Baldwin City residents found heartfelt ways to show gratitude this Veterans Day, gathering across the community to honor those who have served our country.
On Tuesday, November 11, the Vinland Valley Community Church welcomed veterans and their significant others for a homecooked dinner and fellowship. The event, hosted at the church’s historic location at 1724 N. 692 Road, offered both comfort and community to those who have served. Following the meal, guests enjoyed a short program
of appreciation and reflection. Organizer Margaret Barnes said the dinner is simply the church’s way of giving back: “This community appreciates your service for our country, and this is our small way of showing appreciation.”
Downtown, the Lumberyard Arts Center hosted a Quilts of Valor reception, presenting handmade, patriotic quilts to local veterans in recognition of their courage and sacrifice. Each quilt—meticulously stitched by volunteers—symbolized warmth, gratitude, and the enduring bonds of community.
At Baldwin Primary Center, music teacher Mr. Nichols led a moving Veterans Day program featuring all first-grade classes. Students performed a collection of patriotic songs, concluding with a musical salute to each branch of the Armed Forces. As each anthem played,
veterans in attendance were invited to stand and be recognized, earning heartfelt applause from families and students alike.
And throughout the day, a powerful visual tribute lined Highway 56, where rows of American flags waved proudly in the November breeze—a striking reminder of the service and sacrifice represented in each star and stripe.
Together, these gestures—large and small—reflected Baldwin City’s deep respect and enduring gratitude for its veterans.
FROM ORCHARD TO DISTILLERY: GLYNIS MURPHY’S JOURNEY TO CREATE BALDWIN CITY’S FIRST FARM-TO-TABLE APPLE BRANDY
When Glynis Murphy first stood at the edge of a small, algae-covered pond on an abandoned Baldwin City orchard, she didn’t just see decay — she saw potential. “We felt the call of the land,” Glynis said. “It had been neglected, but it was waiting for a new chapter.”
That chapter would become Maple Leaf Orchards, LLC, doing business as Cider Still House and Baldwin City Distillery — home to 47 varieties of cider apple trees and Kansas’ first true farm-to-table apple brandy.
A Dream Takes Root
Glynis and her late husband, Rory, began their search for country property in 2004. When they discovered the Baldwin City farm in 2009, they were drawn to its character and the community’s charm — especially the presence of Baker University, the oldest university in Kansas.
The orchard had fallen into disrepair, but the house was sound and full of care. “The property had good bones,” Glynis said. “Standing among the willows and overgrown brush, we knew it was meant to be.”
Over the next decade, the Murphys set out to restore the land — clearing brush, rebuilding barns, and planting rows of cider-specific apple trees from around the world. “These weren’t your everyday apples,” Glynis said. “We planted vintage American, English, French, Spanish, and Japanese varieties to create a rich, complex blend for apple brandy.”
Building a Legacy
To bring their vision to life, Glynis and Rory began the lengthy process of securing a distilling license — the first ever filed in Douglas County. In 2010, they purchased their copper still, affectionately nicknamed “Beauty.”
The process was slow and filled with obstacles — from deer damaging young trees to irrigation and disease control challenges. “It was a true labor of love,” Glynis said. “We built fences, expanded our pond, added irrigation, rebuilt barns — and learned something new every day.”
Their perseverance paid off when they officially received their distilling license in 2020. But then, the pandemic halted their plans to open. “We used that time to test, refine, and dream,” Glynis said.
Love, Loss, and Renewal
Just as the business was ready to bloom, tragedy struck. Rory passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2023. “Everything came to a standstill,” Glynis said softly. “The loss wasn’t just mine — the trees and the land felt it too.”
Surrounded by love and support from the Baldwin City community, her church (Annunciation Catholic Church), friends, and fellow farmers, Glynis found the strength to continue their shared dream. “People showed up with food, with help, and with kindness,” she said. “That compassion is what inspired me to keep going — to honor Rory and to give something meaningful back to this community.”
A New Beginning for Baldwin City
In 2024, Glynis met Master Distiller Daryl Kleitz of Ottawa, Kansas, who shared her vision for producing high-quality, smallbatch spirits. Together, they officially launched Baldwin City Distillery — keeping Cider Still House as the cider production name, while using Baldwin City Distillery as the public brand.
“Baldwin City has been so good to us,” Glynis said. “I wanted our name to reflect that and help make this town a destination.”
The distillery’s copper still, Beauty, was soon joined by a new stainless-steel still — nicknamed Beast — and production began in earnest. Today, visitors can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, live music, and quiet views of the countryside in a space intentionally free of screens and distractions. “We want people to focus on conversation, connection, and nature,” Glynis said.
Kansas’
First Farm-to-Table Apple Brandy
Since opening in fall 2024, Baldwin City Distillery has gained loyal fans from Lawrence, Topeka, and across Kansas. Glynis now partners with Ad Astra Distributors to bring her spirits to liquor stores throughout the region.
The distillery’s product lineup includes agave, rum, vodka, peach and cinnamon-flavored whiskeys, and an array of fruit-flavored vodkas and brandies. But Glynis’s favorite creation — and her pride and joy — is the Aged Apple Brandy, lovingly named Korvados.
“Korvados is made from 23 varieties of cider apples, including two crabapples,” she said. “It’s aged in charred bourbon barrels for one year, which gives it a deep, complex flavor. It’s truly Kansas’ first farm-to-table apple brandy.”
One Year Strong
As Baldwin City Distillery celebrates its oneyear anniversary this month, Glynis reflects on how far the dream has come. “I’m proud that we created a place where people can enjoy quality spirits surrounded by the beauty that inspired it all,” she said.
The celebration will be held November 21, 2025, featuring live music by Katie and David Wooge, bottle specials, new merchandise, handcrafted cocktails, a bonfire in the orchard, and a fireworks display.
“It’s more than a party,” Glynis said with a smile. “It’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the continuation of a dream that started with love — and a little patch of land that called us home.”
NOVEMBER
COMMUNITY
PARENTS AS TEACHERS: SUPPORTING FAMILIES FROM THE VERY START
For parents navigating the exciting and sometimes uncertain early years of raising young children, Baldwin City Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a trusted, free resource designed to walk alongside families from the very beginning.
Parents as Teachers is a home visiting program for families with children from birth to age six, offering guidance, education, and community connection during a child’s most formative years. The program provides parenting and child development information, developmental screenings, playgroups, and community events, as well as personalized support from trained parent educators.
“There’s no cost to participate, and we welcome any family in the Baldwin City school district with children from birth to six,” Gina Dearing, Parent as Teachers Coordinator for USD348 explained. “Our goal is to help parents understand their child’s development and feel confident in supporting their growth.”
A typical home visit includes conversation, play, and learning— parent educators share information about milestones, model activities that strengthen development, and help families track progress. Each visit is personalized, focusing on the child’s needs and the parent’s interests or concerns.
The program plays a key role in preparing children for preschool and kindergarten success. Parent educators help families understand what skills will be most important when entering school— everything from basic academic readiness to self-regulation, independence, and social interaction.
“We help parents understand what skills are needed for school success,” a representative shared. “And we provide information and activities that allow parents to best prepare their kids for school settings.”
The benefits often extend far beyond school readiness. Families frequently share how much they value the support system and relationships they’ve built through PAT. As one parent shared in a recent satisfaction survey:
“My parent educator let me know what my child should be doing next.”
“My parent educator reminds me that what my kid is doing is normal.”
“My parent educator takes the time to listen to me and support me in ways that are best for me. She really cares about our family.”
Attention Former PAT Families!
This year, PAT is inviting both current and former families to join them in the Festival of Lights Parade on December 6. The idea came from recognizing how current participants are the program’s best advocates.
“Current families are our best recruitment tool—they bring new parents to playgroups, tell new parents about our program, and support each other as they go through the program,” Dearing said. “Who better to share about this program than the families who participate and love it?!”
By participating in the parade, the group hopes to remind the community that PAT is right here in Baldwin City—ready to welcome and support families who may be looking for connection, encouragement, or resources during their child’s early years.
“PAT is here to support your family, and other parents know that best,” Dearing added. “When you join, you’ll find parents who are going through the same things you are right now.”
Families who would like to learn more—or who have previously participated and wish to walk with PAT in the parade— can reach out through Facebook at Baldwin City Parents as Teachers or by texting or calling their former Parent Educator.
To enroll in the program, visit https://www.usd348.com/schools/ bespc/pat/parents-as-teachers-contactinformation/
CULLUMBER ELECTED BALDWIN CITY MAYOR; WENTZ JOINS COUNCIL, KING WINS FULL TERM
Baldwin City voters went to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, joining the rest of Douglas County in an off-year city and school election that drew around 26% voter turnout — a typical showing for a local cycle in the county. Unofficial results from the Douglas County Clerk’s Office showed about 21,000 ballots cast out of 80,000 registered voters, consistent with the participation seen in 2021 and 2023 city/ school elections.
The big headline for Baldwin City: Gerry Cullumber has been elected mayor, defeating incumbent Casey Simoneau by 95 votes (549 –454). Simoneau, who had served as mayor since 2018 and was re-elected in 2021, completed two full terms in office. His tenure included major city projects such as the Baldwin City Community Center and a focus on downtown revitalization, among much more.
The election also brought a new face to the city council. Peter Wentz was elected to serve on the council, adding a fresh perspective to the group, while Jay King secured a full term after previously being appointed to fill a vacancy earlier this year. Both join returning council members to round out Baldwin City’s leadership heading into 2026.
Across the county, turnout numbers echoed: even in “quiet” local years, a few hundred votes can set the course for the next several years of city policy. .
As Baldwin City moves forward, Mayorelect Cullumber and the new council will continue discussions around infrastructure, housing, community development, taxes, and utilities— issues that consistently topped voter conversations throughout the campaign season.
Results will be certified following the official county canvass.
GIS ANALYSTS RECOGNIZED AT STATE MAPPING CONFERENCE
Douglas County GIS Analysts Helen Bontrager and Mattie Wiseman received recognition and awards at the Kansas Association of Mappers annual conference, held Oct. 28-31 in Manhattan.
Bontrager earned first place in the Printed Masterpiece category for her map titled “Patchwork,” which highlights a subset of the layers and spatial data available to county departments to support informed decision-making. Many of these layers are available to the public at https://dgcoks.gov/geoportal.
Bontrager and Wiseman received second place in the Printed Masterpiece category for their collaborative map, “Ad Astra Per Charta,” a stylized reference map of Kansas featuring origami stars representing cities and points of interest. The stars were crafted from vintage state maps ranging from 1968 to present day. The map will be displayed in the GIS office, located in the basement of the County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.
Bontrager also earned third place in the Digital Masterpiece category for an interactive map developed in collaboration with Douglas County Heritage Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan. The map showcases past recipients and projects of the Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant program and can be viewed at https://dgcoks.gov/hcc/ grantmap.
The awards are based on a popular vote by KAM members at the conference.
Gerald “Gerry” Cullumber
Jay King Peter Wentz
BALDWIN CITY’S HOLIDAY SEASON SPARKLES WITH “SHOP SMALL. GIVE BIG.”
As the air turns crisp and the lights begin to twinkle downtown, Baldwin City is ready to celebrate the season in true small-town style — with community spirit, local shopping, and plenty of holiday cheer.
This year’s theme, “Shop Small. Give Big.”, captures what makes Baldwin City’s holidays so special: supporting neighbors, celebrating local makers, and giving back to the causes that keep our community strong. From festive markets and family fun to heartfelt giving campaigns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Shop Small Saturday –November 29
Kick off your holiday shopping season with Shop Small Saturday, Baldwin City’s annual showcase of local storefronts, youth entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, and bakers. Shoppers can find handmade goods, festive treats, and Black Friday-style deals throughout the weekend.
This year’s bonus? Parents can drop off children ages 4–10 at Kids’ Day Out, hosted by Baldwin City Creative Arts (711 High Street) from 12–2 p.m. For a $10 donation to the Friends of the Baldwin City Creative Arts, kids can enjoy crafts, a movie, and tumbling time while parents shop stress-free.
Shoppers can also enjoy the Vendor Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., spread across four Baldwin City locations:
Baldwin City Beer Company – 520 High St.
Palmyra Masonic Lodge – 807 High St.
Baldwin City Library – 800 7th St.
Baldwin Intermediate Center (Bullpup Maker’s Market) – 100 Bullpup Dr.
Don’t forget to stop by local favorites like Baldwin City Made, Quilters’ Paradise, Standard Grooming Supply,
Lumberyard Arts Center, and Vinland Valley Nursery for even more holiday finds.
Bingo is Back!
A local favorite returns this year: Holiday Bingo!
Visit Baldwin shops and restaurants, volunteer, donate to local causes, or attend festive events to fill out your Bingo card. Completed cards can be turned in at the Chamber office (719 High Street) or at any Chamber-coordinated Holiday Market for a chance to win gift baskets filled with items from local vendors.
Bingo brochures will be available starting November 18 at local storefronts and the Chamber office.
Festival of Lights –December 6
Downtown Baldwin City transforms into a holiday wonderland for the Festival of Lights celebration.
Holiday Bazaars begin the day with shopping at:
Vintage Park, 321 Crimson Avenue – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Life Assembly of God, 118 5th Street – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Browse handmade gifts, sip cocoa, and enjoy a laid-back shopping experience before heading downtown for evening festivities.
Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission (Community Center, morning sessions)
12th Annual Gingerbread House Party, Lumberyard Arts Center – Free event sponsored by Xtream powered by Mediacom
Soup Supper & Living Nativity, Baldwin First United
Festival of Lights Market
At Sullivan Square, the Festival of Lights Market runs from 4–7:30 p.m. Shop local vendors, pick out a Christmas tree or greenery from Vinland Valley Nursery, and enjoy free hot drinks and cookies, sponsored by the Baldwin City Library, Baldwin Education Foundation, Lovely Flower Co., and South Baldwin Farms.
SANTA
Santa will be available for pictures at 4-5:30pm before the main event in Sullivan Square — the Festival of Lights Parade, sponsored by One Choice Heating & AC.
Parade
The parade kicks off at 6:00 p.m., led by live holiday music from the BHS Brass Band at 8th and High Streets. Floats glowing with thousands of lights will make their way through downtown, ending with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony beside City Hall — and appearances from Santa and the Grinch.
Holiday Hustle & Ugly Sweater Fun Run –December 13
The holiday shopping fun continues with the Holiday Hustle, held at Baldwin Elementary Primary Center (500 Lawrence Street) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last-minute shoppers can find gifts from local artisans, farmers, ranchers, and youth entrepreneurs while enjoying chili and cinnamon rolls sold by the BHS Culinary class. The BJHS Cheerleaders will offer gift wrapping and snacks, with tips supporting their program.
The morning kicks off with the Ugly Sweater Fun Run, hosted by the Lumberyard Arts Center. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., the race at 10 a.m., and hot cocoa at 10:45. The first 100 registrants receive a handmade mug, and prizes will be awarded for the best sweaters.
Give Big: Community Giving Campaigns
The holiday season is also a time to give back. Baldwin City organizations are teaming up for Give Big, a series of donation drives and fundraising efforts:
Food Drive – November 14–December 15, benefiting Baldwin First United Methodist Church’s food pantry. Drop donations at Baldwin State Bank and other locations.
Adopt-a-Grandparent Program –Providing gifts and caroling for 125 local senior residents. Contact Debra Marsh (785-212-0273) for details or to donate.
Fundraiser for the Willow Domestic Violence Center – Drop off items for women and children at Evry’tang and More, 215 US-56 Suite B.
Building Experiences Support Team (BEST) – Support youth scholarships through the Dave & Buster’s power card fundraiser.
Giving for Good Campaign (Baldwin Education Foundation) – Donations made between Dec. 2–31 will be matched 50% through the Douglas County Community Foundation to help fund innovative classroom projects.
A Season to Celebrate
From shopping and parades to giving and gratitude, Baldwin City’s holiday calendar captures the spirit of small-town community and big-hearted generosity. Mark your calendars, grab your mittens, and get ready to Shop Small. Give Big. all season long in Baldwin City.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE ENTRY
Dec. 6 | 5:15 p.m. Reg. Deadline: Dec. 5, 2025
Take part in the cheer and holiday spirit of the Festival of Lights by entering the parade!
All entries must have lights Entries with horses need to have someone responsible for cleaning the holding area and behind the horses during the parade.
Float Arrival Time: 5:15 p.m. Must be lined up no later than 5:30 p.m. Floats can arrive earlier than 5:15 p.m. if needed. Judging will take place during the parade.
Baldwin Elementary Primary Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Story by Kenzlie Honeycutt, BHS Journalism
During the Month of November, students at Baldwin High School will be putting on the musical “The Little Mermaid.”
“Our performances are November 14,15,21,22, and we’ve been working so hard to make the show really special by then. It’s amazing to see everything…sets, costumes, choreography, and the music come together,” junior Petra Morris said.
Morris has become very experienced with school musicals and the effort that come along with it.
“This is my fifth year doing the musical here at BHS. Each year has taught me something new about performing, teamwork, and just how much effort goes into putting on a show,” Morris said. “Starting in ensemble roles and now getting to play a lead like Ariel has been a huge growth experience. It’s crazy to look back and realize how much confidence and skill I’ve gained through these productions.”
Morris is playing the role of Ariel, while next to her on stage will be senior Camden Cox with the role Prince Eric.
“Ariel has always been one of my favorite characters, so getting to bring her to life on stage is a dream come true. She’s such a unique mix of curiosity, courage, and heart, and I love that she’s willing to risk everything to follow her voice—literally and figuratively,” Morris said. “I’m also excited for the challenge of portraying her transformation from sea to land, both physically and emotionally. It’s such a magical story, and I can’t wait to share that with our audience.”
While putting the effort in for this musical it has also built up excitement for everyone.
“I am most excited to see how we all end up working together to make the show the best it can possibly be,” Cox said.
TEACHERS WIN BEF GRANT FOR ALEBRIJES PROJECT
Story by Fabiola Jordan, BHS Journalism
This year, Baldwin High School’s art and Spanish departments are coming together in a unique cross-curricular project, thanks to a grant from the Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF).
The BEF, a local organization dedicated to supporting innovative education in Baldwin City, awards grants each year to teachers who submit creative proposals aimed at enhancing student learning.
Among this year’s recipients are Becky Weaver, the high school art teacher, and Spanish teachers Katie Marten and Berenice Applegate, who collaborated to design a project connecting art and language through the creation of Alebrijes vibrant Mexican sculptures of mythical creatures often associated with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Through this project, students in Spanish II and art classes will research the cultural significance of Alebrijes, then design, sculpt, and paint their own using clay, with guidance from Ms. Weaver. The project blends language, culture, and artistic expression encouraging students to learn through creativity and collaboration.
“I was pleasantly surprised to receive this grant,” Applegate said.
“This was something Ms. Marten, Ms. Weaver, and I were really excited to bring to our classrooms and share it with our students,” Applegate said
“One of the highlights of the experience, shared, was seeing BEF representatives and district administrators visit classrooms to personally announce the grant winners. It was inspiring to see how many teachers throughout the district received grants and how many creative ideas are being brought to life in our schools,” Applegate said
In reflecting on the experience, Applegate added, “I’d like to thank BEF for all of their support of teachers, students, and public education here in Baldwin. They’ve made so many projects possible and continue to be such an asset to our school community.”
Thanks to this grant, BHS students will soon bring colorful Alebrijes to life, celebrating both art and language in a meaningful, hands-on way.
LIVING OUT LOUD
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
I think many of us are living lives of quiet desperation. We have stepped into the shoes our parents created for us, and society demands from us and our friends accept us as. We have squeezed our personalities into the box that makes us acceptable to others. That makes others comfortable in our presence, and having done that, it screams that we are somehow not good enough as we truly are. Our inner critics chastise us whenever we even so much as think differently than what is expected of us. Well, Stop it! You are a unique and necessary individual to the growth and development of humankind!
When we were children, we looked at our parents as gods. We thought (consciously and unconsciously) that they knew everything and everything they said was right. We wanted desperately to make them proud, and even the smallest positive attention from them could lift our spirits for days on end. It was a normal, natural part of our development. The only problem with it is that our parents are only human. They make mistakes and poor decisions, and what they believe may or may not be what is right for you or them, for that matter! Unfortunately, too many people never examine their need to please their parents, and as a result, they never examine if what they think of themselves is truly who they are or just something their parents told them they were. It is a sad reality, but you don’t have to live it.
I know a woman who is seventy-eight years old. Her whole life, her mother talked down to her, made her feel like she was worthless, and completely unworthy of love, happiness, or joy of any kind. As a result, this woman is a miserable soul. She
constantly complains about everything. She is extremely critical of everybody and imagines herself a victim in every situation, which she loves to repeat, how she did everything right but still got the wrong end of the stick. A few months ago, she stopped me in my yard to complain about her mother (yes she’s still alive). She told me a story (not for the first time) about how she had tried her whole life to please her mother, but nothing she did made any difference. I asked her why she was still trying to please her mother. She looked confused by the question. I said, “You are seventy-eight years old. When will you stop trying to please a woman who will never be pleased? When will you put that same energy into pleasing yourself?”
Sadly, like many people, she was heavily invested in pleasing her mother and proving she was not the person her mother said she was, but that she was a good person who worked hard at doing the right thing, instead of simply accepting that her mother had been wrong about her. So, she silently decided (probably not the first time) that being the person her mother told her she was, was easier than living the life she was born to live. As a result, her unique purpose on this planet will never be realized, she will never be happy, and her contribution to humankind, which only she can provide, will never happen.
I say to you with love, discover who you really are. Let that discovery guide you to your specific purpose and know that your parents did the best they could. You and only you can live your life outside of everybody else’s expectations to the glory of creation. Live Out Loud and be proud of it! You are special, and the universe needs what only you, the real you, has to offer.
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
COMMUNITY VOICES THE BEAUTIFUL DUMB HOME
$250,000 GRANT TO SUPPORT PLANNING FOR ENERGY-SAVING PROJECTS IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
LAWRENCE, KS –Metropolitan Energy Center has been awarded a $250,000 Market Building Grant to support planning efforts for potential energy-saving projects that will benefit Douglas County. Securing the award and the forthcoming project is a partnership with the County’s Sustainability Office.
The grant, awarded by the Coalition for Green Capital and supported by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA, will fund the development of financing models and energyefficiency strategies tailored to the needs of the Douglas County community.
Planning efforts will focus on financial strategies that attract both private and public investors as well as upgrades to community centers, nonprofit buildings and multi-family rental housing.
“Metropolitan Energy Center is proud to partner with Douglas County on this planning effort,” Executive Director Kelly Gilbert said. “We know that the cost of energy is rising, and efficiency and renewable energy solutions are more important than ever. Our role is to bring technical expertise and connect partners so Douglas County can design financing strategies that work for its unique needs and deliver long-term savings and resiliency to residents and organizations alike.”
Douglas County is one of 49 communities nationwide selected to participate based
on the potential impact of local projects and their attractiveness to future funders and private investors.
Jamie Hofling, Sustainability Impact Analyst for Douglas County, emphasized the significance of the collaboration in advancing the County’s climate goals.
“Our goal is to design a plan that brings clean energy and energy-efficiency upgrades to community facilities and housing where it’s most needed,” Hofling said. “This is about
Contact:
Karrey Britt Communications and Media Coordinator Office: 785-330-2894
lowering utility bills, creating healthier spaces and making our county more resilient in the future.”
The grant period runs Oct. 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026. Metropolitan Energy Center
For more about Kansas City-based Metropolitan Energy Center, visit https:// metroenergy.org.
Douglas County Sustainability Office
For more about the Douglas County Sustainability Office, visit https://www. dgcoks.gov/administration/ sustainability.
DEAR HOMEKEEPER
By Cat Henry
Somewhere between candy corn (Halloween) and cranberry sauce (Thanksgiving) comes a small pause to breathe between the seasons. Yet even in stillness, our homes hum. Not just from TV chatter or autoplay sounds, pings and dings, but also the eye takes in physical noise like the tangled cords, the shout of packaging labels, the glow of screens promising efficiency while stealing calm. Homekeepers know a home doesn’t have to sound noisy to feel loud (uncleared accumulated clutter is a silent scream to me).
We live in an age of quiet noise. Intersperse in there is advertising. Some say we’re exposed to four to ten thousand marketing messages a day. We notice only a handful, but the rest settle in like wallpaper, shaping what we want and how we see. No wonder the simple act of walking into a room without labels or blinking lights feels like stepping off a moving walkway.
Lately I’ve been trying to tame this hum. It begins with small, nearly invisible choices corralling as the visual chatter. It’s as simple as covering outlets behind a breadboard or basket so as not to see the cords. Or wrapping stray cords, slipping the phone charger into a drawer. Pouring dish soap, or hand wash, into a reuseable glass bottles with their labels removed. When a countertop stops selling you something, it starts serving you again.
I recently got a kitchen herb wreath and hung some dried flower stems attached high to the ceiling adhered between two chains of drop lights bulbs hanging over my kitchen island. With these two additions (and before the onslaught of Christmas decorating) I thought it might be overload. I discovered that keeping the counter surfaces clear for cooking and prep solved the problem.
Lighting matters, too. Instead of a single overhead glare, create soft pools of light. A dimmer switch is worth its weight in creating a serene room. Light should hush the room, not flood it.
The quieting of a home doesn’t happen by
accident, it’s curated. Fewer words on bottles. Fewer cords in sight. Fewer reminders that every object wants your attention. The goal isn’t perfect; it’s restfulness. Edit surfaces leaving only objects that tell your story with one or two useful, beautiful things and retiring the rest.
And then there’s the hum that isn’t visible but still exhausting: the digital kind. Between emails, pings, and the gentle tyranny of “smart” devices, monitoring our silence. More people are turning back toward what is called “dumb homes,” trading voice-activated gadgets for switches, thermostats, reading lamps and glowing screens. Dwell magazine calls it the new trend; I call it a return to discernment. My house is not a digitally smart home per se. I do have two smart devices located on my office desk at the back of the house, another in my bedroom, both mainly used for music (same station played throughout the house without commercials) and for alarms for when I take a cat nap or for morning wake up.
When the world feels loud no matter how still the room, reach for something analog. I reclaim a corner for analog living where I keep an analogue bag. Inside are a notebook, pencils, a good paperback, knitting yarn; anything that engages hands and senses without demanding connectivity. When I reach for my phone out of habit, I see the bag and remember I have other ways to be present. The bag is like a small rebellion wrapped in cloth handles.
This kind of quiet isn’t emptiness; it’s attentiveness. It’s the tone of a room that no longer competes with itself. The more we mute what’s loud (visually, digitally, emotionally) the more we hear what truly matters: the rustle of leaves outside the window, the birds chirping, someone talking without noise competition allows us to be in the present.
So, before the holidays season rushes in with their temporary sparkle and sound, take a deep breath. Let your counters exhale, your screens sleep. Let your home, for just a little while, be dumb—and beautifully so.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@gmail.com
P.S. Calm the noise, audible and visual. Fewer cords. Fewer labels. More peace.
