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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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Service and Soul: Dogs

“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” – Doris Day    Companionship is the simple, defining factor of the special relationship between humans and dogs; it is the act of just being […]

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The 2021 Paw Print Issue

A celebration of the remarkable pets of Our Town.  Sponsored by:       Cooper * The Silvey Family   Dobby and Haley Bowman Photo Credit: Nicole Bissey   Captain and Lillie * Lauren Fredrickson and Aaron Schmeltz   Dobby * Haley Bowman Photo Credit: Nicole Bissey   Dobby and Hank Bowman Photo Credit: Nicole […]

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Halo’s Virtual ArtReach Auction

HALO’s Virtual ArtReach Auction, “The Main Event,” was held on February 26th. The evening featured the premiere of the HALO documentary short film, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and Special Guest Oprah Winfrey, who interviewed HALO youth, Marjai. Proceeds support the organization’s mission to end childhood homelessness.   Meilene Robinette, Chelsea Tapken, Carly Schultze, […]

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Ivy Community Service and Education Foundation’s 68th Debutante Ball

The Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Ivy Community Service and Education Foundation hosted the 68th Debutante Ball on February 26th. The theme for the virtual event was “A Celebration of Grandeur and Grace.” Twyla Woods-Buford, the midwestern regional director, gave a special greeting. Kimberlyn Jones choreographed the waltz for the […]

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Rachel’s Reads – April 2021

Throughout history, stories have been told through poetry. My first introduction to these wonderful tales was through The Odyssey as I first delved into Greek mythology. After digging into other epic poems, the ability for stories to shape their culture became increasingly apparent. These works are kinetic and often times visceral with words that have […]

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In the Spotlight – The University Academy Foundation

The University Academy Foundation, (formerly known as Friends of University Academy), is hosting its 2021 Spring Event on June 3rd at the UA Stadium. The plans call for family-friendly fun, complete with entertainment, games, and refreshments. Proceeds will help fund educational programs and opportunities that support college readiness, college completion, and career success for UA […]

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Toast To Olde Tymes – Giles Cain

Giles Pendleton Cain began writing for The Independent in 1911. His column focused on the theater. It was originally titled “Little Stories of Plays and Players,” later shortened to “Concerning Plays and Players” and finally to “Plays and Players.” He would also write other columns, such as “Petticoat Lane Levities” and “This, That and the […]

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Cheers to Volunteers! – Kathy and Gary Bussing

Kathy and Gary Bussing make a fantastic philanthropic couple, and Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is very grateful to them for their time and talent. These longtime supporters have donated their efforts to the organization for the last 13 years. Kathy is a volunteer and former board member who has advocated for more […]

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Cheers to Volunteers! – Molly Krause

Molly Krause works as a tax manager for CBIZ. In her free time, Molly is a dedicated volunteer at Junior Achievement. She serves as a Future Women’s Leadership Forum mentor and is a member of the Young Professionals advisory board. In her role on the advisory board, Molly strives to involve other young professionals in […]

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Kansas City Monarchs: Rebranded And Reborn

Of course, we are all aware of times when rebranding didn’t work. Coca Cola comes to mind first. The new Coke was the new disaster. No one wanted it, protests happened, surely some jobs were lost, and it finally went away. The Gap rebranded the logo of the clothing retailer during a holiday season… confusion […]

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Culinary Curiosity – Elsa’s Ethiopian

Some restaurants require diving in with both feet – or hands, as it might be in this case. Eating Ethiopian food is an intensely interactive activity, a community experience, and really something everyone should try – at least once! My world-traveler husband was much better prepared than I for our journey to Ethiopia via Downtown […]

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Johnson County Library Foundation – Virtual 2021 Library Lets Loose

Save the date for Johnson County Library Foundation’s virtual 2021 Library Lets Loose celebration on September 18th. The free, family-friendly event will benefit lifelong learning resources in our community. Join Honorary Hosts Denise and Rick Mills for the festive event, which also coincides with the organization’s 25th anniversary. Also featured in the March 20, 2021 […]

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Homegrown – Spring Clean: Closet Edit and Audit

I can Harry Houdini our home and my life to trick anyone into thinking I’ve got it together.  Spilled milk? Throw a blanket over it! Kids toys? Toss them downstairs. Counter clutter? Shove it in a drawer.  At the surface our house seems orderly and tidy, but don’t you dare open a drawer or closet.  […]

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Art Scene – Tanya Hartman

To describe Tanya Hartman is to find words in the softest, most respectful, deepest, safe place in the heart. This gem of an artist, teacher, mentor, and human being is an angel among us, and she is creating every single day. Tanya is true to her background, her family, and her passion every single day. While […]

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Children’s Mercy – Red Hot Night, “Virtually Over the Rainbow”

Randy Pope and Walter Porter were the co-chairmen, and Chanie and Tom Mitchell and Drs. Susan and Greg Sweat served as the honorary co-chairmen of The Hands and Hearts Auxiliary of Children’s Mercy’s Red Hot Night, “Virtually Over the Rainbow.” The 17th annual event, a benefit for the new Children’s Mercy Research Institute, was held […]

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Congratulations, Morgan & Robert!

Dr. Morgan Elizabeth Gonder and Dr. Robert Wayne Weidling were married on September 26th. The bride is the daughter of Andrea and Gil Gonder of Loch Lloyd, Missouri. Her groom is the son of Vicky and William Weidling of Wilmington, Illinois. Morgan’s grandparents are Anne and Howard Elsberry of Leawood, Kansas, the late Norma Bossaler, […]

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Forty Years Of Hope – reStart

It’s really quite simple. Homelessness is defined as the lack of permanent housing. That means no roof, no electricity, no running water, no heat, no security, no place to put the keys – because no keys exist. The condition of homelessness has been a challenge throughout Kansas City’s history. The onset of a pandemic has […]

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Congratulations, Elaine & James!

Elaine Ung York Lipsun and James Anderson Egerstrom were joined in matrimony on October 24th on the island of Maui in Wailea, Hawaii. The bride is the daughter of Elizabeth Ung York Lipsun and Antonio Yee Lipsun of Alhambra, California. Elaine is the granddaughter of the late May Lee Ng and Tony Ung York, and […]

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Rachel’s Reads – March 2021

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates Throughout the world there are incredible women doing remarkable things. With International Women’s Day taking place on March 8th, I wanted to recommend a few memoirs and biographies by or about women from around the world. These are just a few […]

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Toast To Olde Tymes – The Thomas J. Stricklers

“Dan Cupid pranced merrily this summer, positive his persuasive powers would tie a nuptial knot of importance to Kansas City, a union of big business and much musical ability,” our scribe wrote, back in September 1929. The duo in the limelight were Margaret Jane Armstrong, a coloratura soprano, and Thomas Johnson Strickler, World War I […]

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Cristo Rey Kansas City – Dancing With The Kansas City Stars!

The 15th Annual Dancing With The Kansas City Stars!, a benefit for Cristo Rey Kansas City, will be held on June 26th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The Airline History Museum was the setting to announce seven stars, Nick Durand, Phil Glynn, Mike Jackson, Mary Haggerty Kroening, Kate O’Keefe, Julie Towner, […]

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