KC ORIGINALS

Kansas City Takes to the Seas.

Volunteers working to commission the USS Kansas City build support and community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION.

For interest in volunteer work, or a corporate or individual sponsorship, contact us at:

usskansascity.org

While Kansas City is considered the very heart of the heartland, there is an effort underway that intrinsically connects our town to the open sea. Private citizens from a variety of backgrounds have been working in conjunction with the U.S. Navy to commission the USS Kansas City. It will be the second ship to carry this name and the spirit of our town across seas worldwide Creating this partnership with the United States Navy is the top priority for the volunteers supporting this effort.

“This will be an accomplishment of Greater Kansas City,” says Ward Cook, executive director of the commissioning committee. “Not Kansas City, Missouri. Not Kansas City, Kansas. All of Kansas City. Together.”

This sense of solidarity and community runs deep through this project. The USS Kansas City was recently christened in Mobile, Alabama, where she was built by Austral USA. Now, a group of Kansas Citians have come together to volunteer to serve on a commissioning committee to raise community and financial support in order to enhance the experience for the young men and women who will serve on board.

The new USS Kansas City will be a state-of-the-art Littoral Combat Ship deployed by the U.S. Navy to keep shipping lanes open to guarantee free trade, deter aggression and keep our shores safe, and to participate in wars, when necessary.

KANSAS CITY, MO 511 Nichols Road Kansas City, MO 64030 SOUTHERNCHARMGELATO.COM

Cool o this summer at one of our locations for gelato, pastries, macaroons, or a refreshing beverage. Always made from scratch on location, all day, every day and only using the fi nest ingredients.

KANSAS CITY, MO 5661 W 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66223 DECADENTDESSERTBAR.COM

“The naming of a ship is significant,” says Cook. “We hope this will build an enduring relationship between the men and women serving on the ship with Kansas City. In addition, we hope the commission will support the sailors in many ways.”

Once the ship is commissioned, it will be a full-fledged fighting vessel that could be deployed as soon as the next day. The Navy will supply the ship with what it needs to support its mission and basic amenities to support the sailors’ day-to-day lives, such as a television and basic exercise equipment, which is essential, but also recreational.

“The ship is the sailors’ home,” Cook says. “They are running most of the day, but in their few hours of downtime, it’s very important for their well-being to be able to relax. It’s up to the committee to provide support – additional exercise equipment, TVs, stereos – maybe even barbecue to change up the regular meal schedule.”

Cook notes that this builds morale and camaraderie. No one understands the need for this more than fellow committee member RADM Jeffrey Penfield, chairman of the HONORARY CHAIRMEN: Mayor Sly James, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS: Mr. William Dunn, Sr; Mrs. Anita Gorman, Mr. Ed Matheny, Mr. Henry W. Bloch – In Memoriam.

CHAIRMAN: RADM Jeffrey R. Penfield, USN (ret.)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mr. Ward Cook Secretary of the Navy Roy Maybus (left) with Kansas City Mayor Sly James. Secretary Maybus was responsible for the decision to name the USS Kansas City.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Now Shipping Coast-to-Coast

Joe’s is now shipping Kansas City’s favorite BBQ nationwide. Sending Joe’s BBQ is a delicious way to tell your family, Sending Joe’s BBQ is a delicious way to tell your family, friends, or valued clients and business associates that you care about them and their taste buds. To send Joe’s KC BBQ today, go to www.joeskc.com and click on the SEND JOES KC BBQ tab.

commissioning committee. Penfield served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years and worked with Cook on the commissioning of the USS Wichita. He did not hesitate to get involved.

“I wanted to continue giving back. Serving doesn’t stop,” Penfield says. “I was happy to chair the commissioning of the USS Wichita, and I have a desire to keep serving the men and women who are on our ships.”

He notes that life in the Navy is not all work.

“There is off-time,” he says. “Our Navy is focused and concerned about taking care of our sailors. They have the basics covered, but we can really improve the quality of life on board with AV equipment and other needs. We helped provide the USS Wichita with a barber chair. It’s this kind of cooperation that builds a relationship between us and the ship.”

Penfield is encouraged by the Kansas City community’s response. He feels there is a strong appreciation for the sailors in the fleet and that volunteers are eager to support the men and women who will be on board.

“I joined the Navy for the adventure,” Penfield says. “But I stayed for so long because I felt part of something. I felt as if I served with the best and the brightest. No other job can match that.”

It is the same conviction that drew him to be involved in the USS Kansas City commissioning.

“Not every city gets this honor,” Penfield says. “This is a great opportunity for all of Kansas City to support the men and women on this ship. The crew will have the opportunity to come to Kansas City and be recognized for their service. This ship is specifically designed to protect our security and free trade. It’s an honor to recognize the significance and service of these sailors.”

For more information on the USS Kansas City, its commissioning and commissioning ceremony, or to support the committee’s effort through volunteering or contribution, please visit usskansascity.org.

A majority of the funds raised will go toward an ongoing scholarship fund for the USS Kansas City crew.

Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.

BARRON’S S TOPTOP RIA FIRMS* RIA FIRMS*

NATIONALLY RANKED. LOCALLY BASED.

Mariner Wealth Advisors has been nationally ranked in the top three 2018, 2017 and 2016 RIA Firms by Barron’s. While we are thrilled with this recognition, we believe the true measure of our success is helping our clients arrive at their financial destination.

Because putting clients first isn’t just our motto – it’s our mission.

Why not have a conversation with a top-ranked firm? 913-904-5700 | www.marinerwealthadvisors.com 5700 W. 112th St., Suite 200, Overland Park, KS 66211

Barron’s awarded the 2018 #3 Top 40 RIA Firms ranking to Mariner, LLC d/b/a Mariner Wealth Advisors based on data compiled for Mariner Wealth Advisors and the 2017 #2 and 2016 #1 rankings to Mariner Holdings based upon data compiled for Mariner Holdings’ registered investment adviser subsidiaries. Barron’s has transitioned the name of the 2016 inaugural award of Top Independent Advisory Firms to the Top RIA Firms. Each year since inception, Barron’s has increased the number of firms included in the rankings from 20 (2016) to 30 (2017) to 40 firms (2018). Barron’s publishes these lists based upon a number of criteria and the firms’ filings with the SEC were used to cross-check the data provided to Barron’s. The listing includes the firms’ numbers of clients, employees, advisors, offices and state locations. The award is not indicative of future performance and there is no guarantee of future investment success. Registration of an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of training or skill. Mariner, LLC dba Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”), is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. MWA is in compliance with the current notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which MWA maintains clients. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

The carpool lane really is faster.

Five seats. Invigorating power. The kind of performance only 70 years of sports car heritage can produce. In the new Cayenne, the carpool laneis yours for the taking. And then some. Porsche. There is no substitute.

The new Cayenne. Sportscar Together

Porsche Kansas City

9400 West 65th Street Merriam KS 66203 (913) 677-3300 www.aristocrat.porschedealer.com

©2019 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.