Shawnee hosts St. Patty’s events

The Irish American Club of Johnson County and the Shawnee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee host the 28th Annual Shawnee St. Patrick’s Parade at 1 p.m. March 14.

The parade, with the theme "Go The Green Mile For A Big Irish Smile," begins at Johnson Drive and Monrovia Street and heads east on Johnson Drive to Nieman Road. An awards ceremony immediately follows the parade at the Knights of Columbus Council 2332 Hall at 11221 Johnson Drive.

The Knights host a corned beef and cabbage dinner during the parade. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. Irish musician Eddie Delahunt will provide the entertainment. For information, call 631-4633.

The 22nd Annual Sister Cities Committee Duck Race begins at 4:30 p.m. Hundreds of plastic ducks will race down the creek behind Danally’s Bar and Grill, 60th Street and Nieman Road.

March 10 Community Calendar

Wednesday, March 10

Kids Closet Connection hosts its semi-annual sale at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, which is half-price day. For information, visit www.kidscloset.com.

Thursday, March 11

Scott Grisolano, MD, University of Kansas Hospital, discusses colon cancer risk factors, screening methods and symptoms from noon to 1 p.m. in the KU MedWest Community Room, 7405 Renner Road, Shawnee. Program is free. To register, call 588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.

Friday, March 12

Nonprofit organizations can attend a free technical assistance workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. at the REACH Foundation, 6700 Antioch Road, Merriam. To R.S.V.P., e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"A Triumph of the Spirit," a musical play based on the life of Harriet Tubman, will be performed at 11 a.m. in Craig Community Auditorium, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park. Tubman narrates stories from her childhood, adolescence and young womanhood. The story illustrates the trials that enhanced Tubman’s faith and solidified her life’s purpose. The performance is free and open to the public. For information, call 469-8500, ext. 2423.

Melodrama focuses on girl power in children’s show

In its 25 years of existence, the Martin City Melodrama Theatre never has presented an all-girl show. Until now.

Heroic females will be in the forefront of the latest production of Martin City Jr., the theater’s children’s edition.

The show will continue through May 7 at the theater, located in Metcalf South Shopping Center, 95th Street and Metcalf Avenue.

As is customary for Martin City, this is an original production. And, as is usually the case, theater founder and creative force Jeanne Beechwood wrote the show, which is titled "There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly."

March 10 Religion Notes

Church holds book sale

Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, holds a book sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, featuring books, cookbooks, children’s books, sheet music books, videos and magazines. Proceeds go to missions. For information, call 492-2943.

Crossroads presents live financial program

Crossroads Christian Church, 5855 Renner Road, Shawnee, presents Dave Ramsey’s "Total Money Makeover LIVE" from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13.

Ramsey will share his financial principles and philosophies live via satellite. To register, visit crossroads-christian.org or call 962-9966.

Lenexa seeks artist entries for Rain Barrel Parade

Local artists are invited to paint a rain barrel for Lenexa’s second annual Rain Barrel Parade.

The event is a public art exhibition that places rain barrels decorated by local artists across the city to showcase rain barrels’ role in capturing and recycling rainwater.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the parade by decorating a 55-gallon plastic rain barrel. Parade rules and applications are available at www.raintorecreation.org. Applications are due by Monday, March 15.

Heart to Heart sends help to Chilean earthquake victims

Heart to Heart International, a humanitarian organization based in Olathe, has responded to the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile Feb. 27 and affected more than 2 million people, according to Chilean officials.

Gary Morsch, president and founder of Heart to Heart International, said, "We have initiated efforts to secure a firsthand assessment of the severity of the damage and establish protocol for delivering medical and humanitarian aid that may be needed in Chile and other locations as a result of the earthquake."