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Rachel’s Reads – December 2020

As this crazy year draws to a close, I have noticed my tendency to take more time for reflection than in previous years. There are quiet moments that I have worked into my morning routine that add a sense of serenity and stillness that I appreciate. As part of my reflection, I figured what better […]

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Culinary Curiosity – Duck and Roll

Let’s start with a confession or a few. They had me at the name – Duck and Roll redefines clever, and I fell for it. Second confession: going to Duck and Roll I had some preconceived notions regarding Asian-style food. Boy, was I wrong! The idea, the name, the food, the owner, all threw me […]

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Spotlight on Centurions – Demetrius Peterson

Demetrius Peterson is an attorney at Husch Blackwell, where he conducts investigations for schools on alleged violations of the institution’s policies and federal civil rights law, including sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, and harassment. He has very much enjoyed his time so far with Centurions, where he serves as the steering committee chairman. Demetrius earned a […]

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Cheers to Volunteers! – Chris Elkins MacFaden

Chris Elkins MacFaden started volunteering at The Folly Theater three years ago. Since then, she has become an integral part of the team. Chris has served on the volunteer council as secretary, ushered many events, worked in concessions, and served champagne at the Frolic Bubble Bar to patrons. She received the Volunteer of the Year […]

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KVC Health Systems – Groovy Virtual Gala

Shelley and Evan Howe served as chairmen of KVC Health Systems’ Groovy Virtual Gala. The November 13th event was a celebration of the organization’s 50 years of service to children and their families. Guests enjoyed the 1970’s-themed event at home, complete with a “Funky Epiphany” cocktail, auctions, celebrity appearances, and lots of period music. Proceeds […]

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Phoenix Family

The smiles in the photos tell the story. Every person, regardless of station in life, deserves dignity and respect. Phoenix Family is a non-profit organization that provides integrated social services to anyone living in low-income circumstances. Phoenix Family serves more than 6,000 people per day. Clients can learn skills and gain perspectives that make dreams […]

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Wayside Waifs – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

October 28th was the date for Wayside Waifs’ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which celebrated the completion of its $8.7 million expansion. Campaign Co-chairmen Sandy and Dave Johnson and Jill and Tom Turner hosted a limited number of guests as they celebrated the new Education and Training Center and the Canine Behavior Center. The project, which was […]

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Congratulations, Lauren & Brennan!

Lauren Marie Laudan and Brennan Michael Burns were joined in matrimony on August 22nd at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of Tammy and Kenneth Laudan of Leawood, Kansas. Her groom is the son of Jennifer and Brian Burns of Houston, Texas. The evening […]

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Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City – Ribbon Cutting

October 23rd was the date for the Ribbon Cutting at the new Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City. Also featured in the November 28, 2020 issue of The Independent  

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Homegrown – It’s A Wrap: Cozy And Classy For Cooler Temps

From sunshine to snow, we have seen it all this Fall. Mother Nature is just as lost as humanity, and her vibe is completely on brand with 2020. With the weather rumbling and rolling its way through this season, I’ve found it challenging to keep my daily dress consistent. Working from home and a slowed […]

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Children’s Mercy – Nick & Jake’s Fore the Kids Golf Tournament

Nick & Jake’s Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, a benefit for Children’s Mercy, was held on October 5th at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate and Blue Hills Country Club. Proceeds were earmarked to address mental health issues for patients at Children’s Mercy and in our community. Also featured in the November 28, 2020 issue of […]

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Cheers to Volunteers! – Kellie Sullivan

Kellie Sullivan is a longtime member of the Kansas City Symphony Alliance. She served as chairman of the Symphony Designers’ Showhouse committee for the 2020 event which was completed, but never opened to the public, due to the pandemic. How did Kellie deal with that? By coming right back – she is now hard at […]

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Spotlight on Centurions – Lisa Womack

Lisa Womack is the director of mobility services at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. She is responsible for managing paratransit and other contracted services under the RideKC brand of services. Lisa is a member of the Centurions Fall Class of 2020, where she has volunteered with Uplift, Kansas City Hospice, and HappyBottoms. Originally from […]

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Toast To Olde Tymes – Helen Houston McDermand Nelson

Chairman of the board of the Columbian Hog and Cattle Powder Company: by 20th century standards, that sounds like a very masculine title. Not even her college classmates could have envisioned it, but animal feed would play a significant part in Helen Houston McDermand Nelson’s life. (There’s an old line, “and brother, that ain’t hay,” […]

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Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault – Community Luncheon

Kristen Gibbons Feden, an attorney who served as the prosecutor in the trial and retrial of Bill Cosby, was the keynote speaker for the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault’s (MOCSA) Community Luncheon. This year, it was a virtual event with a set of small, socially-distanced watch parties on October 14th. Jill and Ray Kowalik […]

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Kansas City Young Audiences – Spark the Arts in Young Hearts

Michael Fields served as the honorary chairman for the Kansas City Young Audiences’ (KCYA) first Virtual Luncheon: Spark the Arts in Young Hearts, which was held on October 14th. Jill Warren was the chairman. Jim Cosgrove, better known as “Mr. Stinky Feet,” was the emcee, and appeared in a 30-minute video along with KCYA students. […]

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2020 Class of Rising Stars Jason Wright

Jason Wright is vice president of JE Dunn Construction Company. Recently, he and his colleagues at JE Dunn built a deck for Friends of JCDS (Johnson County Developmental Supports). “Helping people in need who cannot help themselves such as children or those with disabilities gives me great joy. Thanks to God for giving me the […]

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The American Royal – 2020 Junior Premium Livestock Auction

The American Royal Complex was the site for the 2020 American Royal Junior Premium Livestock Auction. The event was held on October 17th and also included a virtual option. There were 61 exhibitors. The Grand Champion Market Steer was purchased by the Patterson Foundation for $280,000 – and yes, that’s a new record! Numerous area […]

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Art Scene – Wolfe Brack

Wolfe Brack is a Kansas City native and graduated from Lincoln Prep High School. He attended Rockhurst University and the Kansas City Art Institute. His father is a professional woodworker and draftsman, and his mother retired as director of the Kansas City Public Library: Central Branch. Wolfe considers his father and his sisters, who are […]

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Delights Of Decades Past – Electric Park

A 1937 ad for Stine & McClure (yes, the undertakers – nostalgia sells) perhaps said it best:  “No one who ever rode on the ‘loop-the-loop’ will ever forget the glamour of old Electric Park at Guinotte and Agnes Avenues. Built by the Heim Brothers in 1899 to obtain passengers for the trolley line which had […]

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Rachel’s Reads – November 2020

As Halloween and Daylight Savings have passed, I find myself looking forward to the quiet slowdown before things usually ramp up for the holidays, even though this year they may look markedly different. I enjoy taking in the chillingly cold mornings and the subtle stillness that permeates until Thanksgiving. It’s a time that reminds me […]

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