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The Shawnee Mission Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club took its 54th Annual New York Theatre Tour in October. The group stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and enjoyed a tour of NBC and four Broadway shows. Other activities included sightseeing, shopping and fine dining. Nearly half of the members continued to venture to Martha’s Vineyard and stayed at the Historic Harbor Inn.

(Also featured in the January 21st issue of The Independent)

Photo Credit: Pi Phi

Peggy Rice, Anna Squires and Martha Squires	Margaret Murray, Natalie Pfost and Carol Knott

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Celebrate the art of the cocktail all week long from February 6th  through 10th at the Power & Light District! Go behind the scenes of  many bars and restaurants, and get a one-of-a kind experience  unique to every venue. The participating bars and restaurants will  offer a specialty cocktail for only $5 all week! For more  information,  visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com.

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February is here and that means it is once again time for First Fridays! This Friday head to the Westside for a great new experience. The Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery will be hosting an Opening Reception from 6 to 9pm featuring two exhibits, Energetic Ceremony, Messengers of Light, and The Power of Intention and Corazones Valientes ( Brave Hearts). Stop by Chez Elle before-hand to enjoy a scrumptious crepe or a sweet glass of wine and view an inspiring exhibit from photographer Ken O’Renick. Afterwards, head to Westside Local for a delicious meal and see work from local artists. For more information, visit www.17thsummit.com.

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Food Network Star Aarón Sánchez introduced his newest restaurant, Mestizo, at its VIP Grand Opening on December 15th. Guests enjoyed the tortilla making station and the tequila bar, which boasted 40 different kinds of tequilas. Lisa Chism served as the event organizer.

(Also featured in the February 4th issue of The Independent)

Photo Credit: Shotbee

Jeff Alpert, Mayor Peggy Dunn and Aarón Sánchez, Mestizo

Zim Loy, Lisa Chism, chairman; Aarón Sánchez and Michelle Jolles

	Angela Moser, Kayla Cox and Mike Valent, Mestizo

Tony Penn, Aarón Sánchez and Mike Auger

Jeff Alpert and Mayor Peggy Dunn

Aarón Sánchez, Mestizo; Kaitlin Motley, Katie Van Luchene, and Kate Brosseau

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Town Center will be welcoming a few new stores this spring including Brooks Brothers and Madewell! Madewell is a women’s clothing brand owned by J. Crew. Many of the clothes have the same preppy look of J. Crew, but there are more bohemian styles as well. Be on the lookout for the openings of these new stores this spring! For more info, visit www.towncenterplaza.com.

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Looking for something different to do this Valentine’s? Head to the Kansas City Zoo on Saturday, February 4th for Kiss & Tail. Learn about all the special ways animals show love; some are sure to have you laughing out loud! Along with the “romantic” presentation, enjoy entertainment from DJ Steve Serrano, cocktails, appetizers, games, a raffle, and more. Tickets are $35 for non-members, and $25 for Friends of the Zoo, adults only. For more information, visit www.kansascityzoo.org.

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Committee members of the 2012 Heart & Stroke Ball are busy planning this year’s gala, set for February 18th at the Kansas City Convention Center.  To celebrate 25 years of saving lives, guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment with a cocktail reception, formal dinner, live & silent auctions and dancing to Lynne Jordan and the Shivers at the Pulse Party.  Proceeds will benefit the lifesaving research, education and community-based initiatives of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

(Also featured in the February 4th issue of The Independent)

Photo Credit: David Riffel

Mary & Don Broschart, past committee members, Carla Duryee and Jane & Randy Hinkle, past committee members

Dr. Willie Lawrence, Current American Heart Association’s Physician of the Year, Carla Duryee, Honorary Chairman  & Tyler Nottberg, Co-Chairman

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Arthur Helzberg, the youngest son of Jamie and Bush Helzberg, recently turned one. According to his mother, he is the ‘perfect baby’ with a sunny disposition. Arthur grins at everyone, whether he knows them or not. All they have to do is smile at him while he is in the midst of tears, and he can’t help but laugh. Arthur leaps into Daddy’s arms every chance he gets and is offended if anyone tries to give him baby-sized bites or baby toys. He thinks he is capable of doing ‘big boy’ activities with his four older siblings. They all adore Arthur and constantly ask if they can ‘pet’ him, tickle him or carry him around. Let’s just hope they don’t try to put him in their backpacks and take him for show-and-tell day!

(Also featured in the February 4th issue of The Independent)

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Annie Griffiths was one of the first female staff photographers for National Geographic. She has worked all over the world and also found time to raise two children. Hear her tell tales of balancing her work and family life, which included taking her children to some very exotic places, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on February 28th. For more information, click www.kauffmancenter.org.

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