Shawnee Magazine Summer 2011 by Sunflower Publishing

summer 2011

sHawnee People, places and style defined

magazine

Shawneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Variety

Beautiful blooms make this club worth joining $3.00

Dear

Reader

Until recently, I had never understood the appeal of gardening. It seemed like a great deal of effort for such a short-lived result. Plants were expensive, and the process meant hunching over garden beds and digging in the dirt for hours. In my opinion, rocks and shrubs seemed like a good substitute. It finally took a green-thumb motivator in my life for me to see the passion and cathartic experience gardening could provide. In fact, it was this season that I actually learned how to plant pots—one flower, one accent plant to flow and one spiky plant. As a novice, these are my official terms. The gardens and their gardeners featured in this issue of Shawnee Magazine masterfully capture this sense of joy (which we couldn’t resist putting on the cover). Their work with the Shawnee Garden Club helps foster their hobby, creates camaraderie and serves as a means of giving back to the community—making it a special group. But the garden club and its members aren’t alone. This season we pulled over three entrepreneurs who have taken their business to the streets. From a mobile salon, fabulous trunk show and coffee/cupcake combo, we get a glimpse of what it’s like to follow your dreams—even if it’s on four wheels. Likewise, we shaped up before meeting Michelle Robin of Your Wellness Connection. Her passion for a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness was enough to inspire her to found her practice, which features classes, wellness plans, healing methods and support. It also led her to pen her first book, Wellness on a Shoestring: Seven Habits for a Healthy Life. In similar fashion, mommy blogger Michelle Shrader shares her fervor for chronicling daily life. What began as a means of keeping in touch with family and friends quickly became a test in self-discovery. After revisiting her past, she was able to find a new voice that has provided many more opportunities—and rewards. Like a new flower blooming, Shawnee Magazine is sure to inspire this summer.

Vol. 4 / No. 4

summer 2011

sHawnee People, places and style defined

magazine

Editor Katy Ibsen Designer/Art Director Shelly Bryant Copy Editor Susie Fagan Advertising Sales Mary Hay (913) 631-1611 Ad Designer Janella L. Williams Chief Photographer Jason Dailey Contributing Photographers Tim Andersen Carolyn Glade Dvorak Bill Mathews Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel Claire M. Caterer Carolyn Glade Dvorak Gloria Gale Kimberly Winter Stern Kelli White General Manager Bert Hull Publishing Coordinator Faryle Scott

_____________________

Subscriptions $22 (tax included) for a one-year subscription to Shawnee Magazine. For subscription information, please contact: Christopher J. Bell 609 New Hampshire St., P.O. Box 888 Lawrence, KS 66044 (800) 578-8748 | Fax (785) 843-1922 Or e-mail comments to shawneemagazine@sunflowerpub.com

_____________________

Shawnee Magazine is a publication of Sunflower Publishing, a division of The World Company. www.sunflowerpub.com

Katy

editor

find us on facebook facebook.com/ShawneeMagazine

sHawneemagazine

Contents

2011

summer

In Every Issue

03 Dear Reader 42 Q&A 46 Shawnee event Spotlight

Features

Departments

shawnee living

Living in a light box

Honey, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finally home

One fashionable lakeside home celebrates each day with a toast to the good life

An interior designer fuses her love of design and family to create the home of her dreams

Shawnee Businesses 14

The soap maiden

Upward mobility

Angie Wrye cleans up with her Crimson Hill Soaps brand

Three Shawnee businesses show off their street smarts

Local profiles 28

Where space and spirit meet Central Baptist Theological Seminary opens its doors to the community

Surface art

health & fitness

BY Kimberly Winter Stern

Gardening that gives back

BY Kelli White

Signature Canvas makes its mark on the art world

The Garden Club of Shawnee supports community through growth and beauty

Connecting to wellness

Dr. Michelle Robin helps clients build healthier, happier lives

For the Family 40

Live, Love, Write

One Shawnee woman shares how starting a blog has changed her life and helped her on the road to recovery

get away 44

sHawneemagazine

on the cover

Beautiful blooms adorn the patio of Elaine and Richard Jones. {Photograph by Tim Andersen}

The good earth

Healing waters for mind, body and soul seduce all who visit this haven that spans past and present

Martin Family Dentistry, P.A. Steven K. Martin, D.D.S. Alan J. Martin, D.D.S. Philip H. Martin, D.D.S.

Serving the Shawnee community for over forty years. Founded in 1964 by, our father, Dr. Gorby R. Martin. We offer a variety of cosmetic services, including all-porcelain crowns and veneers to reshape and restore your smile.

Before

After

Other dental services include—cosmetic fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, cleanings, periodontal procedures and implant restorations. We strive for patient comfort and satisfaction to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

The oldest restaurant in Shawnee where quality has been first since 1969. The best pizza in town also has the best

Creamy Green GarliC Salad dreSSinG, ClaSSiC Pizza SauCe & BaSil-GarliC PaSta SauCe, available at Old Shawnee Pizza & at local grocers. pizzas ~ pastas ~ salads ~ sandwichs ~ calzones ~ banquet room ~ catering ~ school fundraisers ~ daily lunch specials 61st & Nieman, Shawnee, KS

Located in the heart of downtown Shawnee! (913) 631-4373 | 6130 Nieman Road | Shawnee, Kansas 66203

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913.631.5716

34th & Gibbs, Kansas City, KS

913.677.1844

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Gentle, compassionate dental care using state of the art equipment & digital technology.

Providing quality dentistry to our family & friends for three generations.

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11005 W. 60th Street • ShaWnee, KS • 913.631.5622 Just off Nieman Rd. at 60th St. between Shawnee Mission Pkwy. & Johnson Dr. We participate with Delta Dental, MetLife, Guardian, Humana, Connection Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Dentemax.

Shawnee Downtown Business Association

We use Cerec technology to create custom ceramic restorations.

Shawnee

living

The matchette home

story by

Gloria Gale

photography by

Bill Mathews

Living

in a light box One fashionable lakeside home celebrates each day with a toast to the good life

sHawneemagazine

It’s easy to miss Linda and Jack Matchette’s home tucked deep and

steep into the hills on Lake Quivira’s second tier. “Linda decided, after living comfortably in Shawnee for years, that it was time to think about moving to this lake. I knew she really wanted to live here, and finally I said, ‘Let’s buy a summer lake house,’” says Jack. That simple statement led the couple to look at a variety of homes throughout the 200-acre lake development until they discovered what they were looking for: a sliver of land sited with an equally small house. “We called it the ‘little house,’” says Linda, remembering that it was just that: a vintage l962 home measuring less than 1,000 square feet that became too small too quickly. Although they used their summer home regularly, within a year the couple decided that it was time to consider upscaling and move to the lake permanently. The Lake Quivira home of Linda and Jack Matchette is an exploration of light and architecture.

Dr. Philip C. Gaus, DDS

is pleased to announce the opening of his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice in Shawnee. He completed training with the United States Air Force in 1987, earned board certification in 1989 and has practiced in Lawrence and eastern Kansas since 1991. You are invited to stop by the new location for any of your treatment needs including extractions, implants and corrective jaw surgery.

Shawnee Oral Surgery, LC is located near the junction of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Kansas Highway 7. Please schedule your appointment now. We look forward to seeing you!

(913) 948-7766 Philip C. Gaus DDS 6844 Silverheel Street • Shawnee, KS 66226 www.gausdds.com

Nails Mirage Where Elegant Nails Begin

913-422-4471 5432 Roberts Street • Shawnee www.nailsmirage.com Tuesday - Friday 9:30-7:00 Saturday 9:30-6:00 • Sunday Noon-5

Shawnee

living

Happy coincidence Jack, who just happened to be in a wine club with architect Jim Calcara, principal of 360 Architecture, broached the subject of building on the existing property. “We could do it if we tore down the exiting house and build a contemporary [home],” Calcara says, never entertaining anything other than a modernstyle structure. It didn’t take long before the wheels were in motion to bring Linda’s dream of living at the lake full-time into fruition. And Jack? “He was fully on board with the entire process,” says Linda with a smile. Throughout the next nine months, Calcara, who designs mostly commercial buildings, mapped out plans for the couple’s home.

[2]

[1]

“Jim was used to designing urban buildings, so it was a bit of a challenge to fit a sleek, 4,500-square-foot modern home onto this condensed piece of property,” says Jack. The goal, Jack says, was to orient the house with primarily north and south exposures to capture as much natural light as possible. Jim and Linda worked closely to design the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home to be functional and incorporate plenty of light through expansive windows and vaulted ceilings. “We lived like gypsies while the house was being constructed over the next 10 months, but we made sure to be here daily, monitoring the process,” says Linda.

sHawneemagazine

[3]

[1] The kitchen was a dream design for

Linda who admits most people end up there when they entertain. [2] Beautiful cabinetry throughout the home shines in the sunlight. [3] Even the closet is an exhibit of fine design and organization.

Rooms with a view Today, the stucco home gleams from a hilltop vantage point overlooking the lake. The front of the house is designed with a welcoming concrete patio that acts as an outdoor room. Sheltered away from the street, the private patio features a small pool and room to grill, something the Matchettes enjoy routinely. The patio garden is planted with bayberry, impatiens, aspen, whitebud, jack pine and blue spruce.

Shawnee

living

Whether the couple are grilling nightly for themselves or with friends, the kitchen is the main attraction. Two 8-foot sliding glass doors link the 19- by 23-foot kitchen with the patio. “Jim and I designed this kitchen to be the focal point in the house. I love to cook, and we have found that no matter where you entertain, people inevitably congregate in the kitchen,” says Linda. “As a result, I wanted to make sure there was plenty of room throughout.” Impressively designed, the room displays banks of maple cabinets holding everything from an appliance garage and bar to two dishwashers, a television and spice and olive oil racks. There’s little doubt that this is a cook’s kitchen. The

“We lived like gypsies while the house was being constructed.” – Linda Matchette

serpentine granite island and undulating modern lighting showcase the uncluttered surfaces that Linda prefers. Like the cool, sleek demeanor of the kitchen, the living and dining space just north of the kitchen is equally serene. Neutral-colored, monochromatic furnishings are punched up with seasonal accents. “In the fall and winter I use reds; come spring and summer it’s lemon yellow,” says Linda. Just off the kitchen, their main-level living space continues.

“Jim decided to concentrate on the master bedroom/closet area as a wing unto itself. The bedroom features a built-in wall of cabinets and access to the outdoor deck. Around the corner is our fullsize room, closet built with separate vanities for each, plenty of drawers and a circular shower,” says Linda. “Our office lies just beyond this personal space. This entire wing can be closed off from the world with pocket doors.” Downstairs holds a large living area, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms that are delegated to visits from family. Overall, this house fits the couple’s lifestyle perfectly. “We enjoy accessing the water, cooking for friends and generally savoring the amenities that lake living affords,” Linda says. “This is a home that really accommodates us. We’re thrilled with the outcome.” sm

sHawneemagazine

ABOVE RIGHT The Matchettes have include whimsical décor in their home, which was constructed after demolishing the existing 1962 home. ABOVE Views are everlasting on the home’s courtyard and patio.

Shawnee

living

The Greenhaw Home

story by

Kim Antisdel photography by

Jason Dailey

Honey,

I’m finally home An interior designer fuses her love of design and family to create the home of her dreams

at first glance, joe and Shannon greenhaw’s home

sHawneemagazine

in the SaddleBrooke neighborhood appears to be a cute bungalow. Step inside the four-bedroom, four-bath home, though, and it’s evident the word “cute” is completely unsuitable. “Our home looks quaint and unassuming from the street. It is very unassuming,” says Shannon. “We didn’t necessarily want a house that asked for attention.” But inside, attention is exactly what this residence commands. Built in 2009, the house holds several surprises beyond its facade. “The house was built on a very steep hill, but you can’t tell from the front,” says Shannon. “The architect had to adjust the foundation to two levels to accommodate the slope of the hill.” Inside the living room, large picture windows reveal a magnificent 50-foot drop to the backyard below, filled with lush grass and mature trees. The view is astounding.

The Greenhaw home is a beautiful creation that blends furnishings and a regal design.

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“This house is actually a reverse story and a half,” Shannon says. “It’s difficult to imagine how tall and deep it is until you see it from [the back]. I look out the windows to this beautiful view every day and feel very blessed.”

Living in style The main floor is the hub of the home. To the right of the entry, an elegant dining area houses a cream built-in hutch filled with dinner and glassware. To the left of the entry is a guest bedroom and bath as well as the master bedroom. The nearby kitchen boasts a large island and custom stone backsplash.

“I designed the interiors of our last home, so I already knew what I wanted to do differently.” – Shannon Greenhaw

sHawneemagazine

Shannon has an eye for design, which shows throughout their home. Details in old pictures and furniture create a space they adore.

The living room—flooded with natural light that showcases the dark hardwood floors—completes the main floor. Textiles illustrate the living room, giving it a sense of depth, and an elegantly painted jet-black fireplace oozes drama in this sophisticated space. “Joe and I basically live entirely on this floor,” says Shannon. “The lower part of the house is more for our [children] and for entertaining, so I designed this level specifically for comfort.”

A degree of sophistication There is no doubt that Shannon’s degree from Oklahoma State University and training in interior design elevated her home to a new level. “I designed the interiors of our last home, so I already knew what I wanted to do differently,” Shannon says. “I always keep several inspiration files going at once. When we decided to build this house, I already had ideas in my files. I’ve always loved bungalows, so that influenced the exterior design as well as the interiors.” One of the more interesting pieces in the home might have been skipped over by an eye less experienced than Shannon’s. A grand tufted armchair upholstered in natural linen sits gracefully in the living room, just waiting for someone to curl up with a good book.

Shawnee

living

“The silhouette of this chair was hard to pass by on the clearance aisle, but it was green velvet. I bought it anyway. I had it reupholstered, and now it’s quite lovely,” she says. “I enjoy finding items that don’t look useable and repurposing them to make them work.” Shannon’s eye for potential is responsible for many other unexpected items in the house, including an oversize coffee table and exquisite wood side table expertly placed at the entryway.

Flights of fancy

ABOVE The home appears as a cottage to onlookers, but the back reveals two more levels.

INSET The grand staircase goes down two levels with one landing for

bedrooms. BOTTOM Even the beautiful dining room showcases Shannon’s touch with a floral arrangement and sheet music centerpiece.

sHawneemagazine

Another surprise element in the Greenhaw home is entirely structural. The seemingly inconspicuous staircase dividing the living area from the dining room is much more than it seems. “Initially, it looks like an everyday staircase,” says Shannon. “But it’s actually one of the longest staircases I’ve seen in residential design.” In fact, the staircase provides access to two more levels of the home. Halfway down, the flight of stairs unexpectedly breaks into a small landing, offering an additional bedroom. The room serves as a guest bedroom for the Greenhaws’ two daughters, who are married and live in nearby cities. “Our first granddaughter was just born, so this room will eventually include a crib,” Shannon says. “We don’t use our guest rooms too often, but it’s great that they are here to accommodate our son’s college friends, family and future grandbabies.” The remainder of the extended stairway leads to the lowest level, which includes an oversize family room complete with a pingpong table, enormous flat-screen TV and kitchen area. It is in this room that the Greenhaws’ church youth group gathers once a week for fun and fellowship. The lower level also provides another bedroom, where son Will resides when he returns from college for the summer. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Greenhaw home is not its grand surprise staircase or optical illusion size but the small touches of family that can be found throughout. Together these mementos make this new home feel exceedingly mature. Photos of the Greenhaws’ three children— Reilly, Kathryn and Will—adorn nearly every room, and the expression of love and pride is never in short supply. “I feel like a home should reflect who you are and who you love,” says Shannon. “This home does that for me, and it is perfect for this stage of our lives. Joe and I plan to be here for a very long time.” sm

Shawnee

businesses crimson hill soaps

story by

Kimberly Winter Stern

The

soap maiden Angie Wrye cleans up with her Crimson Hill Soaps brand

photography by

Tim Andersen

Angie Wrye created a collection of soaps and body care products for her home business, Crimson Hill Soaps. The business was launched when she tried to help with her daughter’s skin allergies.

sHawneemagazine

Angie Wrye doesn’t go far

to find the perfect test group for her soaps and scents line, Crimson Hill Soaps. “My husband, Matt, and two children oblige by taking baths and showers to testdrive products,” says Angie. “In fact, my kids have been known to take two to three baths daily when I experiment with scents and combinations. We’re the cleanest family in Shawnee.” Originally intended to provide relief for Angie’s 8-year-old daughter’s skin allergies,

Crimson Hill Soaps has grown into a full-fledged business with a robust online clientele and sales that peak during seasonal periods such as Christmas and Mother’s Day.

All natural Angie’s nutrient-rich, hand-poured luxury soaps, lotions, lip balms and perfumes attract customers who want quality, non-synthetic products for daily hygiene and moisturizing needs.

“I don’t use lye or caustic agents that can irritate skin,” says Angie, who notes that her natureinspired, spa-quality products are made from naturally derived ingredients such as glycerin and oils. “They’re SLS- [sodium lauryl sulfate] and paraben-free.” A tireless researcher and developer, Angie points to chunky 5-ounce slices of fresh-cut soap in a meadow-grass shade of green

Shawnee

businesses

“My kids have been known to take two to three baths daily when I experiment with scents and combinations.” – Angie Wrye

that are curing and waiting to be tested for lathering and scent properties. “I just whipped up this green tea soap,” she says, admitting she has a knack for combining unusual scents, beautiful hues and playful shapes that resonate with customers. “I buy only the highestgrade ingredients from vendors and tinker with creating products.” Overland Park’s Mommy Shop, at 149th Street and Metcalf Drive, features Crimson Hill Soaps Angel Faces line for kids and additional items. “I carry Angie’s products because they’re all-natural and high quality,” says business owner Bree Young. “My favorite is the almond scent. It’s magnificent. Plus, the kids line is fun and exciting for the little ones.” Bree says the little details, including the beautiful packaging, are important to her as a business owner. “Customers are visual,” says Bree. “They’re attracted to Crimson Hill Soaps first for its appearance.” That attention to detail is a trademark of Crimson Hill Soaps. Angie ensures that each bar of shrink-wrapped and beribboned soap, tube of lip balm or vial of perfume meets stringent specifications to keep customers ordering. Inventory is kept at a minimum for the same reason a boutique bakery doesn’t mass-produce cupcakes: freshness. “I only make soaps in batches of eight,” she says. “When the count gets down to two bars in a given scent, I replenish.”

The industrious Angie designed the logo, labels, website and recipes. She also snaps product photos that tempt online shoppers and develops each line’s packaging. Angie’s office shelves emulate a colorful and fragrant candy store. There are neatly arranged rows of soaps with swoops and swirls of colors, and bags tied with polka dot ribbons that contain a soap replica of a carefully decorated cupcake. “Some of the soaps look so yummy I have to remind people they’re not edible,” says Angie. In the weeks prior to Mother’s Day, inventory bursts with department storeworthy gift sets, while Easter brings pastels and egg- and bunny-shaped creations. “If I could sell soap for Groundhog’s Day, I would,” laughs Angie, who says the calendar is her best friend for special promotions and selling opportunities.

The business

The bulk of Crimson Hill’s sales come from online orders, but Angie’s products are sold in select salons, gift shops and spas and at area craft shows, where she’s a sought-after regular. Angie prices her products as carefully as she cultivates recipes, branding and packaging. “The average price per item is $5 to $6,” she

sHawneemagazine

Behind the scenes, Angie is the marketing and development guru for her business. Matt, an efficiency expert at Hallmark, assists with logistical issues. She came up with the company’s catchy name that evokes nature when brainstorming with Matt. “Crimson is my favorite color and the name of our Shawnee subdivision. The ‘Hill’ comes from Chapel Hill, Texas, where I started this business,” she says.

Clean sales

Shawnee

businesses

for more information, visit

sHawneemagazine

www.crimson-hill.com

says, adding that regular customers often receive a complimentary goodie with an order. “I like to reward loyalty,” says Angie, tipping her customer service hat. Ginny Burke, a loyal Crimson Hill Soaps customer, gave her three daughters gift sets for the holidays. Her middle daughter, Claire, liked the miniature heartshape soaps so much she requested a spa party for her birthday. The party favors? Customized Crimson Hill Soaps. “She’s picked out the shape of the soap, the color and the color of the lip balm tube and scent for her guests,” says Ginny. “Angie goes out of her way to deliver just what you’re looking for. I appreciate that, and the affordability and quality of her products.” sm

Squeaky Clean

When Angie Wrye puts on her soap chef’s hat, it’s almost a guarantee that sweet-smelling magic will happen. And while most of her customers are from the United States, Crimson Hill artisan soaps are shipped globally, with Canadians and far-flung Hungarians stocking up on bars of rosemary-mint essential oil blend soaps and jars of decadent brown sugar and fig fragrance whipped soaps. Here are a few of Angie’s soap-and-sensibility tips.

Decadent Whipped Soaps:

“I recommend that customers scoop a palmsize amount and use in the shower or bath for a sensational experience. It’s also a great shaving soap.”

Gentleman’s Oat Scrub Soap:

This is Matt-approved. “Nothing girly about this creamy soap—it’s moisturizing, soothing and has anti-itch qualities from the natural ground whole oats and a nourishing vitamin punch for soothing.” Manly scents include Oakmoss Blend and Fresh Outdoors.

Dry Oil Roll-on Perfumes:

“These are pampering—crystal clear, long-lasting scents that leave skin silky, not greasy. The natural formula consists of coconut oil and jojoba oil. Perfect purse size [15 milliliters].”

Angie has developed a full line of soaps, lotions and facial creams and much more. She’s even develop lip balm as part of the expanded line of products.

Shawnee

businesses on the road

story by

kimberly winter stern

upward

mobility

Three Shawnee businesses show off their street smarts

photography by

jason dailey

Brian Jurgens, left, and Renee Kloeblen are behind the mobile coffee and cupcake food truck known as CoffeeCakeKC. The two cruise the metro area helping customers get their fix.

sHawneemagazine

“open for business”

These familiar words take on an entirely new meaning when street-smart Shawnee entrepreneurs take their cakes and coffee, clothing and accessories, or pampering spa treatments to customers who are eager for door-to-door service. Today’s norm is reinventing business strategies to drum up new customers, but these mobile shopkeepers create brand loyalty beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Meet these Shawnee-based, newbreed business owners who operate their companies with a reverse welcome mat by taking to the streets.

CoffeeCakeKC Renee Kloeblen and Brian Jurgens were brought together by one of the 21st century’s great communication tools—Twitter. Kloeblen, a self-professed Twitterholic, was raising funds to realize her dream

of owning a cupcakery when she learned about Jurgens, a passionate coffee roaster. “A common acquaintance encouraged us to check out each other’s businesses,” says Kloeblen, an early childhood teacher-turnedentrepreneur. She launched her gourmet cupcake business, Ms. Nene Takes the Cake Bakery, with Twitter posts and word-of-mouth recommendations in 2010.

Shawnee

businesses

To find out where CoffeeCakeKC is serving cupcakes and coffee follow @coffeecakekc on Twitter or on Facebook at CoffeeCakeKC.

“Cupcakes change daily and seasonally, with four to five choices each day,” says Kloeblen, whose Royal Wedding promotion was a sellout hit, delighting office workers with boutique cakes and Jurgens’ fragrant coffee. The CoffeeCakeKC truck meanders through the streets of Kansas City, participating in signature events like the Crossroads Art District’s First Fridays and the KC Food Truck Rally. Kloeblen is constantly tweeting, informing followers of the truck’s location and daily offerings. The team also takes CoffeeCakeKC to private events, bar and bat mitzvahs, and birthday parties. Kloeblen and Jurgens are thrilled with the reception that their on-trend concept has received. After all, who can resist the indulgence of a handmade cupcake and a steaming cup of artisan-roasted coffee served streetside from a truck?

sHawneemagazine

Jurgens, an Air Force veteran whose 14-year corporate telecommunications journey ended when he accepted a buyout from a large company, started his coffee venture in 2009 following a brief foray into the real estate market. “When the economy tanked, my wife encouraged me to turn my home roasting hobby into a business,” he says. “I bought a commercial roaster and began my wholesale roasting operation.” E.F. Hobbs Specialty Coffee was born, and Jurgens went from a hobbyist to a respected roasting pro whose product is sold at grocery stores and coffee shops like Homer’s in Overland Park. Kloeblen and Jurgens met in July 2010 and instantly realized that her high-quality cupcakes and his coffee were a match made in food heaven. The duo purchased a truck in August and customized it for a bakery and coffee shop on wheels. They dubbed their venture CoffeeCakeKC and hit the streets in mid-December 2010 in search of brand awareness and customers. CoffeeCakeKC’s unique retail space is outfitted with everything a pastry chef and barista require, including one two group espresso machine, 26 cubic feet of refrigeration, a three-cylinder generator and a large service window that allows Kloeblen and Jurgens plenty of room to have face time with customers. Because Jurgens—known as “Stubbie” to coffee aficionados—brews each drink order on the spot and Kloeblen’s cupcakes are build-your-own confections, they interact with customers and get immediate feedback. The CoffeeCakeKC menu changes often, sometimes pairing Kloeblen’s decadent cakes with Jurgens’ espresso drinks. One recent menu teamed a steaming cup of Papua New Guinea coffee with Banana and Nutella cupcakes topped with maple buttercream frosting. Kloeblen and Jurgens have creative fun with their chow-downgood powerhouse.

Shawnee

businesses

sHawneemagazine

Femme Fab

Stacey Puliatti is a dyed-in-the-wool fashionista who lives her philosophy out loud: “Wear what makes you feel good … and feel good in what you wear.” She’s hip and confident in her style and makes no apologies for not being a slave to the dictates of the fashion world. Puliatti hopes that Femme Fab, her private event traveling trunk show business, will become the new black for Kansas City women seeking contemporary threads, unique style and real-life fashion advice. A professional makeup artist who worked for a major cosmetics brand for 17 years, Puliatti has focused her career on helping women achieve looks for their lifestyle. Puliatti started Femme Fab in 2010 after her husband encouraged her entrepreneurial spirit. “Every single show I do in a client’s home or office is a new adventure,” says Puliatti, who sells a combination of her own designs and other small-label accessories and clothing. “I’m able to blend my knowledge of makeup and fashion to help women find their inner beauty.” Puliatti’s tie-die yoga line, the Femme Fab Couture Yoga Collection, consists of 12 pieces including pants, pullover sweatshirts, spaghetti strap tanks and hoodies. She worked closely with a Los Angeles-based fashion designer to create the fun exercise clothes and has sold out of several pieces. Puliatti doesn’t stop at the threads. Her jewelry line, Custom Cuffs, sells like hotcakes to women seeking trendy bracelets made from vintage brooches. She also includes pieces from artisans from across the country, like a motherdaughter team that makes hand-painted clay necklaces and earrings. “Femme Fab helps women stay out-of-the-box when it comes to fashion,” she says. “Maybe someone will add a bit of bling to their wardrobe to enhance their look or try a style of jeans that isn’t their normal denim choice.” Each Femme Fab trunk show, which attracts a diverse group ranging from age 20 to mid-50s, offers clients an opportunity to explore Puliatti’s fashion savvy. Puliatti hosts monthly trunk shows at her Shawnee home, allowing Femme Fab fans and new customers to browse racks of dresses, skirts and jeans at their leisure. Customers also can shop Femme Fab’s online store, which constantly rotates new items, including Puliatti originals. At the heart of Femme Fab is Puliatti’s perspective of sometimes-fickle fashion. “I’m a woman’s woman—mother, wife, businesswoman, friend, co-worker,” she says. “When you’re surrounded by other women on the same playing field in life, trying to stay current and relevant, fashion is a uniting factor.” Femme Fab’s traveling boutique experience attracts fashion disciples and newcomers alike. “We all want to look and feel our best,” says Puliatti. “That’s my job.”

To shop or book a Femme Fab trunk show, visit www.femmefab.com.

Stacey Puliatti travels with her fabulous collection, Femme Fab, to trunk shows in and around Shawnee.

Shawnee

businesses

Beth Kearns, owner of A Perfect Ten (or Twenty), is a salon diva on the move.

A Perfect Ten (or Twenty) When Beth Kearns attended a memorial service in 2005 for a client and friend, she realized the positive potential of her dream job—a mobile salon and spa. Kearns, a 12-year salon industry professional, gave weekly in-home pedicures and manicures to a client named Pat who couldn’t visit Kearns due to severe effects of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After Pat’s death, her friends reinforced the emotional importance of the beauty sessions, deluging Kearns with hugs and gratitude. “I was honored to have shared that time with Pat,” says Kearns, who has since helped others suffering from illness or bedridden during pregnancy enjoy personal pampering. Kearns, who started A Perfect Ten (or Twenty), six years ago, is a passionate and confident business owner. She researched mobile salons and spas prior to taking her show on the road by contacting a Canadian

For more information, visit www.aperfecttenortwenty.com.

woman who is an expert on safety precautions for people with nontraditional traveling businesses. Kearns also consulted a mobile salon entrepreneur in West Virginia, asking questions about the pros and cons of the business. “The most challenging aspect of my job is the marketing,” says Kearns. “Sometimes people don’t understand what a mobile salon and spa offers.” Kearns and her team of independent contractors are organized and efficient, toting well-stocked rolling bags of product and tools of the trade into a client’s home or office. “We’re careful not to disrupt someone’s environment,” says Kearns. In addition to offering clients services from perfectly executed pedicures and crisp and clean manicures to spray tanning, relaxing massages and facials, Kearns injects a measure of nurturing with each appointment. “I watched my mom take care of my grandmother,” she says. “Caregiving is an important role in life, and I like to help my clients wherever possible.” Kearns takes pride in the trust that her clients—a base of 40 to 50 regulars who range from doctors and lawyers to teachers and stay-at-home moms—have bestowed upon her, often letting the 35-year-old mother change a diaper or act as a listening ear to life’s joys and challenges. “I love that I’m able to make a difference in someone’s life, whether it’s a respite from a busy day, a busy schedule or physical issues,” she says, adding that her strength as a detail-oriented professional enables her to be flexible in the ever-changing world of a mobile business owner. “You constantly have to be on your toes.” A Perfect Ten (or Twenty) offers packages such as Just the Two of Us for couples, The Future Mrs. for brides-to-be and Little Miss Diva for children’s birthday parties. Kearns and her team often go into hospitals, helping bedridden women—and men—boost self-esteem. “I wake up every day and absolutely love my job,” says Kearns, who started A Perfect Ten (or Twenty) from scratch, with just the money in her pocket, a strong work ethic learned from her father and lots of ambition. “So many people work because they have to. I work because I want to.” sm

Surface r t Story by Kimberly Winter Stern Photography by Tim Andersen

signature canvas makes its mark on the art world

Admired by artists worldwide for its fusion of pristine canvas and handmade frames, Signature Canvas is to artwork what well-chosen fabric is to couture fashion: priceless. For more than a decade, Signature Canvas has stamped each of its artisan frames, stretched with the highest-grade cotton, with a “Made in the USA” logo. In an industry where innovation wouldn’t seem possible—after all, Egyptians have been painting on fabric for 2,000-plus years—the Shawnee-based company has carved a market niche that allows professional artists and hobbyists to apply paint to an extraordinary product and helps protect the art collector’s investment. Signature’s Avant-Garde canvas and Keyless Frame are exclusive creations. A striking piece of artwork on their own, the patent-pending designs bring every artistic technique to the forefront—fine art, abstract, collage, build-ups, sculpture, craft and even photography. Dr. Rand O’Donnell, Rick Krska and Alicia Botyrius own Signature Canvas; Botyrius is general manager and oversees the 8,500-square-foot warehouse on 79th Street off Switzer Road. Each year more than 30,000 feet of canvas is stretched over cabinet-grade American poplar frames and shipped to artists across the country and globe. Commissions done on Signature Canvas products hang in Florida airports, Maui hotel lobbies and various museums, hospitals, theaters, retail Alicia Botyrius is one of three owners of the dignified Signature Canvas, a canvas manufacturer in Shawnee.

TOP Mark Blewett stretches nearly 100 canvases a day. ABOVE Carpenter Tim Krska builds the poplar frames.

stores and state capitols. Celebrities such as Billy Joel, Warren E. Buffett and even Clint Eastwood own pieces of art painted on Signature Canvas products. “We take pride in being our clients’ trusted adviser and partner when it comes to building the perfect canvas and frame for their art,” says Botyrius. “Some artists call us and want the biggest commission of their life on Signature Canvas. Though ultimately we’re not responsible for it, we have a stake in an artist’s success.” Because Signature Canvas uses highquality products, artists know that the paint won’t fall off their canvas and that the oil or acrylic paints they use won’t seep through the back and become corrosive, causing the piece to deteriorate over time. Artists frequently send Botyrius e-mails and leave voicemails about their inaugural Signature Canvas order. “A favorite aspect of my job is to witness an artist’s excitement when they receive their first Signature shipment and begin painting,” says Botyrius. “Artists say that they have to put down their brush and let us know they’re blown away. The consistent customer feedback is that Signature exceeds expectations.” According to Shawnee artist Jean Pflumm, the Signature Canvas team is wonderfully conscientious. “They consider your work as important as their work,” she says. “Attention to detail, like tucking canvas edges and the frame’s substantial back brace, is unparalleled.” Beyond building relationships, Signature Canvas goes to great lengths to use the best material. The 100 percent cotton duck that is

For more information, visit www.SignatureCanvas.com.

grown in the Southeast and woven in U.S. textile mills for superior yarn quality yields a clean and consistent oxford weave that artists covet for its excellent archival painting surface. Signature’s cornerstone product, the triple-coat primer, gives the canvas a chemistry-perfect, bright white texture. “My brush is so responsive when I paint on a Signature canvas,” says Pflumm, an oil artist. Signature’s factory is not automated with fancy framing and stretching machines—the human element reigns supreme. Mark Blewett has worked in the immaculate workroom since 1998 and can stretch nearly 100 canvases a day using canvas pliers—a physically demanding job that requires precision and skill.

Signature Canvas: By the Numbers

“Attention to detail, like tucking canvas edges and the frame’s substantial back brace, is unparalleled.” - Jean Pflumm

“He constantly checks to ensure that each canvas is tight, square and straight,” says Botyrius. Customers choose from two fastening techniques: channel-fastened spline or brass-coated staples. The canvas is finished with a gallery wrap featuring clean, paintable edges that delight artists. Blewett stretches canvases on poplar frames that carpenter Tim Krska builds from scratch. Shipped from the Northeast and milled in Kansas City, the wood provides a heft, strength and stability to Signature’s frames. Botyrius says there are few comparisons between a frame made in China or Pakistan and a Signature product. “The foreign frames are wood, but we take great care when making ours,” says Botyrius, adding that it

takes Krska anywhere from five minutes to construct a small frame to 45 minutes for a large frame. Signature produces custom sizes, ranging from 6- by 6-feet for plein air canvases—small frames that artists tote to paint outdoors—to 72- by 144-feet and everything in between. The plein air panels are made from top-quality Belgium Claessens linen. Artists order yards of the luxury fabric that Signature inventories. Although hundreds of orders are fulfilled weekly, the staff at Signature is minimal. In addition to full-time employees Blewett and Krska, the company has parttime workers who assist during peak ordering. Canvases are shipped in secure pallets within a week of ordering. Award-winning Overland Park artist Jeffrey Owen Hanson, 17, whose art hangs in Sir Elton John’s home

45 Minutes it takes to construct a large frame Few hundred-2,000 Number

of canvases sold per week

$5-$773 Price range of canvases sold 300-400

Number of canvases shipped to foreign addresses in 2010

2,500 Number of artists in database

sHawneemagazine

and in one of the iconic pop star’s Elton John AIDS Foundation South African cluster homes, uses Signature’s products exclusively. “They skillfully create custom-sized superior canvases for my commissions,” says Hanson. “I am proud to support a local, eco-friendly business.” Signature Canvas has a reputation of perfection with artists and gallery owners. Paul Dorrell, a Kansas City-based art consultant and owner of Leopold Gallery, recommends the company to artists he represents and even those he doesn’t. “I even used one of their canvases for a British reality show, Art Race, a couple of years ago,” says Dorrell. “They’re a huge cultural asset to the region.” sm

Local

profiles Central Baptist Theological seminary story by

Carolyn Glade Dvorak

photography by

Jason Dailey

The Central Baptist Theological Seminary recently opened the doors to a renovated space that welcomes one and all.

Where

space and spirit meet

sHawneemagazine

Central Baptist Theological Seminary opens its doors to the community

Central Baptist Theological Seminary wants to sing praise and let everyone know it is here. While faculty, staff and students take the unique forms of study offered at the Shawnee facility seriously, they also celebrate a renovated space they hope to share with the surrounding community. “We don’t want people driving by here wondering what we do,” says John Gravley, vice president of institutional advancement at CBTS, which is a professional graduate school of theology affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and in support of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. “This space is community space, and we want to make it available.”

Local

profiles On the northeast corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Monticello Road, CBTS occupies the building that previously housed Westside Family Church. A ribbon-cutting ceremony in April introduced the public to the refined structure that features the work of Gould Evans Architects.

The library The two-story library was remodeled from the former boxy, utilitarian gymnasium. George Townsend, executive vice president of CBTS, was actively involved in the building project. “What we wanted to do was create an iconic presence on the site. While [the original building] met our needs, it didn’t have any punch,” he says. About 7,000 square feet make up the first floor, which is filled with books and serves as a space for studying and events. The 4,000-square-foot second floor, or mezzanine level, welcomes visitors with an open stairway. The space eventually will hold special collections and have small, quiet study rooms for students. “The goal was to have a nice student fellowship space,” says Townsend. “Students today like to study in small groups with their technology. The library will be compelling with the furnishings designed for spreading out or curling up.” Vance Thomas, director of the library, says, “We’re very excited about what this facility has in store and where the library could be a greater benefit to the community.” He would like to see local clergy make use of the main level for meetings and events. For the long term, he envisions the space hosting discussion groups and lectures. He would also like to connect with the Johnson County Library system to make the books in the CBTS library more available to the community. Gravley’s outlook goes even further as he envisions people from the community using the library as a regular place to meet and relax. A fine arts program is being developed to encourage area residents to enjoy the campus’ including a gallery space in the commons area.

The chapel Down the new Hatcher Heritage Hall—named for Drs. Gordon and Karen Hatcher, who were major contributors to the capital campaign—is the Baugh-Marshall

Chapel, named in honor of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation and Baugh Family and Molly Marshall, president of CBTS. It features a state-of-the-art sound system developed by Progressive Electronics of Raytown, Missouri. The specially crafted mahogany ceiling, plaster walls, hard surface floors and slightly curved wall at the front of the chapel combine to give “stunning acoustics,” according to Townsend. Tall windows grace one side of the 3,000-square-foot chapel, where a restored 1923 Steinway grand piano sits on one side of the room and a modern Allen digital organ faces it. Cassian Heath, a former member of the Benedictine Community of Conception Abbey who now lives in Wichita, carved furnishings used in the altar. Small windows wind their way around sections in the ceiling, allowing for a “ribbon of light” throughout the chapel, which is also noticeable from the outside at night. The chapel can accommodate about 130 people and be configured to fit many occasion. Gravley sees the space as ideal for weddings, lectures and music events, and he hopes nearby schools will consider it for small group music events. “We talk about hospitality being a value of ours. We now have a place where we can practice that,” he says. The next step is putting all the plans in place. “It’s a huge logistical undertaking for us to work out. We know the concept of how we want to use it, but we need to make sure we get it right,” says Gravely.

At a ribbon cutting on April 8, members of the seminary, faculty, staff and neighbors celebrated the new space. Photograph by Carrie Dvorak

The seminary Students at the seminary use the chapel regularly for their services, and the space is open Sundays for church services. Journey Community Church in Shawnee is the first to use the chapel on a regular basis for Sunday morning services. “The idea is that if we outgrow this space, then we are likely large enough to be sustainable on our own and will look for another location. When we move out, someone else can begin,” says Wallace Smith, pastor of the Journey Community Church congregation. Although Journey Community Church is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the

sHawneemagazine

Local

profiles

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, it is not connected to CBTS. However, Smith says seminary students are encouraged to take part in Journey’s services. “Having students involved keeps us on the edge and open to different ways. We can be a proving ground for first sermons,” Smith says. “Students can get a unique experience through our community and be more prepared for where they’ll be going.” Where these students go and who these students are is what makes CBTS appealing to a variety of people. Women account for about half of the student body, which has a median age of 44. “We are very, very inclusive; we encourage women and have a variety of (Christian) denominations represented in our student body,” says Marshall, who is also a professor of theology and spiritual formation at CBTS. “Some are people who take early retirement or are lay leaders in their churches and want to pursue their passions.”

sHawneemagazine

The diversity

A group of Hispanic ministers received certificates of ministry in May. Refugees from Myanmar (Burma), in Southeast Asia, some of who were pastors, took advantage of short-term classes at CBTS last August. The seminary has a strong tie with the Myanmar Institute of Theology. As a result of that tie, CBTS became aware of the number of refugees entering the United States from that area. “People kept talking about how we need to do something for them, so we decided, ‘Let’s go ahead and set it up,’” says Marshall. In October, 12 doctoral students from Myanmar Institute of Theology will be at Central for two weeks. “We are very innovative with our educational delivery,” Marshall says. “We offer our classes online, in the evenings and on weekends so our students can continue their work and meet other commitments.” Classes designed for working adults appealed to Brazilian student Aline Schreiner. She is working toward a master’s degree in divinity in the Create program, which contains a group of select students who go through all classes together called a cohort. “I was very, very happy to find out there were a good number of women being accepted into the program as well,” Schreiner says. Areas of study prepare students not only for the traditional job of pastor but for fields such as establishing new

TOP Vance Thomas is director of the library, a 11,000-square-foot space filled with books, meeting rooms and places to study. ABOVE The chapel can be configured in many ways, making it a useable space for outside organizations. OPPOSITE PAGE Molly Marshall, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, sits in the chapel with a restored 1923 Steinway grand piano.

Local

profiles churches, working in the urban core, assisting nonprofits or going overseas. Programs are designed to aid students in business as well as spiritual growth. “It’s a well-rounded program. Classes include church administration, grant writing and public speaking. Students are able to speak well about the Bible, and yet studies are not limited to pastoral care,” Schreiner says. She and husband Andy, who has applied to CBTS, would like to help establish a congregation. Marshall says a main goal of CBTS is to “educate leaders who will transform communities.” As students transform the communities they serve, those at the seminary hope their renovated space will be part of a transformation in the surrounding Shawnee area by serving as a welcoming, hospitable place. Gravley says, “We really want to be open—to communicate something of God here.” sm

gar den i ng t h at g i v e s b ack

The Garden Club of Shawnee supports community through growth and beauty

Story by Kelli White Photography by Tim Andersen

Rebirth. Renewal. Rejuvenation. A garden is a symbol of all three. IF I WERE A FLOWER ... “I would be a banana tree because they are so unique and hearty. Mine keeps coming back year after year and has truly transformed the atmosphere of my garden. At its tallest, it’s been 26 feet high, and its leaves are 7 feet long by 2 feet wide. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

– Ken Hawkinson

Gardens bring beauty and life for all to share and are truly works of art. The Garden Club of Shawnee blissfully takes part in the joy of gardening and all it offers to gardeners—and non-gardeners. The Garden Club of Shawnee was founded in 1990 after a group of community-minded gardeners responded to a newspaper advertisement placed by the Shawnee Beautification Committee. “Twenty people signed up to join at that first meeting,” says Mary Lou Sharkey, the club’s historian. “Today, we have about 100 members.”

Offering a bouquet of knowledge Being a Garden Club of Shawnee member means you’ll always learn something new. “At each monthly meeting we have an expert talk about a specific gardening or community-related gardening topic,” Sharkey says. Topics may include bugs that are beneficial to a garden or methods of incorporating water and lighting elements into a garden. In addition to informational events, Garden Club member Michele Magner finds the knowledge she receives from fellow members helpful. Magner especially enjoys the club’s semiannual plant-sharing program. “People generously share their plants, bulbs and seeds—once in the spring and once in the fall. Being a new gardener can be costly, so this activity has been a big help for me,” she says. “If you are a novice gardener looking for knowledge and free plants, this is the place. The information that comes with free plants is invaluable,” Magner says. Members also enjoy the group’s camaraderie. Welcoming smiles greet new members regardless of past experience in gardening. “I am a fairly new gardener,” says Magner. “Being a member has been a great learning experience and has helped me expand my gardening horizons.”

Sharing the beauty Every other year the club sponsors a garden tour, which most recently occurred in June. Six homeowners open their grounds to the public and share their magnificent blooms. “The tour supports the club and raises grant money for schools and nonprofit organizations,” says Laurie Jorgensen, club member and chairperson for the tour, which is the club’s sole fundraiser. Jorgensen, who has been a Garden Club of Shawnee member for seven Shawnee Garden Club Member Ken Hawkinson shares his beautiful garden.

Member know-how Whether you are a gardener or merely rejoice in their grandeur, you can become a member of the Garden Club of Shawnee for an annual fee of $15. Monthly meetings offer education and activities, and the membership card provides discounts at area merchants and nurseries. The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Town Hall in Shawnee Town, 11600 Johnson Drive. All ages are welcome. Membership is not limited to Shawnee residents. For more information about the club, visit shawneegarden.homestead.com.

Eric, Blair and Laurie Jorgensen enjoy their garden, which is also a certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.

IF I WERE A FLOWER ... “I would be a Lithrium (purple loosestrife). It is no longer sold in Kansas or Missouri—or many other states—and is considered a noxious weed, but I absolutely love it! I have several clumps in my garden.” – Laurie Jorgensen

years, explains that you do not have to be a member to be on the tour. “[We find our participants] by driving by and by word of mouth.” The tour is no small event. “Being part of the tour is really asking a lot from the homeowners because 300 to 600 people will be walking on their property in one day,” Jorgensen says. Despite the wear on the yards, most people who are asked to participate are honored to be a part of the tour, she adds. Typically the gardens on tour are mostly floral, but this year, tourgoers were in for a more varietal treat. Two of the six gardens are on properties covering more than two acres, one was a self-sustaining organic garden and the other had several ponds and water features. Jorgensen, whose garden was on the tour for the first time this year, was happy to share her land with guests.“[It] became a certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation last year. It means I have a food and water source for a variety of animals and birds,” she says. “I have two rain gardens, rain barrels and two composts and use homemade fertilizers and insecticides for most of my flowers.” Jorgensen’s vegetable garden and fruit trees are also organic. “If you eat a peach or pear from my garden, you need to be aware of worms. My philosophy is, ‘Plant enough for everyone—bunnies, birds and bugs included.’” Elaine Jones’ garden, known as Woodland Sanctuary, was also a stop on the 2011 tour. Jones says in the past few years her garden has produced two showstoppers: red coleus and the new dawn climbing roses. “Even strangers walking by have knocked on our door to comment on them. Both were absolutely breathtaking,” she says. Jones especially enjoys the connections she’s made in the club. “We love sharing our garden with friends, neighbors and anyone willing to listen to us,” she says. “We hope those who visit our garden enjoy the tour as much as we enjoy sharing our gardening hobby.” sm

where the green goes Proceeds from the Garden Club of Shawnee fundraisers go toward helping the community raise environmental awareness and teaching children and young adults about the importance of caring for the Earth through gardening efforts. “The Garden Club of Shawnee Scholarship was established in 1991 to support students pursuing a horticulture degree at Kansas State University. As of 2011, 10 scholarships have been awarded,” Mary Lou Sharkey says. The grant program began in 2007. “Grant requests are awarded for projects that match one or more of the club’s objectives: to promote general gardening interest, to beautify the community and to increase awareness of environmental issues,” Sharkey says. Some recent grant recipients include: Bluejacket Flint Elementary School Plan to build a rain garden so deep-rooted, native plants can capture polluted storm water. Students will measure and share the results from drawing down the water and purifying it.

IF I WERE A FLOWER ... “I chose the forget-me-not because of the symbolism associated with making memories. As a family, we like to focus on making memories instead of accumulating things. Someone said that we do not remember the days, but we remember the moments; this is why I choose the forgetme-not.” – Elaine Jones

Clear Creek Elementary School Plan to purchase topsoil, compost, gloves, seeds, plants, garden labels and signs so students can plant, tend and observe plant cycles. Prairie Ridge Elementary Plan to buy soil prep materials, vegetable plants for student observation, watering cans, shovels, hoes, stepping stones, plants and bulbs. Rhein Benninghoven PTA Plan to create a butterfly garden, maintained by students and parents. Students will learn about butterflies and caterpillars, as well as how to create and maintain habitat. Shawnee Town Museum Plan to purchase reproduction implements for use at relocated Shawnee Town farm site so visitors can experience hoeing and growing on a 1920s Shawnee truck farm. Visitors will help plant hotbed and transplant plants and help cultivate and harvest. St. Joseph Church Garden Club Plan to purchase bedding plants, rose garden supplies, mulch, organic fertilizer and landscaping material. Also will provide advice to community about roses, plants and bushes.

Whimsical details fill the Woodland Sanctuary garden at the home of Elaine and Richard Jones.

Health &

fitness story by

Claire M. Caterer

photography by

Tim Andersen

Connecting

to wellness Dr. Michelle Robin helps clients build healthier, happier lives

sHawneemagazine

Walking into the lobby of Your Wellness Connection is like entering a church. Its warm yellow walls give it a hushed, reverent feel and display messages like “peace” and “imagine.” A sign reminds clients to turn off cell phones when in this “healing zone.”

Your Wellness Connection isn’t just a doctor’s office; it’s the brainchild of Michelle Robin, doctor of chiropractic and a certified chiropractic wellness practitioner. After opening her practice in Shawnee in 1992, Robin realized the need to consolidate an array of wellness therapies under one roof. She added other chiropractors plus acupuncturists, massage therapists, yoga instructors, a nutritionist and a counselor, then renamed the practice Your Wellness Connection (YWC), at 74th Street and Switzer Road in Shawnee. Wellness, she admits, is her passion. Robin’s goal is to help clients put together a package of wellness techniques for optimum health. She aims “to help someone look at it holistically and not get obsessive-compulsive about one area.” This is especially true for patients suffering from conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments. “Chronic illness can be directly related to poor lifestyle,” she says. Robin learned about the holistic benefits of chiropractic medicine following a sports injury she suffered in her teens. She believes healing starts in the heart and says the human body is “a phenomenal machine” that requires not only care but love. “You treat it out of love

Health &

Fitness

ABOVE Michelle Robin started Your Wellness Connection in Shawnee after she realized a need to consolidate an array of medical and healing services. INSET Robin is also the author of Wellness on a Shoestring: Seven Habits for a Healthy Life.

“When I get out of balances—and I do— then my body gives me warning signals, like a cold.” – Michelle Robin

and out of loving yourself versus disrespect and not loving yourself,” she says. That means working with the body, mind and spirit combined. “I utilize exercise, eating properly, yoga, sleep, healthy self-talk, chiropractic massage and acupuncture to stay well,” she says. “When I get out of balances—and I do—then my body gives me warning signals, like a cold.” Robin’s philosophy requires her to truly connect with patients. “If you come in and I quit hounding you about your lifestyle, please fire me, because I’ve quit caring,” she says.

Healing others

sHawneemagazine

Clients are asked to fill out a six-page intake form that queries them about their stress levels, diet and sleep patterns along with their medical histories. Robin says it’s the best way to assess a patient’s full needs. She describes chiropractors as neurosurgeons who don’t cut people. The body, she says, is an electrical system. “The main switch is the brain—like Kansas City Power & Light. Then you’ve got the breaker boxes—that’s where the spinal nerves are. And my job is to keep the spine realigned so you can feel divine,” she says.

Health &

Fitness

Her philosophy for treatment of any problem is lifestyle first, drugs second, surgery last. In Robin’s view, lifestyle includes everything from sleeping with the correct posture to drinking enough water, getting adequate exercise and learning proper breathing techniques through yoga and meditation. She champions a diet high in dark greens, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Her famous “green” smoothies include handfuls of nutrient-rich kale or spinach. Dawn Brindle of Shawnee appreciates Robin’s holistic approach. Brindle began seeing Robin after an immobilizing back strain in December 2010. “I wasn’t just a spine to be adjusted. It really was about my overall health.” Brindle’s therapies also include yoga and nutrition counseling.

sHawneemagazine

Beyond the office

Robin now reaches a worldwide audience with her speaking tours and book, Wellness on a Shoestring: Seven Habits for a Healthy Life. This guide puts the power of healing in the hands of the patient. Laura Mangosing of Lee’s Summit says the classes she’s attended based on the book have turned her life around. “It’s absolutely all connected,” says Mangosing, who traded her breakfast Coca-Cola for green smoothies. “When you eat right, you feel better. When you feel better, you’ll exercise. Your energy is better and you’re happier.” Mangosing consulted with YWC following a car accident in March 2010, and today her whole family benefits from the team’s therapies. Rachel Cooksey of Overland Park echoes Mangosing’s sentiments. “My life has literally changed.” In August of 2010, Cooksey consulted Robin for back pain and realized she had other issues to address. “I was struggling with depression, but I didn’t realize how angry I was,” she says. Robin’s team has helped her lose weight, feel better emotionally and dramatically improve her Crohn’s disease. “What I didn’t understand until I met Dr. Robin is that I am in control of how I feel physically,” says Mangosing. That’s exactly the attitude Robin hopes to foster. “I’m here purely to love people,” says Robin. “So much that it reflects back on them, and they can witness it for themselves. And they can see their own magnificence.” sm A sauna helps patients relax after a treatment.

Dr. Edward A. Nelson, D.D.S., P.A.

Going Green If you’re afraid a green smoothie will taste like mushy lettuce, try this recipe whipped up on the fly in this writer’s kitchen. This superhealthy, dairy-free smoothie really is delicious (and you won’t taste the kale).

1½ cups juice (combination of apple juice and an orange-banana-strawberry mixture) 1½ cups frozen fruit (strawberries, bananas and peaches) 1 large handful organic kale leaves, rinsed and torn (about 1 cup) 2 tablespoons shredded carrots Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse to break up the frozen fruit. Blend on high for 1 minute or until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender pitcher as needed. Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 109 calories, 71 percent daily RDA vitamin A and 122 percent daily RDA vitamin C

Shawnee Endodontics is a dental practice specializing in root canal treatment and is currently accepting patients to its Shawnee office for their endodontic needs. Dr. Nelson is board certified in endodontics and is a specialist member of the American Association of Endodontists. He received his dental degree from the University of Iowa and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics in 2008.

Dr. Nelson provides the following endodontic services: • Consultation & Diagnosis • Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy • Non-Surgical Root Canal Retreatment • Surgical Root Canal Treatment • Oral Facial Pain Diagnosis

Shawnee Endodontics is located one block east of the Johnson Drive and K-7 Highway interchange. We welcome Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Diner’s Club, American Express and CareCredit. Most major dental insurance plans are accepted. 5407 Roberts Street, Shawnee, KS 66226 913-971-4050 or 913-712-9865 | www.shawneeendo.com

Michelle Robin’s Seven Habits for Wellness For more information on wellness, including classes, tips and recipes, visit www.YourWellnessConnection.com and check out Robin’s guide, Wellness on a Shoestring: Seven Habits for a Healthy Life, available at local libraries, bookstores and online.

1. Cultivate a good sleeping pattern: Rest, rejuvenate and reflect. 2. Breathe deeply. 3. Move your body. 4. Free your mental and physical space: Free your space, mind, body and spirit. 5. Eat a diet rich in greens: Go for the greens. 6. Enjoy the benefits of seafood and sunshine: Eat from the sea; enjoy the sun. 7. Drink adequate amounts of water: Drink to your health.

For the

family

mommy blog

story by

Kim Antisdel

photography by

Jason Dailey

or Tonya Shrader, life is a journey— a journey worth sharing with friends, family and maybe even the entire world. So in 2009, Tonya found a new way to share her life—she started a blog. “I had family in different parts of the country, and even out of country, and wanted to keep everyone up to date on what was going on in our lives,” says the stay-at-home mom who is also pursuing a degree in elementary education. But what began as a simple family update with fun pictures and anecdotal stories soon detoured into something much more significant. Once Tonya began her blog, she realized the endeavor also could be used as a tool to inspire and

Live, Love, Write

sHawneemagazine

One Shawnee woman shares how starting a blog has changed her life and helped her on the road to recovery

The Shrader family is online as Tanya chronicles life’s little adventures on her “Mommy Blog.”

empower other people like her. As a victim and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Tonya decided to share more than just her current life. She delved straight into her past. “I didn’t start talking about the abuse on my personal blog right away,” she says. “I just wasn’t sure if I was ready for that. I wasn’t ready for everyone to know about it.” As a stepping-stone, Tonya began a second, anonymous blog dedicated to claiming victory over sexual abuse. She shared her story as a nameless writer and encouraged others to grow in strength from it. Soon enough, though, Tonya surprised herself again by opening up on her public blog. “At some point, my personal blog just became an open journal, and I started sharing stories from my past on it right along with my everyday daily posts about family and faith,” she says. In fact, Tonya’s public blog has almost morphed into a letter to her children. She knows that one day Zachary and Lucas, ages 7 and 4, will read her blog and understand her struggles more deeply. “I don’t hide anything about my past from my kids or husband, and they all support me,”

For the

family

she says. “Right now, the kids don’t pay as much attention to the more personal posts. They just like to see themselves in the blogs about them.” Though it may have been intimidating to share her experiences so openly, she says the unexpected rewards made it all worthwhile. “I get a couple hundred visitors every day,” Tonya says. “A lot of times, the content about my past is what brings them to my blog. I write very honestly about my life and about meaningful things, and I think people identify with that.” Tonya’s husband, Bryan, a union electrician, is one of her biggest blog cheerleaders. “Our past helps shape who we are today,” Bryan says. “It takes people talking about things that might be difficult or taboo to let other people know they aren’t alone. I love the subject matter. I like that it’s real and not always heavy and not always light.” He knows she is giving strength to others through her ongoing story. Tonya is not alone in getting bitten by the blogging bug. There are nearly 160 million public blogs throughout the world today. “Mommy Blogs,” which center on observations and discussions about family and parenting, are one of the most popular blog categories. For moms like Tonya, blogging is a way to share feelings, stories, pictures, recipes and even videos without having to send numerous e-mails to a long list of relatives. “With blogging, my entire family can come by and read what they want to,” Tonya says. “My family knows me better than they ever would have before this blog, because I share more of myself.” A pleasant side effect of that sharing is a deeper and more profound dimension for Tonya’s relationship with her husband. “We don’t get to sit and talk all the time about everything Tonya is thinking or feeling,” Bryan says. “Reading her blog gives me an interesting perspective on everything from her deep thoughts to everyday events.” Unlike traditional Mommy Blogs, Tonya’s is a rare breed, as it does touch on a controversial subject. Still, the subject matter does not deter her. “If I end up teaching, that would be fabulous. But if I end up working in a nonprofit capacity with sexual abuse or recovery, that’s even better.” For now, Tonya is sharing her family’s stories on her personal blog, using it as an instrument to help heal from painful memories and preserve the good ones. To commemorate her journey, Bryan publishes her blog entries as a hardback book every year. Tonya uses the printed version of her blog to give her kids a unique way to experience what she’s written. “It’s like a yearbook for my kids to go back and look at what they did. They love to see how much they’ve grown, and I do the same for myself. The older I get, the more I learn about myself.” sm

http://onegirlamongabunchofboys. blogspot.com

mom has been through right now, but they enjoy reading her posts about their antics.

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You can read Tonya Shrader’s public blog at

Below Zachary and Lucas may not understand the journey their

Q & A

with

Carney Gadwood Jr. Miss Kansas-World

In this Royal Wedding

To start, just tell us a little bit about yourself and family.

year, crown status

Carney: We live in Shawnee. I have two older brothers, Jake and Nick, and a dog named Lucy. We love to go to the Lake of the Ozarks and on ski trips.

with a bit of glitz and glam is the dream of many young girls.

How did you and your family find yourself in Shawnee?

For one Shawnee

Carney: My parents both grew up in Shawnee. We have lived here since I was born.

tween, this all became

When did you start participating in pageants?

a reality. In April,

Carney: This was my very first pageant.

Carney Gadwood, 11,

What inspired you to get involved?

was crowned Jr. Miss Kansas-World as part

Carney: My Friend Allie Marx was Jr. Miss United States-World and she did volunteering and met new people. She told me all about it, and it seemed like a lot of fun.

of the Miss Teen World Pageant. She’s proof

What do you enjoy most about the experience?

that a little beginner’s

Carney: Meeting new people and making friends.

luck can go a long way.

We spoke with Carney and her mom, Julie, to

In a small community like Shawnee, you’re a bit of a celebrity. How does that feel?

Carney: I don’t look at myself as a celebrity; I’m just like any other girl. But I guess when you put it that way … it feels pretty good.

learn a little more about Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

sHawneemagazine

this exciting experience.

Carney: I see myself hopefully still doing pageants, with a college degree, still volunteering and with a job and house and probably a dog. Tell me a little more about your family and how you arrived in Shawnee.

Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Katy Ibsen. Photograph by Jason Dailey.

Julie: My husband, Dave, and I grew up in Shawnee. We love this area, so we knew that we would want to raise our children in Shawnee. We have a great deal of family very close by and love the close community feel of this city.

What was your reaction when you learned that Carney had been crowned Jr. Miss Kansas-World?

Julie: We were so excited. When they announced her as the winner, we [family and friends] all just stood up and screamed. Since this was the first pageant that any of us had attended, we had no idea what to expect. What do you enjoy most about the experience of Carney’s pageant?

Julie: To see how passionate she was about the entire process. She even raised the money on her own to pay the entry fee. How did the Shawnee community play a part in Carney’s competitions?

Julie: Everyone was so supportive. Friends and family were constantly encouraging her, giving advice on all aspects of the pageant and giving her confidence to do the pageant. She volunteered at many events prior to the pageant for Variety (Children’s Charity) of Kansas City. This volunteer work gave her confidence as well as a chance to learn what it means to give back to the community. She knows that with the title, there is a great deal of responsibility. What is your one wish for Carney as she moves up in pageants?

Julie: My one wish is that she enjoys the journey and gains knowledge and confidence every step of the way. sm

sHawneemagazine

Get

away ojo Caliente, New Mexico story by

Gloria Gale

Photography courtesy of

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

The

Good Earth Healing waters for mind, body and soul seduce all who visit this haven that spans past and present

nyone who yearns to unwind will find an inspired setting at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, one of the oldest natural health resorts in the country. This northern New Mexico resort and spa an hour’s drive from Santa Fe and Taos sits serenely in the shadow of a blushcolored sandstone mesa that has endured for centuries. Celebrating its 143rd anniversary, the legendary oasis was considered the sacred home to indigenous American Indian Tewa tribes centuries before Antonio Joseph, New Mexico’s first territorial representative, opened it to the public in 1868. Today, Ojo Caliente’s natural mineral springs continue to entice visitors with that same creative spirit and authenticity once embraced by the region’s early American Indians.

in minerals, believed to have ancient healing benefits for those who soak. Resort employee Archie Garcia says, “I’ve been working at Ojo since I was 12 years old when a day pass cost 52 cents. Since then, I’ve heard from those who religiously soak in the springs, ultimately finding positive relief from various ailments.” While the waters are the catalyst for healing, the spa partners with ancient health care traditions inspired by regional native practices. Ojo offers a menu of spa services including

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Soak and soothe Eons have passed, eroding waves of sandstone cliffs into a softly rounded mesa capping the origin for the resort’s 10 geothermal mineral pools. Here visitors find four types of waters: lithium, soda, iron and arsenic streams burst upward from a subterranean volcanic aquifer. The more than 100,000 gallons of embracing waters percolating to the surface daily are rich

Pueblo suites

private soakings, mud and herbal wraps, masks, scrubs and massage to guests visiting for the day or staying overnight. “Our therapists are well-versed in creating a supportive environment in order for our clients to reach what they need to restore and heal,” says Jeannine Dola, spa director. “Our philosophy is to create and foster restorative therapies that reflect the flavor of the region.” Overseeing the quality of quiet rejuvenation, owner Andy Scott and his family, self-proclaimed stewards of the domain, are

Get

away

Settled along a rural river valley on the banks of the Rio Ojo Caliente, at 7,090 feet elevation, the resort enjoys a high desert climate. Summer temperatures rarely get above 80 degrees, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. Pools are open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, year-round. Use of all mineral pools, steam, sauna and mud pool is $18 per person Monday-Thursday and $28 per person Friday-Sunday and holidays.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa www.ojospa.com

(800) 222-9162

Ojo Caliente Spring

committed to preserving and enhancing this environmentally sacred property.

Hushed not rushed

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Guests pad barefoot about the grounds, visiting pool to pool, scarcely uttering a word. The spa encourages a “whisper zone” to preserve the peaceful experience. Without idle chatter, the silence is a welcome respite. Maybe it’s the warm waters averaging 80 to 109 degrees or the intoxicating crystal clear air that dissolves modernday aggravations into the ethers. Sometime during the visit, schedule an individual spa treatment. The resort’s tantalizing menu of full-service spa offerings makes choosing just one or two a delightful conundrum. A few of the tried-and-true include the Milagro Wrap, Moor Mud Wrap, Earth Keepers Hot Stone Massage or Native American Blue Corn and Prickly Pear Salt Scrub. Terry Martin, veteran spa therapist, loves working with spa guests and finds the experience “as rejuvenating for me as it for my clients.” Marinating in the waters, including detoxifying in the mud pool, is thoroughly relaxing. However, you may want to mix it up and break a sweat. Consider an hour of yoga (classes are offered in a yurt), a hike or bike in the adjoining national forest or a trek up to the hilltop Posi Pueblo ruins overlooking the hot springs.

All of this soothing and stimulating activity works up an appetite. Break for breakfast, lunch or dinner just steps away from the spa area in the newly renovated Historic Hotel (circa 1916). Here you can relax in a friendly, comfortable lobby that hails from another time before dining in the adjacent Artesian Restaurant. Executive chef Neil Stewart tempts with a creative menu incorporating Southwestern fare such as green chili fries and Mayan chicken tacos with contemporary dishes featuring cinnamon duck and peppered tuna. Mud pool As evening falls, the soothing soaks continue in the public pools or one of three secluded private pools where guests are welcome to stay and soak until 10 p.m. Come just for the day or retire overnight in one of the resort’s 48 handsome lodging options, including adobe-style pueblo suites and cottages, the hotel’s spacious rooms or one of two large three- and four-bedroom homes. Enfolded in seclusion, Ojo lingers long after you’ve experienced the steeping and serenity. This retreat is 1,100 acres of pure bliss. sm

Shawnee Event

sp tlight July10

Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Chapels 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS 66203 913.631.5566 www.amosfamily.com

Memories onored H

Photographs courtesy of TRiKC

The Shawnee Mission Triathlon July 10 will mark the 27th year for the Shawnee Mission Triathlon. The event attracts around 750 athletes from all over the country. The popular event tests the endurance of many triathletes at beautiful Shawnee Mission Park. The swim takes place in Shawnee Mission Park Lake, the bike portion is on the lake park road and the run is on the scenic Mill Creek Streamway trail. The triathlon is the longest singly owned event in the region and, according to participants, is the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-organized and challenging triathlon. The Johnson County Park & Recreation District is proud to host the event every year and gladly welcomes volunteers. Contact Chad Tower at (913) 236-1231. http://jcprd.com/special_events/smp_triathlon.cfm

Pet Companion

Crematory

10913 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS 66203 913.631.7314 www.amospets.com Event is subject to change.

E-mail your upcoming event for the spotlight to shawneemagazine@sunflowerpub.com