What’s a garden without birds? Or, in this case, Byrds? Anne and Wayne Byrd are the honorary chairmen for Stems: A Garden Soirée, which will be held on June 27th at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wayne was the founding president of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, which is celebrating […]

In 2010, Band of Angels was formed to assist students wishing to learn to play music. The organization has donated more than 2,200 musical instruments and funded 315 full scholarships to camps in 15 states. Meyer Music and FOX 4 TV hosted the ninth annual Band of Angels Heart Strings Gala. The event was held […]

Members of the Kansas City Ballet Bolender Society gathered on January 23rd at Hallbrook Country Club for A Musical Evening with Ramona: The Music of Tchaikovsky with Ramona Pansegrau, music director. The festive event featured a cocktail and refreshment reception and special performances by Second Company dancers. Bolender Society members were thrilled by Devon Carney’s […]

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Romantic Revels Black and White Ball was held on February 15th at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Dr. Roopa Bansal was the honorary chairman. Kelly and Joe Privitera received the Founder’s Award. Guests imbibed the signature cocktail, The Tempest, named for the upcoming summer production. Highlights of the […]

Dr. Alison Maria Scholes of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Mr. James Philip Starr of Kansas City, Missouri, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emma Jeannette Starr, to Nicholas Joseph Tymkiw, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Richard Tymkiw of Slidell, Louisiana. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Dr. Susan Ann Ellis […]

Each of the individuals selected to be honored in The Independent’s 2020 Class of Rising Stars were big dreamers about professional success, but more importantly about giving back to our community. Heartfelt congratulations were given to the seven honorees, Ruth Brackney, Jason Carter-Solomon, Chuck Cuda, Chris Miller, Bess Wallerstein Huff, India Williams, and Jason Wright, […]

On a good day, I will welcome guests into my home if I am given enough notice to trick them into thinking I have full control over the toddler toy tornado inside. Our house, a Williamsburg Colonial on a charming cul-de-sac in Prairie Village, is filled with blues, whites, and cheerful colors. It is a […]

“Local boy makes good” – such stories are traditionally earnest and heartwarming, and, to be frank, often a little on the dull side. The saga of Blevins Davis, however, is anything but predictable. He was born Charles Blevins Davis, the son of Julia Blevins Davis and Charles Ammon Davis, in Osceola, Missouri, in May 1903. […]

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Francis Higgins of Mission Hills, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Margaret MacBean Higgins, to Dr. John Frederick Shuler, the son of Dr. Perri Ann Ginder and Dr. Frederick Noah Shuler of Kansas City, Missouri. The bride-to-be and her groom-elect are both graduates of The University […]

The art-filled home of Gretchen and Dr. Larry Jacobson was the site of a dinner for the Board of Advisors of the Harriman-Jewell Series on January 20th. The event celebrated the 55th season of the Series. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter was the special guest, and her recital was held the following evening. Ronald and Phyllis Nolan […]

Being the mother of a sick child who was helped by Children’s Mercy 21 years ago led Becky DeKnight to her current role as a volunteer in the NICU. Her friendly demeanor and smiling face are just what the families need while navigating a medical issue. The staff is dedicated to helping the children, and […]

Mark Mattison is a member  of The Independent’s Rising Star, Class of 2019. He is the director of major gifts for the UMKC Conservatory. Steering the work of volunteer committees of the Friends of the Conservatory, last year Mark helped set a record fundraising goal of $633,000 for their Crescendo gala. Mark also initiated the […]

The 46th Annual Snow Ball, a benefit for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, was held on January 18th at the Overland Park Convention Center. This year’s presidents were Jo and Mike Kuckelman. More than 1,800 guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and dancing to the sounds of Lost Wax. Proceeds support the organization’s eight family support […]

Abigail Kathleen Lutz and Mark Allan Silverwood were married on November 16th at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Laura Weber Lutz of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Lynn and Michael Lutz of Leawood, Kansas. Abigail is the granddaughter of the late Suzanne Allen, the late John Weber, and […]

February 20th was the date for The Independent’s Top Ten Party at the 1900 Building. Our Town’s deep commitment to philanthropy was on display as The Top Ten Events of 2019 and The Independent’s 2020 Class of Rising Stars were announced. More than 200 guests enjoyed cocktails and delicious fare from Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions. The Top Five Golf […]

The Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors are a group of former Kansas City Chiefs players who support Our Town with local scholarship programs, charity golf tournaments, and numerous charitable visits and appearances. Members are selected based on tenure and their willingness to participate in Ambassador outreach events and meetings. This is the only group of its […]

Cassie Rauscher and Cory Bittner were married on October 12th at the Carriage Club. The bride is the daughter of Debbie and Robert Rauscher of Kansas City, Missouri. Cassie is the granddaughter of Dorothy Gierer of Villa Ridge, Missouri. Her groom is the son of Bobbi and Glenn Bittner of Newburgh, Indiana. Cory is the […]

With its Scandinavian sleek and industrial minimalist design, Strang Hall is the cool new chef collective in downtown Overland Park. Named after William B. Strang, Jr., who platted Overland Park and was considered its founder at the turn of the last century, Strang Hall has six different chef-driven restaurants under one roof, along with a […]

With the resurgence of the romantic comedy genre and the release of the sequel of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before on Netflix later this month, I thought it might be fun to lean into the explosion of pink and red this year rather than fight against it. To that end, I’ve rounded a […]

The Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown was the site for the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Luncheon, which was held on December 12th. Everyone enjoyed seeing the performance posters from past seasons that were presented by John Walker, Guild president, and members of the Kansas City Ballet archives committee. For those who […]

Pella Fingersh and Neil Sosland are serving as co-chairmen for the Civic Service Award Celebration. The event will celebrate Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy’s 54 years of educating and developing students to prepare them for fulfilling lives as contributing community leaders. The late Tiberius Klausner will be honored at the festivities, which will be held on […]