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SUMMER 2017
smor.gas.bord / 32 Danny Glover joins Lawrence director’s film
people / 36
Kevin Willmott: “Work on things that matter.”
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VOL 73
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ISSUE 2
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2016 2017
KANSASMAG.COM
places / 44
The wildlife routes that flow through the city
two-wheeled issue
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WELCOME
The Douglas County Newcomers Guide, the region’s top guide for newcomers, is released annually by Sunflower Publishing 645 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 (888) 497-8668 www.sunflowerpub.com EDITOR Nathan Pettengill ART DIRECTOR Jenni Leiste PHOTOGRAPHY Fally Afani Kevin Anderson Jason Dailey Brian Goodman Richard Gwin Racheal Major Mark Mangan Tree Mangan Brian Pitts Susan Pitts Sarah Reeves Janene Rothwell Michael Snell Emily Steele Doug Stremel Bill Stephens Mike Yoder CONTRIBUTING WRITER Fally Afani Thadeus Haverkamp COPY EDITOR Leslie Andres ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ariele Erwine (785) 832-7109 Joanne Morgan (785) 832-7264 AD DESIGNERS Jenni Leiste Amanda Nagengast PRODUCTION MANAGER Shelly Bryant DIRECTOR Bob Cucciniello REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED The Douglas County Newcomers Guide strives to help new residents adapt to and enjoy their new hometown. Our recommendations and listings are not comprehensive. This guide will refer you to outside publications and websites for additional information. All data and listings are subject to change. The Douglas County Newcomers Guide cannot assume responsibility for outside information, errors or omissions. Any inaccuracies, changes or additions can be directed to Sunflower Publishing.
2017/2018
Become
Local
ON THE COVER
Farmer pizza from Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar in Lawrence. Photograph by Racheal Major
An enormous amount of stress and adaptation comes with moving to a new area. This publication is designed to help with that—to give you an overview of the region, to provide essential contact information and a brief introduction to some of the people who live here. We hope that you will find Douglas County to be vibrant, inclusive, forward-thinking, education-orientated communities rooted in a progressive, professional heritage with—yes— distinctly Midwest overtones. Think of it as the intersection of savvy and just-plain-nice. Our guide hopes to be an introduction to and reflection of that spirit, beginning with our cover story on the county’s long history of sustainable, affordable and delicious localvorism. Welcome to Douglas County.
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
5
CONTENTS
9 DOUGLAS COUNTY SPOTS
9
Community overviews to help you find your own best spot in Douglas County.
19 DOUGLAS COUNTY EVENTS
A seasonal guide to some of the annual favorites in your new home county.
19
27 A PLACE FOR BRITTLES AND GRANDKIDS
Muriel Cook chose Douglas County for growing her business and family
27
30 A MATRIARCH OF MASS. STREET
Longtime business owner Linda Lester broke barriers to fulfill her childhood dream of “a little store”
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30
KU FOR YOU
Explore and enjoy the University of Kansas campus even if you are not a student
34 HORSE PARADE 25 Years
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36 DOUGLAS COUNTY SPOTLIGHT Resources and listings
44
34
FARM TO FORK
A conversation about Douglas County food with two of the region’s localvore pioneers
2017/2018
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
7
WELCOME TO LAWRENCE • Complimentary initial orthodontic evaluation • Located at the corner of 18th and Wakarusa Dr. • Accelerated orthodontic options available. • Top 1% Elite Invisalign Provider • Teen Invisalign Provider • Damon Smile System
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DOUGLAS COUNTY
SPOTS Community overviews to help you find your own best spot in Douglas County
2017/2018
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
9
THE COMMUNITY
SPOTS ESSENTIAL NEWCOMER CONTACTS Westar Energy westarenergy.com (800) 383-1183 Black Hills (Gas) blackhillsenergy.com (888) 890-5554 Douglas County Government douglas-county.com (785) 832-5268 Sheriff’s Office dgso.org (785) 841-0007 County Health Department ldchealth.org (785) 843-0721
BY THE NUMBERS* KANSAS Population:
2.9 MILLION Percentage of adults with high school diploma:
90.0
DOUGLAS COUNTY
30.7 Median household income:
$51,872 Average home value:
$128,400
Lawrence Memorial Hospital lmh.org (785) 505-5000
Population:
DOUGLAS COUNTY
118,053 Percentage of adults with high school diploma:
94.6 Percentage of adults with bachelor’s degree or higher:
49.4 Median household income:
$50,732 Average home value:
$181,300 *Source: U.S. Census Bureau
10
Take a look at
Percentage of adults with bachelor’s degree or higher:
Douglas County Senior Services dgcoseniorservices.org (785) 842-0543
Senior Resource Center for Douglas County yoursrc.org
KANSAS/DOUGLAS COUNTY
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
Much of Douglas County is rural farmland, such as this area south of Lawrence. Photograph by Michael Snell
Douglas County, the fifth most populous county in Kansas, sits in the northeastern section of the state, with its county seat located in Lawrence. The region hosts three universities: the oldest university in the state, Baker University in Baldwin; the state’s flagship university, the University of Kansas, with its main campus in Lawrence; and Haskell Indian Nations University, also in Lawrence. History buffs will find lots to explore in Douglas County. Set in the midst of the Great Plains, this land was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans for millennia. Beginning in the 1850s, the county was virtually the center of “Bleeding Kansas” as settlers fought whether Kansas Territory would enter the Union as a pro-slavery or a free state. Events such as the Lecompton Constitution and the Battle of Black Jack brought Kansas into the statehood as an anti-slavery state and fueled the debate that led to the American Civil War. Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence and other Civil War conflicts kept Douglas County, Kansas, in the heat of the fight.
Douglas County itself was named for Stephen A. Douglas, the Illinois senator who famously debated Abraham Lincoln. From the early 1800s, this part of Kansas was crisscrossed by the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails, cattle drives and the arrival of the railroad in 1864. With all that history, it only follows that National Register of Historic Places lists more than 80 locations in Douglas County. For today’s adventurer, there is fishing, boating and outdoor recreation at a number of lakes, including Clinton Lake State Park, Lone Star Lake and Douglas State Fishing Lake. Check out the parks around the county, such as Black Jack Park, which includes the Ivan Boyd Prairie Preserve and Robert Hall Pearson Memorial Park; Broken Arrow Park in Lawrence and Wells Overlook Park just south of Lawrence. Douglas County’s primary cities, Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City and Lecompton, offer annual festivals, parades, fun runs, farmers markets, dining, shopping, recreation and entertainment throughout the year. 2017/2018
THE COMMUNITY
SPOTS
LECOMPTON
ESSENTIAL NEWCOMER CONTACTS Douglas County Sheriff (785) 841-0007 Lecompton Volunteer Fire (785) 887-6221 Lecompton City Hall lecompton.org (785) 887-6407
BY THE NUMBERS* Population:
625 Population in 1850-1860:
APPROX. 5,000
Take a look at
LECOMPTON
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Bald Eagle (Lecompton Historical Society)
Lecompton offers several historic sites such as Constitution Hall, above, and a replica of Fort Titus, bottom. The Territorial Days parade, below, is a citywide celebration. Photography Bill Stephens and Emily Steele.
When a town starts out with the name of Bald Eagle, you can bet it’s going to have strong ties to American heritage. Founded in 1854, the city soon became the capital of Kansas Territory during a time when settlers fought one another to determine whether or not the state would enter the Union as a free territory. After intense debate and bloodshed, anti-slavery forces won control of the territorial legislature and then moved the capital farther west, to Topeka, when Kansas joined the Union as a free state in January 1861. History is still a living part of Lecompton, which interprets its past as “the place 2017/2018
where slavery began to die.” The town holds historical sites at Constitution Hall, the Territorial Capital Museum and the 1850s Democratic Headquarters. Walking tours feature video links made by the local elementary schools, while reenactments, Territorial Days and the Bleeding Kansas lecture series are part of the annual calendar. With scenic views of the Kaw River, a strong school system and a historic downtown, Lecompton was chosen by readers of Kansas! magazine as one of the state’s Top 5 small towns.
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
11
THE COMMUNITY
SPOTS
BALDWIN CITY ESSENTIAL NEWCOMER CONTACTS Baldwin City Police Department (785) 594-3850 Baldwin City Fire Department (785) 594-3678 Baldwin City Hall baldwincity.org (785) 594-6427 Baldwin City Recreation Commission baldwinrec.org (785) 594-3670
Take a look at
BALDWIN CITY Baldwin City brings in visitors for its, from top, railroad events, Maple Leaf Festival and historic attractions. Photograph by Pitts Photography
Baldwin City is the third-largest town in Douglas County, and being a friendly place, its residents won’t mind if you just call it “Baldwin.” Most people do. Beginning as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, this small town started to take hold in 1858 with the establishment of Baker University. This private liberal arts university is the oldest in Kansas. Baldwin caught the nation’s attention in 1856 when staunch abolitionist John Brown led his militia against pro-slavery forces in an armed fight just three miles east of town. Known as the Battle of Black Jack, it is considered by many to be the first battle of the Civil War. Today Baldwin is known for its Maple Leaf Festival each October. Throughout the year, Baldwin offers dinner theatres, dinner train rides and winery tours. Each year the Midland Railway hosts the PBS character Thomas the Tank Engine, a delight for kids, while Baker’s Quayle Rare Bible Collection offers one of the most extensive collections of Bibles in the Midwest, with some historic 700 manuscripts.
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Douglas County Newcomers Guide
BY THE NUMBERS* Population:
4,515 Population of city during annual Maple Leaf Festival: approx.
29,000 Median household income:
$43,269 Median house value:
$101,500 Public school average student/ teacher ratio:
14/1 *Source: U.S. Census Bureau and City of Baldwin City
2017/2018
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THE COMMUNITY
SPOTS
EUDORA
Take a look at
EUDORA Eudora offers, clockwise from upper left, small-town bakeries, river access and extensive city recreation facilities. Photgraphy by Janene Rothwell
ESSENTIAL NEWCOMER CONTACTS
BY THE NUMBERS*
Eudora Police Department (785) 542-3121
6,378
Eudora Township Fire Department (785) 542-2800 City of Eudora Fire Department eudorafire.org (785) 542-3653 Eudora City Hall cityofeudoraks.gov (785) 542-2153 Eudora Public Library eudorapubliclibrary.org (785) 542-2496
Population:
Percentage of adults with high school diploma:
91.6 Percentage of adults with bachelor’s degree or higher:
33.6 Home ownership rate:
62.2% Median household income:
$55,625 Median house value:
$140,700 *Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Douglas County Newcomers Guide
Eudora sits on the eastern edge of Douglas County, between Lawrence and the Kansas City Metropolitan area. That proximity has kept the population on the rise since 2000. Eudora also boasts a spot on the confluence of the Wakarusa and the Kansas (or Kaw) Rivers. If you’re an athlete, you’ll want to check out one of the city’s newest events, the Great Kaw Adventure Race that covers 25 miles with canoeing as well as running and biking. Travelers in the 184060s traveled the nearby Santa Fe and Oregon trails, crossing the country and leaving wagon ruts still visible
today. The Civil War also touched Eudora, which strongly supported the Union side. Today, Eudora features farmers market, wineries, parks and local shops give it a small town atmosphere with comfort. The city’s school system is recognized for its strong scholarship, extensive sports and extracurricular activities and deep support throughout the community. For more than 20 years, the Eudora Fest has added the fun of craft and art displays, food, music, garden tractor pulls and car shows. It’s an event worth attending even if you don’t make Eudora your home.
2017/2018
THE COMMUNITY
SPOTS ESSENTIAL NEWCOMER CONTACTS
BY THE NUMBERS*
City Offices lawrenceks.org (785) 832-3000
90,811
Fire & Medical Department lawrenceks.org/ fire_medical (785) 830-7000 Police Department police.lawrenceks.org (785) 830-7400 Department of Utilities lawrenceks.org/ utilities/home (785) 832-7878 Public Library lawrence.lib.ks.us (785) 843—3833 Lawrence Transit System lawrencetransit.org (785) 864-4644 Municipal Court lawrenceks.org/ legal (785) 832-6190
Population:
Percentage of adults with high school diploma:
LAWRENCE
Take a look at
LAWRENCE
95.1 Percentage of adults with bachelor’s degree or higher:
52.8 Percentage of homes speaking first language other than English:
11.7 Median household income:
$44,713 Median house value:
$176,500 *Source: U.S. Census Bureau
University of Kansas mascots Big Jay and Baby Jay join Lawrence fans in cheering on athletes at the Rock Chalk Park in west Lawrence. Photograph by Sarah Reeves.
Parks & Recreation lawrenceks.org/lprd (785) 832-3450 Lawrence Visitor Information Center (Unmistakably Lawrence) unmistakably lawrence.com (785) 856-3040 Lawrence Chamber of Commerce lawrencechamber. com (785) 865-4411 Lawrence Journal-World ljworld.com (785) 843-1000
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Douglas County Newcomers Guide
2017/2018
THE COMMUNITY
LAWRENCE
SPOTS
Lawrence prides itself on being a little different. Attribute it to the presence of two universities, its start as an idealistic political settlement, or a blend of being Midwestern nice and world-savvy. Whatever the reason, Lawrence is a city that continues to adapt and go its own way. Founded in the 1850s as a center of resistance to slavery expansion into Kansas, Lawrence paid the price as it was raided by pro-slavery forces twice, and particularly in 1863, when raiders attacked before dawn, killing 200 people and burning down much of the city. But the city rebuilt and thrived as a center of education, agriculture and commerce.
Lawrence boasts, from top, an award-winning arts center, extensive parks and public recreation spots, and stunning views on the University of Kansas campus. Photography by Bill Stephens and Michael Snell.
Today the city is home to the University of Kansas, a top-tier university with one of the most beautiful campuses in the country and the highly touted men’s basketball team. (You’ll see the Jayhawk mascot everywhere: a mythical bird with big yellow shoes.) Haskell Indian Nations University was established nearly 120 years ago, originally for Native-American children grades one through five. Now, American Indian and Alaska Native people come from across the country for higher education and Nativecentered scholarship. At the heart of Lawrence is Massachusetts Street. (Just call it “Mass” for short.) Along with the nearby Arts District it offers locally owned shops, award-winning restaurants, breweries, and lots of live music. There are numerous festivals, parades and events throughout the year including the Busker Fest, a regional qualifier for the national air guitar competition, a beloved Fiesta Mexicana and the all-horse-drawn Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade.
2017/2018
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
17
When it comes to happy and healthy,
Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine has your family covered.
ADVANTAGE METALS
Pediatric and adolescent Medicine, P.a. 346 Maine st. lawrence, Ks 66044
4824 Quail crest Place lawrence, Ks 66049
Phone 785.842.4477 Fax 785.842.7433 www.pandapeds.com
CAREN ROWLAND Douglas County Realtor for over 25 years 785-979-1243 caren@askmcgrew.com 1402 Church St. Suite E, Eudora, KS 66025
Photograph by Emily Steele
DOUGLAS COUNTY
EVENTS A seasonal guide to some of the annual favorites in your new home county.
21+ | Active | Animals | Charity | Competitive | Culinary | Cultural
Educational | Family Friendly | Historical | Indoor | Musical | Outdoor | Zombie-Approved
2017/2018
Douglas County Newcomers Guide
19
FALL
Football Season Sept.–Nov. 2017 K U S P O R T S . C O M
|
K U AT H L E T I C S . C O M
When it comes to sports, this region is definitely basketball nation … but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a long appreciation for football, with storied traditions at area high schools, Baker University and Haskell Indian Nations University. The biggest games take place at University of Kansas Memorial Stadium. Come cheer on the Jayhawks and enjoy the Rock Chalk traditions and halftime performances.
Haskell Indian Art Market
REV IT UP! HOT ROD HULLABALOO September 2017 R E V I T U P C A R S H O W . C O M Whether you’re all Rockabilly or just appreciate fine-looking machinery, this annual celebration of hot rods and hot-rod culture brings together music, plenty of good eats and a convergence of rat rods, muscle cars, street sass, exotics and classic autos. Held in Lawrence’s South Park, this high-octane event is also a charity fundraiser for a designated local nonprofit each year.
LIED CENTER PERFORMANCES
Sept. 2017 H A S K E L L . E D U / H I A M
Held annually during the second full weekend of September, this market is one of the region’s largest venues for authentic Native crafts, jewelry, artwork and more. Held on the grounds of the Haskell Indian Nations University, the market also treats guests to musical performances and Native dances in full regalia.
Kaw Valley Farm Tour Oct. 2017 K A W V A L L E Y F A R M T O U R . O R G
Know your grower! And this is one of the best ways to do it. On the first full weekend of October, dozens of Douglas County farms open up to guests, demonstrating the daily work of a farm, the temperament of llamas and the people behind local food. A tendollar bill will get you entrance for as many people as you can fit into one vehicle, leaving plenty of spare change to take home fresh produce, crafts or baked treats.
Maple Leaf Festival Oct. 2017 M A P L E L E A F F E S T I V A L . C O M
Baldwin City’s generous canopy of trees takes center stage at this two-day festival, held on the second weekend of each October. In addition to experiencing the natural beauty of the fall leaves, guests can enjoy musical performances, craft booths, food stalls, a quilt show, marching bands and a parade.
Zombie Walk Sept. 17–May 2018
Oct. 2017 T W I T T E R . C O M / L A W R E N C E Z O M B I E
L I E D . K U . E D U Each fall, the region’s premier venue for national and global cultural performances, the Lied Center of Kansas, lines up a season that delights with a mix of Broadway, classical music, children’s performances, dance … and plain amazing. The 2017-2018 season includes legendary musical performers Lyle Lovett, Kenny Rogers, Black Violin, Moscow Festival Ballet and Yekwan Sunwoo.
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Douglas County Newcomers Guide
One of Lawrence’s fastest-growing holiday traditions, Zombie Walk invites anyone to come dressed up in zombie attire (and there’s always several clever, original-theme zombie costumes) to parade (limp, moan, stagger) through Downtown Lawrence. Interaction with spectators is part of the fun, as this is the most non-threatening, considerate mob of zombies to ever shuffle down the street. Proof? Nobody is ever eaten, and all participating zombies donate cash or canned goods to a designated charity. 2017/2018
WINTER
Lawrence Festival of Trees Nov.–Dec. 2017
ALLEN FIELDHOUSE HOME GAME
FAC E B O O K . C O M / L AW R E N C E F E ST I VA LO F T R E E S
Each year, some of the region’s top artists and creative teams decorate and donate a holiday tree for charity. Tickets are sold to the public for viewing at Lawrence’s historic Liberty Hall theater and trees are auctioned off to homes for charity donations. Traditional and Kansas-themed trees make regular appearances, but anything goes. There is always one entirely novel tree-decorating sensation.
Holiday Vespers Dec. 2017 M U S I C . K U . E D U
For over 90 years, the University of Kansas School of Music has delighted audiences with a performance of secular and sacred holiday music. The vespers are actually a series of performances (some free and some open through ticket purchase) with a range of choral, organ, brass performances and even a few sing-a-longs.
SantaCon Dec. 2017 S A N T A C O N L A W R E N C E . C O M
Certainly, there had to be a time when Santa was a young hipster … and this annual celebration allows anyone to reconnect with the more whimsical Christmas spirit. Participants of this local version of the national celebration dress up as some version of Santa or an elf, or something entirely in-between, and progress through Downtown Lawrence, hopping from bar to bar. But the progression is nothing that will land anyone on the naughty list—all participants are expected to abide by crowd-friendly guidelines (Santa’s Rules) and make a charity donation a part of their participation.
Nov.–Dec. 2017 K U AT H L E T I C S . C O M It is a sporting event, but some will call it a mystical experience. Taking in a basketball game at University of Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse is a magical convergence of decades of sporting tradition, fanatically loyal crowds, top-level collegiate talent and a legendary venue. Tickets to the men’s games are simply the city’s most valued commodity, while entry to the women’s games allows you a better chance to explore the venue while still taking in the memorabilia, adjoining museum and sights of KU basketball lore. Oh, and a bonus delight of a KU basketball game? It’s also an introduction to a broader world of KU sports open to the public, each with its own set of legends and fan base, from track and field to rugby. Welcome to Jayhawk Nation! Now, get out there and Rock your Chalk!
KAW VALLEY EAGLE DAYS
Lawrence Farmers Holiday Market Dec. 4, 2016 L AW R E N C E FA R M E R S M A R K E T. C O M
What happens to the farmers’ market when the season ends? It only gets bigger. For one day each December, growers from across the county gather to bring holiday-themed home crafts such as wreaths and arrangements, but also loads of canned goodness and other taste delights such as cheese, biscotti, pickled mushrooms and more.
Transformations Jan. 2018 T R A N S F O R M A T I O N S L A W R E N C E . C O M
This 7-year Lawrence tradition is the perfect way to melt away the winter blahs. In this battle-for-the-tiara, approximately one dozen candidates are paired with a female impersonator to develop a stage act and swagger that will bring home several thousands of dollars for their charity. 2017/2018
Jan. 2018 K A W V A L L E Y E A G L E D A Y S . C O M Join wildlife experts for a day of family-friendly presentations on the lives of local bald eagle populations with the chance to join a free, guided excursion to view nesting sites. Douglas County Newcomers Guide
21
SPRING
Mardi Gras Parade Feb. 13, 2018
MARCH MADNESS
Each year, a raucous, roving musical parade is led by New Orleans transplants Katie and Mike West, the husband-and-wife duo that performs as wild roots band Truckstop Honeymoon. Bring your costume, your musical instrument or simply a festive spirit to join in this relatively new but growing Downtown tradition.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17, 2018 L AW R E N C E ST PAT R I C KS DAY PA R A D E . C O M
This parade through Downtown Lawrence has gone on for 30 years and continues to grow bigger, better and greener with each celebration. Look for the always ambitiously extravagant Sandbar float and other extreme productions as well as small-scale family entries. It can be cool in March, but a blanket and the thick crowd will keep you warm and your spirits high.
March–April 2018
Art Tougeau
You might notice that many of your new friends and acquaintances undergo a transformation each March, particularly if the University of Kansas Jayhawks basketball teams are battling their way through the NCAA tournament. Work slows. Family schedules and social engagements are set around game times. And everyone holds their breath. Even if you aren’t a big sports fan, you can embrace the electric atmosphere and participate in the community-wide jubilation.
HASKELL GRADUATION POW WOW
May 2018 A R T TO U G E AU . O R G
It started out as a motorized art nouveau show in 1997 and has since evolved into one of Lawrence’s wackiest and most beloved parades. Perennial favorites such as the Spaceship Car and the Recycle Cycle delight audiences, and more fun comes in seeing what new creations will line up for the parade each year.
Busker Fest May 2018 L A W R E N C E B U S K E R F E S T . C O M
In less than a decade, this annual festival has emerged as one of the region’s most popular and best-attended events. For one weekend each year, street performers converge in Downtown Lawrence with magic shows, acrobatic stunts, musical performances, fireswallowing and much more.
Farmers Market Openings April–Nov. 2018
May 2018
L A W R E N C E F A R M E R S M A R K E T . C O M
H I N U . E D U Each May, Haskell Indian Nations University invites families, friends and wellwishers to celebrate with the graduating class. Commencement ceremonies usually begin on a Saturday morning and are then followed by two days of traditional Native dancing and music. Because Haskell brings together students from a multitude of Native nations, this event provides the opportunity to enjoy the regalia and culture of a wide range of Native peoples.
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Douglas County Newcomers Guide
What’s the first sign of spring? Fierce, crack-of-dawn competition for that first good crop of kale and those freshly baked pies. Starting in April, the farmers market seasons include regular venues in Eudora and Lawrence, where the state’s oldest continually running market expands into a three-times weekly event as the season reaches full bloom.
2017/2018
SUMMER
Free State Festival June 2018 F R E E S T A T E F E S T I V A L . O R G
Kris Kristofferson? Tig Notaro? Barry Crimmins? Public Enemy? George Clinton? Yes, they’ve all been featured guests at the Free State Festival. In only a few years, the Lawrence Arts Center has grown this celebration into a major cultural happening with films, forums, musical performances and more.
Red Dog’s Dog Days June–Aug. 2018
TERRITORIAL DAYS
R E D D O G S D O G D A Y S . O R G
You think the summer is for sleeping in? For 35 years, Ed “Red Dog” Gardner has been waking up with county residents to lead them in a series of early-morning stretches, exercises and runs. The workout is held at various locations, including the University of Kansas Memorial Stadium, depending on season and year—but sweat and a sense of accomplishment are always a given.
Douglas County Fair July–Aug. 2018 D G C O U NTYFAI R.C O M
The beauty about the Douglas County Fair is that its attendees are equally earnest and post-modern ironic about the traditional downhome celebration. We know it’s a time to celebrate, but we take the goat contest seriously. We make the pie-baking contest delicious … and deadly competitive. And we put on what is arguably the state’s best, most-contested demolition derby. Running late July to early August, this is the place for funnel cakes, tribute bands, whirly rides, bright lights and one cool county.
TOUR OF LAWRENCE June 2018 L E C O M P T O N T E R R I T O R I A L D AY S . C O M When was the last time that you and every other kid in the city gathered to race turtles? Exactly. And that’s just one of the reasons to attend Lecompton’s Territorial Days, an annual mid-June celebration that explores community pride along with the region’s pivotal role in the fight for Kansas’ entry into the Union. Oh yes, and the turtle races. An entire road is closed off as turtles and their trainers vie for glory in the traditional sport. Even if your turtle doesn’t race away with the trophy, he/she has given you a wonderful excuse to visit the city’s museums and cheer on practically the entire town as they march by in the parade.
Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships
DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE SIDEWALK SALE
Aug. 2018 F I D P I C K . C O M
How is Douglas County lucky enough to host the state’s best roots and bluegrass musicians each and every year in the fourth weekend of August for loads of free competition performances? It’s probably due to all the hard work of the musician-volunteers who have been running the program for 35 years. This free event is a musical treat for all generations of the family.
Pooch Plunge Aug. or Sept. 2018 L A W R E N C E K S . O R G / L P R D / A Q U AT I C S / O A C
You still might be your dog’s best friend, but an entire swimming pool full of cool water and other canines run a close second. Treat your dog to a local tradition. At the end of each summer swimming season, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department opens its outdoor aquatic center to dogs and their people for a day of swimming. Some regulations apply for safety, but tails will be wagged and fur will be soaked, then shaken dry. 2017/2018
POOCH PLUNGE July 2018 D O W N TO W N L AW R E N C E . C O M Dozens of unique shops and venues in historic Downtown Lawrence open early, close late and discount prices on thousands of items, including athletic gear, formal dresses, handmade candles and jewelry. Drink plenty of water and bring an extra bag.
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LAWR E NCE
KASOLD
MAP
LAWRENC CLUB & GO
INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER
EN
CE
AVE
DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY
LA WR
FREE STATE HIGH THEATRE LAWRENCE SIXTH STREET
GREYHOUND BUS LINES
DISC GOLF COURSE SUNSET HILL ELEMENTARY QUAIL RUN PARK
W A K A R U S A D RIVE
LAWRENCE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL
WEST MIDDLE SCH
DAD PERRY PARK
QUAIL RUN ELEMENTARY
D RIVE
LANGSTON HUGHES ELEMENTARY
ORCHARDS EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSE
C
BOB BILLINGS PARKWAY
LIED CEN DOLE INSTITU OF POLITI ALVAMAR COUNTRY CLUB
ALVAMAR GOLF CLUB ALVAMAR LAKE
RAINTREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
BISHOP SEABURY ACADEMY
C L I N T O N PA R K W AY
LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SOUTH SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX
SUNFLOWER ELEMENTARY
HOLCO PARK
HOLCO RECREATIO EAGLE BEND GOLF COURSE
10
31ST ST
CLINTON STATE PARK
CLINTON LAKE
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LAWRENCE VIRTUAL SCHOOL
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PRAIRIE MOON SCHOOL LAWRENCE M U N I C I PA L AIRPORT VERITAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MCDONALD DR
Post Office/Libraries Hospitals
CE COUNTRY OLF COURSE
LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
CLINTON PARK
F E
Schools/Universities
LAWRENCE TRANSIT SYSTEM/ CITY PARKING GARAGE NEW YORK ELEMENTARY
REN
Transportation Golf CE R IVE
RFRO
HOBBS PARK MEMORIAL
NT P ARK KA NS AS
Hiking
Old West Lawrence
Points of Interest
East Lawrence RIV
Neighborhoods West Lawrence Old West Lawrence
HOBBS PARK
BOOTH FAMILY HALL OF ATHLETICS
North Lawrence Pinckney
EAST LAWRENCE REC CENTER
Sunset Hills
15TH ST
Quail Run Indian Hills Prairie Park
LOUISIANA ST
19TH ST KENNEDY ELEMENTARY
LAWRENCE COMMUNITY SHELTER DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
10
23RD ST
M HASKELL INDIAN SOUTH MIDDLE NATIONS SCHOOL UNIVERSITY BROKEN ARROW PARK
H A S K E L L AV E
HASKELL CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM
NAISMITH VALLEY PARK
BROKEN ARROW ELEMENTARY
West Lawrence
CORDLEY ELEMENTARY
LAWRENCE HIGH
SCHWEGLER ELEMENTARY
Oread
LIBERTY MEMORIAL CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
ST UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
East Lawrence
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER & PRESCHOOL
SOUTH PARK MASSACHUSETTS ST
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Info
S ETransportation LE CT E D E ROread
Neighborhoods
COURTHOUSE ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
OM PARK ON CENTER
InfoSchools/Universities
L AW
AMTRAK STATION
HILLCREST ELEMENTARY
HOLCOM SPORTS COMPLEX
City Government
Points of Interests Museums
PUBLIC LIBRARY
CENTURY SCHOOL
I
NTER UTE ICS
Hospitals
Hiking
CITY HALL
WATKINS MUSEUM OF HISTORY
MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Golf
WOODLAWN ELEMENTARY
NINTH STREET
HOOL
Services
LAWRENCE VISITOR CENTER
POST OFFICE
DOUGLAS CO. SENIOR SERVICES
CENTENNIAL PARK
Museums
KANSAS RIVER LEVEE TRAILS
PINCKNEY ELEMENTARY
SIXTH STREET SKATE PARK
City Government N SECOND ST
BURCHAM PARK
PRAIRIE PARK NATURE CENTER
PRAIRIE PARK ELEMENTARY
PRAIRIE PARK
POST OFFICE
SOUTH LAWRENCE TRAFFICWAY MULTISPORT PATH
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A PLACE FOR BRITTLES AND GRANDKIDS Muriel Cook chose Douglas County for growing her business and family Story by Bianca Brown Photography by Kevin Anderson
Growing up in a large family in Camilla, Georgia, Muriel Cook received some of her first baking lessons at home, starting with a regional specialty. “All of us kids learned how to cook and all of us learned how to cook, a specific thing, what we liked. I learned how to make peanut brittle from my mother. This was in the South, and that’s where it all originated. A lot of people do brittles different ways, but we hand-stretched our brittles,” says Cook. “That was the technique I learned from my mother.” While her family often gave the brittles as holiday gifts, Cook began making and selling them as a small business. It was an approach that she turned to later in life, after she married and moved to Lawrence with her husband, Harold. When Harold graduated from the University of Kansas, the couple became licensed craft show vendors and eventually turned to selling foods. They began with barbecue sauces and later added more dishes.
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COOK’S GETAWAY ADVICE
Businesswoman Muriel Cook knows the importance of getting in some downtime. For years, she and her family have enjoyed outings, fishing and camping at Clinton Lake, a reservoir just west of Lawrence that is divided into state park sections and an area administered through the Army Corps of Engineers. “Clinton is a scenic water view great for weekend nature walks or short vacations,” says Cook.
Now, Cook continues baking and selling candy brittles and other homemade goods, sourcing many of the ingredients from her home garden that blooms with berries, cabbage, kale, and collards. Cook sells her goods as Cook’s Concessions Muriel’s Brittles, mostly through local farmers markets (see the side story for a full listing of regional farmers markets). She offers pickled beets, pickled okra, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, spicy Jamaican turnovers, beef and potato turnovers, bite-size apple turnovers, mini apple cobblers, pork skins and more. The business is a family affair, with kids, grandkids and godchildren lending hands at craft and food shows and helping to make the family’s signature frothy lemonade, “Lemony-ShakeUp.” Cook says that Lawrence has been a good place to work and to
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raise children and grandchildren. A big supporter of the city’s parks and recreation department, she says that the organization offers plenty of activities and events for youth. The sense of community also appeals to Cook: “It’s more like how I was raised at home.” And just as she did in her childhood home, Cook continues to perfect her brittle-baking game. She now sells peanut brittle, cashew brittle, peanut chocolate brittle, cashew chocolate brittle, sunflower brittle, jalapeno pepper brittle and jalapeno pepper bacon brittle. That last flavor was an experiment that stayed around after it proved popular with her customers. “I like to try different things, and I didn’t know it would be so popular, but there were people that had never tried it and loved it, so I kept making that,” says Cook.
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AREA FARMERS MARKETS THE REGION’S FARMERS MARKETS Muriel Cook sells her homemade goods at the farmers markets in Lawrence, but the region has several similar markets and special events throughout the year. LAWRENCE FARMERS MARKET In business for over forty years—making it the state’s longest continually operating farmers market—this is the county’s largest, regular fresh-food gathering with a gold standard of grower-only stands. lawrencefarmersmarket.com COTTIN’S HARDWARE FARMERS MARKET Live music and fresh pours of Free State Brewing beer complement this Lawrence gathering of local growers. cottinshardware.com/farmersmarket FARMERS MARKET AT CLINTON PARKWAY NURSERY A favorite west-Lawrence nursery hosts food vendors on Wednesday afternoons. Look for the event on Facebook. EUDORA FARMERS MARKET A mix of community growers with food-truck vendors. Look for the organization’s page on Facebook. HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET An enormous gathering of local growers and craftspeople offering fresh foods, baked goods and holiday items. Usually held in Lawrence on the second weekend of December. lawrencefarmersmarket.com KAW VALLEY FARM TOUR An annual fall event with more than 30 farms, ranches and wineries opening their gates to visitors for extended tours and selling of fresh goods. kawvalleyfarmtour.org
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A MATRIARCH OF MASS. STREET Longtime business owner Linda Lester broke barriers to fulfill her childhood dream of “a little store” Story by Bianca Brown Photography by Kevin Anderson
The Etc. Shop is one of the many locally owned businesses in Downtown Lawrence that contribute to the region’s reputation as a vibrant, unique business community and shopping destination. From floor to ceiling, The Etc. Shop is filled with jewelry, accessories, charms, leather goods, clocks, lamps, and all sorts of antiques. There is also Max the Brussels griffon, the store’s unofficial main attraction, who will likely stop you to introduce himself and accept a bit of attention and a few pats on his head.
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LINDA LESTER’S TOP THREE LOCAL EVENTS LAWRENCE OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS PARADE Dozens of riders, horses and wagons parade through downtown Lawrence every December to celebrate the holiday season with thousands of spectators.
This shop is a dream-come-true for owner Linda Lester. Growing up in Wichita, she made her own jewelry and always wanted to open “a little store,” but waited to do so until her children were older and she had more time. Finally, in 1980, she opened The Etc. Shop in Downtown Lawrence, moving it once to accommodate the building of a city parking lot and then once again after a landlord insisted that a man must sign the leasing contract. “It was a different time,” says Lester. But nonetheless, she held her ground. “I was not willing to bend to that demand because I was the sole proprietor.” So Lester did what she had to—she bought her own place on the 900 block of Massachusetts Street—Lawrence’s historic central street that locals refer to as “Mass.” “The 900 block has always been the best block in my opinion, since the seventies,” says Lester. “People enjoy walking downtown, shopping downtown, and eating downtown.” A member of Downtown Lawrence, Inc., Lester feels a part of the community and helps take care of downtown, “Well, that’s like all the downtown retailers over these 37 years: We’ve always kept our sidewalks clean, swept, and neat, and it should be that way.” To this day, passersby continue to stop in The Etc. Shop, take a look around, and 2017/2018
buy something special. The store is split into two levels; the downstairs houses The Etc. Shop proper while the upstairs features antiques and collectibles. Lester says her customers—mostly women— reflect the range of ages in a college town, from women in their 20s to senior-aged shoppers. After all, you’re never too young or too old for a classic bomber jacket or an unusual accent piece. Of course, like many businesses in the region, The Etc. Shop offers several items for University of Kansas Jayhawk fans. Lester shows great pride in her collection of licensed and customized KU jewelry, in addition to other lines such as the sterling silver beads that fit on the Pandora, Chamilia and Brighton bracelets. Lester says one of the best surprises about running a business for nearly four decades is the customers who return to shop year after year. Sally Zogry, executive director of Downtown Lawrence, Inc., says she is not surprised by the public’s response to Lester, whom she describes as a role model for young female entrepreneurs as well as a standout leader in her own right for being able to adapt and thrive over the course of four decades in business. “There aren’t people like Linda who can get things done but be strong and caring at the same time,” Zogry says. “She’s really a one-of-a-kind jewel.”
STEPPING OUT FOR BREAST CANCER Held for more than 25 years, this annual October event features music, costumes and food to raise funds for treating and preventing breast cancer. MASS. STREET MOSEY Downtown Lawrence shops open up for appetizers and wine sampling in this annual July fundraiser that benefits Cottonwood, Incorporated, the community nonprofit that provides services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
TOP THREE PLACES TO TAKE GUESTS/ NEWCOMERS DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE A collection of unique shops, restaurants, public library, community museum, parks and more, all within walking distance. The historic heart of the city. SET ’EM UP JACKS Lester recommends trying the catfish, okra and cold beer at this southeast Lawrence restaurant. HOWARD PINE’S GARDEN CENTER This expansive nursery with greenhouses of flowers, herbs and more attracts visitors and has been a crucial gardening supply spot for more than 50 years.
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KU FOR YOU
Explore and enjoy the University of Kansas campus even if you are not a student Photography by Michael Snell and University of Kansas Marketing Communications
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship public university and international research center with more than 50 graduate programs nationally ranked and one of the nation’s leading undergraduate honors program. Its sports program—the KU Jayhawks—has a rich history of national titles and Olympic champions. Located in the middle of Lawrence, with the main campus on a hill known as “Mt. Oread,” the university is a thriving community unto itself. But it is also deeply integrated with the local community. Even if you are not arriving in Douglas County as part of the KU community, you are still part of Jayhawk Nation and can enjoy many public facilities, events and opportunities that the University of Kansas brings. Here’s our guide to KU for the community!
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Getting there
Paid public parking is available at the university parking garage off of Mississippi Street. In addition, the joint city-university bus system will take you directly to campus from multiple stops throughout the city. lawrencetransit.org | parking.ku.edu
Basketball Shrine
The University of Kansas’ legendary basketball program offers one of the nation’s best home-court basketball experiences in historic Allen Fieldhouse. Attending a game and joining in on traditions such as the “Rock Chalk” chant and “Waving the Wheat” are part of the Jayhawk experience. When a game is not in town, you can discover the history of basketball and the influence of the game’s creator—legendary KU coach James Naismith—at the new DeBruce Center. debrucecenter.ku.edu
Lied Center
Located on the west edge of campus, this modern performance center presents a season of nationally and internationally recognized performers, everything from rock, jazz, musicals, dance, children’s specials and more. lied.ku.edu
Hall Center Lecture Series
Each year, the Hall Center for the Humanities presents a free and open lecture series from top international scholars. hallcenter.ku.edu
KU Department of Theatre
A season of classical and experimental stage productions from university performers. kutheatre.com
KU School of Music
Dozens of concerts throughout the year, including performances during the International Institute of Young Musicians annual piano competition. music. ku.edu
Two Great Museums
The University of Kansas hosts two extraordinary museums, both free and within short walking distance of one another. The Spencer Museum of Art features galleries of contemporary and classic works as well as lectures and activities for the greater community. The University of Kansas Natural History Museum boasts collections of dinosaur bones, animal specimens and interactive educational exhibits for younger audiences. spencerart.ku.edu | biodiversity.ku.edu
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HORSE PARADE 25 Years!
Photography by Fally Afani
In December 2017, Lawrence celebrates the 25th year of a beloved holiday tradition: the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. Though Lawrence prides itself on being a quirky city that is not afraid to stand out from the crowd, this parade is about as quintessentially Americana as it comes. Each holiday season, hundreds of horses, horse-drawn wagons and other premotor vehicles gather from across the nation to parade through Downtown Lawrence as thousands of people line the sidewalks to wave and cheer. You’ll soon grow to find your favorite among the regular entries such as the Buffalo Soldier historical re-enactors or the Wild Women of the Frontier. And, of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make an appearance, sometimes on a wagon and sometimes in the saddle. lawrencechristmasparade.org
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DOUGLAS COUNTY
SPOT LIGHT 36
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TRADE TRAINING Students from Cordley Elementary (Lawrence Public School District) look out of a stopped bus. Photograph by Mark and Tree Mangan.
For the past five years, legislation in Kansas has allowed public high schools to receive tuition and travel reimbursement for off-site technical-trade training. Baldwin City’s school district was one of the early adopters of this program, offering off-site training such as welding and automotive repair at Topeka’s Washburn Tech or nursing at Neosho County Community College in Ottawa.
EDUCATION ESSENTIALS
Baker University (785) 594-6451 bakeru.edu
Baldwin City Public Schools USD 348 (785) 594-2721 usd348.com
Eudora Public Schools USD 491 (785) 542-4910 eudoraschools.org
“Some kids come in and realize they love welding or cabinet making,” says Tom Harman, who teaches several industrial technology classes at Baldwin High. Even if students do not pursue those careers, they often use the skills to start a hobby or in a side job, says Harman. Text adapted from Baldwin City Living feature by Gwendolyn Canover and Pitts Photography
Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 (785) 832-5000 usd497.org
Lawrence Montessori School 5005 Legends Drive, Lawrence (785) 840-9555
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Kansas State Department of Education 900 SW Jackson St, Topeka (785) 296-3201
lawrencemontessorischool.com
Infants to kindergarten
ksde.org
Prairie Moon Waldorf School 1853 E. 1600 Road, Lawrence (785) 841-8800
Professional Learning Communities (State Board of Education) and home school resources
prairiemoon.org
Pre-K through 8
Bishop Seabury Academy 4120 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence (785) 832-1717
Raintree Montessori School 4601 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence (785) 843-6800
seaburyacademy.org
Grades 6 through 12, college preparation
raintreemontessori.org
Toddler through age 12
Century School Inc. 816 Kentucky St., Lawrence (785) 832-0101
St. John Catholic School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence (785) 843-9511
centuryschool.org
Perry-Lecompton Public Schools USD 343 (785) 597-5138 usd343.org
University of Kansas (785) 864-2700
http://sjevangelist.com/school
Ages 3 to 12, secular with individualized academics
Pre-K through 6
Corpus Christi Catholic School 6001 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence (785) 331-3374 www.cccparish.org/school
Grades Pre-K through 7
Haskell Indian Nations University (785) 749-8404
Lawrence Arts Center Preschool and Kindergarten 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence (785) 843-2787
Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center (785) 865-4411
veritaschristianschool.org
Grades K through 12
ku.edu
haskell.edu
Veritas Christian School 256 N. Michigan St., Lawrence (785) 749-0083
lawrenceartscenter.org
Ages 3 through 6
peasleetech.org
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SPOTLIGHT Haskell Health Center 2415 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 843-3750 ihs.gov
Outpatient health services for American Indian community
Headquarters Counseling Center 211 E. Eighth St., Suite C, Lawrence (785) 841-2345 headquarterscounselingcenter.org
Trained crisis counseling
Health Care Access Clinic 330 Maine St., Lawrence (785) 841-5760 healthcareaccess.org
Health care for uninsured/lowincome individuals
Independence Inc. 2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 841-0333 independenceinc.org
Independent living resources for disabled
Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) 913 Tennessee St., Suite 2, Lawrence (785) 842-3088 www.kabc.org
Improving quality of long-term care for elders A group of riders go through the Clinton Lake bike trail skills loop. Photograph by Emily Steele.
HEALTH
Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St., Lawrence (785) 505-5000 lmh.org
Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) Cottonwood Inc. 2801 W. 31st St., Lawrence (785) 842-0550 cwood.org
County’s health and emergency services hospital
Connecting people of all ages with developmental disabilities to area services
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (785) 843-9192 200 Maine St., Suite A. Lawrence
DCCCA Inc. 3312 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence (785) 841-4138
Mental health services
Prevention/treatment of alcohol and drug problems
CLO (Community Living Opportunities) 2113 Delaware St., Lawrence (785) 865-5520
Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice 200 Maine St., Suite C, Lawrence (785) 843-3738
bertnash.org
clokan.org
Non-profit services for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities
www.dccca.org
kansasvna.org
Home health care and hospice
Douglas County Senior Services (DCSS) 745 Vermont St., Lawrence (785) 842-0543 dgcoseniorservices.org
Senior health, social and resource information
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KU Child & Family Services Clinic 2021 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence (785) 864-4416 http://kuclinic.ku.edu
Affordable mental health care for children and families
KU Psychological Clinic Room 340 Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd. (785) 864-4121 psychclinic.ku.edu
Affordable mental health care
Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department 200 Maine St., Suite B (785) 843-3060
TEAM DAD
For the past decade, the Dads of Douglas County has operated as a peerto-peer mentoring and meet-up group. Members describe it as a chance for expectant fathers and new dads to focus on what it means to be dad and to pass on wisdom and knowledge to one another. The group holds a “boot camp” through Lawrence Memorial Hospital and coordinates different gatherings, from playground sessions to educational classes. You can find more information about this group at dadsofdouglascounty.org. Text adapted from Lawrence Magazine feature by Thaddeus Haverkamp and Racheal Major
ldchealth.org
Community health program center
tiny-k Early Intervention 2145 Louisiana St., Lawrence (785) 843-3059 tinyk.org
Services for young disabled
Willow Domestic Violence Center 1920 Moodie Rd., Lawrence (785) 843-3333, 800-770-3030 willowdvcenter.org
Domestic crisis; prevention and support 2017/2018
Red Dog Days Lawrence High School, Lied Center, other locations reddogsdogdays.org
A massive, free community work-out program
Lawrence Trail Hawks Clinton Lake, Kansas River trails and various locations lawrencetrailhawks.com
Community of trail and ultramarathon runners
Lawrence Bicycling Club lbc-cycling.com
Cycling enthusiasts and riding groups
Lawrence Mountain Bike Club lawrencemountainbikeclub.org
Jimmy Kegin helps coordinate the Eudora Parks and Recreation Department’s competitive sports leagues.
For casual and serious mountain bikers; weekly trail rides
TRANSPORTATION ESSENTIALS
Airport Police (816) 243-5237
Jayhawk Taxi (785) 843-8294
Lawrence Municipal Airport Hetrick Air Services Inc. 3 miles north of Downtown Lawrence on East US Hwy 24/40 1930 Airport Road (785) 842-0000
Redy Cab (785) 505-8294
flykci.com
Kansas Canoe & Kayak Association
jayhawktaxionline.com
kansascanoe.org
Lawrence Transit System – the “T” (785) 864-4644
www.lawrencetransit.org
City of Lawrence/University of Kansas transport services
lawrenceks.org/airport
Lawrence-Douglas County Bike Plan (785) 832-3000 Resource guide, info and maps to commuter/recreational cycling
lawrenceks.org/mpo/bicycle_planning
Senior Wheels (785) 727-7876
dgcoseniorservices.org/senior-wheels
County-wide, low-cost senior transport program
TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
Independence, Inc. 2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 841-0333 independenceinc.org
Wheelchair accessible door-to-door weekday transport
Greyhound Bus Lines Bus Stop only at Driveway in front of City Hall 6 E. 6th St., Lawrence (800) 231-2222 greyhound.com
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) 45 miles northeast of Lawrence via I-70 East and I-435 North General Info/Paging (816) 243-5237 Administrative offices (816)243-3000
Amtrak Passenger Station 413 E. Seventh St., at the Santa Fe Railway Station, Lawrence (800) 872-7245
Redycab.com
Taxi Black Cab (785) 979-3488
Free State Fly Fishers freestateflyfishers.org
RECREATION
Fishing organization with resources for local spots
ESSENTIALS
Jayhawk Audubon Society jayhawkaudubon.org
Lawrence Parks & Recreation 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 832-3450
Local chapter with programmed walks/outings
lawrenceks.org/lprd
The Jayhawk Club
Thejayhawkclub.com/golf
Baldwin City Parks and Recreation 705 High St., Baldwin City (785) 594-3670
Public and private courses
Lawrence Country Club 18-hole course for members
baldwincity.recdesk.com
lawrencecountryclub.com/pages/golf
Eudora Parks and Recreation 1630 Elm St., Eudora (785) 542-3434
Eagle Bend Golf Course
lawrenceks.org/lprd/eaglebend
18-hole city-owned golf course for the public
eudoraparksandrec.org
amtrak.com
GTS Taxi (785) 842-8294 1-888467-3729
gtslawrence.com
TRAIL HAWKS
A statewide organization with resources and links to local expedition providers and river launch sites
RECREATION RESOURCES
List of public pools/lap swimming in Lawrence lawrenceks.org/lprd/aquatics
City of Lawrence has four public pools, including 2 year-round locations
Some people will go the extra mile for you, but the members of the Lawrence Trail Hawks will go there and back while checking up on you as they speed across the sometimes rough, wooded and meandering trails along the Kansas River and Clinton Lake’s North Shore. A club of ultra-runners, the Trail Hawks train and compete for races with distances of 50 or 100 miles. The group hosts multiple races throughout the year and hosts sessions for beginning runners as well. Learn more about the group at trailhawks.com Text adapted from Lawrence Magazine feature by Toni Dixon and Racheal Major
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SPOTLIGHT
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DINING
Lawrence Restaurants Comprehensive listing of area restaurants by category
unmistakablylawrence.com/explore/eat
SHOPPING REGIONS
Downtown Lawrence
www.downtownlawrence.com
Plethora of trendy, local and delightful shops and restaurants
North Lawrence Antiques and rare home goods Centered on 500-800 blocks of Locust St. South Iowa Street; Lawrence Big-box national chain stores 23rd Street; Lawrence Variety of national chains and locally-owned mall stores From Massachusetts to Iowa Street
Lawrence food blogger Debarre Johnson blogs and writes about the restaurants and food events in the region. And if she wants a second opinion, she often taps this guy, her son Jah’ir, for a sensible evaluation. See recommendations from Debarre and other local food bloggers at unmistakablylawrence.com. Photograph by Jason Dailey.
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SPOTLIGHT
The Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin hosts frequent shows. Photograph by Brian Pitts
ARTS
Cider Gallery 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence Fine art gallery cidergallery.com
Lawrence Arts Center Galleries, classes and performances
Lawrence ArtWalk Annual tour of artist studios in Douglas County
facebook.com/FFLawrence
Lumberyard Arts Center Baldwin’s home for traveling/local exhibits lumberyardartscenter.org
Phoenix Gallery Downtown Lawrence art gallery www.phoenixgalleryart.com
SeedCo Studios Working art studios/gallery seedcostudios.com
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wonderfair.com
lawrenceartwalk.org
lawrenceartscenter.org
Final Fridays Monthly exhibits and activities in galleries and art venues
Wonder Fair Experimental art gallery
THEATRE PERFORMANCE Lied Center of Kansas National/world musicians and performers on stage lied.ku.edu
Theatre Lawrence Community theatre venue theatrelawrence.com
EVENTS
unmistakablylawrence.com/ events-calendar/
RELIGION
Since the mid-1800s, Douglas County has been a refuge for a plurality of religious communities. While the majority of faith communities are Christian, Protestant and Catholic, strong communities of Old German Baptist Brethren, Baha’i, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist and other believers thrive. Religious directory: ljworld.com/ marketplace/categories/communityorganizations/churches-places-ofworship/
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FINAL FRIDAY For the past seven years, the art studios and galleries of Lawrence have flung open their doors on the final Friday evening of every month to host new showings, musical gatherings and opportunities to meet local artists and discuss their works. One such artist is Brian Timmer (shown here), who displays his unique, expansive landscapes from his Timmer Gallery inside the Phoenix Underground Gallery on Massachusetts Street. With new showings by different artists, each Final Friday event is entirely different, but always intriguing. Photograph courtesy Brian Timmer
Detail from landscape painting, Flint Hills IV, by Brian Timmer. Photograph courtesy Brian Timmer
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FARM TO I ORK A conversation about Douglas County food with two of the region’s localvore pioneers Interview conducted, transcribed and edited by Thaddeus Haverkamp Photography by Racheal Major
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HB
RM
HILARY BROWN:
In 2005, Brown opened Local Burger, a fastcasual hamburger restaurant built on the concept of locally sourced proteins and produce that worked to raise awareness among its patrons about the people and families who raised the food served in the restaurant. She went on to found Hilary’s Good Eats, a nationwide company that specializes in vegetarian and allergen-free foods, and she is currently the director of operations at the Douglas County food bank Just Food.
RICK MARTIN:
A former executive chef with the wildly popular Free State Brewery of Lawrence, Martin went on to head up the public high school food program in Eudora. Recognized in 2015 by the county health department as a “Douglas County Health Champion,” Martin has served on the region’s food policy council and teaches cooking classes at Just Food. Martin is currently the coowner and executive chef of Limestone Pizza-Kitchen-Bar, which purchases 54 percent of its food and beverage ingredients locally and which hosted this discussion.
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Douglas County has long been a rich agricultural region. Fruit orchards, smallscale crops and home gardens have been part of the landscape and a way of life since settlers from the East Coast farmed the region in the mid-1800s and Mexican migrants with pepper seeds in their pockets arrived to work the area railroads in the late 1800s. Unsurprisingly, the county has been at the front of the national localvore movement, thanks largely to growers and chefs committed to forging connections between the land and kitchens across the community. We sat down with two of these food visionaries for a conversation about the current state of the farm-to-fork movement in Douglas County.
DC NG
What is your take on the farm-tofork movement in Kansas?
RM
I think it’s always interesting when you think about it from a timeline standpoint—like when Hilary was doing what she was doing and I was trying to accomplish things at Free State Brewery and really get the term “local” out there and get people to understand it. Those days seem like they are so long ago, yet now we see things like USDA grants and positions being filled within the government to work on food systems and local food sources.
DC NG
Hilary, you opened your restaurant 12 years ago. What changes have you seen?
HB
When I first started, I had a lot of luck with price-points because there weren’t a lot of people doing local foods. By the time Local Burger closed, [the prices of] local proteins and meats were going up. But I’m super excited about the current position I now have at Just Food. I’m now able to see all of the generosity in this community and connect with the farmers who are growing specifically for Just Food.
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LOCALVORE
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RM
I think the other important thing about Just Food is that we have started a movement to make sure that everybody knows how to cook because that is something that we’ve lost. Our grandparents and greatgrandparents, if they didn’t have a lot of money, at least they knew how to cook. They knew how to grow food. They knew how to preserve food. They certainly didn’t waste anything. Now our society has lost that. It’s kind of a sad state where the fastest way to have a really poor, dysfunctional foodsystem is to not know how to cook.
HB
One thing that is so disappointing is that, if you don’t have much money, you can’t afford a cucumber, you can only afford food that is not only not nutritious or nourishing but is sometimes even detrimental to one’s health.
DC NG
How far could food travel before it’s no longer considered “farm-tofork” or “farm-to-table?”
RM
You know, it really depends. The mainstream market is starting to catch up, especially in the world of proteins, where even your Syscos and US Food Services are trying to offer regional, all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef. When it comes to produce, that’s a lot different. I usually want to look at it as if it didn’t spend any time on a truck. An item can be organic but still have a couple thousand miles of diesel fuel attached to it. You have to think, “Well, where is my choice falling now?” Maybe I can buy conventional from the farmer that is just north of the county and that might be a fresher product than the organic that is coming out of California. And there are new farms popping
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up every day. It’s great to see the Kaw Valley growing region as a destination for these couples moving in from California, Colorado and other parts of the country thinking, “Oh, the land’s cheap and the soil’s great here.”
DC NG
Is it harder to purchase locally in the Midwest than it is in places like California that have a year-round growing season?
RM
It has been, but we are seeing a lot more winter farming now. For the first time we had spinach all winter long here. I think that the overall availability keeps going up, but I wish we could get more college kids to the farmers market.
DC NG
Do you think consumers are attuned to the concept of locally sourced foods?
HB
I don’t think it’s thought about that much, but I think when you eat food like Rick’s or T.K.’s at Merchant’s [Merchant’s Pub and Plate, a Lawrence restaurant with chef T.K. Peterson], you see it. It looks beautiful, it tastes good and you feel good after you eat it. I think that unconsciously there is an expectation that what you are getting is local, fresh, and typically, because it’s local, is going to have more nutrition and more flavor.
RM
HB
I think it’s important for all of us in our lifetime to get in touch with our bodies and be aware of how things impact us. Local Burger came from a transformation of my own health. It’s so exciting to see all the way down Mass. Street, and all throughout this town, that restaurants are using these foods. So, collectively, this community is getting healthier.
DC NG
Do you have any advice for home cooks who want to work with local produce?
RM
Grow your own food. People say, “You’re a restaurant owner, why are you telling people to grow their own food?” I know that they are still going to come here, I have confidence in that. The message I want to put out is, “I’d love for you to come to my restaurant and eat, but I also want you to take care of yourself because, if you do, you are helping to improve our entire food system.”
HB
I guess I’d like new cooks to go to the farmers market and get to know people, ask about what things are. Learn to cook with ingredients you are not used to.
RM
I’d like to add one thing, and I probably learned this from Hilary—we always say, “know where your food comes from.”
I think Hilary’s right in that the decision isn’t so much on what’s local but, “That made me feel good” or “That made me feel bad.” I love that people want to make better food choices because they are starting to realize the food you eat today is your mood and your energy level tomorrow.
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