Sports + Recreation

Kathy Nelson Plays to Win

How a proud Northlander brought the World Cup to KC Article by Diana Lambdin Meyer | Photography by Bruce N. Meyer Kathy Nelson gets asked a lot of questions these days, often from people in Europe, in South America and places in between. But one question that made her megawatt smile widen a bit more was about her favorite band. “It’s the Winnetonka High School Marching Band, of course,” Kathy responds without hesitation. A 1986 graduate of Winnetonka, Kathy played the flute and piccolo...

Arts + Culture

Enter the Reel World

Immersive experience Atlas9 defies description Article and Photography by Katie Currid Before visiting Atlas9, I was really not sure what I was getting myself into — and honestly, that was part of the fun. I convinced my husband to go with me and our three kids (ages 8, 6 and 2) on a free afternoon for an invited press visit, and when he asked what exactly we were doing, I, frankly, didn’t really know. Because Atlas9 is such a unique experience, I will say it’s still hard to describe it, but...

Local Services

Finding Your Footing

The Exercise Coach's balance program is helping clients stay steady, confident, and independent — at every age Article by Katie Currid | Photography by Hannah Schreiner Most of us don't think about balance until we lose it. A stumble on the stairs. A moment of hesitation stepping off a curb. The quiet, creeping worry that a grocery run might go sideways — literally. But Sabrina Denny, owner and coach at The Exercise Coach in Liberty, thinks about balance every day. It's not just a fitness...

Arts + Culture

Go North KC

Clay and Platte counties unite to welcome the World Cup. Article by Reilly Atkins | Photography by Hannah Schreiner When Kansas City was announced as a FIFA World Cup host city in June of 2022, the region quickly became abuzz with the possibilities to showcase what makes us special on the global stage. Clay and Platte County tourism leaders saw something more: an unprecedented opportunity for regional collaboration. Jennifer Goering, executive director of Platte County Convention and Visitors...

Food + Beverage

The Mash That Lasts

Cherry Mash's St. Joe Chase Candy Company celebrates 150 years Article by Diana Lambdin Meyer | Photography by Bruce N. Meyer In the movie “Fly Me to the Moon” starring Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johanson, Tatum’s character puts money in a vending machine and the candy doesn’t drop. As Tatum bangs on the machine, we see a limited collection of 1960s era candy bars. And one bright red and white candy wrapping that surely made everyone watching from northwest Missouri shout out in surprise...

Local Services

An Inner Investment

At KCNPI, Theresa Hubbard offers therapy, meditation and neuroscience-based tools to help people strengthen mental well-being. Article by Katie Currid | Photography by Corey Brown Photography When people think about investment, they often picture financial portfolios or retirement plans. But Theresa Hubbard believes one of the most important investments anyone can make is in their own mental, emotional and nervous system well-being. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of...

Life + Culture

Preserved Faith

How Parkville's Washington Chapel continues to anchor a community Article by Diana Lambdin Meyer | Photography by Bruce N. Meyer Those who are drawn to downtown Parkville come for the historic charm of this community, as well as locally owned shops and restaurants. But most visitors and some residents never experience a quiet, but historically significant side of this little river community. This requires a visit to a short street in a residential area just west of downtown. The address is...

Home + Design

Stoneleaf Homes

Custom Home Builder Alexis Goin carries on an important family legacy Article and Photography by Katie Currid Alexis Goin is a custom home builder in Kansas City. She’s a third-generation home builder and continues the tradition of her grandparents and parents with Stoneleaf Homes.  We sat down to ask her about her favorite parts of her job, what she's learned growing up in the business and what it's like carrying on such an important family legacy. What is your favorite part of working...

Home + Design

Real-Life Design

How Laura Coleman of LC Interiors creates spaces that work for the people in them Article by Katie Currid | Photography by Hannah Schreiner Laura Coleman never set out to create rooms that look good but feel untouchable. Her work is rooted in reality — kids, dogs, everyday messes, and the kind of comfort that makes people want to stay awhile. “I don’t have any formal spaces,” says Laura, who is in the middle of refreshing her own home in Smithville. “I like everything to feel like you can...

Sports + Recreation

Go Long

How Betty Brown keeps Derrick Thomas’ legacy alive through his local foundation Article by Dahkotah Brooks | Photography by Dahkotah Brooks and Amiah Battles When Betty Brown worked at Coors Brewing Company, the local distributor participated in a program that paid Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas $580 for every sack he made.  “That’s how I first met him and first got involved with him,” says Betty. The relationship she built with Derrick through this work later became the...