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In addition to receiving 26 issues of The Independent Kansas City’s Journal of Society, your subscription will include our annual publication, the Charitable Events Calendar and a subscription to our e-newsletter, The Insider.

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Lyric Opera Circle – 2021 Summer

Members of the Lyric Opera Circle had a full calendar of fun this summer. Instead of having the organization’s annual Ball this year, two outdoor events and a Spring Luncheon were held. Chaz at The Raphael was the site for a five-course benefactor dinner and wine pairing, with Peggy Beal as the chairman. Karen Yungmeyer […]

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A Toast To Olde Tymes – Helen Findlay

Nature or nurture? Sometimes, by a happy coincidence, a person ends up exactly where she should be. That happened when Helen Findlay went into the family business. Her paternal grandfather, William Wadsworth Findlay, began his career as an art dealer in Kansas City in 1870. One of his most prominent clients was William Rockhill Nelson. […]

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City – 2021 Empower Breakfast

André Davis is serving as the chairman for the 2021 Empower Breakfast, a benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. André’s dedication to the organization has included stints as a board member, advocate, and Match Maker. The event, which honors the Bigs and Littles of the Year and teaches guests about the Match Makers […]

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Culinary Curiosity – Third Street Social

A nice drive to Lee’s Summit would have been required until recently to access some of the most amazing comfort food – chicken and waffles – but not anymore! Andy Lock and Domhnall Molloy, along with culinary director Po Wang, have brought the goods to Midtown Kansas City in the form of a new location […]

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Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s – Holiday Mart Beneficiaries

Bartle Hall will be the site for the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s Holiday Mart. The annual shopping event will be held September 30th through October 3rd. This year’s beneficiaries are Bridging the Gap, Inclusion Connections, Lazarus Ministries, MINDDRIVE, Phoenix Family, Solace House, and Wayside Waifs. Also featured in the September 4, 2021 issue […]

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2021 Summer Celebrations

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.  Harris, Blair, Foster, and Rhett Jackson at Mission Hills Country Club’s Fourth of July Celebration   Tommie Busch, Abby Lubischer, and Patrick Busch at the Sporting KC versus Austin FC match   Chelan David and Isabel Salgado at the […]

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Wayside Waifs – 2021 Fur Ball

Wendy and Dean Guillies and Kathleen Boyle Dalen and Jason Dalen served as the co-chairmen for the 2021 Fur Ball, a benefit for Wayside Waifs. The August 7th event featured cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, and a program. Gary Lezak was the emcee, with the assistance of his dogs, Sunny, who is a Wayside alum, […]

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The Independent – Rising Star Reception

Stargazing has always been a favorite pastime for many, and the evening of July 29th was no exception. The gifted and generous Rising Stars of 2021 were honored by The Independent at a soiree at the 1900 Building, complete with recognition, gifts, a lovely buffet, and lots of applause. Luke Deets, Deanna DiSalvo, Jessica James, […]

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Night Out With MOCSA – Cocktail Party and Auction

October 23rd is the date for the annual Night Out With MOCSA Cocktail Party and Auction, a benefit for the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. Lindsey Anderson, Melanie Gaona, Susan Hoppe, Jamie Howard, Stacey McLey, Deana Werkowitch, and Danielle Willmore, all members of the Crestwood Women’s Network, are serving as the honorary co-chairmen for […]

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Art Scene – Kati Toivanen

Artist and athlete – not usually two descriptions seen in tandem. Kati Toivanen is unique in many ways, not the least of which are her two compelling passions. Born and raised in Finland, Kati earned her bachelor of fine arts degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and her master of fine arts degree from […]

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2021 Class Of Rising Stars – Jessica James

Philanthropy is more than a concept to Jessica James, it is a core value that she embodies in all that she does. As a child, Jessica excelled in school and her inquisitive and innovative nature set the stage for her future roles in the culinary arts. Since she was not encouraged to go to college, […]

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The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Stems: A Garden Soirée

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens was the place for Stems: A Garden Soirée. Anne and Wayne Byrd served as the honorary chairmen. The June 26th event benefited The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park and its support of the Arboretum, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, and public arts projects in the City of […]

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Congratulations, Abby & James!

Abby Michele Shapiro and James Farley Gibson were united in matrimony at Union Station Kansas City on July 10th. The bride is the daughter of Jill and David Shapiro of Overland Park, Kansas. Her grandparents are Sharon and Mel Spiegelglass of Chesterfield, Missouri, the late Marlene Shapiro, and the late Jay Shapiro. Her groom is […]

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Culinary Curiosity – Silo Modern Farmhouse

Located on the edge of the greens of Canyon Farms Golf Club in Lenexa, Silo Modern Farmhouse, a restaurant within a clubhouse, was just the dinner staycation we’ve been looking for. Just off the interstate, this pastorally beautiful location could be out in the Flint Hills, but it’s much more convenient. The old brick silo […]

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Rachel’s Reads – August 2021

What do Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, and Stieg Larsson have in common? They have all written books that are considered techno thrillers.What exactly is a techno thriller? It is a literary genre that combines two others into one: science fiction and thrillers. It takes the best of science fiction, a world without limits, and pairs […]

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Starlight Theatre – Starry Night at Starlight

Denise Dibben and Kristen Whalen are serving as co-chairmen of Starry Night at Starlight. The event, which will be held on September 11th at Starlight Theatre, will pay homage to an inaugural class of All-Stars, known for charitable endeavors in Our Town, plus an honorary All-Star. The fun will include tickets to a performance of […]

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The KC Shepherd’s Center -70 Over 70 Awards Celebration

The KC Shepherd’s Center fourth annual 70 Over 70 Awards Celebration will be held virtually on November 4th. SuEllen Fried and Bert Berkley will serve as the honorary co-chairmen as 70 honorees who are all more than 70 years of age are recognized for their significant contributions and achievements in Kansas City. RAlso featured in […]

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The Whole Person – Night of Independence Awards Gala – An Evening in Paris

Dr. Mark T. Fisher, the late Mona Randolph, the City of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation, and Worcester Investments will be honored at The Whole Person’s Night of Independence Awards Gala – An Evening in Paris. Jennifer Salva and Logan Weed are co-chairmen of the event, which will be held on September 24th at […]

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Crib Note – Whitney James Robson

A darling baby boy named Whitney James Robson was born on May 15th to Allison Shondell Robson and Robert Reid Robson of Prairie Village, Kansas. The blue-eyed, brown-haired baby boy weighed seven pounds, five ounces, and was 19 inches long. Whit is the first grandchild for Bernard Shondell and the late Ann Marie Shondell and […]

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Crib Note – Deia Leigh Porter

Stork sighting in London, England! Anna Linnea Porter and Troy Porter are the delighted parents of Deia Leigh Porter, who was born on April 26th. The blue-eyed brunette weighed seven pounds, three ounces, and was 22 inches long. Willa Linnea Porter, who is two and one-half years old, is the baby’s big sister. Delighted grandparents […]

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Community LINC – 2021 Rent Party Kickoff Event

The Rent Party Kickoff Event for Community LINC was held recently at the lovely home of Christine and Sandy Kemper. The organization is focused on ending homelessness for this generation and the next. Peggy and Terry Dunn, the 2021 Hometown Heroes, were among the guests, as were past honorees, board members, and friends of the […]

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