Shawnee Magazine Spring/Summer 2026

Dear Readers,

Prosperous and welcoming, Shawnee is home to people with stories shaped by a wide range of experiences and outcomes. This issue spotlights four such stories.

Becky Pitre and her family know well the saving grace of transplants, a medical innovation that dates back only to 1954. Her son and daughter have both been recipients of life-saving transplants. Her family’s story is on page 16.

Banner Garage is the result of Ed Jenkin’s dreams and hard work. The crew at Banner remodels garages, transforming underused spaces into livable areas. Oh, and they also install a topof-the-line golf simulator. Read about this unique, locally owned business on page 8.

Elise Klumpe turned her empathy for new mothers into a thriving side business. As a physical therapist in a clinic setting, she saw how new mothers often struggled to make appointments and decided to do something to help: She created her own business, KC Mobile Mommy, which brings PT services to new mothers’ homes. This heartwarming story is on page 12.

Kerry Jones turned her love of a natural lifestyle into a business, Suds Refillery, with her mother, Barbette Jones. The refillery offers a novel way to live sustainably—plus it’s just plain fun. Learn how the business began and how it works on page 22.

We also have a calendar of events for Shawnee residents and visitors on page 28.

We know Shawnee is a great place to live, with compassionate people looking forward to making the community’s future bold and bright.

I hope you’ll welcome spring with a few of the people who help create the welcoming warmth of Shawnee.

Jean editor, Shawnee Magazine

Editor Jean Teller

Designer/Art Director Alex Tatro

Copy Editor Leslie Clugston Andres

Account Executive Connie Roberts

Contributing Photographers Kevin Anderson

Brooke Buck

Molly Kuplen

Sarah Reeves

Contributing Writers Corinn Ayers

Jill Dutton

Beth Kornegay

Publisher Bill Uhler

Director Bob Cucciniello

about prearranging your

When you take this step you can prevent overspending, protect your family and control the price. You can trust us to help you make the right decisions. Then you can live your life now to the fullest.

about prearranging your

When you take this step you can prevent overspending, protect your family and control the price. You can trust us to help you make the right decisions. Then you can live your life now to the

Departments Feature

8 HELP DESIGN A GARAGE MAKEOVER

Turn that parking space into usable living space with Banner Garage.

12 KC MOBILE MOMMY

Physical therapist brings her table and expertise to busy moms at home.

16 ONE FAMILY’S TRANSPLANT JOURNEY

A Shawnee mother keeps scrapbooks for her two children who have undergone transplant surgeries.

22 MAKING SUSTAINABILITY SIMPLE

Suds Refillery sources locally produced, environmentally friendly ingredients to help customers reduce waste.

28 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fall and winter events around Shawnee. Events

Garage Makeover

When Ed Jenkins began his garage remodel business in 2011, he had no idea it would lead to transforming more than a thousand garages and helping homeowners organize and reclaim usable space in their homes.

Ed chose to focus his Shawnee business on garage remodels because he believes the garage is one of the most underutilized spaces in a home. A renovated garage at the back of his Shawnee home now serves as a beautiful showroom for all the possibilities that Banner Garage offers.

“We wanted to help homeowners reclaim that space and turn a cluttered entryway into a high-functioning and welcoming part of the home. Over the years, we’ve transformed more than 1,200 garages throughout Kansas City and surrounding communities, which has given us the expertise to handle just about any layout or challenge imaginable,” he says.

Ed hosted his own Thanksgiving dinner in his garage—at a table that seated 18 family members. With the right flooring and climate control, his family enjoyed a comfortable holiday meal with more than enough space for everyone to eat, mingle and enjoy the Chiefs game.

Most Requested

The most common remodel Banner Garage offers is a full garage renovation. This type of project involves a combination of a durable epoxy garage floor coating, powder-coated custom cabinetry, slatwall organization panels (horizontal wooden slats with gaps between to hold hardware), and overhead ceiling racks. With a full garage renovation, clients can neatly stow away seasonally used family items while having a professional-grade space for all their supplies, tools, and hobbies.

Ed says that one aspect that sets his cabinets apart from others is that they are wall-mounted rather than floor-mounted, which helps protect them from moisture and makes floor cleaning effortless. He uses American-made cabinets and drawers in a variety of colors to suit every taste.

“The cabinets themselves are made from a thicker and more durable wood construction than big box options, and our new slatwall is made of compressed PVC, rather than extruded, making it the most durable slatwall on the market today,” he says.

The cabinets are installed with bracket tracks securely fastened into the wall studs. The slatwall has dozens of accompanying pieces available, including a variety of hooks, holders, brackets and baskets that carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to hold items such as hand tools, ladders, and electric cords. Those pieces include an adjustable anchor system that adds strength while also keeping the flexibility needed to move and adjust the accessories.

Since every homeowner has a different space, needs, and budget, Ed’s team visits each prospective client to view the space, take measurements and make recommendations if the homeowner isn’t sure of the best way to utilize their space. The homeowner then selects colors and hardware for cabinets and drawers, and within a few days can see a 3D rendering of how their space can be transformed. Once homeowners have made their selections, most projects can be completed in just one to two days.

In addition to custom cabinets and drawers, Banner Garage also offers 64-inch-wide ‘closet’ cabinets with bifold doors that can safely hide bulky items such as shop vacs and buckets. Custom tall lockers are also a popular option, giving a mudroom effect with hidden shoe and boot cabinet storage. Banner Garage offers more than 1,000 assorted products, with a focus on getting everything off the garage floor and into a permanent, organized area that looks nice and helps reclaim usable space.

Unique offering

The newest product that Ed’s company offers is a golf simulator: a 10-by-8-foot Murphy-style cabinet that folds and unfolds with the push of a button. The simulator includes a pro-grade hitting surface, a high-impact screen, and a launch-monitor system. The company has installed more than a dozen of these simulators in the metropolitan area over the last year, helping local golfers keep their swings consistent during chilly winter months. It’s entertainment the whole family can enjoy, Ed says.

Designed for golf enthusiasts who want to work on their game no matter the weather, the Murphy Golf Simulator also includes a 4K high-definition projector,

five launch-monitor options, and a one-year GS Pro Membership and technical support.

Shawnee resident Adam Gotsche recently had his garage remodeled by Banner Garage and added the Murphy Golf Simulator. An avid golfer, Adam was the first in the Kansas City area to have a simulator installed by Banner Garage. He appreciates the versatility the simulator offers, including how each course begins as a par 3 and gradually increases in difficulty.

Adam says the simulator takes up less space than wall storage racks for Christmas decorations. He and his family primarily use it in the winter but enjoy playing on the simulator year-round. The family also installed a mini-split heating and cooling system in the garage for additional comfort.

“It truly only takes about 30 seconds to set up, and that easy set-up was a big selling point for me. My friends often ask how accurate the simulator is. … It provides immediate feedback, and it truly does give accurate readings to help me visualize versus guess the length of my shots,” Adam says.

Adam says his son and daughter, both 7, also enjoy using it. The simulator also offers a variety of game modes to suit all players, including miniature golf courses for children.

Specialized Service

Banner Garage is distinguished from its competitors by its longevity and local presence. Ed’s crew are not subcontractors; they are thoroughly trained experts who have worked with the company for years. The company has also been named a Top 10 Redline Garagegear cabinet dealer for five of the past six years and ranks as the seventh-largest MKE (Milwaukee) slatwall dealer in the nation.

Ed notes that COVID changed how homeowners see and use their garages. What was once seen only as a parking spot for vehicles and a place to store home and lawn tools has now turned into ‘fam-caves,’ home gyms, and even dining areas. With a garage makeover and proper lighting, the garage can be an extension of the home.

“Happy owners are everything to us, and when you speak with us, it’s like talking to a friend or neighbor,” Ed says.

KC Mobile Mommy

Physical therapist brings her table and expertise to busy moms at home.

There is a special kind of chaos that defines early motherhood. It’s the kind where leaving the house for a single appointment can require military-level planning. Timing a feeding, squeezing in a nap, factoring in a pump session, and somehow getting a newborn buckled into a car seat and up to a second-floor clinic all turn a simple Tuesday errand into something closer to a competitive event. From across the treatment table, Elise Klumpe has watched that struggle play out hundreds of times, and it stays with her.

That common new-mom experience, along with the empathy behind it, eventually became KC Mobile Mommy, a mobile physical therapy practice serving pregnant and postpartum women in their own homes.

Klumpe’s path into physical therapy was a natural one. She had always been interested in how the body works. As a trackand-field athlete at the University of Kansas, she competed as a thrower while earning a bachelor of science degree in exercise science. She went on to complete a doctorate in physical therapy at KU Medical Center. After that, she spent more than a decade in outpatient practice, treating a wide range of patients before narrowing her focus to women’s pelvic health.

It’s a specialty that, as Klumpe puts it, has “really exploded” in recent years, and for good reason. Pelvic health physical therapy addresses issues that affect many women, but those issues are often minimized or left unexplained to the patient’s satisfaction. These include pregnancy-related pain, diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and incontinence, among others.

The idea for KC Mobile Mommy took shape during her time at a clinic in Lenexa, where Klumpe spent six years treating a group of patients who would later inspire her to launch her independent business. She completed specialized coursework in pelvic health and found herself working with women in a season of life that is physically demanding, emotionally layered and often overwhelming.

What Klumpe noticed, appointment after appointment, was how much effort it took for new mothers just to get there. She often held babies while treating their mothers. She watched women navigate stairs with car seats, diaper bags and everything else needed to travel with a newborn, only to be told they needed to repeat the feat several days a week for return appointments. Stress and exertion compounded quickly.

“The coordination efforts by moms to time the appointment, time feedings, nap, maybe pumping, and getting an infant up to the second floor should be considered an Olympic sport,” she says.

It was not something Klumpe could ignore. Over time, she began asking patients a simple question. What if the therapist came to you? The response was immediate and enthusiastic.

The idea remained in the background for a few years while life continued. Then, in early 2024, Klumpe officially launched KC Mobile Mommy.

Not Just Convenience

What sets the practice apart is not only the convenience—though it is a significant benefit—but also the philosophy behind it. Klumpe does not believe the traditional outpatient model is wrong; it simply doesn’t always align with the reality of new motherhood.

Frequent visits can be difficult to maintain with an infant. Insurance limitations can add another layer of challenge. When the schedule becomes too demanding, many women stop care altogether, which means they stop improving as well. Klumpe takes a different approach. She spaces out visits more deliberately, adjusts as needed, and trusts patients to carry the work forward between sessions.

“I have always firmly believed that education goes a very long way if you are a clinician who listens intently,” she says.

Those listening skills, developed over years of practice, allow her to recognize patterns and fill in gaps that shorter appointments often miss. The “aha” moments happen often, and they make a difference.

There is also something important about the home environment. A session might include a toddler climbing onto the couch or a baby needing attention midway through the appointment. For Klumpe, rather than disruptions, they are part of the process. If care works only in a controlled setting, it becomes harder to apply in daily life.

One patient stands out. She came in managing several concerns at once, including incontinence while running, abdominal separation, and hip pain. She also had two toddlers at home and limited time. Over the course of just four sessions across two months, she experienced a complete resolution of her symptoms and noticed additional improvements she had not expected.

“She just needed to be equipped with the right information,” Klumpe says. “And she went to work.”

KC Mobile Mommy is, at its core, a labor of love. Today, Klumpe balances the practice alongside a corporate role and life with two children. She works a standard weekday at her day job and sees patients after her regular scheduled hours. It’s a balancing act, and she approaches her home life the same way she approaches her clinical work. Do what you can, refer out when necessary and stay connected to what matters.

At this stage, growth is not the primary goal. Instead, the focus is on staying involved, maintaining clinical skills, and continuing to serve a group Klumpe cares about deeply.

“I want to stay connected to the profession and these women,” she says, “but I don’t want the stressors of clinic life.”

For busy mothers in Shawnee and the surrounding communities, that balance works well, especially when it means a skilled and experienced physical therapist comes directly to their door.

For more information about KC Mobile Mommy and Elise Klumpe’s services, reach out to learn whether mobile pelvic health physical therapy may be a good fit.

One Family’s Transplant Journey

A Shawnee mother keeps scrapbooks for her two children who have undergone transplant surgeries.

When Becky Pitre graduated from nursing school in 1979, her first position was in a pediatric intensive care unit at a local hospital, where she cared for patients who were awaiting an organ transplant or to become organ donors. A 5-year-old boy died while waiting for a liver transplant needed to save his life, and that young patient left an indelible imprint on Becky’s heart, foreshadowing what her own family would face.

Nearly 30 years ago, Becky’s son, Nick, was 13 and needed a routine physical with his pediatrician before going to Boy Scout camp. Little did the family know that the exam would be the first step in a decades-long journey of medical procedures and five organ transplants—combined with the incredible odds of having two children requiring the lifesaving procedure.

Nick’s camp physical ultimately resulted in a diagnosis of Wilson’s disease, a rare condition in which the body cannot properly process and eliminate copper, causing toxic levels to build up in the liver and, over time, other organs. Copper is routinely found in foods such as chocolate, nuts, organ meats, and shellfish and, in Nick’s case, had already caused liver scarring and tissue death.

Medical testing would show Nick had an autosomal recessive gene inherited when copies of a mutated gene are passed on from each parent. Nick’s parents each had one in a hundred odds of having the gene, and Nick had a onein-30,000 chance of getting the disease.

“The disease is rare and truly came from left field,” Becky says. “We were living in Tulsa at the time, and we ended up transferring our family to California, where Nick could be treated at UCLA.”

A few years later, when Nick was in high school, he became jaundiced. Since Becky was a nurse, she recognized the symptoms; her son confided he was having black stools. They rushed to the doctor, who ordered lab work; Nick later vomited blood in the doctor’s office. He was airlifted to UCLA, where physicians found he had severe internal bleeding. Later that night, the family got the call that his first liver transplant would happen the next day.

Five days after the transplant, the main artery leading to the liver clotted, and Nick confided to his mother that he thought he was going to die. Thankfully for the Pitre family, a second donor liver became available the next day. The donor, a boy named Daniel, had been who had been the victim of a drive-by shooting. Daniel’s mother wrote a letter to the families who received organ donations from her son, telling them about his love of riding bicycles, all things Nike, and his plans to become a pro wrestler named ‘Road Runner.’ It is a letter Becky treasures to this day because she recognizes the loss Daniel’s mother experienced and the gift of organ donation that allowed other people to have a chance to live when her own son did not.

“While Nick was in the hospital for a month, I didn’t see my other three kids, who were all at home …. As with any chronic illness, it affects the entire family,” Becky says.

DonateLifeKs.com

Midwest Transplant Network www.MWTN.org

OneLegacy www.OneLegacy.org

Health Resources & Services Administration www.OrganDonor.gov/sign-up

When renewing or registering for a Kansas driver’s license, say ‘yes’ when asked if you’d like to be an organ and tissue donor.

A Second Journey

Three years after Nick’s second liver transplant, Becky’s daughter Sarah began looking jaundiced. Acutely aware of the implications of jaundice, Becky acted immediately to have Sarah examined. Testing showed cirrhosis of the liver, like Nick’s, though from a different cause. Sarah was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, a disease where the body attacks its own liver. It occurs in just one in 15,000 people.

At the age of 21, Sarah had her first liver transplant in Oklahoma City; the Pitres had extended family there. After a few years, the autoimmune disease returned, and Sarah underwent a second liver transplant when she was 27. As the disease progressed, she was scheduled to receive a third liver transplant. Her first transplant surgeon did not feel comfortable doing a third, so when the family found out the surgeon from Los Angeles who had performed Nick’s transplant had moved to Houston to start a new transplant program, they felt confident in having them perform Sarah’s third liver transplant. The transplant surgery also included a new kidney.

While the third liver transplant was successful, Sarah’s disease returned in 2019. She is now receiving ongoing treatments, including a plasma exchange at the University of Kansas Hospital and infusion treatments every few months in Houston. Her health now stable, she lives with her parents in Shawnee.

An Ongoing Legacy

In 2000, Becky began a partnership with OneLegacy, an organ procurement organization in Los Angeles. At one of their meetings, a quilt honoring organ donors was displayed.

“A woman approached me and showed me a block dedicated to her son. She told me that since she didn’t quilt, she had to pay someone to make the quilt block for her, which I thought was a crime. I went on to design and create a quilt for OneLegacy to honor all organ donors and recipients,” Becky says.

While in Houston for Sarah’s third transplant, the family stayed at a nearby house provided specifically for transplant families with long stays in the city. That house had an organ transplant quilt on display in the recreation room. Becky saw an opportunity to honor all types of organ donors and recipients and set up a crafting area for families to create their own blocks to honor loved ones. That quilt now hangs in the recreation room of the Houston transplant house and is a testament to modern medicine and the patients who have been helped through the Houston program.

“As I made the quilt, I talked to people about their blocks and their loved ones. It was really some of my more rewarding (work), making those quilt blocks and meeting those families,” Becky says.

Becky also helped raise awareness of the need for organ donation by volunteering to decorate the OneLegacy “Donate Life” float in the Rose Parade in the organization’s first two years. As part of the float’s Rose Dedication Garden, roses in small vials each carried a personalized message of hope and remembrance to honor organ donors, recipients and families touched by those donations.

Becky also carries business cards with the “DONATE LIFE” logo, volunteers with organ procurement organizations, and has been a guest on news programs and radio shows to discuss organ donations and the trials and triumphs of her own family. She also enjoys sharing the transplant scrapbooks she made for both Nick and Sarah that include photos, medical reports, EKG strips, and other memories of the weeks during which two of her children underwent lifesaving procedures.

Additionally, she and her family have “DONATE LIFE” license plates. These license plates are designed to carry a message

that reminds citizens of the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donations. Proceeds are tax-deductible and go toward education and awareness initiatives, programs close to Becky’s heart. Find the plates at www.KSRevenue.gov/dovpersplate.html

In Kansas, more than 500 people are currently waiting for organ transplants. Organs that can be donated are the heart, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, lungs, and liver, and donations from a single person can save up to eight lives. Donations of tissue such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can help up to 50 people, including burn victims and those who have lost mobility, vision or heart function. For those awaiting a kidney transplant, a living donor is also an option.

Anyone can register to be an organ donor, regardless of age or medical history, by visiting https://DonateLifeKS.com or at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Organizations, including the Midwest Transplant Network, are working to increase the number of transplants.

April is Donate Life Month.

Making Sustainability Simple

Suds Refillery sources locally produced, environmentally friendly ingredients to help customers reduce waste.

Customers step into the small storefront at Suds Refillery in Shawnee with an empty bottle or two in hand and leave with a variety of products designed to reduce waste and improve the ingredients they put onto their bodies.

For owner Kerry Jones, the journey started years ago with a simple idea sparked by family, curiosity and a long-standing interest in living more naturally.

“I’ve always been into a natural lifestyle,” Jones says. “Using things that are good for my body, sustainable, just trying to be mindful.”

The concept for Suds Refillery started with a spark of inspiration from Jones’ mother, Barbette Jones, who came across an article about a woman running a refill business out of a van in Colorado. Seeing the potential, she encouraged her daughter to try something similar. With Barbette bringing business acumen and Kerry drawn to product sourcing and customer experience, the two formed the partnership that still anchors the business today.

They began modestly, operating out of a van and popping up at local events. Customers could bring their own containers and refill them with soaps and household products. It was a novel concept in the Kansas City area, one that required explanation at nearly every stop.

“It was a lot of educating,” Jones says. “People would come up and say, ‘Wait, I can bring my own bottle and just refill it?’ They didn’t realize that was even an option.”

While the pop-up model helped build early awareness, it also revealed a limitation. Customers liked the concept, but tracking down a mobile refill shop wasn’t always convenient. That realization led to the next step: a permanent storefront.

A Permanent Location

In September 2022, Suds Refillery opened its brick-andmortar location on 59th Terrace in Shawnee, chosen largely for its proximity to home. Jones, a mother of two, wanted to keep the business close to her daily life. The location may not be the most visible, but what it lacks in foot traffic it makes up for in a loyal and growing customer base.

Much of that growth has come through grassroots efforts. Early on, Suds continued its pop-up strategy, setting up outside McLain’s Market, which provided both visibility and community support. The business also participated in local events such as the Moonlight Market while building a presence on social media and through direct mail campaigns.

Still, Jones is quick to point out that the most effective marketing has been the simplest.

“Word of mouth is huge for us,” she says. “When customers tell their friends or post about us, it makes a big difference.”

Inside the shop, the process is straightforward but unfamiliar to many first-time visitors. Customers bring in clean containers—anything from a Mason jar to an old soap bottle—and have those containers weighed before filling.

Products are priced by the ounce, and the final cost is calculated after subtracting the container’s original weight. A selection of free containers is available if you forget to bring one.

The system is simple, but its impact is multifaceted. It reduces single-use packaging, encourages reuse, and often leads customers to rethink how they shop.

“It’s refreshing for people,” Jones says. “You take the trash out and realize you have more recyclables than actual trash. This is just another way to cut down on that.”

Walking the Walk

Behind the scenes, Suds Refillery applies the same principles to its own supply chain. Products arrive in large containers that are returned to suppliers, cleaned, and reused in a closed-loop system. Even shipping materials are sent back when possible.

“We’re doing the same thing our customers are doing,” Jones says. “We’re just doing it on a bigger scale.”

That commitment extends to the products themselves. Jones sources from companies that prioritize nontoxic, environmentally friendly ingredients, often located within driving distance in Missouri. The result is a lineup that appeals

not only to eco-conscious shoppers but also to those concerned about what they’re putting on their skin.

“People are becoming more aware,” she says. “What you use—whether it’s shampoo or hand soap—it absorbs into your body. So, we look for products that are safe for you and safe for the environment.”

Among the store’s bestsellers is laundry detergent, a staple customers use frequently and in large quantities. Shampoo and conditioner bars have also gained a strong following, offering a long-lasting alternative to bottled products. Other popular items include botanical face washes, laundry sheets for travel, and seasonal scents like cinnamon clove dish soap.

For many customers, the appeal lies in both function and experience; they often described the products as effective, pleasant to use, and free from the harshness associated with conventional options.

There are, however, misconceptions.

Some assume refill shops are more expensive, a perception Jones acknowledges but says depends on the comparison.

“If you’re comparing us to the dollar store, yes, we’re more expensive,” she says. “But if you’re comparing us to other natural products, we’re right in line.”

Others question the use of plastic in bulk containers, not realizing those containers are part of a return-and-reuse system. Education, once again, is part of the business model.

Making a Difference

Even without precise metrics, Jones hears regularly from customers who notice a difference in their own homes.

“They’ll say, ‘I don’t have as much waste anymore,’” she says. “They feel good about it.”

That sense of progress is something Jones encourages, especially for those new to the concept. Rather than overhauling an entire household at once, she suggests starting small.

“Just replace one thing,” she says. “When you run out of hand soap, bring the bottle in and refill it. It doesn’t have to be everything all at once.”

Beyond individual households, Suds Refillery has also found a niche with local businesses. Several Shawnee-area establishments, including McLain’s Market, Friction Beer Co. and Driscoll School of Dance, use the shop’s refill services for their own soap needs. The process involves swapping out gallon containers to ensure nothing is discarded unnecessarily.

For those businesses, the partnership offers both practical and symbolic value.

“They want to show they care,” Jones says. “About the community, about the environment. This is one way to do that.”

Looking ahead, growth is on the horizon. Jones is searching for a larger, more visible space within a mile of the current location. The goal is not only to increase foot traffic but also to expand what the business can offer.

A bigger space could mean workshops, children’s events, and hands-on experiences like “pamper parties” for Girl Scout groups— programming designed to make sustainability approachable and even fun.

“There’s so much we could do with more room,” she says.

At the same time, the broader refill movement is gaining traction, with large corporations exploring similar models. While that type of competition could present challenges for small businesses, Jones sees it as a sign of progress.

“If more people are doing it, that helps the bigger picture,” she says. “We’re part of that movement too.”

For now, Suds Refillery continues to grow, one container at a time, fueled by a mix of practicality, purpose and community support. And for customers who walk through the door, it offers something increasingly rare: A chance to make a small, tangible change—and feel good while doing it.

Calendar of Events

JUNE

4–7

Old Shawnee Days

Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive Free

This is the festival to attend this summer. Old Shawnee Days is filled with music, entertainment, vendors of all types, kids’ activities, carnival fun and more. Check the website for times. oldshawneedays.org

5

Freaky Things

Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Drive

General admission $22.75, reserve a 4-top table $109 (does not include admission)

Described as an “eclectic music project,” Freaky Things is a throwback to hard rock ’n’ roll, and they add in a bit of heavy metal for good measure. The band is based in Kansas City and Nashville. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert begins at 7 p.m. aztecshawneetheater.com

6

Blacklace with Ramona Clay

Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Drive

General admission $22.75, reserve a 4-top table $109 (does not include admission)

Take a trip back in time with the Kansas Citybased band known for its high energy and old-school rock sound. The indie KC rock collective Ramona Clay will also play. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawneetheater.com

11

Americana Summer Movie: Hamilton

Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Drive General admission $8; stage-front area $52 (4 admissions, high top table and chairs); VIP area $52 (4 admissions, adjustable height table and chairs) This 1931 classic stars George Arliss as Alexander Hamilton and Alan Mowbray as George Washington and tells the story of Hamilton’s fight for soldiers’ pay and a national bank. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie starts at 7 p.m.

aztecshawneetheater.com

12

Splashtacular Summer Days: Summer Splash

Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center and Splash Cove at the Jim Allen Aquatic Centers, 13805 Johnson Drive and 5800 King Ave. Daily fee for Shawnee residents $6, for nonresident $10; see website for season pass Fun in the sun for everyone! The themed afternoon includes concession specials, games and prizes. From 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/Departments/Parks_ Recreation/Aquatics/special_events

12–14

Once Upon a One MoreTime

Music Theatre Kansas City, B&B Theatres

Shawnee 18, 16301 Midland Drive

Visit website for ticket information

A beautiful fairytale, Once Upon a One More Time showcases the music of Britney Spears. Check website for times. mtkc.org/performances

18

Moonlight Market

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive

Free

Local vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and more are the draws for the summer’s Moonlight Market. On the third Thursday of each month, Johnson Drive between Nieman and King will be closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the festivities. Market hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/residents/moonlight_ market

JUNE 19–JULY 5 Soccer Moms

Music Theatre Kansas City, B&B Theatres

Shawnee 18, 16301 Midland Drive

Visit website for ticket information

A new original musical, Soccer Moms at Music Theatre Kansas City is a world premiere production in collaboration with The Black Box. Check the website for times. mtkc.org/performances

20

Americana and Ales

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive

Free

Americana music and craft ales meet World Cup energy with this music and beer festival. Music by Bronwyn Keith Hynes, Making Movies, Special Consensus, The HillBenders, Dusty Rust, Calvin Arsenia, Of a Feather, The Lost Keys, Dimension Bill Edwards, and Konza Swamp Band. 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. eventbrite.com/e/americana-and-alestickets-1981065535345

24

Shawnee Community Services Golf Tournament

Falcon Lakes Golf Course, Basehor

One golfer $175; foursome $675; corporate sponsor level for a foursome $1,100, hole sponsor (no golfers included) $250 Support Shawnee Community Services and spend some time on the links to help. It’ll be a fast-paced event: A four-person scramble includes 18 holes, range balls, cart, lunch, tee gift and goody bag. Trophies and prizes for the top three foursomes and winners of the on-course games. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with a modified shotgun start at 8 a.m.; the event ends at 1 p.m. scsks.org/golf-classic

26 PARKED!

Slump Park, 4751 Woodland Drive

This annual celebration kicks off the July celebrations for National Parks and Recreation Month. Music, food trucks and fireworks make for a special day. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. with the fireworks show. cityofshawnee.org/departments/parks_ recreation/special_events/parked

27

The Yachties

Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Drive

General admission $17.50; stage front area $110 (4 admissions, high top table and chairs); VIP area $110 (4 admissions, adjustable height table and chairs)

Get ready to par-tee when The Yachties take the stage with their smooth yacht sound and hard-driving disco beats. You won’t be able to stay in your chair! Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert begins at 7 p.m.

aztecshawneetheater.com

JULY

2

Americana Movie: 1776

Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Drive

General admission $8; stage front area $52 (4 admissions, high top table and chairs); VIP area $52 (4 admissions, adjustable height table and chairs)

As part of the Americana Summer at the Movies series, 1776 is entirely appropriate for this U.S. anniversary! Sponsored by Shawnee Town 1929, this 1972 musical stars William Daniels as John Adams, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, and Blythe Danner as Martha Jefferson. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawneetheater.com

4

Splashtacular Summer Days: Freedom Fling

Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center and Splash Cove at the Jim Allen Aquatic Centers, 13805 Johnson Drive and 5800 King Ave. Daily fee for Shawnee residents $6, for non-resident $10; see website for season pass fees

Fun in the sun for everyone! The themed afternoon includes concession specials, games and prizes. From 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/Departments/Parks_ Recreation/Aquatics/special_events

11

Dive-In Movie: The Big Green

Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center, 13805 Johnson Drive

Free

Celebrate soccer as the World Cup takes over Kansas City, and what better way to do so than to watch a classic comedy from Disney? The Big Green is the story of an English woman who brings soccer to a small town in Texas. Starring Steve Guttenberg and Olivia d’Abo, the movie will have you struggling to stay afloat amid all the laughter. 8 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/Departments/Parks_ Recreation/Aquatics/special_events

16

Moonlight Market

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive

Free

Local vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and more are the draws for the summer’s Moonlight Market. On the third Thursday of each month, Johnson Drive between Nieman and King will be closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the festivities. Market hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/residents/moonlight_ market

17–19

Xanadu

Music Theatre Kansas City, B&B Theatres Shawnee 18, 16301 Midland Drive

Visit website for ticket information

This stage production is based on the cult classic movie Xanadu, starring Olivia NewtonJohn. A magical muse leaves Mount Olympus to visit Venice Beach, California, to inspire an artist to create … the first roller disco!

Of course, the immortal falls in love with the mortal, much to the dismay of her sisters. Chaos ensues! Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, 7 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2 p.m. visitshawneeks.com/event/xanadu; mtkc.org

30

Hearts on Hope

Overland Park Arboretum, 8909 W. 179th St., Bucyrus

Sponsorship opportunities still available

The cocktail hour of the summer brings Palm Springs to KC! Guests will enjoy a silent auction, drawings, live music, delicious appetizers, bottomless drinks and more. All proceeds support Safehome, a shelter for survivors of domestic abuse, their children and pets. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. safehome-ks.org/mec-events/hoh

AUGUST

7

Splashtacular Summer Days: Summer Sizzler

Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center and Splash Cove at the Jim Allen Aquatic Centers, 13805 Johnson Drive and 5800 King Ave.

Daily fee for Shawnee residents $6, for non-resident $10; see website for season pass fees

Fun in the sun for everyone! The themed afternoon includes concession specials, games and prizes. From 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/Departments/Parks_ Recreation/Aquatics/special_events

20

Moonlight Market

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive

Free

Local vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and more are the draws for the summer’s Moonlight Market. On the third Thursday of each month, Johnson Drive between Nieman and King will be closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the festivities. Market hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/residents/moonlight_ market

SEPTEMBER

13

Wheels and Dreams Car, Truck and Bike Show

Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive

Free

Join in the fun at this annual tradition that draws more than 5,000 visitors and 300 cars for one of the best car shows in the region. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with vendors, food trucks and live music as part of the fun surrounding all the cars! shawneetown.org

17

Moonlight Market

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive

Free

Local vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and more are the draws for the summer’s Moonlight Market. On the third Thursday of each month, Johnson Drive between Nieman and King will be closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the festivities. Thursday hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/residents/moonlight_ market

19

50th Friends of Shawnee Town Craft Fair

Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive $1

More than 130 vendors will display their wares during this fall festival. There’s something for everyone: handmade and homemade items, repurposed items, local food vendors, kids’ activities, games and live music. All proceeds benefit Shawnee Town and its educational programs. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitshawneeks.com/event/annual-friendsof-shawnee-town-craft-fair

25–26

31st Shawnee Great Grillers BBQ

Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive Free

You won’t believe the sights, sounds and smells when you attend the annual Great Grillers Barbecue. In addition to all the great grillers on hand to show off their skills, visitors will enjoy live music, food truck, beer tent and a kids’ fun zone. Open to the public Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday hours are for sanctioned judging, no public events. Awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. shawneegreatgrillers.com

OCTOBER

3

Scarecrow Festival

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive Free

The annual Scarecrow Festival kicks off fall with a family-friendly event that includes scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, a farmers market and seasonal displays. Supplies and decorations will be provided at no cost. All the downtown merchants will participate in the scarecrow contest. 9 a.m. to noon. cityofshawnee.org/calendar

15

Moonlight Market

City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive Free

Local vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and more are the draws for the summer’s Moonlight Market. On the third Thursday of each month, Johnson Drive between Nieman and King will be closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the festivities. Thursday hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/residents/moonlight_ market

24

Holiday Treasures Craft Festival

Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive Free

Get your holiday shopping done a bit earlier this year while browsing the annual Holiday Treasures Craft Festival. Doors open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/calendar

30

Spookfest

Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive Free

Trick-or-treat in style during this annual indoor affair that includes a bounce house, crafts, cupcake decorating and a costume contest. 10 a.m. to noon. cityofshawnee.org/calendar

30

Historical Hauntings

Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive Donations accepted

This family-friendly event offers an alternative to haunted houses, with trickor-treating, farmstead tours, costume contests and games, all with a historical theme. All proceeds go to Shawnee Town’s education programs. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. shawneetown.org/plan_your_visit/ programs/historical_hauntings