May 4, 2024 #AAPI Issue

REMEMBER WHEN 83 Years

Yih Chen-Tong Nuptials Highlight the Social Scene

The wedding of Mei Li Tong, the daughter of Dr. Hollington K. Tong, the minister of information for Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, and Yih Chen, the son of a Shanghai publisher, was solemnized on Thursday, December 26, at the Country Club Congregational Church. Dr. Lindsay Young of Park College performed the ceremony, followed by a reception at the J. Warner Brown home on Sagamore Road. Both the bridegroom and his father-in-law are graduates of the School of Journalism at Missouri University.

Reprinted from the January 4, 1941 issue of The Independent.

In The Spotlight

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the 17th annual Stems: A Garden Soirée will be held on June 22nd to benefit the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. Barbara and Mike Nicco have returned to Kansas City and are thrilled to be serving as the honorary chairs for the event that lends support to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum, and beyond.

Honorary Chairs Mike and Barbara Nicco

May 19th is the date for Child Protection Center’s 11th Annual Cook for Courage. The event takes place on the grounds of the Vine Street Brewing Company and features local chefs and breweries sharing their incredible fare while competing in a barbeque and brew cook-off. Celebrity judges Kasim Hardaway, Matt Stewart, Pete Dulin, Katie Van Luchene, Nathan Perry, Jasper Mirabile, Jonathan Justus, and Jenny Vergara will vote on their favorites. This year’s chefs are Ben Wood, Providence Pizza; Bradley Gilmore, Lula; Shanita McAfee-Bryant, The Prospect Urban Eatery; Cherven Desauguste, MESOB; Anita Moore, Soiree; and Vince Paredes, The Farmhouse. Event Co-chairs Ashley and Spencer DuVall, Kelsey and Whitt Potts, Heather and Arthur Bridgens, and Alison and Dan Portnoy, along with Committee Members Mark Hillman, Katie Van Luchene, Pete Dulin, and Robb Yagmin, are hard at work on this fun event.

The Mid America Freedom Band Kansas City’s spring concert, Birds and the Bees, is set for May 10th at the C. Stephen Metzler Hall at the Folly Theater. The performance includes selections from Henry Mancini, Igor Stravinsky, Erik Morales, John Williams, and more. For ticket information, visit freedomband.com.

The Salvation Army of Greater Kansas City’s annual Civic Leadership Breakfast is set for May 17th at the North Club at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The program, emceed by Mitch Holthus, features esteemed guest speakers and the presentation of the William Booth Award, the Others Award, and the Certificate of Life Membership. For tickets, visit downforthechallengekc.com.

Kauffman Center Presents will feature Trailblazing Talks with Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer on May 21st at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. With the theme of “Saving Our Blue Planet, One Hope Spot at a Time,” Dr. Sylvia Earle will discuss her work in just about every facet of ocean conservation. She was the first female Chief Scientist of NOAA, has designed and engineered deep water rovers, and advises heads of state on critical marine protection legislation and crisis response. Her focus is in helping others understand the consequences of everything that goes into and is taken out of the ocean and how best to preserve this natural environment. Visit kauffmancenter.org for tickets. Serving Kansas City with fine kitchenware for over 50 years!

The Kansas City Symphony and Conductor Michael Stern will showcase Joshua Bell and Ravel on stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts from May 31st through June 2nd. The concert features violinist Joshua Bell playing commissioned works from Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer, and Jake Heggie with the themes of earth, water, and fire. Audiences will also enjoy selections from Vieuxtemps, Connesson, Haydn, and Ravel. To learn more, visit kauffmancenter.org.

The IndependentKansas City’s Oldest Magazine

The Jewel Ball will be held on June 15th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Grandparents of The 2024 Jewel Ball Debutantes:

Sofia Lynn Boulware, granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Dean Flores, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Dan Boulware * Paige Elise Castillo, Mrs. Henry Corwin Bruns and the late Corporal Bruns, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Perez Castillo, Jr. * Charlotte Foster Emley, the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bush Foster and Mr. and Mrs. Roger David Emley * Madison Jo Esrey, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas Wiswall and Mr. and Mrs. William Todd Esrey * Jacquelyn Marie Freeman, Mrs. Frank Joseph Bettendorf and the late Mr. Bettendorf, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Fredrick Freeman, Jr. * Brett Lee Gieras, Linda Beard Felts, Mr. Thomas Earl Felts and the late Mrs. Felts, Mr. John J. Gieras, and Mrs. James Rodrigues and the late Mr. Rodrigues * Catherine Vail Goodwin, the late Mr. and Mrs. Mack Vail Colt and Mrs. Frederick Merry Goodwin, Jr. and the late Mr. Goodwin * Katherine Parker Grace, Mr. Kirk Fredrick McConachie and the late Mrs. McConachie, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lachenmayr, and the late Mr. Brian Guiles Grace * Remley Elizabeth Grant, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Allen Remley and Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas Grant II * Katherine Michelle Hargroves, the late Patricia Pauley Holmes, Mrs. Robert Leroy Holmes and the late Mr. Holmes, Alice Jane Earnhart, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael William Hargroves * Christina Aloha Kerr, Mrs. Charles Leroy Betzelberger and the late Mr. Betzelberger, and the late Mr. and Mrs. David Leslie Kerr * Frances Pearl McKee, Mrs. William Conrad Eikermann and the late Dr. Eikermann, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ira William McKee, Jr. * Georgia Marin McKee, Sarah Pfeiffer Brookfield and the late Mr. Daniel Joseph Pfeiffer and Mr. and Mrs. Timothy E. McKee * Margaret Grace Reintjes, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Edward Healey and Mr. and Mrs. Robert James Reintjes, Jr. * Mae Elizabeth Sands, Mr. and Mrs. John William Sutherland, Jr. and Mrs. John Bunker Sands and the late Mr. Sands * Lillian Forrest Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Ruzicka, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edward Kennamore, and Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon Randall Simmons * Hannah Elaine Thiessen, Mr. and Mrs. David Alan Schauer and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robert Thiessen * Elizabeth Laing Thornberry, the late Mr. Thomas Wayne Cartwright, Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord Lee Reichart, and Terry Leigh Walter * Petra Tihen Uhlig, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Edward Millard and Mrs. Paul Jay Uhlig and the late Mr. Uhlig * Mae Mary Urquidez, Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds Prufrock Mackey and the late Mrs. Mackey, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ralph Urquidez * Regan Hall Wagstaff, Mrs. John Patrick Sullivan and the late Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Walton Wagstaff * Charlotte Jane Wetzel, Mrs. Arthur Thomas Ruppe and the late Mr. Ruppe, and Mr. David Nevin Wetzel and the late Dr. Wetzel * Whitney Collins Wilson, Susan Thompson Jackson, Mrs. Robert Lawrence Jackson, Jr. and the late Mr. Jackson, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Chambliss Wilson * Ava Danielle Wolff, Mrs. Byron Charles Cohen and the late Mr. Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wolff, and the late Stephanie Hoffman Wolff * and Katherine Malone Wollard, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan Duffy and Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Reed Wollard.

Grandparents of The 2024 Gentlemen of The Jewel Ball:

Michael Charles Bondi, grandson of Mrs. Michael Joseph Siragusa and the late Mr. Siragusa, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michael Bondi * David Singleton Coady, Mr. Emmert Crichton Singleton and the late Mrs. Singleton, and Anne Marie Coady and the late Mr. Mark David Coady * John Caskie Collet IV, Barbara Leather Grimes, Mr. John William Grimes, Mr. Travis Edwin Reed II and the late Mrs. Reed, and the late Mr. John Caskie Collet, Jr. * Daniel Brauer Dickinson, Carol Hartman Welliver and Mr. Marc Edward Welliver and Mrs. Gary Lynn Dickinson and the late Mr. Dickinson * Russell Apollo Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Milbank Foote, the late Mr. Robert Charles Gordon, and Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Sherburn Dunn * John William Foster VI, Mr. and Mrs. John William Sutherland, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. John William Foster IV * Thomas Matthew Gogel, the late Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Rønnow Lauritzen and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony John Gogel * Dustin Sidney Greenwood, Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Halpern and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Greenwood * Benton Feld Helzberg, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stephen Harmon and Mr. and Mrs. Barnett C Helzberg, Jr. * Elias Shakley Helzberg, Charlann Louise Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Mark William Shakley, and Mr. and Mrs. Barnett C Helzberg, Jr. * Jackson Charles Kimbell, Mrs. Dennis Miller and the late Mr. Miller, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwards Kimbell * Tyler Jackson Kirchhoff, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Wood III, the late Martha Clay Wood McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Douglas McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. William Engel, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Kirchhoff, and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brennan Norris * Ryan Geoffrey Kumer, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Murray Eades and Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Charles Kumer * Pierson Ross McKee, the late Susan Buddemeyer Busenbark and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ira William McKee, Jr. * Carter Michael Mihalovich, Cheryl Tormanen Spear, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brady Spear, and Mr. and Mrs. John Anthony Mihalovich * Jacob Owen Norris, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Dudley, the late Mr. Dan Smith, Joyce Holdeman and the late Mr. Gary Holdeman, the late Martha Clay Wood McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Douglas McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Wood III, and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brennan Norris * Zachary Keith Olrich, Mrs. Anthony Keith Weber and the late Mr. Weber, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Anthony Olrich * Reuben Lyman Perin IV, Mrs. John Noble McConnell, Jr. and the late Mr. McConnell, and Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Lyman Perin, Jr. * Nolan Chandler Reuter, Kristina Roher Aikman, Mr. and Mrs. James Stockton Aikman, and Mrs. Ronald Sterling Reuter and the late Mr. Reuter * John Hazelett Shelton, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Alan Hazelett, the late Suzanne Northam Hazelett, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Reedall Shelton, and the late Jean Lindberg Shelton * Edward Chalfant Sih, Mrs. William Harrison Shackelford III and the late Mr. Shackelford, the late Mr. Michael Edward Chalfant, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Norman Sih * Joseph Michael Staker, Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Dunn, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Rodd David Staker * Frederick Lewis Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Lee Langstaff, Mr. and Mrs. William Terrence Brown, and the late Dr. Tom Gray Sullivan * August Gregory Thompson, the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore August Wiedeman and the late Mr. and Mrs. Byron Gregory Thompson, Sr. * Henry William Wilkerson, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Karl Hoeschele and the late Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Alexander Wilkerson * Frank Richard Williams III, Mrs. Anthony Pierce Redmond and the late Dr. Redmond, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Frank Richard Williams * and Andrew Price Wilson, Jr., Susan Thompson Jackson, Mrs. Robert Lawrence Jackson, Jr. and the late Mr. Jackson, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Chambliss Wilson.

JEWEL BALL HONORARY CHAIRMAN

Jewel Ball Honorary Chairman Mrs. Robert Eby Esrey

Sue Rechner Esrey (Mrs. Robert Eby Esrey) will serve as the honorary chairman of The Jewel Ball on June 15th. Sue served as Jewel Ball chairman in 1998, and her husband, Bob, was a member of the floor committee in 1957. Sue and Bob are the parents of Carl Eby Esrey, who was a floor committee member in 1986; and Dorothy Eby Esrey McKay (Mrs. Lawrence Jerome McKay), who was presented as a debutante in 1988. The couple’s grandson, Larkin Robert McKay, served as a Jewel Ball page in 2013.

Sue’s involvement in the Kansas City civic scene dates back to her early days with the Kansas City, Missouri Junior League, which she credits with sharpening her volunteer skills. She spent many an hour on projects ranging from leadership development of young people to serving on the Crippled Children’s Nursery board (now serving clients as Ability KC). Besides her many chairmanships with The Jewel Ball, Sue also served as a docent at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for several years. In 1992, Sue and Cheryl Lockton chaired the third annual Jazzoo, with the theme of “Australian Outback,” to benefit the Kansas City Zoo. She is so grateful to her father for modeling civic and philanthropic commitment and behavior. It guided her as she developed her own sense of community and involvement.

Married to Bob Esrey in 1963, the couple recently celebrated 61 years together. They met while Sue was at Sunset Hill and Bob was at Pem-Day in school. Feeling blessed with the adventurous life she has been given, Sue has traveled all over the world, and her itineraries include places like Nepal, Bali, hiking in the Andes, Timbuktu, and a jaunt to Rwanda for a gorilla viewing with her daughter. Currently, they divide their time between homes in Vail, Colorado, and Indian Wells, California. (Bob’s brother, William Esrey, was a member of the floor committee in 1959, his son was in 1986, and his grandson was in 2017; and his two granddaughters were presented as debutantes in 2018 and 2022.)

Sue

What Sue loves best about her tenure with The Jewel Ball is the friendships she has formed with the “Most amazing, lovely, devoted women who make the organization work so well. It brings out the best in us as we learn to work as a team.” She is grateful for the opportunity to serve as the honorary chairman for the 70th annual Jewel Ball and work with Ball Chairman Holly Milledge on such an important event for Kansas City, benefiting The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Kansas City Symphony.

The Jewel Ball is pleased to announce the 2024 Pages.

Clare Corson Armistead, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Westwood Armistead, granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Bryant Hebenstreit and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Corson Armistead, great-granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dana Bartlett, Jr. Jody Bartlett was the chairman of the 1977 Ball and honorary chairman of the 2012 Ball.

Andrew Hunter Grant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clay Grant, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas Grant II and Dr. and Mrs. George Albert Baldwin, great-grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Downing Grant. Mary Grant was chairman of the 1973 Ball and honorary chairman of the 2008 Ball.

Emily Jordan Hunt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Thomas Hunt II, granddaughter of Mr. David Thomas Hunt and Mrs. Neil Tomlinson Douthat and Mr. and Mrs. John Bert Luthi, great-granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Thomas Hunt and the late Judy Henry Hunt. Judy Hunt was chairman of the 1993 Ball.

Benson Joe Jack Merriman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lars Merriman, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Atha Merriman and Kathleen Duffin Hutchinson and Mr. William Lewald Hutchinson. Ellen Merriman was chairman of the 2015 Ball.

Bob and

Esrey on their wedding day, January 12, 1963

Sue Esrey was the co-chairman of the 1992 Jazzoo event.

TIFFANY CIRCLE

The American Red Cross Tiffany Circle of Greater Kansas City hosted its inaugural Women’s Speaker Series in celebration of Women’s History Month and Red Cross Month. Titled “The Women We Admire and Why,” the special guest speaker was Soileh Padilla-Mayer, Head Consul at the Mexican Consulate in Kansas City. Following the speaker, a panel discussion was moderated by Jennifer Gille Bacon, Tiffany Circle member. She led the discussion with some of Kansas City’s corporate women leading the way for community impact and philanthropy.

Guests at the Women’s Speaker Series

Attendees enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and great conversation.

Board Members: Joan Remmers, Ellen Cray, Sherri O’Dell, Marjie Knust, Suzie Carpenter, JoAnn Woody, American Red Cross; David Laird, Barry Falke, and Jennifer Gedney

JoAnn Woody, American Red Cross; addressed the guests.

Barry Falke, American Red Cross; Jennifer Gille Bacon, moderator; Suzie Carpenter, Margie Knust, Macaela Stephenson, Christi Allen, and Klassie Alcine, panelists; JoAnn Woody, American Red Cross; and Randee Krumwiede, American Red Cross

Suzie Carpenter, Macaela Stephenson, Marjie Knust, Klassie Alcine, and Christi Allen, panelists; and Jennifer Gille Bacon, moderator

Members of the Black & Veatch WAVE (Women’s Advancement, Vision, Empowerment) Group: Suzie Carpenter, Cheri Zeka, Kim Beets, Lora Farrell, and Jennifer Motush

Randee Krumwiede, American Red Cross; discussed the mission, vision, and history of the Tiffany Circle.

QUINQUENNIAL 1935-1939

THE HOME FRONT

We find the absolutely irresistible Dick Moore with some limited mobility and a mischievous glint in his eye.

38th? A

By Anne Potter Russ

FARTHER AFIELD

Woolf Brothers is touting a New Sport Shop for Women, and it is clearly meant to attract the housewife. Whether it’s for a “spectator” or “active” person - sportswear is here to stay.

Keeping the home fires burning… or at least the range and oven will be hot with the new Gas Cookery from Kansas City Gas Company

from the April 4, 1936 issue of The Independent.

Reprinted from the February 23, 1935 issue of The Independent.

Municipal Auditorium makes its debut in 1936.

I Wonder… if the entries weren’t a bit nasty back in the day?

Reprinted from the June 11, 1935 issue of The Independent.

from the September 5, 1936 issue of The Independent.

Myron Green on The Plaza is staking its reputation on these cinnamon rolls, and we can almost smell them!

Reprinted from the January 23, 1937 issue of The Independent.

Reprinted from the January 2, 1937 issue of The Independent.

Ten-month-old Dick Moore, grandson of Dr. Richard L. Sutton

Reprinted

Reprinted from the November 20, 1937 issue of The Independent.

Happy

glossy gold and black toast to ourselves seems to be in order with this cover.

Reprinted

University of Central Missouri

Lieutenant Commander John Rex Spivey, Courtney Goddard, UCM; David Eckstein, keynote speaker; and Jeanette and Kevin Prenger, UCM alumni

The University of Central Missouri’s First Pitch banquet, which raises funds for the award-winning baseball program, took place on campus on March 23rd. The keynote speaker was former MLB player, David Eckstein.

The Friends of Chamber Music’s annual Soirée was held on March 16th at Hotel Kansas City to celebrate the 48th season of chamber music in Our Town. The event featured performances by Artistic Directors Hyeyeon Park and Dmitri Atapine, as well as a performance by the students in the Friends of Chamber Music and Heartland Young Artist Project. More than 200 guests enjoyed wine, a delicious dinner, and music while raising funds to support the organization’s concert and education programming.

Honorary Chairs Cindy and Jay Longbottom

Bud and Jennifer Bacon, board member

Friends of Chamber Music and Heartland Young Artist Project students

Marc Johnson, Hyeyeon Park, Friends of Chamber Music; Karen Penner, and Dmitri Atapine, Friends of Chamber Music

Brett Robison, Friends of Chamber Music

Al Mauro, board member; Francesca Mauro, and Molly Dwyer

Hyeyeon Park and Dmitri Atapine, Friends of Chamber Music

Dmitri Atapine, Friends of Chamber Music; Naomi and Dwight Arn, board president; and Hyeyeon Park, Friends of Chamber Music

Ron Fredman, board member; and Tricia Fredman

Hyeyeon Park and Dmitri Atapine, Friends of Chamber Music

Doug Frost, master sommelier

Cindy Longbottom, honorary chair

REMEMBER WHEN 61 Years Ago

Mother’s Day

Mrs. George B. Longan III and Nancy Ann

Mrs. Max Straube and Jan Louise

Mrs. Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., and Wendy Helen

Mrs. Edward L. Benson and Ellen Ann

Mrs. Albert L. Gustin III and Lyndon Simmons

Mrs. Peter C. Barnes and Page Rixon

REMEMBER WHEN

83 Years Ago

The informal Thomas Hart Bentons caught by Frank Lauder in characteristic pose before the friendly fireside. T. P., of classic face and figure, with his companion, Buia, the cat; Mrs. Benton, mater, holds infant Jessie on her knee; artist Benton embraces Jake, who surveys the scene with complete understanding of his canine importance

Reprinted from the March 15, 1941 issue of The Independent.

Each year, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) and four Community Advisory Boards come together to nominate individuals, businesses, and organizations whose volunteerism, dedication to community, and philanthropy make a significant impact on suburban Eastern Jackson, Cass, and Lafayette County communities. These exceptional honorees will be recognized at the 29th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala on September 21st at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Phil Hanson, president and CEO of THCF, is pleased to announce this year’s honorees. They include Helen and Doug Hatridge, Humanitarian of the Year; CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Corporate Citizen of the Year; Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), Heartland Service Award; and Craig Bolger, Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year. Congratulations to all of these well-deserving honorees!

I Wonder –which two moms were so happy to have their two grown sons in attendance at dinner?

May 20th is the date for Folly Theater’s 15th Annual Golf Classic, to be held at the beautiful and newly renovated Oakwood Country Club. Enjoy a graband-go breakfast and lunch, beverage carts, a silent auction, a post-tournament Scotch and Cigar Deck, and great prizes for the winning teams. To learn more, visit follytheater.org.

Grab a lawn chair, blanket, and picnic dinner and head to the Grand Pavilion at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park on Sundays beginning May 19th for the City of Lenexa’s Outdoor Concert Series. The free concerts showcase a variety of live music in a lovely outdoor setting. The line up includes The Old No. 5s, The Vincents, Joshua Tree, AnnaLee & the Lucky So and Sos, J Love Band, Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra, and Fast Times. Visit lenexa.com for concert dates.

NOTEWORTHY

Spitzmiller,

guest speaker

Hillcrest Thrift

Hillcrest Thrift Overland Park celebrated the opening of a new location at College and Quivira with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 15th. The event was co-hosted by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and Hillcrest Transitional Housing. The thrift store supports the mission of Hillcrest Transitional Housing of working to solve homelessness in Kansas City.

(Front row) Clayton Hunter, Emily Valverde, Brenna Luevano, Tracy Osborne Oltjen, Randy Vance, Tom Lally, Zoran Misic, Joy May, Jim Kite, Amanda Marchand, Darnell Smith, and Barbara Fitzgerald (back row) Leeann Juncker, Mark Carr, Paula Lucas, David Brewer, Ben Muiller, Justin Moore, Tom Ford, Annie Rogers, Kate Fields, Sara Sparks, Jarvis Sackman, Pearlena Campbell, Latasha Brown, Lu Ann Ross, Felicity Anderson, Shanette Oliver, Cindy Wright, Dr. Evelyn Hill, and Andrea Newton

Lead to Read KC

PLowell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, is hosting a new and exciting fundraising event on June 4th, which will feature guest speaker Christopher Spitzmiller, author of A Year at Clove Brook Farm: Gardening, Tending Flocks, Keeping Bees, Collecting Antiques, and Entertaining Friends. The event, Fleur-ette, will take place at The Guild. The immersive luncheon experience will combine the splendor of nature, the art of living beautifully, and the joy of giving back. Guests will enjoy curated cocktails and mocktails, a delicious lunch, the smooth sounds of Eboni Fondren, a runway presentation by KC Fashion Week, and a curated marketplace with artisan goods. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a floral tablescape design workshop.

ead to Read KC is pleased to announce the appointment of a new executive director, Rhea Muchalla LeGrande, who will assume leadership on May 13th. Rhea brings with her a strong literacy and leadership background, as she was the chief program officer at Teach For America, was the founding program lead at Educator Academy, and held various positions in the Kansas City Public Schools. Rhea holds a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Oregon, and she is working on her doctorate degree in education curriculum and instruction. Congratulations, Rhea.

Rhea Muchalla LeGrande

I Wonder –which family is newly fanatic about making stained glass?

KC Shepherd’s Center’s Guac Your World is set for May 21st at Corrigan Station Rooftop Event Space. The event features five local chefs competing for the title of “KC’s Best Taco.” Enjoy tasty drinks, entertainment, a taco tasting, a guac and chips bar, and two tickets to be used to vote for your favorite chefs. Visit kcshepherdscenter.org to learn more.

Christopher

Gemma and Andrew Ingalls

Stanislav & PARK UNIV INTERNATIONAL CENT

The much-anticipated and glorious, fifth annual Stanislav & Friends con for Music, was held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on chairmen for the evening that featured the multitalented faculty members, the special appearance of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. More at kci

Park ICM Orchestra Members: (Front row) Otabek Guchkulov, Ilkhom Mukhiddinov, Soobeen Nam, Alice Palese, and Orin Laursen (second row) Mardon Abdurakhmomov, Ainaz Jalilpour, Yin-Shiuan Ting, and Mumin Turgunov (third row) Samin Golozar, David Horak, Aviv Daniel, and Diyorbek Nortojiyev (back row) Yuren Zhang, Christian dos Santos, and Victor Diaz

Edith and Benny Lee, James Malouff, and Jennifer and Bryan Wampler

Nicki Wang, Julie and Vince Clark, and Carl and Lynne Weilert

Lisa Hickok, Park ICM; S Phyllis Nolan, hono Mary Kay Vonerdmannsdor

Erik Bergrud and Kimberlee Ried with Karen and Dr. John Yungmeyer

Cindy and Jay Longbottom Myron Sildon and Doris Hamilton Sildon

Julie Buttell and Marcia Karbank

Stan Fisher, Marlene Callaway, Nicki Wang, Vince Clark, Terry Callaway, Shane Smeed, Park University; and Angela Smeed, and Brad Brewster

& Friends VERSITY TER FOR MUSIC

ncert, to benefit Park University’s International Center March 8th. Phyllis and Ron Nolan were the honorary students, and alumni of Park ICU. Also included was ndependent.com.

Susan Morgenthaler, orary chairman; rff, and Mary Bet Brown

Kenny Johnson Photography

Pianists Behzod Abduraimov and Stanislav Ioudenitch performed with Bruce Sorrell and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra.

Ihab and Colleen Hassan

Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, Ben Sayevich, Daniel Veis, Phyllis and Ron Nolan, honorary chairmen; Peter Chun, Stanislav Ioudenitch, and Behzod Abduraimov

John and Angela Walker with Rita and Celeste Lupercio

Steve and Dr. Evelina Swartzman, Ana Martinez, and Jim and Natalie Atwater

Ron Nolan, honorary chairman; and David and Lorelei Gibson

Melissa Ford, Park University; and Tom and Mary Bet Brown

Celebrating AAPI Heritag e Month

By Anne Potter Russ

Dear Readers,

We are always so enlightened when we research the history of declared celebratory months in our country. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is no different. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 1978 Congress passed a resolution creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The observance expanded to a month (May) in 1992, which coincided with two important events in history: the first Japanese immigrants in the United States (May of 1843), and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, using Chinese laborers. (Prior to that, the first documented Asians in the Americas were the Filipinos who landed in what is now California in 1587. In 1788, the first Native Hawaiians arrived in what would become Oregon.)

Originally, in the 1970s, congressional staffer Jeanie Jew first approached Representative Frank Horton with the idea of recognizing Asian Pacific Americans. As an update, in 2009, President Obama signed a Proclamation which recognized the “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” Then, in 2021, President Biden declared it “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council announced that the theme for the May, 2024 celebration is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.” This theme “Pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future. Innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership. AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our Nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements, and social/political change through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.”

By the numbers, and according to the 2021 census, there are approximately 20 million people of Asian descent in the United States; 35 is the median age; the largest population resides in Hawaii at 56.6 percent; and Asian-owned businesses make up about 10 percent of all businesses in 2020.

Along with this introductory information, please enjoy the many faces, stories, and local resources we have explored in this issue. Whether we enjoy food trucks, dragon boats, or local artists, let’s celebrate this delightful culture in Our Town.

When International Day comes to the Kansas City Athenaeum clubhouse this Sunday, Yumi Stroder (the Japanese American is student Ambassador to K.C.’s sister city, Kurashiki), Frank Mirikitani (Japanese nisei) and Miss Jane Drury (chairman of Japan-America Society Festival committee) will be a part of the total look - featuring international food and continuous entertainment, crafts, costumes, and native dances from the Philippines, Ireland and France, to name a few.

A fashion show from Japan is the Maytime (the 2nd) project of the Kansas City Fashion Group. The show in the Plaza Inn Ballroom was organized by the Fashion Group of Tokyo and is titled “Four Seasons.” Included will be ancient costumes such as a 200-year-old kimono in coarse wool of the type worn by firemen and a classic kimono as well as contemporary designs. Models’ make-up will be done by Shiseido cosmetic experts from New York.

Mrs. Ann Laumeyer (president of the local Fashion Group chapter) and her co-chairman for the show Mrs. James Gallant with treasurer Mrs. Dorothy M. Maloney.

“The Pleasures of Chinese Cooking” was written by Grace Zia Chu and she has taught Chinese Cooking for 23 years at the China Institute of America in New York.

(This photo is one of a set - James Beard will open a series of four International Dinner Parties sponsored by the Friends of Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Crown Center Redevelopment Corporation.)

William H. Haney

Mrs. Sloan J. Wilson and Mrs. Claude T. Wyman of the Women’s Committee of the Kansas City Museum and Miss Patricia George, decorations chairman for the Fashion Group.

Reprinted from the April 13, 1974 issue of The Independent.

William H. Haney

KANSAS CITY’S INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL BRIDGES CULTURES

By Monica V. Reynolds

On June 15th, Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza will come alive with the International Dragon Boat Festival. “This family-friendly, free event features the only dragon boat racing competition held in a creek,” said Joan Pu, vice president of the Society for Friendship with China. “The races will take place from 10 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m., depending on the rowers’ pace,” she said.

During this year’s event, festivalgoers can expect a cultural showcase that includes flash-mob style performances. One display of note will feature children from the Zhang Li “Lily Taylor” Dance Academy. “The troupe consists of many who were born in China and adopted by American families,” Joan said. In addition, Chinese culture will be demonstrated through martial arts and traditional Chinese clothing called qipao.

Hungry revelers will enjoy savory and sweet treats served up by food trucks while perusing a variety of street-level tents featuring children’s activities and Chinese culture demonstrations. “We have about 10 tents with children’s activities, Chinese painting classes, and interactive activities for people to try,” Joan said.

The history of the Dragon Boat Festival spans 2,000 years. According to Joan, China’s original Dragon Boat Festival was inspired by the drowning of a beloved Chinese government official and poet. The patriot was the subject of an underhanded plot, which led to his exile. When he later learned the country had fallen into enemy hands, he was devastated and threw himself into the river. “The local people loved him very much,” Joan said. “It was a race against time to retrieve his body, but the river was slowly rising so they were not able to do that. They threw rice into the river so the fish would eat the rice instead of him.”

As a result, China’s Dragon Boat Festival features a race and a traditional meal of rice dumplings wrapped in leaves. While Our Town’s event won’t feature rice dumplings, it will feature an exciting race between students and faculty from UMKC, Kansas City Art Institute, The University of Kansas Medical Center, and Johnson County Community College, among others.

Though the Dragon Boat Festival is an ancient tradition in China, it is a relatively recent feature of Kansas City’s cultural calendar. In 2005, the celebration was introduced by Bob and Teresa Chien, founders of the Society for Friendship with China. “They came to Kansas City when they were young,” Joan said. “They raised their family here and had their own businesses. Bob Chien was involved in the Kansas City Community and was a member of the Rotary Club.”

Joan said the couple founded The Society for Friendship to promote Chinese culture and foster relationships between people in Kansas City and China. According to the organization’s website, these relationships center around trade, tourism, educational exchanges, and promoting understanding between the people of China and Kansas City.

The local Dragon Boat Festival plays a role in meeting these goals. While attendance is free, boat race registration fees fund classroom equipment, computers, books, desks, and chairs for children in China. A portion of the proceeds also support Kansas City college students.

In addition, the Society receives sponsorship from individuals and grants such as the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund to finance its philanthropic endeavors. Plans are also underway to develop a Chinese garden in Kansas City.

In the meantime, Kansas Citians can enjoy its annual family-friendly event, the International Dragon Boat Festival, which brings people of all backgrounds together in a cultural exchange of fun and friendship.

Festivalgoers celebrated at the 2023 Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival.

Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza was filled with the wonderful activities of the 2023 Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival.

Linda Hanley

Linda Hanley

A LIFE FULFILLED: ENTREPRENEUR FINDS JOY

IN THE ARTS AND A KNACK FOR GIVING

By Paul Horsley

Several aspects of Benny Lee’s formative years in Taiwan became driving forces in his life, and engendered curiosity, toughness, and positivity that continue to inspire him to this day.

The death of his father when Benny was just 13 impacted him greatly: He learned much about tenacity and self-reliance watching his mother learn new job skills to support three sons.

The generosity of family members, in the lean years that followed, showed Benny the importance of family support, and the virtue of giving.

The motivation to better oneself through education, always with an eye for opportunity, revealed Benny’s natural entrepreneurial spirit.

These strands can all be seen in the Benny of today, a joyful concert organizer and a munificent philanthropist who finds that personal interaction is the most important element in leading a rich life.

Benny also fell in love with music along the way. Ever fascinated by classical music, he also adored the bands of the Swing Era so much that when an English teacher asked her young students to each choose an “English name,” Benny named himself after his favorite clarinetist. (“Benny, good man,” he jokes, is still the sort of person that he strives to be.)

Yung Chieh Lee (his given name) grew up under the harsh rule of Chiang Kai-Shek, the nationalist leader who fled mainland China to establish the People’s Republic in Taiwan in 1949. While Benny’s widowed mother, Siu-Yen Huang, worked for the Census Department, her sons took various jobs: Benny worked in a library, doing everything from sweeping up to processing books.

Siu-Yen came from a prominent family: Her brother, Chi-Jui Huang, served as mayor of Taipei during the late 1950s and early 1960s; his son, Shu-Wei Huang, began a life in politics before assuming a venerated post at the Longshan Temple, a 300-year-old place of worship and prominent Taipei tourist attraction.

“Because the building is very old, it was carefully preserved and is now a historical site,” Benny said of this monument of Taiwan’s history. “And I’m proud to be a part of that family.”

Benny’s career path was more practical, and shrewdly focused considering the promise of technological products in the 1970s and ’80s. He studied electrical engineering at the Tatung Institute of Technology, and after completing mandatory military service he entered the workforce at a time when the Taiwanese economy was on a sharp upward trajectory.

He was a sales engineer for Midland International, owned by Western Auto. As an engineer for United States companies that had offices in Taipei, he traveled the world and learned the ins and outs of American business methods.

His growing skill in “vertical integration” emboldened him to form his own company, Mitco, in 1980: a Taiwan-based trading company with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the United States. It helped connect manufacturers of products to new markets around the world, gaining popularity with such products as the Ginsu knife and the Handy Stitch Handheld Sewing Machine.

In 1987, he founded Transworld Products in Kansas City, and in 1995, Top Innovations, which marketed Steamfast steamers and other products. Though his ventures have sometimes gone out on a limb, he always maintains one strong core company. His business philosophy is “to exercise healthy business practices within a healthy company: one that can survive for a long, long time without one having to worry about it.”

Also in 1995, Benny and his family settled in the United States. In 1997 he became the major investor in DuraComm Corp., a manufacturer of power supply units for communication systems. In 2013, the United States Chamber of Commerce named DuraComm one of the year’s Top 100 Small Businesses.

Benny sold DuraComm in 2022, determined finally to retire and begin a new chapter. Today, he finds himself focusing more on his many philanthropic ventures in Kansas City and beyond, and on his musical ambitions. His current goal is to perform recitals on the clarinet, which he began playing at age 66 with the help of lessons from a Kansas City Symphony musician.

“It is never too late to learn something new, and this has enriched my senior years a lot,” he said, adding that he hopes to complete at least one last musical adventure. “One of my dreams … is to host a concert where everybody sits down and listens to my playing. One hour or so. But maybe in the next life.”

Benny Lee with his famous namesake, Benny Goodman

With the Lees’ gift of $1 million, in 2013 AdventHealth named the lobby of its new birthing center the Benny and Edith Lee Atrium.

Edith, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Benny Lee posed at Elizabeth’s recent MBA graduation in Madrid, Spain. Katherine is a senior art director at The New York Times, and Elizabeth works in information technology in Berlin, Germany.

Benny has served on the boards of dozens of arts groups and other non-profit organizations, including the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the Kansas City Museum Foundation, Spire Chamber Ensemble, the International Center for Music at Park University, and the Kansas City Youth Symphony. He often gives “not because I choose a charity, but because somebody reaches out to me and says, ‘Hey what about this one?’ ”

He has stood as director of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City and has served in a wide range of roles in local business community organizations. Shawnee Mission Medical Center (now AdventHealth) named its new birth center lobby the Benny and Edith Lee Atrium. The Lees were also founding patrons of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In 2014, Benny was named Kansas City Philanthropist of the Year: just one of many awards and accolades through the years.

What makes a good philanthropist? In a word: heart. “You don’t have to be rich to give, you don’t have to be a billionaire to give,” he said. “If you have $10, what’s wrong with giving two dollars, three dollars? You still have something left: You’re not starving.” Quite simply, “giving makes you feel good,” he said. Benny and Edith are gracious hosts, opening their home for guests or live performances on numerous nights of the year.

Photos of Benny’s clarinet idol adorn the Lees’ beautiful Ward Parkway home, the ground floor of which has been converted into a home recital hall. “Jazz is amazing because of its pure creativity,” Benny said. The ability to improvise is a great skill, “and not many classical musicians can do it,” he added, “although they should.”

As it turns out, the “distance” between Taipei and Kansas City is not great, figuratively speaking. Both cities are teeming with commerce, and both are filled with people known for their generosity. “Kansas City is very giving,” Benny said. “You can see that every day, everywhere.” More at kcindependent.com.

Three gifted UMKC Conservatory jazzmen, Jackson Harrison, Sebastián Bonilla, and Drew Madden, performed at a recent reception and concert held at the Lee home for the prominent Taiwanese film director, Wei Te-sheng.

The Lee living room/recital hall can seat around 100 guests.

The Independent - Kansas City’s Oldest Magazine

“We all fly. Once you leave the ground, you fly. Some people fly longer than others.” – Michael Jordan

JASMINE THOMPSON: TOP SHELF

SBy Anne Potter Russ

he loves being an advocate for women and the Asian community; she is crazy about the arts scene in Kansas City; she doesn’t fully understand the concept of downtime; and Jasmine Thompson is passionate about tequilas! This woman of many talents and flavors is an entrepreneurial spirit at heart and in practice.

Born in Taiwan, Jasmine moved to New York City in her preteen years to start a life with her family in America. She worked at her uncle’s Chinese restaurant, and that is likely where she found her love of the biz. But, she felt she needed to branch out from the traditional family cuisine, and she needed a college degree for sure. Jasmine graduated from UMKC with a bachelor’s degree in finance, making it clear that she operates from both sides of her brain. From school, she then spent four years working in bilingual logistics, spent time at Argosy Casino as its marketing and VIP liaison/party planner, and worked at Tico Productions in operations.

Clearly, Jasmine could tackle anything she put her mind to. That direction then turned out to be retail food and beverage in Kansas City. She fell in love with our city and its vibrant arts culture, and she also realized it was a foodie town with a very eclectic mix of restaurants and patrons with a wide range of tastes. Jasmine became a partner in Pirate’s Bone (creative plant-based burgers, unfortunately no longer in business), and then moved on to Cafe Sofrito, where she honed her skills in South American cuisine. And, now Jasmine and her business partner own and run Senorita Margarita at 20th and Main Streets. (Of course, this was an idea born in the pandemic but executed as soon as it could be safely opened.) Why Senorita Margarita? Because she loves a good tequila and a great margarita! With her experience in food and bar services, Jasmine realized she wanted to be creative with her approach to libations, so the bar offers 11 different kinds of margaritas - from the classic, to a spicy version, to a blackberryflavored “Lin Manuel Miranda” delicious confab. Also offered are cocktails and beers, as well as some dishes with a Mexican flair, including street tacos and burritos.

When Jasmine isn’t working full time in a chiropractic office, or running her bar, she is heavily invested and involved in the philanthropic scene. Due to her love of the arts, she has been active with and sits on the board of the Arts Council of Johnson County, she is on the board of The Folly Theater, she is chairing the Charlotte Street Foundation Gala in October, and she volunteers with MOCSA. Another “why” question presents itself here - why be so involved?

“Because Kansas City is an arts and culture destination, and I have a voice and I can make a difference,” declared Jasmine. She is “all in” making Kansas City a fun place to live/work/enjoy/eat/drink!

Towards enriching the culinary scene in The Crossroads, Jasmine and her partner have immediate plans to expand Senorita Margarita to an adjacent space to roughly double its footprint. She said, “There are so many opportunities here, such great initiative and momentum, and we want to keep customers coming back.” They understand that their location is key: close to the convention center, the T-Mobile Center, theaters, hotels, a streetcar, and much more. They are determined to make margaritas a main draw.

Jasmine’s background has instilled a high degree of persistence in her work ethic, and she firmly believes in moving forward, and always getting back up, no matter how many times she gets knocked down. “Being an entrepreneur is difficult, and success takes a good team and a great support system,” she emphasizes. Her first touchpoint with American culture when she moved here was Michael Jordan. She instantly became a fan of his attitude and his character, and she has adopted his quote as her mantra: “We all fly. Once you leave the ground, you fly. Some people fly longer than others.” We believe in Jasmine’s ability to fly high.

IAKC BRIDGES COMMUNITIES THROUGH INDIAN CULTURE

Anyone with a penchant for the aromatic flavors of Indian food, the vibrant colors of a fine Sari, or a sporting game of cricket, may dream of traveling to the Jewel of the East. However, thanks to the India Association of Kansas City (IAKC), one needn’t make a journey overseas to enjoy these sensory delights.

IAKC represents a wealth of Indian culture locally. Usha Saha, president at IAKC, said, “The organization’s mission is to preserve and promote Indian cultural heritage by way of performances, festivals, sporting, and educational events.” To that end, IAKC collaborates with organizations both locally and globally to promote cultural exchange and community involvement.

One such collaboration is Passport to India, which is presented to the public in partnership with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This year’s event was held on April 21st and showcased Indian culture and heritage through art and a variety of cultural activities. This included classical and Bollywood dance performances, live music, and more.

In addition, the beloved cultural expo, India Fest, will take place on August 11th. Abhiruchi Singh, secretary at IAKC, said the event is expected to attract more than 12,000 people. This unique event provides an opportunity for the wider community to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Indian culture. Visitors can expect exhibitions, live music and dance performances, and culinary delights.

As well as showcasing Indian culture, IAKC fosters diversity and cultural understanding. Usha indicated that among the executive staff, cultures vary. While each represents a subset of Indian culture, their customs are different. In this way, as well as by welcoming the general public, IAKC champions cultural harmony. “Because India is a sweeping nation, cultures, language, and cuisine differ from region to region,” said Raj Mishra, vice president at IAKC. “Even in India, we have many cultures, many languages, and many religions. But once we are here under IAKC, we see this all coming together.”

In addition, IAKC provides opportunities for young members of the local Indian community to learn about their culture. “A lot of kids are born and brought out here,” Abhiruchi said. “They do not understand the culture as well as we, who have actually been brought up in India.”

For example, IAKC’s Republic Day is a celebration that includes a variety of games of Indian origin, some of which are mostly unknown in America. “Some of those were very Indian games that kids might not experience,” Abhiruchi said. “It’s opening up their minds to all of the experiences and bringing them together to learn about the culture.”

As well as cultural appreciation, IAKC focuses on promoting a positive image of Indian culture among the wider community. The organization also offers many opportunities for connection and collaboration. “There are people, professionals, entrepreneurs, and more who are connecting and collaborating and just making their social circle,” Usha said. “The members are coming together doing community services, volunteer projects – just giving back to the community and making a positive impact.” To learn more about attending an upcoming IAKC event and planning a cultural experience, visit the organization’s website at iakc.org.

The India Fest celebration in 2023

The IAKC team enjoyed Republic Day. Picture are (Front row) Anjana Singh, Maninder Pabla,  Shanthy Vinjimoor, Gagan Kaur, Sonia Rawal, Nidhi Sood, Nisha Bhagchandani, Meenu Kamboj, Usha Saha, Renu Agarwal, Sunitha Prabhushankar, Richa Joshi, Suchita Kulshekar, Shoba Umamaheswaran, and Abhiruchi Singh (back row) Ankush Oberoi, Sudha Tiwari,  Neelam Raichura, Nivrati Saxena, Pratik Mehta, Srini Penugonda, Saurabh Chandak, Raj Cheedella, Deepak Thakur, Neelakandan Seshan, Rama Shetty, Gopinath Balakrishnan, and Raj Mishra.

India Nite 2023

Anubhav Visen

By Monica V. Reynolds

SIMPLE TWISTS OF FATE: SYMPHONY COUPLE FINDS NICHE IN THE HEARTLAND

By Paul Horsley

Fortune smiled on Kansas City music lovers when Tamamo Someya and Mark Gibbs decided to marry and settle down here. Born in Japan just a few years apart, they traveled very different musical roads before converging, finally, at the Kansas City Symphony: Tamamo as principal second violin, Mark as principal cello. Curiously, at a couple of crossroads on this path, they came tantalizingly close to meeting.

Tamamo Someya (Gibbs) received her training entirely in Japan, starting at age three with classes in Suzuki method and continuing at the Tokyo College of Music Prep School and Toho High School. At Toho Gakuen College of Music she was a pupil of Kenji Kobayashi, a former student of Shinichi Suzuki himself and, at the Juilliard School, of legendary violinist Ivan Galamian.

Mark was born in Japan but from age four through 17, he lived mostly in Berkeley, California, with his Japanese-born mother and American father, the latter a (now-retired) professor of history. Later, at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, Mark trained with cellist Hans Jørgen Jensen: a string guru whose pupils now populate orchestras worldwide.

The Gibbs’ union happened as the Kansas City Symphony was beginning its ascendancy. And despite the lure of larger orchestras through the years, this musical power couple has learned that a happy marriage, two wonderful daughters, an emerging orchestra performing in a world-class hall, and a community that supports it with vigor, are enough to make Kansas City the right place to be.

“Some couples are lucky enough to get into the same orchestra,” said Mark, who joined the Symphony in 1999 and holds the Robert A. Kipp Chair. “But that is very, very, rare.” When Tamamo landed the principal second violin position, also in 1999, neither suspected that this might clear a path for establishing a personal and musical equilibrium.

Japan’s musical community is, like Kansas City’s, a “small world.” Several years into their tenure here, the couple discovered that Symphony First Violinist Tomoko Iguchi, a longtime friend of Tamamo’s in Tokyo, was the niece of a woman with whom Mark’s mother, a nurse, once worked. “I used to commute to swimming lessons with her daughter, Tomoko’s cousin, when we were kids,” Mark said. (He is still an enthusiastic swimmer.)

Although the two never met at the time, years later it was Tomoko who encouraged Tamamo to audition at Kansas City. After stints with the New World and Sacramento Symphonies, Tamamo had intended to return to her professional orchestra in Tokyo. But she won a job here and moved to Kansas City in 1996. When Mark joined the Symphony, first as section cellist and shortly afterward as principal, fate had finally brought them together. Artistically, too, the couple found there are relatively few “degrees of separation” in the string world. Leonard Rose, the formidable cellist who was one of Hans’ teachers at Juilliard, was a great admirer of Ivan Galamian’s teaching and practicing methods, which he absorbed, adapted for cello, and passed onto his students.

Hans would later formalize these methods and publish them as CelloMind, ViolinMind, PraticeMind, and other widely used publications. Thus in a sense Mark and Tamamo are both descended from a common artistic lineage that includes many of today’s leading string artists: from Pinchas Zukerman to Lynn Harrell, Itzhak Perlman to Yo-Yo Ma.

Meadowmount School would also play host to a crucial moment in Tamamo’s and Mark’s relationship. In 2003, a year before they decided to get married, the couple traveled to the summer program in Upstate New York together, enhancing their growing feelings for each other with a sense of musical unity as expressed in the school’s teachings and artistic philosophy.

When Mark introduced Tamamo to Ivan Galamian’s 96-year-old widow, Judith Johnson, they were delighted when she asked: “So how is Kenji?” Judith still fondly remembered Tamamo’s old teacher, Kenji Kobayashi, who had been a beloved pupil of her husband. “That felt like a full-circle moment of sorts,” Mark said.

Mark and Tamamo Gibbs stood below the Kansas City Symphony’s administrative home, Webster House, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Eric T. Williams

Tamamo Someya Gibbs

Mark Gibbs

Maho Gibbs, left, is currently a high school junior and Mika, shown at her high school graduation last year, is a freshman at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music.

It is not surprising that many symphony orchestras contain several married couples. Orchestras consist of like-minded artists whose love of music transcends nearly all other differences. For Tamamo and Mark it was a sort of slow burn: Initially they admired each other more for artistic reasons than romantic ones.

“We were just colleagues and friends before we got closer,” Tamamo said. “It was all very natural.” One significant early encounter was when they each played back-to-back recitals on the Midwest Trust Center’s Ruel Joyce Series. “He turned pages for my pianist, and I turned pages for his pianist,” Tamamo said. “We were not playing together, but our recitals happened to be a week apart.” She was impressed at the care with which Mark approached the music: “I saw him preparing, I saw his devotion.”

Subsequently they began practicing together, raiding adjacent practice rooms in the UMKC Conservatory basement and forming an artistic bond that few non-musicians can comprehend. When Tamamo’s father visited here and first met Mark “he said to himself, oh it would be nice if someone like that married my daughter,” Tamamo recounted, adding with a smile: “He kept it to himself until after we got married.”

Mark liked everything about Tamamo: “Her openness, her kindness, her generosity. … I’m naturally attracted to popular people, and everybody loves Tamamo.” Tamamo found Mark “musically inspiring. … I feel so lucky that I can respect him as a colleague, cellist, and musician. He made me feel confident as a person.” On the latter point, Mark countered: “I don’t know if I can lay claim to that. I mean, it takes quite a bit of chutzpah to depart your native land and say okay, I’m going to try America.”

To be sure, orchestras in the United States do offer musicians something remarkable. “The greatest thing about the American musical scene is the nature of the blind auditions,” Mark said. “That’s how we’re able to attract the best and brightest, and it’s totally objective.”

Outside of the responsibilities of serving as Symphony principals during a time of rapid change, Tamamo and Mark are exceptionally proud of their gifted daughters. Mika is a violin student of Kathleen Winkler at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and this summer will attend the Aspen Music Festival and School on a fellowship.

Maho, an honor’s student at Blue Valley Northwest, recently won the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Scholarship from the Johnson County NAACP chapter and is slated to attend this year’s Simons-New York University Science Explorations Program. Each began playing at age five, quite eagerly, and both have grown into extraordinarily talented violinists.

Meanwhile, their parents are gearing up for the ride of a lifetime, as the Symphony introduces its newly appointed music director, Matthias Pintscher. The intimacy of the German-born conductor’s connection with the players has been palpable in his initial appearances with the orchestra.

“What makes musicians compatible with one another is a sense of consideration and openness, of listening,” Mark said. “When you converse with someone, you’re supposed to listen before you speak. … You then bring what you have and wait for the other person to bring what they have.

“And that has always been the case with Matthias … Then there’s always a space between the two, and what we want to do is fill that space. He has an ear for that, a sense of timing, of planning: of timing in the moment but also over the course of days, weeks, and hopefully years.”

In October of 2023, Michael Stern led the Kansas City Symphony in a dazzling performance of Strauss’ Don Quixote, with prominent solo parts for Principal Cellist Mark Gibbs and Principal Violist MingYu Hsu.

Matthias Pintscher becomes music director of the Kansas City Symphony this fall and will take the ensemble on a European tour.

Music Director-Designate Matthias Pintscher and Executive Director Danny Beckley hosted a press conference in March to announce the Kansas City Symphony’s 2024-2025 season.

Franck Ferville

Rachel’s Reads

Book clubs provide more than just thought-provoking discussions of books. They provide connection, camaraderie, and an enriching experience for readers. Interested in the advent of fully digital book clubs, I recently got the chance to interview Alexandra and Tiffany, the founders of Subtle Asian Book Club. Childhood best friends from the suburbs of Los Angeles, they started the book club together in January of 2020 with the idea to amplify Asian storytellers and to connect the world through stories. Tiffany is a book blogger living in Texas, and Alexandra is a digital creator and film student living in New York City.

What inspired you to start the book club?

Tiffany: We had both gotten pretty comfortable in the online space and in building online communities. Through my book blog, I had already made great connections with people around the world, so I was excited to further that and continue in the online space. When you think of a traditional book club, you think about people chatting in a circle and talking about the books they are reading. In recent years we have seen how technology has really enabled us to bridge borders, and that inspired us to see that there was an opportunity to connect readers across the globe with no restrictions based on location or time zone.

How does it work as it is fully virtual?

Alexandra: Each month we read a book that we both choose. We have all of our discussions on the platform, Discord, with different channels for each of the books. We also have other channels for people to get to know each other, chat about books, make recommendations, or just talk about other books they are reading. Discord has a spoiler feature where you can hide text behind a spoiler warning, so we encourage people to discuss the book and use that feature so everyone can read at their own pace and share their thoughts.

Tiffany: In addition to the books we read every month, what we are really trying to do is build a community. So we have a lot of non-book of the month channels as well. For example, when the latest Avatar movie came out, we did a little community watch party. We also interview authors on our YouTube or our blog. It’s really a combination of reaching our existing community, but we also want to share a lot of Asian literature we are excited about and think other people would love as well.

How do you select your books?

Tiffany: We try to strike a balance by asking if this is something easily accessible. We want to make sure that people can get the book wherever they are. We also try not to necessarily pick the most popular book at the moment because we want to make sure that we are amplifying a variety of authors and stories. At the end of each year, we sit down and do a mini-audit to make sure we are switching things up.

Alexandra: We have heard from our members that they enjoyed our selections so far because they included a diverse range of popular books and not-so-popular books. We like to switch up genres so that people are always getting something new. We also keep an eye out for what members are discussing and books they are excited to read.

What has been some of the feedback you have received from your members? Has that feedback led you to change things during the last three years?

Alexandra: Earlier this year, we had a poll and asked readers what they thought on topics from how things run, the book selections we have, and what they want more of. Surprisingly to us, they wanted more content on the two of us in order to get to know us better as people and readers. They also wanted more community events so we have added a buddy read corner to Discord. There we can create a channel for a book we are reading that isn’t related to the book of the month and people can join in and read along with us.

Tiffany: As things have evolved, we used to have questions for each book, but now people jump right in and we let the conversation flow naturally.

What is your preferred reading set up?

Tiffany: Ninety-five percent of the time, I am reading in bed under the covers at 1:00 a.m.

Alexandra: Although I can read anywhere, I prefer somewhere with good light that is cozy and warm.

What was the last book that made you cry?

Alexandra: What You Are Looking For is in The Library by Michiko Aoyama, translated by Alison Watts

Tiffany: Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

What is a book cover you liked?

Alexandra: The Queens of New York by E. L. Shen

Tiffany: Babel by R. F. Kuang, specifically the United Kingdom version

What is the last book you loved?

Alexandra: Tomb Sweeping by Alexandra Chang

Tiffany: Your Eternal Lies by KKomak which is a webtoon

What is a book you want to see adapted?

Tiffany and Alexandra: I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang could be the next great Netflix rom-com.

During the month of May, the Subtle Asian Book Club is reading The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka. You can check out their book club at subtleasianbookclub.com, or visit them on Instagram @subtleasianbookclub.

Alexandra

Tiffany

CONNECTIONS

C“I never had the burning desire to find my Korean roots, but I’m happy to now discover this part of who I am.”

By Anne Potter Russ

hris Constant is a beautifully complicated man, yet so very humble and charming, it’s almost hard to believe that so many talents and qualities exist in just one soft-spoken man. As he unfolds, much like a piece of origami, we find out so many endearing and intriguing pieces. Born in South Korea and adopted by his local parents, Our Town has always been Chris’ home. He grew up in the Brookside/Waldo area, graduated from Rockhurst High School, and has been immersed in Boy Scouts since he was a young Cub. But most importantly, since his early days, Chris has been a community builder. He helped to lead the formation of the Freshman Retreat at Rockhurst that still exists today, and he has spent countless hours volunteering for Boy Scouts and has spent five years on its local board. He also serves on the board of The Family Conservancy.

We haven’t even scratched the surface with this Renaissance gentleman. In his elementary and junior high days, he fell in love with music. He participated in band and orchestra, and was a part of the Kansas City Youth Symphony. It would make sense that Chris entered Mizzou as a music major and spent a couple of years and a lot of energy and dedication to a career in music: Until it didn’t make sense. He started to consider the actual economics of a career in music and decided it might be a better passion and hobby than a true career. So, he turned his college stint into a five-year plan and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business administration (with Mortar Board recognition, by the way).

He continued to study in London for a time, and worked for Cerner as a consultant, before he decided he liked being a student too much, and he hightailed it back to Mizzou for an MBA. As his community-building personality was in high gear, Chris found great satisfaction in working as a graduate assistant in the career center. He loved gathering peers, helping them pursue possible career options, find clubs to belong to, and understand for themselves that building a community is so important - no matter what stage of life one is in. Chris is driven by bringing something to the table that will help a group - and make it better than the sum of its parts. This defining characteristic - whether in Scouts, work, or board service - is what makes him so effective, as he continues to wear multiple hats throughout his career, civic, and personal lives.

Ready to launch into the work world, Chris realized that some of his colleagues had spoken highly of The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, so he decided to apply. In 2011, he joined the bank as an assistant examiner in the consumer affairs department (yes, bank examiner). Not sure we saw that coming. He was promoted to several management positions, and then in 2019, he rotated to the Human Resources department, where he held the title of assistant vice president. From there, he moved to the role of assistant vice president of Community Engagement and Inclusion. Let’s stop here for just a moment. Chris is emphatic that, “It is amazing that I can have several different careers within one institution! The professional development at The Fed is incredible, and it allows individuals to stay with the same company, but experience completely different positions - finding their strengths as they go.” Currently, Chris has returned to the bank examining side and holds the position of vice president, Bank Supervision and Risk Management.

While Chris never felt like he was “missing” anything by not experiencing South Korea, he decided to visit eight years ago, and he now has a new affinity with the country. “I never had the burning desire to find my Korean roots, but I’m happy to now discover this part of who I am.” In the meantime, Chris has found time to get married (to husband Rob Lundien), and have two children. In lovely full-circle fashion, they grew their family through adoption and surrogacy and are now parents to their three-and-a-half-year-old son, Isaac, and their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Emily. And, with his desire to build consensus and bring groups together, he is already excited to share his birth-country with his children, when they are old enough to understand it. But for now, Fairway is home, and their hands are full with the delights of small children, busy careers, and we suspect - a lot of music. More at kcindependent.com.

Chris Constant

Chris, Rob, Emily, and Isaac

Isaac, Rob, Chris, and Emily in Mexico

FOOD TRUCK BRINGS A TASTE OF HAWAIIAN TRADITION TO KANSAS CITY

By Monica V. Reynolds

Attend an event in Kansas City and chances are you may spot Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill, the city’s only food truck of its kind. With a unique brand, authentic Hawaiian flavors, and an equally noteworthy man behind the brand, this food truck is not one to miss.

Irvin “Irv” Der, chef and owner, worked in the kitchens of his parents’ restaurants as early as 10 years old. Irv’s mother, Annie Der, has been the owner and head chef at Tao Tao Chinese restaurant in Kansas City since the 1970s. During Irv’s childhood, when he wasn’t working in the family restaurant, Irv often put his cooking skills to use for the family. These days, he works full time in his food truck business, which takes him all around Kansas City attending events and festivals. “Cantonese food was the building blocks for me,” Irv said of his cooking skills. “I was born and raised in a restaurant and had to work to help contribute to the family, but I enjoyed cooking. So I cooked Italian, Mexican, and American food at home or anywhere and everywhere.”

Through the years, Irv learned to smoke meats and cook his own barbecue. He has a natural talent for tasting foods and recreating them in the kitchen. “Cooking always came easily to me,” he said. “I could always taste something or visually see it in the taste, and I could go home and recreate it.” This natural talent for creating recipes from scratch proved handy when it came to opening his own restaurant on wheels.

It was during COVID when inspiration struck to invest in a food truck. While Irv could have leaned into his heritage and gone the Chinese food route, he spotted an exciting opportunity in the Hawaiian food niche. “I noticed that food trucks in the Kansas City area were kind of lacking, and it felt like I could fill a niche with that,” he said. “We ate a lot of Hawaiian Brothers and we knew Mo’ Bettahs were coming, so they basically kind of paved the way.”

Irv’s partner, Abhaydee (Haydee) Abarca, is from Hawaii. Hence, having a Hawaiian food truck was something of a tribute, Irv said. With Haydee, his “right hand” by his side, Irv began to develop traditional Hawaiian dishes and added his own creative spin to the meals. When it came to menu selection, Irv began with Chinese food staples: egg rolls, rangoons, and spring rolls. These filled out the menu. The next step was to focus on Hawaiian flair. For this, Irv said he looked to Haydee for ideas and to taste test his recipes. “Haydee knew what she liked,” Irv said. “She grew up eating the food and was kind of my test subject. She would say, ‘That is good or this is better, and hey what do you think about this?’ ”

Haydee was keen to add Spam musubi to the menu, which is a popular Hawaiian dish. “The United States forces brought Spam to Hawaii during World War II,” Irv explained. “They’re crazy about Spam.” Similar to a sushi roll, the traditional Spam musubi incorporates the canned meat with white rice and a seaweed wrap. While the couple aims to recreate authentic Hawaiian food flavors, Irv is also focused on speed and efficiency. Since the traditional presentation of Spam musubi is time consuming, he took an alternative approach. Irv said Haydee initially had her reservations about his unique take on the dish, but they are now both happy with the results. “We created a Spam musubi bowl, which is basically a deconstructed Spam musubi,” he said. “I’ll take the Spam and fry it crispy and then slice it. I will shred an entire sheet of seaweed, instead of one little strip, so that you have more seaweed in every bite. And then we take rice seasoning, teriyaki sauce, and decorate it with sesame seeds.”

Another popular Hawaiian dish the couple has introduced to the menu is chicken katsu, which is Panko fried, breaded chicken. Rather than explain the meaning of katsu, Irv opted to name the dish “Teriyaki Fried Chicken.” It’s more self-explanatory, he said. In addition, Irvzilla’s menu features malasadas, which is the Hawaiian version of a fried doughnut. Traditionally, malasadas have a filling such as custard, passion fruit, or coconut, but Irv said he had to “cheat a little” for the sake of time. Rather than piping ingredients

Haydee Abarca and Irv Der

into each doughnut, he adds flavorful fillings to the outside of the fried bread. “If you’re staring at 30 to 40 people in line, you’ve got to be able to move that line, so I streamlined my entire operation where it feels like you’re at a Chipotle on wheels and I can just keep cooking,” Irv said. When it comes to the business of food, Irv likened himself to a hunter who hungrily seeks out opportunities. Last year alone, he filled his calendar with up to 230 events. “I’m more hyper-aggressive than most food truckers,” he said. “Most of them park in a set location. I sign up for everything: festivals, concerts, public events, HOAs, corporate jobs.”

In 2023, the Irvzilla’s food truck made appearances at First Fridays, a Christmas amusement park in Monarchs Stadium, and the Super Bowl Watch Party at Power & Light District. “We were only one of two food trucks inside the perimeter, and there were 10,000 people there inside the fence line,” he said. “We started selling food at 10:00 a.m., and, finally, we had to shut the windows at 2:00 a.m. – even after the Chiefs won. We could have kept going but my crew was passing out on me.” On the topic of staff, the Irvzilla’s crew are all family. “We started with no help,” Haydee said. “For more than a year it was just Irv and me working together.” With Haydee’s Hawaiian upbringing, family is especially important, and for Irvin, work ethic is a strong value. This led to the couple’s decision to involve their children in the operations of the food truck. “We’re kind of like the Asian Brady Bunch,” Irv said. “She has three girls, and I have three boys and all the kids grew up together.” Haydee said she never imagined she would work in a family food service business. However, like her Hawaiian upbringing, which was centered around food and family, her American lifestyle has followed suit. The couple’s teenagers work alongside Haydee and Irv when their schedules allow. “We’re teaching them about an honest day’s pay,” Irv said. “That’s how you start teaching some responsibility and the social skills of interacting with the public.”

At the end of the day, Irv said he simply wants to provide customers with a great experience. “What gives us the most joy is that we’re able to provide a hot plate for a good value and put smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “There are many relationships that have grown out of it.” Blending Irv’s Chinese heritage with Haydee’s Hawaiian upbringing, the Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill experience fittingly comes down to hard work, great food, and family.

To enjoy the Irvzilla’s food experience, follow the family food truck by visiting its pages on Facebook and Instagram, where Irv is sure to post his latest whereabouts.

THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

On January 28th, the Year of the Dragon was celebrated at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with dances, music, delicious fare, and free family-friendly activities. One of the Museum’s most popular celebrations, more than 5,200 guests attended this ritual based in ancient tradition.

Dana Anderson

KU Lion Dance Team

Rockhurst High School Lion Dance Team

Silk Road Dance Group

Institute of Chinese Language and Culture at Kansas City

William You

A student of the Institute of Chinese Language and Culture at Kansas City

PAM LIBERDA: REDEFINING THAI CUISINE IN KANSAS CITY

By Monica V. Reynolds

In life, our best-laid plans often take unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never imagined.

Such is the case for Pam Liberda, head chef and owner of Waldo Thai. Pam has single-handedly introduced a new world of Thai cuisine to Kansas City and is on the list of who’s who among chefs.

The James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist once planned to pursue a doctorate degree and teach nursing. However, after marrying her husband, Ted Liberda, Pam’s career path shifted. At the time, the Liberda family owned the Thai Place restaurant chain. “The original Thai Place was started by (Ted’s) mother,” Pam said. “She is what I would call the legend of Thai food in Kansas City. I married into the business and into the family and we started working in the restaurant together.”

Thai Place has since changed ownership. However, the Liberda’s Thai Place menu featured Americanized Thai fare. While Kansas City locals embraced the food, Pam yearned for the tastes of Lampang, Northern Thailand, where she grew up. “I would ask (Ted) if I could serve the food that I grew up eating,” she said. “After we finished our shift, we would always cook different things to eat instead of what we were serving.” This led Pam to wonder, “Why don’t we serve what we eat?”

In 2018, Pam opened Waldo Thai. Despite reservations about how the food would be received, she introduced meals from Lampang, featuring Lanna cuisine. The menu includes farm fresh ingredients and a medley of bouquets from spicy and sweet to tangy and ambrosial. For example, on a Lanna platter, many dishes are artfully presented on a round, tiered wooden tray. The platter features curries, meats, fried fare, spicy chili dips, rice, and relishes served with fresh vegetables and pork rinds. “You never know what new flavor will become your favorite – the one that sticks with you and that you crave later in life,” Pam said.

Today, Chef Pam has attracted a local following who crave her thoughtfully crafted meals. However, in earlier years, it wasn’t so easy. As expected, patrons initially took exception with the menu. “People loved (Thai Place) and were asking for the things we used to serve, and we said, ‘No, we don’t have it, and this is what I’m serving now.’ “ This led some disgruntled customers to speculate the restaurant wouldn’t be in business for another six months. While the transition period proved difficult, Pam was determined to educate people about Thai food.

“There’s more to Thai food than just Pad Thai, red curry, and spring rolls,” she said. “And even in Thailand, with the Pad Thai alone, we cook a totally different flavor.” For instance, each home cook in Thailand makes Pad Thai to suit their tastes. Pam’s grandmother had her own take on the dish. She would make a pot of Pad Thai and sell it every night from a little stall in front of her house. Despite her grandmother’s food foray, Pam was not allowed to cook growing up. With her good grades in school, she was expected to study and one day become a doctor. While Pam said she is no doctor, she wanted to please her parents. “They did not like it when I didn’t want to do nursing anymore,” she said, “For our culture, you do anything to make your parents proud.”

Ultimately, this is what inspired Pam to introduce Kansas City to a new world of Thai flavors. She set a goal to one day be nominated for a James Beard Award. “If I’m going to be a chef, I will be the best that I can be,” she recalled. “And I can do things that are different, push myself, and see if people can accept that.” In 2023, Pam achieved her apex ambition when she became a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award in the category of Best Chef. “I actually cried and told my parents, ‘This is your PhD, and I give it to you,’ ” she said. “I would say they are really proud of me for what I’ve accomplished, and proud of me for bringing the food that I grew up eating as a child to our restaurant.”

While Pam’s culinary talents have gained her considerable recognition, she is not slowing down. “Being an Asian woman, you always say, ‘What can I do better?’ ” she said. Looking ahead, Pam simply wants to set a good example for her two daughters. She gives of her time to fundraise for local charitable organizations and constantly strives to improve herself. “I want to show them that if their mother came from halfway across the world and did something that most Americans can’t do, then they can do anything in life because they are American and they have everything in their hand to make it,” she said. “My goal is to make sure they see me try my best, be my best version, and carry that on.”

Jenny Wheat

MAY

3-5

Brookside Business Association; Brookside Art Annual; The 38th Brookside Art Annual will run from May 3rd through May 5th. The event is Kansas City’s first major art show of the year. It attracts top artists, is a favorite for art enthusiasts, and is ranked amongst the best in the nation each year. The historic Brookside Shops at 63rd and Brookside Boulevard; 5 p.m.; free of charge. Contact Sean Ackerson: 816-523-5553 or brooksideartannual.com or sean@southtown.org.

4

Growing Futures Early Education Center; Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser; We’re off to the races with this unique fundraiser benefiting Growing Futures Early Education Center. Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser will include premium drinks, gourmet appetizers, a whisky tasting, fun entertainment, and activities. Must be 21 and over to attend; Union Horse Distilling Co. Contact Jessica Hoffman: 913-649-9714 or jhoffman@growingfutureseec.org or growingfutureseec.org.

4 JDRF Kansas & Missouri Chapter; Dream Gala Kansas City; The Dream Gala is a black-tie-optional event, which includes a seated dinner, exquisite silent auction, exciting live auction, and inspiring Fund A Cure; Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 5:30 p.m. Contact Madison Mueller: 816-534-5318 or mmueller@jdrf.org.

4 Kansas City Museum; The Derby Party; Guest will enjoy live music, cocktails, mocktails, beer, southern bites, and the best Derby fashion in Kansas City! Don your best outfit on one of the most iconic lawns of Kansas City; Kansas City Museum; 3 p.m.; $100. Contact Paul Gutierrez: 816-702-7705 or pgutierrez@kansascitymuseum.org or kansascitymuseum.org.

6

HNC Living Foundation; Annual Golf Invitational; This prestigious tournament hosts two-person teams who enjoy a top-shelf, fast-paced golf tournament at Oakwood Country Club. From the rolling greens and the premium food and beverages, to the high-caliber company and level of play, guests can expect an unmatched single day tournament experience; Oakwood Country Club; 11 a.m. Contact Alyssa LaVelle: 913-402-6028 or alyssa@hncliving.org or hncliving.org/news-and-events/hncgolfinvitational.

9 Welcome House; 11th Annual Welcome House Breakfast; A complimentary inspirational breakfast event featuring David Feherty and Tom Watson, and a live auction. Plus, Kansas City’s most exciting raffle contest with spectacular prizes such as motorcycles, unique trips, and a once-in-a-lifetime round of golf with the legendary Tom Watson; Overland Park Convention Center. Contact Christy Wineland: 816-472-0760 or christyw@welcomehousekc.org or welcomehousekc.org.

10 Life Unlimited; Hats Off to Mothers; Hats Off to Mothers is an annual event that recognizes mothers who have demonstrated the remarkable ability to balance family life, personal achievement, and service to our community; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 11 a.m.; $125. Contact Andrea Adams: 913-787-7190 or aadams@luinc.org or lifeunlimitedinc.org/hotm.

The Independent - Kansas City’s Oldest Magazine

11 Wayside Waifs; Fur Ball Gala; Purr-pare for a tail waggin’ time at the 2024 Fur Ball Gala. With a gourmet dinner, open bars, and a lively auction, this is a night guests won’t furr-get; Overland Park Convention Center; 5:30 p.m. Contact Paige Cooper: 816-986-4409 or pcooper@waysidewaifs.org or furballkc.org.

16

Nonprofit Connect; The 40th Annual Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration; The Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding commitment to positive impact in Kansas City. For 40 years, the Awards Celebration has honored more than 300 givers and do-gooders in the non-profit sector; 10:30 a.m.; $120. Contact Hannah Bernardini: 816-759-8614 or hbernardini@npconnect.org or npconnect.org/awards-celebration.

17 The Salvation Army of Greater Kansas City; The Salvation Army Down for the Challenge KC Civic Breakfast and Urban Repelling; Join us for a Civic Breakfast where we honor the people and organizations that make our mission possible. There will also be repelling off GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for those who raise funds and are Down for the Challenge. Join us for all or part of the day; GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium; 8 a.m. Contact Danielle Wootton: 816-968-0372 or danielle.wootton@usc.salvationarmy.org or salarmymokan.org.

18 Medical Missions Foundation; Art for the Children Art Auction & Gala; Celebrating our 25th year, the community’s support of this annual event has raised pivotal funding to provide surgical and medical care. Join us for a fun evening of great food, cocktails, dancing, and, of course, your opportunity to bid on exquisite artwork from the most talented artists around; Armacost Car Museum; 6:30 p.m.; $175. Contact Dan Mauer: 913-338-0343 or dan@medicalmissionsfoundation.org or artforthechildren.org.

19 Child Protection Center; Cook for Courage; The organization’s signature event features amazing local chefs and breweries. Patrons will have the chance to vote on their favorite ribs and side dishes cooked by each chef and vote on their favorite brew. Cook for Courage also features a live auction; Vine Street Brewing Co.; 6 p.m. Contact Laura

20 Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; Legacy Golf Tournament; The Legacy Invitational is designed for community and business leaders as one of the premier client entertainment events in our area. Golfers can expect an incredible gift salon, cigar emporium, challenge holes, on-course food and drink, a 19th hole reception, and more; Loch Lloyd Country Club; 8:30 a.m. Contact Brittany Davis: 913-777-2617 or brittany@bbbskc.org or bbbskc.org/events.

21KC Shepherd’s Center; Guac Your World: A Taco Competition; Five local chefs will compete for the Grand Champion of Tacos title. The event will feature food, drinks, a chef competition, entertainment, and a Kansas City sunset. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle; Corrigan Station Rooftop; 5:30 p.m. Contact Terri Goddard: 816-293-9614 or terri@kcshepherdscenter.org or kcshepherdscenter.org.

24 Folly Theater; 15th Annual Folly Golf Classic; The Folly Golf Classic returns to the beautifully renovated Oakwood Country Club with a morning tee-off. This tournament benefits one of Kansas City’s treasured landmarks, the Folly Theater; Oakwood Country Club. Contact Cassidy Manetta: 816-768-6882 or cassidy@follytheater.org or follytheater.org/fundraisers/folly-golf-classic.

27 Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City; Going the Distance for Brain Injury Run; The Memorial Day run in Loose Park features a 10K, 5K, and 1.5 mile walk. Participants receive finisher medals and a free t-shirt. Funds raised support programs offered to individuals who have been affected by a brain injury; Loose Park; 8:15 a.m. Contact Bev Jacobson: 913-754-8883 or bjacobson@biaks.org or biarun.org.

31

Children’s Mercy Kansas City; Big Slick Celebrity Weekend; Weekend event hosted by native KC celebrities Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner, and Heidi Gardner. They invite celebrity friends and celebrate with exclusive VIP parties, softball games, and a party and show; Kauffman Stadium and T-Mobile Center. Contact Children’s Mercy Events Team: 816-346-1300 or events@cmh.edu or bigslickkc.org.

JUNE

1 Children’s Mercy Kansas City; Big Slick Celebrity Weekend; Weekend event hosted by native KC celebrities Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner, and Heidi Gardner. They invite celebrity friends and celebrate with exclusive VIP parties, softball games, and a party and show; Kauffman Stadium and T-Mobile Center. Contact Children’s Mercy Events Team: 816-346-1300 or events@cmh.edu or bigslickkc.org.

2 Folly Theater; 10th Annual Garden Party; Every year, Brian Williams, our development director, hosts the Folly Garden Party in the garden of his historic Hyde Park home to support the Folly Theater’s general operations fund. These funds help preserve our historic theater, book internationally acclaimed artists, and more; Hyde Park. Contact Cassidy Manetta: 816-768-6882 or cassidy@follytheater.org or follytheater.org/fundraisers/folly-garden-party.

OurTown

3 Alphapointe; C&C Group Alphapointe Pro-Am; This annual golf tournament helps support the funding of activities and programs for youth who are blind or visually impaired, including an Adventure Camp, which helps them build confidence, improve independence, and learn more about competing in a competitive world; Loch Lloyd Country Club; 8 a.m. Contact Jake McLaughlin: 816-237-2059 or jmclaughlin@alphapointe.org or alphapointe.org/about/events/cc-groupalphapointe-pro-am.

3

KidsTLC; KidsTLC Open; Get ready to “play it forward” while helping to transform the lives of children and families in our community. Golfers will enjoy a decadent day on the rolling links, complete with lavish food stations, custom cocktails, elite gifts, and creative competitions; Shadow Glen Golf Club; 9 a.m. Contact Rojanae Williams: 913-424-4384 or rwilliams@kidstlc.org or kidstlc.org/kidstlc-open.

3 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City; Trent Green Golf Classic & Julie Green Pickleball Tournament; Join Trent Green and other local celebrities on the golf course to support families at RMHC-KC. With shotgun starts at both 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., a day of food, prizes, and fun is in store for everyone! Afterward, join us on the pickleball courts for our 2nd Annual Julie Green Pickleball Tournament; 7:30 a.m. Contact Allison Malott: 816-541-8314 or amalott@rmhckc.org or rmhckc.org/golf.

6

The Children’s Place; Gratitude Bruncheon; Enjoy a delicious brunch while celebrating the impact of The Children’s Place and a few of the many people who have made a special difference in the last year; 10:30 a.m. Contact Denton Williams: 816-363-1898 or williamsd@ childrensplacekc.org or childrensplacekc.org/gratitude-bruncheon.

by Charlie Podrebarac

Publisher • Rachel Lewis Falcon

Editor • Nancy Sachse

Art Director • Lisa M. Shea

Non-profit Director and Digital Media Strategist • Annie England

Director of Sales and Production • Lauren Cashman

Performing Arts Editor • Paul Horsley

Content Manager • Anne Potter Russ Director of Program Guide Operations • Christin Painter

Office and Circulation Manager • Laura Gabriel

Feature Writers • Monica V. Reynolds and Anne Potter Russ Cartoonist • Charlie Podrebarac

7

Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA); 3rd Annual Play Like a Kid Field Day Fundraiser; Relive school memories with CAPA! Teams of five adults register to compete in 10 rounds of silly field day games with a swag bag, sack lunch, tasty frozen dessert offerings, fun trophies, and more! Fun for offices, civic groups, and organizations; Franke Soccer Fields; 10:30 a.m. Contact Kat Hellige: 816-252-8388 or khellige@capacares.org or capacares.org/events.

7

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Jazzoo; Party animals from across the metro will gather to enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment — all while raising money for the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Funds provide food for the animals in our care and educational opportunities for the youth of our community; Kansas City Zoo. Contact Susan McFee: 816-595-1234 or askthezoo@fotzkc.org or kansascityzoo.org/jazzoo.

7

Sheffield Place; 14th Annual Sheffield Place Golf Tournament; The tournament will feature drawings, a silent auction, games, prizes, and more! Shoal Creek Golf Course; 8 a.m. Contact David Hanzlick: 816-483-9927 or dhanzlick@sheffieldplace.org or sheffieldplace.org.

9

Geeks For Kids; Wheels & Wishes; Join us for the biggest day of our year - when more than 70 kids receive the #Power2Play! Watch as they drive their adaptive cars for the first time, listen to their stories, tour our Car Design Studio, and learn what we have planned for the next generation of vehicles and assistive devices; Porsche Kansas City; 4 p.m.; $125. Contact Rebecca Kidwell: 816-914-3115 or rkidwell@learnscienceandmathclub.org or learnscienceandmathclub.org.

10 Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; Legacy Golf Tournament; The Big Brothers Big Sisters Legacy Invitational is designed for community and business leaders as one of the premier client entertainment events in our area. Golfers can expect an incredible gift salon, a cigar emporium, challenge holes, on-course food and drink, a 19th hole reception, and more; The National Golf Club; 8:30 a.m. Contact Brittany Davis: 913-777-2617 or brittany@bbbskc.org or bbbskc.org/events.

10 sacred - Sexually Abused Children’s Relief Endeavor; 4th Annual Golf Classic; Get ready to tee off and change a life at the 4th Annual Golf Classic. Enjoy a fun and fabulous day filled with friendly competition, at our second largest fundraiser that helps provide critical financial resources to sexually abused children and their families; Eagle’s Landing Golf Course; 7 a.m. Contact Gina McCord: 913-314-3160 or gina@kidsaresacred.org or kidsaresacred.org/calendar-of-events.

11 Newhouse; New Day Breakfast; New Day Breakfast attendees hear stories of strength and resilience and learn about the lifesaving work at Newhouse over a delicious hot breakfast. Start your day at this free, one-hour event feeling inspired and knowing you’ve helped give survivors of domestic violence at Newhouse a new day; 8 a.m. Contact Christopher Stibbs: 816-462-0508 or chris@newhousekc.org or newhousekc.org/events.

13 Operation Breakthrough; 2024 Big Dreams - Bright Futures Annual Event; Begin the evening with cocktails from an open bar, bid on hundreds of silent auction items, and enjoy entertainment by the children of Operation Breakthrough; Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 5:30 p.m.; $250. Contact Lee Duckett: 816-756-3511 or leed@operationbreakthrough.org or operationbreakthrough.org/ events/2024-big-dreams-bright-futures-annual-event.

14

KCUR 89.3; RadioActive: SpeakEasy; Enjoy a cocktail reception with open bar, multi-course plated dinner, live music and dancing, and the satisfaction from knowing you are supporting non-profit, local journalism that benefits our community! Special Guest: Ari Shapiro; Loews Kansas City Hotel; 6 p.m.; $250. Contact Clarate Heckler: 816-235-2862 or checkler@kcur.org or kcur.org/radioactive-a-benefit-forkcur.

15

The Jewel Ball; A debutante presentation of longstanding civic and cultural significance. A benefit for two of Kansas City’s greatest assets, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Symphony; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; 6:30 p.m. Contact Holly Milledge: hamilledge@gmail.com.

If

15

The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City; The Fairy-Tails Ball; We will celebrate with live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks, and entertainment by Kansas City’s own RockShow!; Uptown Theater; 6 p.m.; $125. Contact Madison Brown: 913-263-3158 or prckcevent.org or mbrown@prckc.org.

Peek

Kansas City Young Matrons’ Magic Ball will be featured in the May 18th issue.

The on Society

MO ONSTRUCK

The ancients often believed a celestial event like an eclipse to be a bad omen, that the sun or the moon vanishing from the sky was a harbinger of disaster, a sign of devastation or destruction to come.

But these modern-day, school-age young men believe that the eclipse is a wonderful excuse to sit outside in the beautiful weather on a school day! Donning their safety glasses, Jack Vogelsburg and Emmett Vogelsburg are equipped for a nice, long, leisurely eclipse experience - hopefully lasting until about dismissal time!

Cousins Jack Vogelsburg and Emmett Vogelsburg