-to-be with a little Zen and a lot of love.   The beauty of this type […]

Newly-engaged couples are some of the happiest humans out there. When you’re living the in-love life, every hour is happy! One of my favorite parties to host is a Happiest Of Hours couple’s shower. I have always been a fan of attending and throwing a party that celebrates the marriage of a couple and includes […]

Bubbles and brunch go together like eggs and bacon, the perfect pairing for the perfect celebration. Gathering the bride’s favorite gals or wedding party for an intimate brunch filled with laughter and love is truly what wedding celebrations are made for. A morning that fills the blushing bride’s cup (or champagne flute!) to the top […]

In fourth grade, one of our assignments was to write a poem about a month. I chose June. The exact version is lost, but here’s what I remember:  In June, girls become wives And start all new lives But I shall stay the same And not change my name.  (Yes, I was a curmudgeon even […]

How fortunate brides are today to have luxurious bathtubs and exotic shower heads imitating rainfall in the forest to ensure wedding day cleanliness at its best! Because back in the day, dear friends, brides carried garlic, herbs, and spices in bouquets to cover up, shall we say, the lack of a clawfoot tub. Oh, and […]

Calligraphy, which is essentially decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering, is a special art form that has an enduring appeal. It can be used to express your personal style on your wedding day. Many brides, who want nothing but the best, have cherished the handwritten quality of their invitations and envelopes, as well as place cards, […]

Wedding registries are pure, unadulterated fun: tire swing in the summer fun, kid in a candy shop fun, sticking your toes in the sand fun, pick out what you like and have other people buy it fun! And, believe it or not, registries have only been around for about 100 years. Marshall Fields department store […]

A Blooms For The Bride shower is my absolute favorite bridal party to host and to attend! Flowers play an integral role in all of life’s celebrations and meaningful moments. From a romantic gesture on the first date to designing a dream bridal bouquet, flowers are riding the love train alongside a couple. Hosting a […]

Anita B. Gorman, a resident of the Northland, became the first woman to be a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners in 1979. She served as its president from 1986 until 1991. One project dear to her heart was the creation of The Children’s Fountain in North Kansas City. […]

Finding employment and keeping employment are challenging enough tasks. When women in our community add in the stress of starting a new business or trying to navigate the repercussions of a world-wide pandemic, the programs and services of the Women’s Employment Network are truly a life raft in the sea of uncertainty. This non-profit agency […]

William Volker was born in 1859 in Germany. He came with his family to the United States in 1871, and he settled in Kansas City in 1882. A newspaper advertisement from January 1889 shows William Volker & Co. at 602 and 604 Delaware Street. The firm announced itself as “Headquarters for Mirrors, Picture Frames, Etchings, […]