Help bring back box gutters to historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate!

The roof at the historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave., in Independence, MO, is scheduled to be replaced because of damage it sustained in a hail storm. For a short while, a window of opportunity exists to bring back the box gutters that were original to the house in the early 1900s.

Box gutters can be found on many old and historical buildings. They were the gutter of choice for years before pre-formed metal gutters became widely popular. Box gutters are invisible from the ground.

Time is short to raise the $80,000 needed to accomplish this task. Donations may be mailed to: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, PO Box 1163, Independence, MO, 64051. Donors are asked to specify how they wish their donation to be handled, should the fundraiser not reach its goal. The money can be placed in the endowment fund or returned to the donor.

For more information, contact Site Coordinator Shireen McLaughlin at 816-461-3491 or http://www.bwestate.org.

The effect of flooding

Flooding along the Missouri River and highway improvements have put a little squeeze on Lexington, MO. High water on Historic Byway Hwy. 224 and a bridge replacement on Hwy. 24 has affected traffic routes in getting to the town, at least through mid-August. Highways 224 and 24 were used by folks from Independence, Kansas City and other coming from the west looking to shop in the town's antique and unique shops. For directions on what alternate road to use, go www.VisitLexingtonMo.com.

OK MOZART coming up

There's still time to purchase tickets for the OK MOZART International Music Festival held in Bartlesville at the Community Center with the OK Series at the Rose State Performing Arts Theatre in Oklahoma City, June 10-19. Performing groups include the Amici New York Orchestra, Alloy Orchestra, Turtle Island Quartet, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Hot Club of Cowtown and renowned violinist Joshua Bell. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 918-336-9800 or visit www.okmozart.com.

Toy collectibles show feature dolls, heirlooms

Spend a Sunday in May at the 38th annual Antique and Collectible Toy and Doll Show, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Rd., in St. Charles, IL.

The show, on May 15, will feature 500 exhibitors showcasing all categories of fine antiques, collectible toys, dolls, playthings and holiday heirlooms. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults; children age 12 and under are free. Free parking.

For more information, visit www.chicagotoys.com or call 773-736-5140.

Allan Houser bronze sculpture exhibit on display at Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens will take a year-long look at modern, contemporary and traditional American Indian arts. The centerpiece is the Gardens’ outdoor sculpture exhibit, Native Roots/Modern Form: Plants, Peoples and the Art of Allan Houser, on view at the Gardens now through November 13.

The show features more than 20 bronze works created by American modernist Allan Houser (Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache, 1914–1994). This pioneering 20th century personality opened doors for future generations of Native artists, and is one of the most important American artists of the 20th Century.

The Gardens also is offering many related exhibitions and programs for adults, families and youth, including guided tours, workshops and a monthly film series highlighting indigenous voices and issues.

For more information, visit www.botanicgardens.org.

Puppetry Arts Institute presents Harry Truman's boyhood story at presidential library

Children can learn about the Missouri farm boy who would grow up to become president of the United States in the puppet show, “Hats Off to Harry!” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Truman Library, 500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO.

A make-and-take puppet craft will follow. The event, created in partnership with the acclaimed Puppetry Arts Institute, Independence, MO, is one in a series of “Talkin’ Truman” programs offered on the second Saturday of each month at the library.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and older, $3 for children ages 6 to 15, and free for children 5 years and younger. Seating is first come, first served.

For more information, visit http://www.trumanlibrary.org or call 816-268-8200 or 1-800-833-1225.

Quilters Guild of GKC hosts annual quilt show

More than 200 quilts are on display at the "Up and Away" 2011 Quilters Guild of Greater Kansas City Quilt Show, TODAY, until 6 pm, at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy, KCKS. Admission is $5.

For more information, visit http://www.quiltguildofgkc.org.