October 28th is the date for American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City, which will be held at Crown Center. The Walk is a celebration of courage and hope, and a movement to unite communities to end breast cancer. Proceeds from the event fund lifesaving breast cancer research, with a commitment […]
Read MoreMr. and Mrs. Stephen Kent Hickerson of Overland Park, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Anne Hickerson, to Peter Bryant Milledge, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Droste DeForest Milledge, Jr. of Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Tollefson, Dianne Hickerson […]
Read MoreFor 25 years, Tom Watson’s Day For Kids Golf Tournament has raised funds to ensure that young people have the opportunity to learn to play – and love – golf. On August 28th, First Tee Greater Kansas City hosted the event, which was held at Loch Lloyd Country Club. A VIP breakfast, Tom Watson Clinic, […]
Read MoreThe Gallery Event Space was the site for Awesome Ambitions’ Purse-onality 2023. The festive event featured two fashion shows, a brunch, and entertainment from Eboni Fondren. Awesome Ambitions girls modeled purses on the runway and mentioned positive character traits that they always carry with them, just like purses. The event chair, Fahteema Parrish, orchestrated a […]
Read MoreAfter more than two decades and four deans, it was beginning to look as if the UMKC Conservatory’s dream of a new facility would remain just that: a dream. Until now, that is. “This fall, Dean Courtney Crappell will reveal exciting plans for several phases of renovations and expansion of the Conservatory to meet future […]
Read MoreOne woman, standing alone onstage. No pianist, no music-stand: Just Hilary Hahn and her violin, creating miracles. That is what Harriman-Jewell Series audiences are likely to experience this October 13th, when one of the most gifted violinists of our time performs works from J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. It’s difficult to think of […]
Read MoreWhen Martha Deardorff Shields and Edwin W. Shields began building Oaklands, they had been married for more than a dozen years and were the parents of a daughter and a son. Edwin was a grain dealer. Martha’s father had been a lumberman, and her maternal grandfather had been a judge. In July 1909, the Kansas […]
Read MoreAs we celebrate the summer (and the end of that crazy heat dome), autumn is heading toward us full steam ahead. There is something about September especially that just has an educational vibe. It makes me want to run out and stock up on pens, pencils, and, of course, new books. Every September I find […]
Read MoreCharlie Lynn volunteers at the SKC Serve & Lift Center of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. What does he do there? He helps in any way he can. Charlie has been described as humble and strong. In addition, he is always smiling. Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.
Read MoreMissy Schaffer’s lovely home was the site for the BOTAR Mothers’ Dessert on June 22nd. Excitement was in the air for The BOTAR Ball, which will be held on October 28th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent. […]
Read MoreThe 19th annual Night Out with MOCSA Cocktail Party and Auction will be held at The Midland Theatre on November 4th. Tiffany Melton Meeks and Lisa New are serving as the event co-chairs. Partygoers will enjoy cocktails, delicious bites, and wonderful art and music celebrating the Paris of the Plains and highlighting Kansas City’s jazz […]
Read MoreThe residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments. Additional photos featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.
Read MoreAs a model of Kansas City’s civic spirit, Amy Guerich’s steadfast altruism has earned her the title of Rising Star by The Independent. With a diverse range of philanthropies and a particular focus on education and the arts, Amy’s story is one of passion, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to making Our Town a better place. […]
Read MoreThe Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens was the site for Stems: A Garden Soirée. Janet Long served as the honorary chair for the event, a benefit for The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, which was held on June 24th. Guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the new visitor center, LongHouse, plus cocktails […]
Read MoreOh the weather outside is frightful(ly hot). But it won’t be for long, so take a close look at this fall’s diverse and provocative mix of music, dance, and theater: with representation from six of the world’s seven continents! (We’re still working on Antarctica…) SEPTEMBER 6-24: Unicorn Theatre; Native Gardens; The Mexican-born Karen Zacarías, one […]
Read MoreThe Symphony Ball auction items are here, hooray! Nervous spouses and significant others are concerned that their loved ones may be bringing everything home. So do your part by planning to bid. The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball will be held on September 9th. Julie McCann and Gina Penner are the co-chairmen, and Shirley Bush Helzberg […]
Read MoreOctober 1st is the date for Powell Gardens’ annual Under a Harvest Moon. The festive evening will be held at The Missouri Barn at Powell Gardens. Susan Ambler Spencer is the event chair, and Courtney Earnest is being honored posthumously as the honorary chair. Guests at the festive soiree will enjoy an evening of cocktails, […]
Read MoreJoin us in our proud send-off to the Class of 2023. We wish the best to these amazing students as they start their exciting journeys around the country!
Read MoreYou already know that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, but did you know that he started the Humble Beginnings Foundation this year? Legends Field was the site for the first annual Marquez Valdes-Scantling Charity Softball Game, featuring Marquez and his teammates, which was held on June 9th. Proceeds are […]
Read MoreSusan Lordi Marker and Dennis Marker will be the honorary chairmen of the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s 56th annual Nutcracker Ball. The December 1st event will be held at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Jo Anne Dondlinger is the chairman. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Proceeds support Kansas City Ballet performances, […]
Read MoreHenry Francis Sorenson was born on January 26th. He was 22 inches long at birth and has blue eyes and brown hair. His older brother, Wyatt Timothy, age two, is known as “Tiny,” and so Henry is called “Tinier.” (We suspect they think of themselves as “Big” and “Bigger” – we’ll know more when they’re […]
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