magazine sp/su
2015
Reaching
New Heights in Shawnee
free
Empowering Tech sHeros
s h a w n e e
visitors guide
the dancing
painted-denim lady
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Dear
Reader
Vol. 8 / No. 1
spring/summer 15
magazine
sHawnee
Editor Nadia Imafidon Designer/Art Director Shelly Bryant Copy Editors Carolyn Kaberline Deron Lee Account Executives Teresa Johnson-Lewis 785.832.7109 Joanne Morgan Anna Newman Ad Designer Jenni Leiste Contributing Photographers Kevin Anderson Jason Dailey Contributing Writers Gloria Gale Kimberly Winter Stern General Manager Bert Hull
Shawnee Chamber of Commerce
President | CEO Sr. Vice President Executive Assistant Membership Representative Communications Manager
Shawnee Convention & Visitors Bureau
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dear reader,
Executive Director, CVB
Kevin Fern
Shawnee Economic Development Council
As the new editor of Shawnee Magazine, I’ve quickly learned that this city is full of movers and shakers with incredible entrepreneurial spirit. With Small Business Saturday going full-force this past November, we saw our community come together to champion our mom and pops. So in this issue, we celebrate our champions. Whether it’s Dawn Patton (on the cover) opening a gym to keep our bodies moving, or toyshop owner Cesar Conde training the next yo-yo master, at the heart of all of our featured small-business owners is the desire to strengthen the community. Most of you have probably noticed the new freestanding emergency room on Shawnee Mission Parkway, but how many know proud Shawnee native Kevin Hicks, who brought the full-service care facility to the community? Since the ER sits right across the street from his childhood subdivision, he shares with us some fond memories of this area. Don’t miss our Visitors Guide, with a special feature on vintage landmarks in Shawnee, and a few highlighted milestones we’ve hit over the past year. Join us in taking pride in our small-town success with many more stories in this edition. Hope you enjoy!
Executive Director, EDC Business Growth Coordinator
Andrew Nave Tom McVey
Shawnee Magazine is a publication of Sunflower Publishing, a division of The World Company. sunflowerpub.com find us on facebook
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4
Linda Leeper Mary Taylor Marlene Shirley Elli Bowen Joyce Allard
sp/su
2015
ReacHing
New HeigHTS
Nadia editor, Shawnee Magazine
in Shawnee
Welcome Enjoy this complimentary copy of Shawnee Magazine featuring the Shawnee Visitors Guide, created by Sunflower Publishing in cooperation with the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and the Shawnee Convention &
free
Empowering Tech sHeros
s h a w n e e
visitors guide
the dancing
painted-denim lady
Visitors Bureau.
Contents
sp/su 2015
departments 6
local profiles
20 Keep it Simple, Stupid
Getting Girls Plugged in with Tech sHeroes
Shawnee’s ‘dog whisperer’ knows what it takes to live in harmony with man’s best friend
6 Girl Code
12 Revisiting His Roots Shawnee’s new full-service ER facility takes health care executive down memory lane
Shawnee Resume
25 Amie Walter Relay For Life specialist at the American Cancer Society
16 Moment Maker Abstract expressionist channels energy and motion into her imaginative artwork
feature 26
26 Shop Small, Gain Big Making stops at our local mom-and-pops Story by Gloria Gale
37 your guide to shawnee 38 travel guide 40 City Map 42 Vintage shawnee 45 Quick Guide 42
46 Shawnee events
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visitors guide
5
local profiles story by Kimberly Winter Stern
shawnee magazine
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photography by Jason Dailey
Girl
Code
6
Olivia Mark is a Tech sHeroes mentor and sophomore at Shawnee Mission South.
Getting Girls Plugged in with Tech sHeroes
local profiles
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. Loose dentures? Mini implants may be the solution you are looking for.
Before Science. Technology. Engineering. Math. Combined, those four words form STEM—a vital area of education but one that has, unfortunately, seen a deficit in drawing interest from young American women. Getting girls plugged in early so they can gain practical, in-demand skills for 21st-century STEM careers has traditionally been a challenge in the United States, with students losing interest in computer sciences for myriad reasons. The gap usually happens during the critical juncture between middle school and high school, when girls often drift away from technology education in favor of what is perceived as a more female-friendly path, according to recent studies. But there’s a new day dawning at Trailridge Middle School in Shawnee Mission, where a unique after-school program is taking on the problem of how to inspire girls to pursue STEM careers.
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Digital direction Thanks to an innovative initiative known as Tech sHeroes, 20 girls at Trailridge are exploring the world of STEM opportunities. The hands-on, experiential science program goes beyond textbooks and is geared to educate, encourage and empower young women— in hopes that it will turn them on to science careers. Tech sHeroes, which celebrated its first anniversary in February 2015, invites seventh- and eighth-grade girls at Trailridge to engage with female mentors currently working in technology careers in Kansas City. With the support of a Trailridge teacher who serves as a sponsor, students attend weekly meetings and monthly weekend workshops, participate in a job-shadow tour and work with robotics purchased by the Shawnee Mission School District. Marci Handley, a science teacher at Trailridge, advised and sponsored the first semester of Tech sHeroes in the 2014-15 school year. The Tech sHeroes curriculum includes coding and programming, which opens the doors to many career opportunities for students. “In educational sectors, technology is replacing paper- and people-powered operations,” Handley says. “Virtual schools are allowing students to attend school from home via the internet. Programmers are needed to write code for all of these technologies, and currently careers in programming are dominated by males.”
After
Other dental services include—cosmetic fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, cleanings, periodontal procedures and implant restorations.
7
local profiles
Report Card:
Tech sHeroes Robert Hofmann of the Shawnee Mission School District, cofounder of Tech sHeroes, hopes the program will expand. “The pilot has been wildly successful at Trailridge, and the program is a permanent one there, but I think everyone involved envisions it eventually throughout the district, in each middle school,” Hofmann says. “It’s a big commitment for the students and their parents to get involved in Tech sHeroes. We want the students to continue to see its value and want to participate.” Trailridge seventh-grader Zhanea’ Gee is exuberant about what she is learning.
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“Coding, developing a website— it’s all super-exciting,” she says. “I am thinking about a career in technology, maybe something that combines art with it.”
8
Gee’s mother, Ronnisha, is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments in the Trailridge Tech sHeroes program. “As a parent, watching my daughter become confident in something traditionally considered a male field is incredible,” she says. “I am so glad Tech sHeroes is here for Zhanea’, to give her an edge in technology— which is what today’s world is all about.”
Creating a voice Tech sHeroes cofounder and program director Jennifer Funk decided to design the program after seeing research revealing that women don’t enter the male-dominated STEM fields because they have little access to this world. “There’s a lack of connection, few female role models and no real classes,” says Funk, who works at MindMixer in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District and is a member of Kansas City Women In Technology, an organization that seeks to get more women involved in the tech industry. “Ultimately, it’s classes, connections and causes that influence young women to take computer classes in high school and join robotics clubs.” Funk taught seventh-grade English at Trailridge for two years, and she discovered STEM’s potential and power when she left teaching. “I’ve always been interested in helping people find their voices and tell their stories, which is what I did as an English teacher,” Funk says. “And I’ve found that working in the technology field— and in particular, helping girls learn to code—is a natural extension of that mission. “I was drawn to start-up companies in education technology, which introduced me to computer scientists working on interesting projects—but few of them were women. Those who were, though, were very interested in helping to build a pipeline of female talent in -Suzanne Burton, Kansas City, and it’s with these women that Tech Tech sHeroes sponsor sHeroes got its start.” Robert Hofmann, director of career and technical education in the Shawnee Mission School District, helped Funk create the program because he agreed that there needed to be a larger female presence in the classroom. “I knew it was crucial to reach girls at a younger age with targeted tech education so when they get to high school, they have a voice,” Hofmann says. Funk and Hofmann then approached Trailridge Principal Bonnie Welty, who was impressed by the program’s goals.
“It’s amazing to get to know the girls and see them participate in opportunities that could guide them in their future career path.”
ABOVE Trailridge Middle School students from left back: Minati Sharma, Thea Clark, Merceline Mogondo, Olivia Gralapp, Jayla Brown, Zhanea’ Gee, Areej Saifan. Front: Cate Cunningham.
local profiles
shawneekschamber.com shawnee magazine
9 Sphero are small robotic toys that can be programmed on an iPad to perform stunts and follow commands using coding. Last semester, Tech sHeroes students covered these spheres in paint and moved them across a large canvas to make artistic designs.
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“I am so excited we have the opportunity to get our girls involved and look outside the box,” Welty says. “One of the things that sold me on Tech sHeroes is the mentors and great role models these girls are exposed to.” Funk says it’s gratifying to watch Tech sHeroes help students uncover the appeal of STEM, learn quickly and connect the dots. “For most of these seventh- and eighth-graders, the idea of using technology to help solve problems or create good in the community hadn’t occurred to them,” Funk says. “Tech sHeroes introduces the concepts, and the girls take it from there.” Shattering the glass ceiling One of Handley’s responsibilities as Tech sHeroes sponsor was to recruit student involvement. What better way than with super-cool robots? “One of the best ways to do that was to show them the robotics classroom demos, called Sphero, which can be programmed to perform stunts and follow commands through coding,” says Handley, who earned a master’s in educational technology from Pittsburg State University. “Sphero, in a word, is cool.” In fall 2014, Trailridge Tech sHeroes students attended a STEM conference at Johnson County Community College, a pivotal point for some. “They were able to walk around campus and see firsthand STEM-related classes and opportunities available in higher education,” Handley says. JCCC offers STEM career training. Trailridge family and consumer sciences teacher Suzanne Burton has assumed Handley’s duties for a second semester of Tech sHeroes. When presented with the job, Burton was enamored by the idea of introducing students to the emerging field of technology that they weren’t yet familiar with. Jordan Kalal, a software engineer at Cerner, acts as codirector of the program, and is responsible for developing the curriculum. This semester, Tech sHeroes students are designing websites and writing code. “It’s amazing to get to know the girls and see them participate in opportunities that could guide them in their future career path,” Burton says. Principal Welty hopes the Tech sHeroes program continues to appeal to Trailridge girls, but that it also goes beyond the Shawnee middle school to others in the district. “Getting the girls on the STEM track early is key,” Welty says. Although Tech sHeroes has been deemed a success by all involved, Hofmann says there is always room for improvement and growth. After each semester, the plan is to confer with Funk, the instructors and mentors for an honest postmortem on what has worked and what hasn’t. Students will receive a survey to weigh in on the discussion. A change that emerged from the first post-semester evaluations was the frequency of Tech sHeroes meetings. The girls wanted more. “Mentors and students indicated they wanted to meet every other week, rather than once a month,” Hofmann says. “Now Tech sHeroes students meet with their Trailridge teacher once a week and mentors every other week.”
Shawnee Crossings ZARDA- RIEKE DEVELOPEMENT Shawnee Crossings Philip C. Gaus DDS
Justin W. Labart DDS, MD
Please join Shawnee Oral Surgery in congratulating Justin W. Labart DDS, MD on his board certification as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Board certification is a monumental accomplishment requiring years of dedicated study and practice, and is awarded only to those possessing the highest level of professional competence. A resident of the Kansas City area for over 20 years, he received his DDS and MD degrees from UMKC with honors. In 2013, he joined Philip C. Gaus DDS and Shawnee Oral Surgery. Dr. Gaus completed training with the United States Air Force in 1987, earned board certification in 1989, and has practiced in Northeast Kansas since 1991. We can book appointments for any of your treatment needs, including extractions, implants and corrective jaw surgery, and we can perform most procedures with IV anesthesia.
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local profiles story by Kimberly Winter Stern
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photography by Jason Dailey
12
Revisiting his roots Shawnee’s new full-service ER facility takes health care executive down memory lane
local profiles
From its beginnings in the late 1850s to its modernday stature as a thriving, dynamic place to work and live, Shawnee is full of compelling stories. One former resident who is blessed not only with fond memories of growing up in Shawnee, but also with a front-row seat to its current success, is Kevin Hicks, chief executive officer of Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Although Hicks and his wife, Susan, live in Leawood today, his childhood roots in Shawnee and his strong sense of community inform his role as CEO of one of Kansas City’s busiest hospitals. Hicks remains an ambassador for his hometown. HCA Midwest Health—parent company to Overland Park Regional Medical Center—did its homework and determined that Shawnee was the perfect location for its first freestanding, fullservice emergency room in the metro. “The ER of Shawnee opened in November 2014, giving residents unprecedented convenient access to high-quality emergency care with virtually no wait times,” Hicks says. Marty Regan, a longtime Shawnee resident, is excited to have access to the state-of-the-art facility. He doesn’t think all residents quite understand the vast significance of this health care asset. It means closer, more immediate access to care. “To have emergency services for heart attack, stroke, accidents and illnesses a short drive from anywhere in Shawnee is important,” Regan says. “And to have something like that at the doorstep of Shawnee, right there on Shawnee Mission Parkway, sends a message about the strength of our community.”
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Memory lane Zarda Brothers Dairy—Kansas’ largest dairy until it was sold in the late 1980s—operated its family-run business on acres of land that includes the ER of Shawnee’s address at 10310 Shawnee Mission Parkway. Hicks happened to grow up across the street from the dairy—on a street that today, of course, is a major artery that runs through Shawnee. Born in the 1950s, Hicks lived with his family in a working-class Shawnee neighborhood made up of post-World War II row houses. He attended elementary and high school at the old Saint Joseph school, now Saint Thomas Aquinas. “Zarda’s was the only commercial business along the Shawnee Mission Parkway strip,” Hicks says. “I worked there as a kid after school. I remain good friends with the Zarda family today.” Hicks likes the notion of the Shawnee ER being built on the land that fostered an entrepreneurial hometown spirit. “It’s nice that something very positive for Shawnee like the ER is here, serving the area,” Hicks says. “It means a lot to me to have good things continue to happen for Shawnee. It’s a great place to raise a family, to live, work and play.”
FREE WHITENING FOR LIFE. ASK HOW.
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ER of shawnee
By the Numbers
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ER of Shawnee Director Annice Masse says the well-seasoned emergency staff focuses on delivering high-quality care in an intimate setting.
Team player The ER of Shawnee, which services walk-ins and patients who are transported by ambulance 24/7, is outfitted with a CT scanner, a full laboratory for blood and other tests, a radiology department, a trauma room, a contamination room, an isolation room and 10 patient rooms. Annice Masse, director of the ER, is a recent transplant from upstate New York. The veteran ER and trauma nurse couldn’t be happier with her job leading the ER staff and greeting the public—a public that she says has enthusiastically embraced the facility since its opening. “Not only has the public welcomed the ER of Shawnee, but we have a positive relationship with the EMS community, and Shawnee in general,” Masse says. “And when a patient requires a higher level of care, they can be transported to the ER at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.” Masse appreciates Hicks’ desire to be engaged with the ER of Shawnee staff. “Kevin is one of the most involved CEOs I’ve worked with,” she says. “He has a deep affection for Shawnee, and wants to ensure the ER succeeds, so he knows the frontline staff here and is encouraging and positive in everything we do.” Hicks lived in different parts of the country as he pursued a career as a health care executive, and he moved back to Kansas City in 1993. Before accepting the Overland Park Regional Medical Center CEO position—his third time working at the hospital—he served as CEO at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. “Susan, a Prairie Village native, and I always had a desire to come back to the area we called home, so I was thrilled when the opportunity presented itself,” says Hicks, who counts among his friends many Shawnee residents, including Mayor Jeff Meyers and his wife. “Now being back at Overland Park and helping to launch the ER of Shawnee—well, that’s just another iteration -Kevin Hicks of my roots.”
“It means a lot to me to have good things continue to happen for Shawnee. It’s a great place to raise a family, to live, work and play.”
“This truly is the most compassionate staff I’ve worked with,” says Masse, who is in the process of hiring additional personnel to meet the demand. “We thrive on building relationships and ensuring people feel comfortable. This is the community’s ER.” Currently the staff includes 16 registered nurses and unit clerks/ technicians, a boardcertified physician for each 12-hour shift, a radiology technician, a lab technician, a pharmacist and an admission registrar. “Our nursing staff alone represents more than 75 years of combined emergency medicine experience,” Masse says.
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Ice Cream Days
To this day, Kevin Hicks can’t find a banana split to rival the ones he scooped while working at the Zarda Brothers Dairy fountain store back in the 1960s and 1970s. Written up in such esteemed publications as The New Yorker, the Zarda banana split was indeed iconic in Kansas City food circles, along with such culinary gems as Winstead’s steakburgers and Town Topic’s chili. “Those banana splits were phenomenal,” Hicks says. “It spoiled me forever—I haven’t had one that good since.”
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School of Dance
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Moment
Maker
16
Abstract expressionist channels energy and motion into her imaginative artwork
local profiles
Paints in hand, Natosha Keefer takes center stage. A spark of adrenalin runs through her as an unconventional performance unfolds.
Keefer, a self-taught performance artist, is about to create one of her masterpieces. Prancing barefoot, she approaches her easel, listens and then absorbs the beat of the music pulsing in the background. “I interpret artistically what I feel,” she says unabashedly. Soon the flow begins, and Keefer is in the midst of a full-on expression of joy. Her bold mixture of acrylic colors applied with brush and hand dances across the canvas. In no time, Keefer’s confident strokes produce an abstract work of raw spontaneity. Having worked as a professional artist for three years, she calls this process “painting in the moment.” Interpretive art
Born into a military family, Keefer’s talented inclinations surfaced early. “I’ve always loved music; I even played the alto saxophone in high school.” Her budding repertoire, including music and dance, eventually led her to interpretive art.
-Natosha Keefer Painting as performance came naturally as Keefer blossomed artistically. “I found that when I listened to soulful, rhythmic music, my voice would be expressed through my art. Creativity would just burst forth.” As she grows as an artist, Keefer’s ambitions gather creative energy from a variety of experiences, whether painting solo in her Shawnee studio or performing for an audience. “I incorporate a variety of painting techniques into my work, often adding texture with burlap and denim,” she says. “I love the inherent qualities in each of these fabrics that bring another dimension to my art.”
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“I found that when I listened to soulful, rhythmic music, my voice would be expressed through my art. Creativity would just burst forth.”
Dare to Dream
17
When you’re ready to make your next move in Johnson County, don’t settle for business as usual. Dare to Dream and give Karla Kimerer a call today. With her drive, tenacity and perseverance, this real estate professional will help you achieve the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
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Real Estate Consultant 913-827-3789 karlakimerer@kw.com Serving Shawnee, Lenexa, Overland Park and the Greater Kansas City Area
www.karlasellskc.com
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creativity
is Born
Keefer’s inspiration stems from teaching dance and also from working in the retail fashion industry. She credits both careers with helping to sow the seeds of her creativity. Her bio cites numerous collaborations and individual performances, including Spectrum Fantastic Art, RAW at the Uptown Theater, MTV Made “It Girl,” Channel 41’s “Live Art Attack,” Medical Missions Art Gala, an event for the Epilepsy Foundation and various charitable events throughout the metropolitan area. Keefer is always prepared for a performance, bringing along all of her painting supplies— tarp, easel, paints, brushes and canvas.
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Jason Purinton, of Rains Purinton Backcock Wealth Management, says he first saw a photo of Keefer’s work on Facebook, and was excited to hear that she did in-office live painting. His firm invited her to install and show her paintings for a few months in the office where they’d hold open houses for clients to admire and purchase her work. One guest even commissioned her for a piece, Purinton says.
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Keefer recalls one unconventional collaboration that brought yet another dimension to her work. “Not too long ago, I performed streetside on the Plaza along with eight musicians,” she says. “A little girl was mesmerized watching me paint to the music, so I invited her to grab a brush and join me. That type of crowdpleasing event was so joyous and spontaneous.” Making pantwork
What most impressed everyone, Purinton says, was the live artistic performance at the firm where Keefer took viewers on a journey through her creative process. Everyone gathered around her as she painted strokes to music playing and completed a masterpiece before them.
During another performance, a woman came up to her as she was painting and asked if she could buy the jeans that Keefer was wearing. “That’s the thing when I’m playing a gig; I try to engage the audience,” she says. “And, since I also do quite a bit of painting on denim along with painting on canvas, you never know when someone will buy the pants right off of me!” Keefer often decorates regular denim jeans with paint, leading some observers to call her “the painted-denim lady.” This young woman is passionate about the performance aspect of her art. She says she would love to manage a troupe like Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil someday. For now, the dancing colorist continues to market herself, painting regularly at her studio and finding gigs that dispel the notion of the tortured artist. “I’m all about spreading joy, continuing to expand my skills and thrive doing something that I love.”
“People like that they get to see it from start to finish,” Purinton says. “They see how it starts and how it takes form—the whole process. You just don’t see that everywhere.”
natoshakeefer.com
“She had a very successful showing,” he says.
Color her ... ?
Natosha Keefer
Keefer, the “dancing colorist” who has swirled nearly every hue into her work, says her favorite colors are various shades of ocean blue. “From deep cobalt to palest aqua, it reminds me of the sea.”
local profiles story by Gloria Gale
shawnee magazine
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photography by Jason Dailey
20
Keep it
simple, stupid Shawnee’s ‘dog whisperer’ knows what it takes to live in harmony with man’s best friend
local profiles
You can teach an old dog new tricks Cogent tips for dogs and owners from the dog whisperer, himself, Mike Deathe:
“Sit … stay” is a common refrain of dog owners when training their four-legged pets.
“Actually, that phrase isn’t really for the dog— it’s for the owner,” says Mike Deathe, owner of K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) Dog Training. An accomplished dog trainer, Deathe says he has seen it all. Having opened his in-home and group-training services in 2010, Deathe says he knows that owners have good intentions when they come to him for help. “Often, when I see the animal in the home or in the kennel, the owners are motivated, and they’re hoping their pet will be too,” he says. Keeping it simple
• Hand-feed for 30 days—one kibble at a time. It’s a must. Resource control is important to dogs. They learn you’re the boss. Control keeps dogs working for rewards, and they learn to get what they want. You want the dog to pay attention to you. • Be quiet. All those commands—“sit,” “off,” “stay”—are meaningless unless the dog understands body language and consistency. • You need a break from your dog, and your dog needs a break from you. Take your pet to doggy day care. • Dogs need to be socialized so they’ll know how to act around other dogs. When they’re exposed to other dogs, they learn how to behave. Make sure you tour a variety of day cares. Play groups should be separated by age, size and temperament. “Thirty dogs in a concrete room isn’t my idea of a good doggie day care,” Deathe says. • The backyard gets boring. Dogs should be allowed to flex their natural ability. Let them stretch out and run with you while you bike or hike, or let them run around on their own at a dog park.
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It doesn’t matter what type of dog—purebred or mixed-breed, service or rescue— there’s a common denominator that surfaces. “Dogs want to please,” Deathe says. “They love you and, although they’re like children, they do best when they’re learning the rules. Dogs need to learn how to live with people instead of the other way around. That’s the bottom line.” When Deathe is training in homes in the Kansas City area, at Broadmore Kennels in Shawnee or at Queen of Paws in Prairie Village, his method is based on rewards, both verbal and physical. His on-leash group is divided into five levels; it’s a system in which dogs and owners work together for 20 weeks.
• There’s no silver bullet. When it comes to training, consistency and frequency are the two key elements to keep in mind as an owner.
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local profiles In the beginner class, a dog will learn basic commands; leash skills; how to have a soft mouth, or bite inhibition; how to socialize with people and other dogs; and finally, how to come when called. “There’s no set time frame for graduation,” Deathe says. “Animals work at their own pace.” Rules and routines are beneficial, he says. Dogs need to know “how to win the game”—it’s the road map to success. These are tools of the trade that can be found in Deathe’s four books, two of which can be purchased from his website, kissdogtraining.com. “I’m currently editing my fifth book on my training methods,” he says.
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Allison Godchaux, APRN Carlos Palmeri, M.D. Ami K. Edwards, M.D. Susan Fajardo, RPAC
Urgent Care
11338 W. 63rd St., Shawnee, KS 913-248-8000
Se habla Español
Open 7 days a week
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Old Shawnee Days
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As an owner of four mutts and a former area trainer at PetSmart, Deathe has been immersed in the art of training dogs at home. This led him to opening up his own training service. His degree in psychology from the University of Kansas has also been helpful, he says. “I find it comes in handy for both humans and nonhumans,” Deathe says. “Interestingly, having a dog is all about being frequently consistent or consistently frequent — same applies to people.” What he’s learned over the years is that dogs don’t necessarily fail—people do, when it comes to patience. When owners get frustrated, they yell, he says. The quieter and more patient owners can remain, the more likely a dog will listen and learn. “You must get to know your animal little by little,” he says. “The dog has to feel trust, so it knows what to expect from you.” Animals respond to control and leadership. For example, if you’re yelling all the time, the dog glazes over. If you remain quiet, pretty soon the dog just plops down. It’s an “aha moment” for the owner. Deathe frequently hears, “It’s just common sense. What you’re telling me isn’t new.” But most clients need that moment of clarity. “I just point them down the right path to success,” he says. He hasn’t had any dogs fail him with training, but he does see frustration among some owners. As long as owners have the patience to stick with the training, they’ll be successful, he says. “If not,” he adds, “I tell them to get a goldfish, not a dog.”
K.I.S.S.
Dog Training (913) 269-7595 kissdogtraining.com
w w w. G o o d S ta r t s H e re. c o m
Amie Walter
shawnee Resume
Occupation: Relay For Life specialist at the American Cancer Society
Amie Walter’s tie to the American Cancer Society is more than a calling to do something meaningful in the community. The Shawnee-born community manager of Relay For Life started rallying for the organization in 2006 in honor of her late aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Donating years of volunteer work on the Relay For Life planning committee not only warmed her heart, but also, in 2012, landed her a career. Three years later, Walter’s commitment to mobilize the community in the fight against cancer only grows.
relayforlife.org/shnks facebook.com/rflshawneeks
Save the date!
When Friday, June 19 Where Old Shawnee Town Begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. the following morning
There are a lot of people I know who have survived their cancer, in large part thanks to the American Cancer Society and the research we’ve funded. While Relay For Life is just a small part of what we do, it has such a meaningful impact. It brings people together for a common cause, takes them on an emotional roller coaster at the event, and they always seem to come out a little more emotionally healed than they were before. Relay For Life started 30 years ago with one man in Tacoma, Washington, wanting to make a difference. Now Relay For Life raises more than $3.5 million nationally.
You are involved in organizing Relay For Life of Shawnee, an event that raises much-needed funds and awareness. Tell us about the importance of this program to you. I lost a neighbor and friend in grade school to leukemia. I lost my favorite college professor to esophageal cancer. I lost my aunt in 2008 to breast cancer. Since getting involved with Relay For Life, the cancer stories keep coming. I’ve lost a coworker, a coworker’s husband, two dear family friends and others.
Do you have any hidden talents? I’ve been involved in music since I was 5 years old, playing piano. Later, I also played clarinet, then oboe, and finally percussion throughout K-12. I went on to obtain a bachelor’s in music, master’s in music performance and a master’s in music education, all from Truman State University. I then taught music for five years in two different school districts in Topeka before making my way to the American Cancer Society. I have also been playing with the Topeka Symphony for eight years now.
Interview conducted by Nadia Imafidon / Photography by Jason Dailey
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Relay For Life
How did you first hear about Relay For Life? My aunt was first diagnosed with breast cancer in the late ‘90s. In 2005, my mother was at a luncheon and heard about Relay For Life of KCMO and the survivor dinner they held for cancer survivors. She and my aunt attended and had a great time. The next year, we formed a friends-and-family team and raised about $5,000; the following year we raised more than $10,000. We thoroughly enjoyed the event and the comradery it facilitated, and the joy my aunt felt through the support of our team made me all warm and fuzzy.
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story by
Gloria Gale
photography by
Jason Dailey and Kevin Anderson
making stops at our local mom-and-pops
Although we live in a high-tech world, Shawnee’s brick-andmortar small businesses frequently get the nod from customers. That’s because when it comes to service and unique products, many of us prefer talking with an individual instead of pointing and clicking or wading through a bigbox store. These small businesses are owned and managed by folks who invite interaction, giving you a reason to
We talked to four local business owners to find out why they happily open their doors for us every day.
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return again and again.
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gym rat
Dawn Rattan is a confirmed exercise junkie. Through years of boot camp, spinning and boxing, she had a dream to one day open her own fitness studio. “I’ve always loved to work out, but found after my gym closed it was time for me to realize my goal.”
“I think it’s easy to set an appointment to exercise if you That’s when Rattan’s EverFit fitness studio, on Midland have a specific Drive in Shawnee, became her new “baby”—in addition to her three children, ages 17, 12 and 7. She understands how busy life gets, time in mind but her workout schedule never takes a hit. each day.” “I think it’s easy to set an appointment to exercise if you have a specific time in mind each day,” Rattan says.
—Dawn Rattan
Whereas many fitness studios have only one exercise room, Rattan’s studio—which opened earlier this year—has three. One is dedicated to cycling or spinning; one is for boxing; and one room is for Zumba, high-intensity interval training and a ballet rail workout called Barre. Even though Rattan has a degree in engineering, she poured her smarts into drafting a viable business model. “We hire certified instructors who care about the client,” she says. “Plus it’s exciting to watch the phenomena of small micro-communities form between people.”
EverFit 16200 Midland Drive (913) 258-8060
“People meet and greet each other regularly, a bond forms—exactly what I want to happen,” she says. EverFit appeals to those who like to work out in groups or with a personal trainer. Rattan urges those who want to make friends and enjoy the journey of becoming healthier to give her studio a try.
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Everfitkc.com
Rattan says she has seen friendships form from crossing paths in fitness studios. She wants her gym to become the meeting place for this type of interaction.
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go yo-yo
As Cesar Conde watched his own two sons start playing with yo-yos as early as 4 years old, an idea for a new business bloomed in his head.
“Between the workshops and the products we sell, you can’t “I decided if they were having that much fun, find this type then others might too,” say Conde, owner of Go Big Skill Toys. of customer Yo-yos at Go Big Skill Toys start at $5.99 and continue up to a 24-karat gold-ringed Phenom for $175. Not only does the store appreciation offer yo-yos, it also offers free monthly workshops, open to the public and taught by professional instructors. Yo-yoing is on the upswing, says assistant anywhere store manager Rechal Rivas. else.” “They love to come in, they love to practice and they love the incentive to move up to more —Rechal Rivas
prestigious competitions,” Rivas says. “This year our team went to Chicago to compete. Next year maybe they’ll go to Worlds.” It’s a great socialization tool, she continues, having kids as young as 5 years old coming in to learn the basics. Conde opened Go Big Skill Toys one year ago, hoping to inspire a more active community. “We want people of all ages to visit the store and see how we are motivating families to get up off the couch,” he says, as he watches yet another youngster pluck a new yo-yo off the shelf. “Yo-yo is our number one seller, but Kendama isn’t far behind.”
Go Big Skill Toys 12156 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 248-3277
Though the store is full of toys of all kinds, the workshops are for kids who want to try their hands at yo-yo and kendama, as well as be part of a team. What’s the best part of owning a unique toy store like his? “It’s the best way I can greet the day,” Conde says.
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Gobigskilltoys.com
Kendama is a wooden skill toy—similar to a ball-and-cup game—that originated in Japan.
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If you’ve ever wanted to learn a skill that could save someone’s life, Kansas City First Aid is the answer. Tara Wakefield, owner of Shawnee’s local training facility, and six other certified instructors teach classes in first aid, CPR, AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support).
“We will even come to an individual’s home.” —Tara Wakefield
Kansas City First Aid is an authorized training site for the American Heart Association and is associated with the University of Kansas Hospital American Heart Association Training Center, Wakefield says. Anyone can come to regularly scheduled classes for training, including health care providers, childcare providers, workplace responders, lay rescuers and members of the public. Trainers can even come to an individual’s home, Wakefield adds.
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Classes are taught throughout the metropolitan area and range from $35 to $200. They can take from two to eight hours, depending on the type of class. Wakefield, who has owned her company for the past seven years, finds that she is busier than ever. On a monthly basis, Kansas City First Aid trains 300 to 500 people in its classes. CPR classes in particular have taken place at some unexpected venues. Wakefield recalls that one of her friends once asked her in-laws to watch her infant—but requested they take a CPR class first. This led to finding other expectant moms also wanting to be CPR-certified; and finally, it became a regular session at baby showers. Kansas City First Aid
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“So that’s what we designed, and since we will go to any public gathering with at least six people and teach a certification CPR class, this was a logical venue,” Wakefield says. “When the two-hour class was over, my friend said, ‘That was the best baby-shower gift ever.’”
5817 Longview (913) 980-5245 Kcfirstaid.com
life savers
Betty Wilson, owner of Fun Party and Wedding Services, says she has seen it all in the 42 years her business has been up and running—at first, from the comfort of her home. “We were here way before Party Warehouse or Party City popped their first balloon,” Wilson says.
“We were here way before Party Warehouse or Party City popped their first balloon.” —Betty Wilson
Over the years, her shop on Johnson Drive has been the place where people could find just about anything for a party, from novelties to invitations. The stock has grown primarily because of PTA mothers asking if they had party favors and candles for their birthday parties. “‘Don’t-cha have this? Don’t-cha have that?’” Wilson recalls. “Our store is now full of don’t-chas.” It has become the go-to place to find anything for a celebration, including weddings, baby showers, luaus, picnics, fiestas and all sorts of themes and holidays. Customers looking to personalize their wedding can find guest books, invitations, wedding albums, send-off goodies and candles in the shop— and the list goes on, Wilson says. The wedding business hasn’t changed much over the years, she adds, noting that the color scheme of choice for brides 30 years ago was peach and teal, and now it’s coral and turbine blue. “The same colors are back,” Wilson says, laughing.
Fun Party and Wedding Services
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12119 Johnson Drive
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“It’s nice to be in a business that’s optimistic for the future,” she says. “Who doesn’t like a party or a beautiful wedding?”
(913) 631-3772 Funpartykc.com
party shawnee Anna Whisenant, employee at Fun Party and Wedding Services
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city map
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vintage shawnee
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quick guide
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shawnee events
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travel guide
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shawnee visitors guide
See Shawnee Historic points of interest Indian Cemetery 10905 W. 59th Terrace The site of an Indian council house where voting first took place in the early years of Kansas statehood, the cemetery was also a military headquarters. Wells Fargo House 5707 Nieman Road Chris Fangro built the Wells Fargo House in 1824. It was heavily damaged during Quantrill’s Raid in 1862. After restoration it was a Wells Fargo Express Office on government trails. Chief Charles Bluejacket Statue Johnson Drive and Cody Street, Herman Laird Park The statue welcomes visitors to Shawnee Town 1929 and depicts Charles Bluejacket, a Shawnee Indian chief and Methodist minister from the 19th century.
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Pioneer Crossing Statue Shawnee Mission Parkway at Melrose Lane Statue by artist Charles Goslin celebrates the pioneers who traveled through and settled Shawnee in the 1800s.
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Johnson County Museum of History and the 1950s All-Electric House 6305 Lackman Road (913) 715-2550 jocomuseum.org The Johnson County museum features long-term and changing exhibitions, including a hands-on exhibit space. The museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. MondaySaturday. Caenen Castle 12401 Johnson Drive (913) 631-4100 reneekellysharvest.com Caenen Castle was built in 1907 by Remi Caenen, who quarried the home’s stones by hand. Since 2004, it has been managed by Renee Kelly, first as a private venue site and now as a farm-totable restaurant called Harvest.
Travel Guide Virginia School, District No. 33 7301 Mize Road The Virginia School is an example of a typical one-room school of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Shawnee Town 1929 11501 W. 57th St. (913) 248-2360 Shawnee Town 1929 is an outdoor museum depicting the community in the 1920s. Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TuesdaySaturday from March to October. Hands of Freedom Monument – Veteran’s Tribute Park 13500 Johnson Drive Designed by Maurice D. McMullen, the 20-foot statue is a tribute to all military veterans of the United States.
Shop Shawnee Downtown
Dodge City Beef 11101 Johnson Drive (913) 647-8796 dodgecitybeef.com Doll Cradle 10910 Johnson Drive (913) 631-1900 dollcradle.com Encore Unique Boutique 11006 Johnson Drive (913) 268-5393 encorekc.com Farmers’ Market (May-October) 11110 Johnson Drive, City Hall (913) 248-2360 cityofshawnee.org Hartman Hardware 11018 Johnson Drive (913) 631-7592 hartmanhardware.com
Western Shawnee
Doll Hospital & More 7003 Millridge St. (913) 271-8561
Around Shawnee B! Boutique 6314 Monrovia (913) 213-5255 byBboutique.com Bridal Extraordinaire 12109 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-5566 bridalextraordinaire.com Designer Consignment 12205 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-3330 designerconsignment.biz Family Tree Nursery 7036 Nieman Road (913) 631-6121 familytreenursery.com Funky Munky Music 12710 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-5555 funkymunkymusic.com Nellie & Nico’s, an Antique Boutique 6495 Quivira Road (913) 631-6767 nellie-nicos.com Nigro’s Western Store 10509 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 631-2226 Prairie Point Quilts 11950 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-3333 prairiepoint.com
Eat Shawnee Bar & Grill Bar West 7174 Renner Road (913) 248-9378 barwestgrill.com
Blues to Bach 22366 W. 66th St. (913) 441-3132 bluestobach.com
Jake’s Place 12001 Johnson Drive (913) 962-5253 jakesplacebarandgrill.com
CM Tack Riding Apparel and Saddlery 17100 W. 53rd St. (913) 631-4677 cmtack.com
Johnny’s Tavern 13131 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 962-5777 johnnystavern.com
Saint’s Pub & Patio 11900 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 217-7260 saintspub.com Tanner’s Bar & Grill 22374 W. 66th St. (913) 745-8100 tannersbarandgrill.com
Restaurants
Aunt Jean’s Gelato 11210 Johnson Drive (913) 268-0550 auntjeansgelato.com Barb’s Kolache Bakery 22354 W. 66th St. (913) 422-8300 barbskolache.com Barley’s Brewhaus & Restaurant 16649 Midland Drive (913) 268-5160 barleysbrewhaus.com Bates City BBQ 6493 Quivira Road (913) 962-7447 batescitybbq.net Big Bam’s Burgers 5930 Nieman Road (913) 962-1230 bigbams.com The Big Biscuit 12276 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 912-7350 bigbiscuitrestaurant.com Country Club Cafe 21911 W. 66th St. #101 (913) 441-2444 Dos Reales 6453 Quivira Road (913) 962-5014 dosrealeskc.com Eggtc. 7182 Renner Road (913) 631-4400 eggtc-kc.com Fogones 11200 Johnson Drive (913) 248-4411 Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant 13803 W. 63rd St. (913) 375-1000 fritzskc.com
Travel Guide
shawnee visitors guide
Grand Wok 15810 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-8668 grandwokks.com
Sushi Mido 6010 Nieman Road (913) 322-8888 sushimido.net
Hereford House Shawnee 17244 Midland Drive (913) 268-8000 herefordhouse.com
Sutera’s Pizza 22716 Midland Drive (913) 667-3000 suterasshawnee.com
Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant 5386 Roberts St. (913) 422-5003 ixtapaofshawnee.com
Twisters Grill and Bar 13410 W. 62nd Terr. (913) 549-4156 twistersgrillandbar.com
Jose Pepper’s Border Grill & Cantina 16605 Midland Drive (913) 631-1011 josepeppers.com
Twisted 22030 W. 66th St. (913) 441-0444 twistedfresh.com
Minsky’s Pizza 7198 Renner Road (913) 631-0059 minskys.com
Farmers’ Market 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, May-October City Hall Parking Lot 11110 Johnson Drive (913) 631-2500
Old Shawnee Pizza and Italian Kitchen 6000 Rogers Drive (913) 631-5716 shawneepizza.com Paulo & Bill 16501 Midland Drive (913) 962-9900 pauloandbill.com Pegah’s Family Restaurant 11005 Johnson Drive (East Location) (913) 962-6700 5354 Roberts St. (West Location) (913) 422-3600 pegahsfamilyrestaurant.com Pine & Bamboo Garden 10915 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-9545 pinebamboogarden.com Renee Kelly’s Harvest 12401 Johnson Drive (913) 631-4100 reneekellysharvest.com Sakura Japanese Restaurant 7474 Nieman Road (913) 962-6361 sakurajapaneserestaurant.net Sombrero’s Mexican Cantina 22702 Midland Drive (913) 441-6700 sombreroskc.com
Stay in Shawnee Hotels Courtyard by Marriott 17250 Midland Drive (913) 631-8800 marriott.com
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wh The o An ere lde n qua st r iv lity esta er has ura sa bee nt in ry n fi Sh rst aw sin nee ce 1 969 .
th
6000 Rogers Drive 61st & Nieman, Shawnee, KS
913.631.5716
New Lenexa Location
19617 W. 101st St. K-10 & Woodland, Lenexa, KS
913.254.1234
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YOUR COMPANY’S FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
Hampton Inn 16555 Midland Drive (913) 248-1900 hamptoninn.com Holiday Inn Express (opens July 2015) 17346 Midland Drive hiexpress.com
RV Park Walnut Grove 10218 Johnson Dr., Merriam (913) 262-3023 walnutgroverv.com
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EvErgood EvEriMproving EvErstrong EvErswEaty EvErwElCoME EvErstrong 16200 Midland Drive Shawnee, KS 913.258.8060 www.everfitkc.com .
shawnee visitors guide
Shawnee City Map
out & about
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Western Spike 3
in Shawnee
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Western Shawnee offers a number of recreational outlets, including the popular Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball club. Spring through fall, this organization is catching rays on its 18 sand courts. Saturdays at the Beach are popular for pick up games. smbv.com
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culture
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Shawnee Golf and Country Club Stump Park Kansas City Ice Center Mid-America Sports Complex Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball Starwood Park Shawnee Mission Park Trails Shawnee Mission Park Tomahawk Hills Golf Course Courtyard by Marriott Holiday Inn Express (opens in July 2015) Hampton Inn B&B Theatres Shawnee 18 KU MedWest Park Lanes Swarner Park Johnson County Museum of History & All Electric House Veteran’s Park Johnson County Library Thomas A. Soetart Aquatic Center Civic Centre Power Play Simply Unique Caenen Castle Shawnee Town 1929 Wonderscope Children’s Museum Splash Cove Herman Laird Park City Hall Downtown Shawnee Overland Park Regional ER Pioneer Crossing Sky Zone Jaycee Park Listowel Park Shawnee Mission Health
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What & Where
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To K-10
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Shawnee City Map
History 101 Downtown
Shawnee Town 1929 is a living museum that celebrates Shawnee’s heritage and community by preserving the city’s architectural relics. Be sure to check out various events that occur yearround. shawneetown.org
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There is plenty of shopping, dining, and culture in downtown Shawnee. From the delicious Big Bam’s Burgers to Shawnee Town 1929, visitors can even enjoy a Downtown Walking Tour. shawneekscvb.com
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Park It Parks are found all over the Shawnee region. Listowel Park is an ideal place to host a picnic. The space includes a great playground and large shelter with four tables. cityofshawnee.org
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Be sure to see,
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Success in Shawnee
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1,600 Acres Shawnee Mission Park takes the prize for largest recreational park in Shawnee. This natural space also features unique events throughout the year, including performances at Theatre in the Park, the Shawnee Mission Triathlon and overnight fishing opportunities. jcprd.com
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Vintage Shawnee
Vintage shawnee Classic cars, clippers and a castle all grace this city’s past
Those were the days, my friend. We thought they’d never end. We’d sing and dance forever and a day. We’d live the life we choose. We’d fight and never lose. Those were the days. —Mary Hopkin, 1968
Oh, yes, those were the days. Hardscrabble or genteel, a legacy remains as we catch a glimpse into Shawnee’s past. Stroll with us down memory lane and reflect on what life was like “way back at every turn.
A snippet in time Before the 1920s, when it came time for you to get a haircut, many mothers simply turned a bowl over your head and started shearing. As society changed from rural to urban, however, professional grooming gained favor. Both men and women decided it was time to visit the local barbershop for a trim and a straight shave. Bouseman’s Barber Shop in Shawnee was the place in town to get spiffed up. Although no longer in the original location—which is the present-day Choppers Hair Studio at 5813 Nieman Road—the shop has been recreated to perfection at Shawnee Town 1929. Charlie Pautler, director of Shawnee Town 1929, says the re-created space—complete with two leather barber’s chairs and a red-and-white barber’s pole— represents a business that had to “change with the modern times.” For the first time, women were coming in as customers—showing up to get their hair bobbed. “Before the ‘20s, women grew their hair long, but fashion changed,” Pautler says. “And before beauty salons developed, and if they didn’t want to do it in the home, women had to go to barbershops to get their hair cut.” But it wasn’t strictly hair trimming that took place in the shop, he says, and Shawnee Town remains true to the historical Bouseman’s. “We also interpret other activities that happened in the room, such as the shoeshine station and the barbershop being used as a gathering place by locals to exchange news and gossip.”
photography by Jason Dailey Grease monkey Step into old auto shop OK Garage and you’ll find it’s easy to strike up a conversation with fourth-generation owners Jay and Betty Hamilton, and bring back memories. Besides talking shop on fixing cars, stick around a bit and you’ll find out more about the legacy of the garage—a legacy they Hamiltons have maintained since taking the reins of the business in 1988. Jay has seen quite a few changes over the years. “Basically we have upgraded the garage to keep up with all of the modern technology,” he says. “When the garage opened in 1918, not only did our grandparents fix cars, they also fixed the fire truck and housed it right here in the garage.” Jay still works on the cars, and Betty, an experienced bookkeeper, keeps the place humming. They both cherish the vintage mechanics’ tools as part of the shop’s history. An old engine analyzer, brake caliper files and other relics remind loyal customers of simpler times. “At one time, we even had an old Jeep and a 1944 tow truck,” Jay says. “One fact remains: The garage is still a garage, and we still fix cars, but the cars are more complicated than they used to be. But nothing we can’t handle.”
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when,” with treasured stops
story by Gloria Gale
42 Shawnee Town 1929 Visitor’s Center | 11501 W. 57th St. | Shawneetown.org
Mission Theater | 11119 Johnson Dr.
Vintage Shawnee
OK Garage | 5833 Nieman Road
Hi Ho Silver … Away! The Wild West wasn’t called wild for nothing. Livestock rustling and horse thievery were rampant at the end of the 19th century. But there weren’t many laws on the books to solve this problem. So citizens took matters into their own hands to rid the farmers and ranchers of these varmints, forming the Central Protective Association (originally formed as an “anti-horse thief association”). By 1906, the national organization had more than 30,000 members; in Johnson County, lodges formed in Olathe and Shawnee.
Caenen Castle | 12401 Johnson Drive | reneekellysharvest.com
A ledger detailing the travails of the Shawnee enforcers is on display at the Johnson County Museum as part of the exhibit Seeking the Good Life. Curator of collections Anne Jones shared with us an entry from December 16, 1893: “Society names Shawnee Lodge No. 152 C.P.A. /meetings held on the Saturday night on or before the first full moon of each month at 7 p.m. Qualifications for membership were ownership of horses, mules, or cattle. Officers of the Lodge shall offer a reward not exceeding fifty dollars for the arrest and conviction of any person stealing stock protected by this Lodge.” Johnson County Museum 6305 Lackman | Jocogov.org Shawnee’s chateau Few homes in the metropolitan area rival the 108-year-old stone masterpiece known as Caenen Castle. Styled after a French chateau, this grand castle was once known as Shawnee’s “Big House.” Remigius Achille Caenen built the castle in 1907, with the help of a local bricklayer. The two men meticulously hand-quarried the limestone blocks, most measuring 6 to 7 feet long and 18 to 24 inches thick. The impressive stone castle has experienced an interesting history, first as Caenen’s home, and then as a nightclub, retirement home, private residence and haunted mansion. Today, Caenen’s Castle is home to Renee Kelly’s Harvest, a farm-to-table restaurant. “The building is unique as I am,” Kelly says. “The castle has touched lives throughout its history, so when we renovated 12 years ago, we wanted to make sure we kept the integrity of this beautiful stone structure.” Though the interior is almost entirely new, the basic stone housing is original, Kelly says. The bottom line: It’s worth driving by, if not dining in, at one of Shawnee’s most elaborate historic buildings. “People love dining in the grandeur,” Kelly says.
Success in Shawnee We strive for growth. More restaurants and businesses continue to fill the Shawnee Parkway Plaza, located at Pflumm Road and Shawnee Mission Parkway. We value safety. December 2014 —Shawnee is named one of the safest cities in the state of Kansas by SafeWise. The city is also praised for its growth and expansion: “Shawnee offers a number of incentives to business owners, but also integrates a number of environmental initiatives to preserve its rolling hills and picturesque countryside.” We support homegrown businesses. ‘Shop Small Shawnee’ was a huge success with 34 businesses participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, 2014. We love cycling—and keep it safe. Shawnee is a bronze-level awardee (since 2003) for bicycle-friendly community, designated by the League of American Bicyclists. Enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience on more than 18 miles of on-street bike lanes, 40.8 miles of share-the-road lanes and 27.6 miles of off-street recreational trails. We are eco-friendly. Shawnee achieved Tree City USA status for the 17th year by the National Arbor Foundation.
sunflowerpub.com shawnee magazine
Reel classic Vintage movie theaters are a rare breed—but Shawnee boasts the Mission Theater, a Southwestern-style film house that opened on Labor Day in 1927. Designed by Kansas City architects Boller Brothers, and built by the third mayor of Shawnee, M. A. Summerour, this little movie house on Johnson Drive was a haven for cinephiles from around the metro. Its first showing was Lon Chaney’s silent film, Tell It to the Marines. The Dickinson chain bought the theater in the 1940s and changed the name to the Aztec Theatre. Three decades later, the Aztec was sold once again, this time purchased by the Pflumm family, who changed the name to the Fine Arts Theatre. Though the theater is currently closed, the city of Shawnee hopes to see it renovated in the future.
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what the makes shawnee Best Place to live?
Big City Amenities With smAll toWn ChArm
WhAt does this meAn for you?
the City of shawnee continues to experience record growth and residents enjoy the amenities that make the area a desirable place to live and work. The Shawnee Economic Development Council works collaboratively with the City of Shawnee and the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce to help businesses locate and grow in Shawnee.
• Close to 2,000 new jobs • Increased business and commercial growth • New restaurants • Convenient shopping • Emergency room care • Improved roads and infrastructure • Greater selection of homes • More hotel rooms to boost tourism • Enhanced parks and trails
Since 2011, the City of Shawnee has experienced over a quarter of a billion dollars in economic growth that benefits our residents and thousands of visitors each year.
Shawnee residents expressed their desire for more restaurants and shopping in a 2010 survey. As a result, new growth in the area has continued to meet these needs. More businesses are now part of the Shawnee Parkway Plaza including Bella Dea Salon and Boutique, 9Rounds and Savers.
A variety of new restaurants are also featured at 10 Quivira Plaza, including Panda Express, Jimmy Johns, Smoothie King, Starbucks and Saints Pub & Patio.
The Overland Park Regional Medical Center Shawnee ER now provides a state-of-theart emergency room offering everything a patient would receive at a traditional hospital ER, and is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
The WestLink Business Center is a $50 million industrial development project on 80 acres of ground. It will consist of seven buildings offering 1.1 million square feet of space when completed. The first building is fully occupied with four tenants, including American Box Company and Mile Hi Specialty Foods.
15100 w. 67th street, suite 202 shawnee, ks 66217 913.631.6545 shawneekschamber.com Shawnee was recognized by Money Magazine in its annual “Best Places To Live” survey for its affordable housing, air quality index and median commute time.
Quick Guide Index Resource
Website
shawnee visitors guide Telephone
Emergency & Medical Emergency Assistance Kansas Poison Control Center shawneemission.org Shawnee Mission Health Kansas Crisis Hotline (domestic abuse/sexual assault) Tip Hotline (Kansas Bureau of Investigations) Mission MedVet (emergency animal care) Kansas Protection Report Center (Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services)
911 (800) 332-6633 (913) 676-2000 (888) 363-2287 (800) 572-7463 (800) 790-7766
(800) 922-5330
Shawnee Information Shawnee CVB Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Shawnee Magazine
shawneekscvb.com shawneekschamber.com sunflowerpub.com
(913) 631-6545 (913) 631-6545 (888) 497-8668
Hotels Hampton Inn Courtyard Holiday Inn Express
HamptonInn.com marriott.com
(913) 248-1900 (913) 631-8800
hiexpress.com
Children and Family Wonderscope Johnson County Museum Shawnee Civic Centre Shawnee Mission School District Unified School District #232
wonderscope.org jocomuseum.org cityofshawnee.org smsd.org usd232.org
(913) 287-8888 (913) 715-2550 (913) 631-5200 (913) 993-6200 (913) 667-6200
Community Volunteerism Shawnee Community Services Sunflower House Old Shawnee Days Society
scsks.com sunflowerhouse.org oldshawneedays.org
(913) 268-7746 (913) 631-5800 (913) 248-2360
City Services/Utilities
Internet/Cable/Telephone Time Warner Cable Business Class Consolidated Communications
timewarnercable.com/midwest consolidated.com
(816) 358-8833 (913) 825-2882
Media Shawnee Dispatch Shawnee Magazine Kansas City Star
shawneedispatch.com sunflowerpub.com kansascity.com
(913) 962-3000 (785) 832-7257 (816) 234-4741
shawnee magazine
(913) 742-6200 (913) 631-1080 (913) 631-2150 (913) 631-3300 (913) 441-5400 (913) 406-9460 (913) 742-6014 (913) 742-6003 (913) 742-6098 (913) 631-5200 (800) 383-1183 (888) 442-1313 (800) 794-4780
shawneekschamber.com
City Manager’s Office (Carol Gonzales, City Manager) cityofshawnee.org Fire Department (administration/operations) Police Department (dispatch) deffenbaughindustries.com Deffenbaugh Industries Inc. (waste) a1disposalinc.com A-1 Disposal (waste) superiordisposalservice.com Superior Disposal Service Inc. (waste) City Ride (for seniors 62+) Municipal Court Animal Control Parks and Recreation westarenergy.com Westar Energy atmosenergy.com Atmos Energy kansasgasservice.com Kansas Gas Service
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shawnee visitors guide
May 2015 May 2 – Farmers’ Market Open The season’s local bounty begins to bloom and find its way to Shawnee’s weekly Farmers’ Market. 7 a.m. Saturdays, May-October. City Hall parking lot, 11110 Johnson Drive, (913) 248-2360. May 9 – Beauty and Best Downtown Open House Visit downtown businesses and enjoy a buzz among neighbors at this open house. 9 a.m. Saturday. City Hall parking lot, 11110 Johnson Drive, (913) 742-6226. May 23 – Pools Open Splash Cove and the Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center open for the season, delighting families across the area. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Splash Cove, 5800 King Ave., (913) 631-7177; Aquatic Center, 13805 Johnson Drive, (913) 631-0054.
June 2015
shawnee magazine
shawneekschamber.com
June 3 – Bloody Mary Kick-Off A fun celebration featuring tomatoinspired drinks and dishes to get the community revved up for the Shawnee Town Museum’s Tomato Roll fundraiser. Tickets are $25 and include two entries in the Tomato Roll. Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., (913) 248-2360.
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June 4-7 – Old Shawnee Days Kick off summer with this favorite Shawnee event. Join friends and neighbors for a weekend of fun and entertainment the whole family can enjoy: music, carnival, contests, games, parade, crafts, shopping, food and so much more. Free event at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., (913) 248-2360. oldshawneedays.org June 28 - July 6 – Flags 4 Freedom Honor those who protect and preserve our freedom with this magnificent event. The City of Shawnee and the City of Merriam sponsor the Flags for Freedom, a patriotic display celebrating our freedom and honoring veterans. More than 2,000 American flags will be displayed in downtown Shawnee and downtown Merriam. shawneekscvb.com
July 2015 July 3 – Fun Fridays at the Pool Fun Fridays are back yet again. Come join us the first Friday of every month to celebrate the summer. These days will include concession deals, coordinated games and prizes for the winners from noon to 5 p.m. Additional dates July 6 and August 3. Splash Cove, 5800 King Ave., (913) 631-7177; Aquatic Center, 13805 Johnson Drive, (913) 631-0054.
Shawnee Events
July 10 - Summer Concert Series Kicking off in July at Swarmer Park (63rd and Lackman), the Summer Concert Series offers live music and great food for those interested in music on the lawn. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and lawn games. Concert begins at 7 p.m., and dates include July 24 (Stump Park, 47th and Woodland) and August 7 (West Flanders Park, 55th & Nieman). shawneekscvb.com
August 2015 August 15 – K-9 at the Cove Join the city at Splash Cove with the four-legged friends in your family before the end of the season. With proceeds benefiting local pet charity organizations, this event will give you the opportunity to have a fun play day at the pool with your dog. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. shawneekscvb.com August 30 – Tour de Shawnee Get in the action with this annual bicycle tour. Choose from a 12-mile or 24-mile route. The tour will begin and end at Power Play Family Entertainment Center, Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm. The event benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. shawneekscvb.com
September 2015 September 12 – Wheels & Dreams Car, Truck and Bike show Looking to show off a classic hot rod, or even a brand new, trickedout car or motorcycle? Downtown Shawnee is the place to be. The 10th annual Wheels & Dreams Car, Truck and Bike show will fill the streets downtown. Pre-registration forms can be found at Hartman Hardware (11018 Johnson Drive) and Encore (11006 Johnson Drive). Food and drinks will be available from downtown vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Johnson Drive and Nieman Road. shawneekscvb.com September 19 – Friends of Shawnee Town Craft Fair Shoppers can browse through 100 craft booths featuring handmade jewelry, food, woodworkings and other artisan items at this 40th annual event. A $1 donation to benefit Shawnee Town will be accepted at the gate. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., (913) 248-2360. shawneetown.org September 25-26 – Shawnee Great Griller’s Blues & BBQ Contest Enjoy some of the best barbeque in the Midwest and activities for the whole community to enjoy. Slides and games for kids will be set up on 6 p.m. Friday. At 10 a.m. Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St. shawneegreatgrillers.com
All dates and times are subject to change.
October 2015 October 2 – Oktoberfest The Shawnee German-American Club’s 21st Annual Oktoberfest is intended for the whole family. The celebration will include German food, beverages and a raffle with multiple prizes to benefit a local charity. All events are open to the public, and admission is free. 5:30 p.m., Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. October 3 – Scarecrow Festival Celebrate the autumn season at the annual Scarecrow Festival, presented by the Shawnee Downtown Partnership. Festivities include a scarecrow contest, pumpkincarving contest, pumpkin pie contest and activities for the kids. 9 a.m.-noon, Shawnee City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. shawneekscvb.com October 4 – John Glaser Memorial 5K Honoring the heroic acts of a Shawnee firefighter, the community continues to gather and celebrate those who have given their life for our friends and neighbors. Begins at the Shawnee Fire Station 71. johnglaser5k.com October 10 – NeighborWood Get your free tree fix this fall with NeighborWood (tree giveaway for the first 100 families). This celebration will be hoppin’ with the latest and greatest on tree care, composting, backyard habitats and rain barrels. The Parks & Recreation Department will celebrate Arbor Day in the City of Shawnee with the annual proclamation and tree planting to commemorate the event. Some registration required, call (913) 742-6403. 9 a.m.-noon, Listowel Park, 71st and Quivira. October 24 - Holiday Treasures Craft Festival Beat the crowds this holiday season and pick up some unique, hand-crafted holiday gifts while you’re at it! Check out the annual Holiday Treasures Craft Festival. Admission is free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. shawneekscvb.com October 24 – Historical Haunting Bring the whole family to Shawnee Town for an evening of hayrides, trick-or-treating, costume contests and more. Entrance and activities are free. The Optimists will be selling snacks at the Ghoul Cafe. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St. shawneetown.org
November 2015 November 11 – Veterans Day Celebration The City of Shawnee, along with VFW Post 10552, American Legion No. 327, Knights of Columbus, Civil Air Patrol-Kansas City Composite Squadron No. 034 and the Sons of
the American Revolution-Monticello Chapter invite you to join them in honoring all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. 4-5 p.m. Veteran’s Tribute Park, Johnson Drive and Pflumm.
December 2015 December 5 – Christmas Around Town Get into the holiday spirit at Shawnee’s annual community Christmas celebration—in and around the downtown area and Shawnee Town. The evening includes local carolers, carriage rides, Christmas tree lighting, hand painting and even a visit from Santa. Food, fun and entertainment abound. 4:30-7:30 p.m., downtown Shawnee. shawneekscvb.com
February 2016 TBA – Cinderella’s Ball Hosted by Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department, the 15th annual Daddy & Daughter Date Night, welcoming princesses and their princes to Cinderella’s Ball. Daddy (grandpa, uncle, etc.) and daughter may attend Friday or Saturday night at Prince Charming’s castle and enjoy a dinner, dancing, prizes and a special commemorative picture. Tickets are $40 per couple and include corsage, dinner, dancing and mementos. Additional guest is $20 each (suggested ages 5-13). Space is limited. Register at shawneeconnect.org. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive.
March 2016 TBA – St. Patrick’s Parade Whether you are Irish in truth or in spirit, don’t miss the Shawnee St. Patrick’s Parade, a great family event for spectators and participants. The parade begins at 1 p.m. along Johnson Drive, from Monrovia east to Nieman Road. At 4:30 p.m., plan to watch the 23rd Annual Duck Race along Turkey Creek. 1 p.m., downtown Shawnee.