The vast spaces, majestic wood, sun-soaked windows, and polished floors of Union Station are every bit as awesome today as they were when the grand building opened in 1914.

Today, though, long stretches of time can pass without the clanking of steel wheels. And most of the visitors inside are there to eat at a nostalgic restaurant, visit a science or rail museum, or do business at one of the organizational offices now housed in the magnificent old edifice. They don't carry luggage or clutch tickets in their hands.

In truth, the hubbub related to rail transportation of people has all but disappeared. But a group of railroad aficionados meets in these hallowed halls regularly—and for them, a passion for rail life is far from ghostly. It's solid, dynamic, and flourishing in the hearts of these "rail fans.".... [ READ MORE ]

A dozen men and women sit on chairs in a circle, feet planted firmly on the ground. As a young instructor guides them and the strains of "Allegheny Moon" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" waft around the room, they stretch their arms with dumbbells and wrist weights. They stomp their feet and shout. They toss tennis balls to and fro. They open their mouths widely and swivel and pivot their heads.

For a good hour this goes on, and it's serious stuff. At any one time, more of the group members have their eyes closed than open. That helps them listen hard to directions and focus their muscle movements.

Then, when the group is exercised out, they adjourn for lunch, games, and conversation.

These exercisers are people living with Parkinson's disease... [ READ MORE ]

Since June 1962, every Thursday at 7:00 a.m., the Johnson County Cosmopolitan Club of Overland Park has been the venue for hot coffee, eggs, bacon, and fried potatoes, liberally laced with solid friendships.

"I was only 22," Dick Brockman said of that earlier year, "and I wanted to be with a group of young guys with new ideas. We were the first service club in Johnson County."

Leawood resident Brockman was one of five men who formed the Johnson County club, and he still has lots of new ideas....[ READ MORE ]

I come from a family of fat people.

I don't ever remember when Grandma wasn't half as wide as she was tall. Like her, my dad was short, only five-four. All my life he see-sawed between 250 and 300-plus pounds. The copy on advertising giveaways for his business often made a joke of his bulk by referring to him as "Slim Jim." ... [ READ MORE ]