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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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Tie The Knot 2018

Making The Perfect Plan  As the shock and wonder of the perfect proposal starts to wear off, the panic of planning the wedding begins to set in. With all of the literature out there on the headache that planning a wedding can be, it seems difficult to almost impossible to figure out where to start. […]

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Planning a wedding by creating a Pinterest board? Here at The Independent, we have something better: the archives. 

One of our favorite wedding photos is of Loula Long Combs, who became Mrs. Robert Pryor Combs in July 1917. Loula was a renown horsewoman, constantly surrounded by grooms, but only the kind who carry currycombs, not diamond rings. The Independent had desperately wanted her to get married for years – there were constant asides […]

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2018 Class of Rising Star Jackie Vavroch

Jackie Vavroch is in-house counsel at Dairy Farmers of America and an active member of the legal community, graduating from both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Robert T. Roberts Trial Academy and Leadership Academy. Said Trina Le Riche, Ogletree Deakins: “She has the capability to see an assignment through, going above and beyond what […]

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Congratulations, Kathryn & Stephen!

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Blake Stanton of Overland Park, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathryn Hannah Stanton, to Stephen Evans Nichols, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Christopher Nichols of Leawood, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. Daniel Mark Hannah of Lyons, Kansas, and the late Mrs. […]

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Saint Luke’s Foundation – Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation

The Saint Luke’s Foundation recently announced a $13 million gift commitment from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation to support the Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute (SLMBNI). On May 16th, members of the Bloch family, doctors, staff members, and supporters of SLMBNI came together for a Partnership Renewal Celebration. The past decade has […]

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Operation Breakthrough – Big Dreams, Bright Futures

More than 850 guests gathered for Operation Breakthrough’s 20th annual Big Dreams, Bright Futures event on April 27th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The evening honored Jean and Bill Dunn, Sr., who were the honorary chairmen; and the Dunn family. Joan Cohen and Tammy Ham, board members; served as event […]

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Open Options – Hats Off to Mothers

Karen Mische, Lynda Robertson and Sara Bower Youngblood were the co-chairmen of Hats Off to Mothers on May 3rd at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Libby Blair, Pam Bruce, Debra Fink, Dr. Anne Johnson, Ellen Merriman, Marty Mos, and Sonia Warshawski were the honorees. The 15th anniversary event was a benefit for Open […]

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Cheers to Volunteers! – Sharon Gartin

Sharon Gartin started volunteering as a dog walker years before Kansas City Pet Project (KCPP) took charge of the Kansas City Shelter. As her Facebook friends know, she is constantly posting photos in order to help dogs find fur-ever homes. At KCPP, she is known for her caring, positive attitude and the countless ways she […]

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Spotlight on Centurions – Bess Wallerstein Huff

Bess Wallerstein Huff is a native of Our Town. She became associated with Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in 2010 and currently is the director of marketing. Bess is a member of Centurions, class of 2019. She serves on the diversity committee and the Arts and Culture Task Force planning committee. Bess is also […]

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Welcome House – Swing Fore Recovery Golf Classic

Milburn Country Club will be the setting for Welcome House’s Swing Fore Recovery Golf Classic on September 10th. Ryan Shriver is serving as the chairman of the inaugural event. Welcome House is one of our community’s longest-standing residential sober living organizations. It has served nearly 16,000 men seeking recovery and support for drug and alcohol […]

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – 30th Anniversary Ball

April 21st was the date for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 30th Anniversary Ball at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Partygoers enjoyed a social hour, a five-course dinner, silent and live auctions, and entertainment. Robin and Dr. Marc Hahn served as the chairmen. Kelly Eckerman, emcee   Martha and Rusty Smith […]

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Catholic Charities Foundation of NE KS -Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic

May 14th was the date for Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ 37th annual Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic at Lake Quivira Country Club. This year’s event raised more than $161,000 to support Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ summer food program. Tom Johnson, Sandra Olivas-Talavera, Ashton Stephens, and Christal Watson   (Clockwise from […]

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Saint Luke’s Health System – Midwest Ear Institute Luncheon

May 17th was the date for Saint Luke’s Health System’s Midwest Ear Institute Luncheon. Rebecca Alexander was the featured speaker. Rebecca, who was born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher syndrome type III, has been simultaneously losing both her sight and hearing since she was a teenager. She has a cochlear implant. More than […]

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The Symphony League – Spring Luncheon

Lidia’s Kansas City was the setting for The Symphony League’s Spring Luncheon on May 9th. Marylou Turner is serving as the president. Marylou Turner, president; Laurie Burgess, Ball chairman; and John and Mary Edgar, Ball honorary chairmen   Board Chairman Bill and Peggy Lyons   Lisa Sirridge, Melanie Fenske, Wendy Melland, and Becky Pruitt   […]

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Synergy Services – Kindest Kansas Citian Awards

More than 400 guests enjoyed cocktails and a delicious dinner at the 28th annual Kindest Kansas Citian Awards on May 4th, which took place at the Kansas City Zoo. Proceeds supported Synergy Services. 2018 Kindest Kansas Citian Bri McKinnis and Lundy Byars    Ryan Brown, Kimber Brown, Michelle Brown, and Lanie Brown Also featured in […]

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March of Dimes – Greater Kansas City March for Babies

More than 8,000 people attended the March of Dimes’ Greater Kansas City March for Babies on April 29th at the Sprint Campus. Frank Clepper served as the chairman, with Carolyn Long and Gary Amble as emcees. Children had their pictures taken with Disney princesses and characters from Star Wars in the Kids’ Fun Zone and […]

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Lyric Opera Circle – Spring Luncheon

Lyric Opera Circle’s Spring Luncheon was held on May 7th at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Hosts Gail Van Way and Juliette Singer Spinks planned the event, and Craig Sole Designs provided the beautiful florals. Anne Elsberry and Carmen Sabates were pinned for their 25 years of service to the Circle. The 2018-19 […]

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale

Chris Frantze and Ashley McDonald were named Man & Woman of the Year at The 2018 Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale, which was held on May 17th. More than $515,000 was raised by the 13 candidates to support the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and to honor Will Buckman and […]

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Shawnee Mission Education Foundation – Distinguished Leaders Speaker Series

May 10th was the date when Shawnee Mission Education Foundation’s board of directors and guests gathered at the lovely home of Liz and Bruce Pendleton to kick off the Foundation’s Distinguished Leaders Speaker Series. The inaugural event will be held on August 8th and will feature Dr. Milton Chen, executive director emeritus at The George […]

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Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Fischer!

Mary Watson Wagner and Jake Allan Fischer were married on September 9th at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Don Wagner of Our Town. Mary is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Neal Deramus III and the late Mr. and […]

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Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy – Civic Service Award Celebration

Linda Silver and Bob Gast were the chairmen for Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy’s annual Civic Service Award Celebration. The event was held at the Overland Park Convention Center on May 6th. Carol and Arnold Caviar were the recipients of the Civic Service Award. Guests enjoyed a concert by Dudu Fisher, the renowned Israeli performer.  Arnold […]

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