BULLPUP BLOCK PARTY BRINGS BACKTO-SCHOOL FUN TO BALDWIN CITY
Baldwin City families are invited to kick off the school year in style at the annual Bullpup Block Party, hosted by the Baldwin Elementary PTO. This year’s free back-to-school celebration will take place Saturday, August 16, from 5–8 p.m. at the Baldwin City Sports Complex, located next to the Intermediate Center at 100 Bullpup Drive.
The event has grown so much in recent years that it’s now taking over the Sports Complex fields, offering more space for activities, vendors, and community fun. All students are welcome to attend, and families can look forward to an evening packed with games, entertainment, and plenty of treats.
Activities for All Ages
Kids can bounce, climb, and race through bouncy houses and an obstacle course, unleash their creativity with chalk and bubbles, or snap memories at the photo booth. Adventurous visitors can get an up-close look at community vehicles in the Touch a Truck area, while those with a playful streak can head to Teacher Jail to drench their favorite teacher with water balloons.
Sweet tooths will be happy to know cotton candy is free for everyone, while concessions will offer hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, snow cones, popsicles, and drinks for purchase.
Raffle Fun with Local Prizes
One of the night’s highlights will be the Bullpup Block Party Raffle, featuring prizes donated by local businesses. Participants can buy tickets for $1 each, 6 for $5, or 25 for $20. After writing their name and phone number on the tickets, attendees drop them into the prize buckets of their choice — and they don’t have to be present to win.
More Than Just a Party
While the Bullpup Block Party is a chance to reconnect and celebrate before the first school bell rings, it also serves a greater purpose. The Baldwin Elementary PTO
(Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteerled group dedicated to supporting students, teachers, and staff through fundraising, events, and hands-on help.
Funds raised from concessions and the raffle go directly back into Baldwin Elementary classrooms in the form of teacher grants, field trip assistance, supplies, and special student activities. The PTO also fosters a sense of school community by organizing events like the Bullpup Block Party, which strengthens connections between families, staff, and the wider Baldwin City community.
“Our PTO is made up of parents, teachers, and community members who want to make sure our students have every opportunity to learn and thrive,” a community member shared. Every hot dog purchased, every raffle ticket sold — it all goes back to the kids.
Mark your calendars and pack up the whole family for an evening of laughter, games, and community spirit. The Bullpup Block Party is ready to send Baldwin City students into the new school year with big smiles and great memories.
Saturday AUGUST 16
5–8 p.m. @ Baldwin City Sports Complex
(located next to the Intermediate Center at 100 Bullpup Drive.)
COMMUNITY FORUM REGARDING ELECTRIC RATE CHANGES
Following community concern and many questions about recent electric rate changes, the City of Baldwin City scheduled two Community Forums on the topic.
The first was held Tuesday, August 12, at 7 p.m. at the Baldwin City Community Center. The second will be this Saturday at 2 p.m., also at the Community Center. City Council passed Ordinance 1513 at the July 15 Council meeting, revising electric rates effective July 1, 2025. The ordinance was published in The Maple Weekly on Wednesday, July 23.
Key Changes
• Meter fee increased from $12 per meter to $25 per meter for most customer classes.
• Residential energy charge is now $0.1540 per kilowatt-hour, a 10% increase for residential customers.
• On-demand customers (large power users) will see a 15% increase.
• New Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) will be applied monthly to account for changes in wholesale power and fuel costs.
• Rates were also updated for business, commercial, industrial, schools, churches, and other specialized categories. The full ordinance is available on the City’s website.
CHIP & SEAL WORK UNDERWAY AFTER RAIN DELAY
Bettis Asphalt was scheduled to begin chip and seal work Monday, August 11, but rain delayed the start. The project is now expected to get underway this week, as long as the weather cooperates.
The work will focus on streets west of 8th Street and north of High Street, as well as the Golf Course parking lot and driveway. Once started, the project is expected to take a few days to complete. Bettis Asphalt, the contractor in charge, is placing door hangers in affected neighborhoods with information about street closures.
This year’s resurfacing targets some of Baldwin City’s oldest streets. Areas receiving a double lift chip and seal include:
• 10th Street, from High to Ames
• 9th Street, from Dearborn to Ames (non-brick section)
• 7th Street, from Dearborn to Chapel and Baker to Ames
• Baker Street, from 6th to 10th
• Chapel Street, from 6th past 10th to the end of the street
• Dearborn Street, between 9th & 10th only
• Elm Street, from 8th to 10th
• Fremont Street, between 9th & 10th only
• Grove Street, from 8th past 10th to the end of the street
In addition, the Golf Course parking lot and driveway— approved as alternates by the City Council—are included in the project.
Typically, chip and seal work takes a few days, with crews returning after a couple of weeks to sweep up excess rock.
BHS & BJHS TRAFFIC FLOW UPDATE – SCHOOL STARTS TODAY
With school starting today, Baldwin High School and Baldwin Junior High School families will notice changes to traffic flow due to the completion of the new parking lot. The lot now has two new entrances: one at the north end off Eisenhower and one off 6th Street.
These changes allow for new drop-off and pick-up patterns at both the BHS front entrance and the BJHS Performing Arts Center (PAC) doors, improving safety during arrival and dismissal. New signage is posted, and parking stalls are now straight (90 degrees) rather than angled. For the 2025-2026 school year, buses will share this lot with car riders until the new bus loop is finished.
Key
Points for Drop-Off and Pick-Up:
6th Street Entrance: Drive in front of BHS and past the BJHS PAC doors, staying along the curb. Exit at the southeast end (exit-only).
Eisenhower Entrance (north end): Enter from the northernmost access point, proceed in front of BHS and the BJHS PAC doors, and exit at the southeast end (exit-only).
Pull all the way forward to the crosswalk before letting students out.
Students must use sidewalks to enter the school.
When a bus’s STOP arm is engaged, cars must stop until all students have exited and the bus has pulled away.
For Student & Staff Parking:
The middle Eisenhower entrance is for high school student and staff parking only. Do not use this entrance to join drop-off lines.
Additional parking access is available from the other Eisenhower and 6th Street entrances.
Exiting:
The southernmost access is exit-only and allows left or right turns.
Left and right turns are also permitted from the middle Eisenhower exit and the 6th Street exit.
School officials noted that the parking lot was on track to be completed for the first day of school. If weather causes delays, students and event attendees may temporarily use spaces in the northern lot until the southern lot is finished. Families will be updated if changes are needed.
COMMUNITY
AUGUST THIRD FRIDAY MARKET
TO BRING BALDWIN CITY TO LIFE
Baldwin City is set to buzz with energy and summer charm during the August Third Friday Market — a beloved seasonal highlight that brings together local commerce, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
The market will fill the heart of downtown with open storefronts, street vendors, live music, and free activities for all ages. From 6 to 9 p.m., visitors can stroll High Street between 8th and 6th streets, and 8th Street between Grove and the alley between Indiana and High, which will be closed to traffic starting at 4 p.m.
The event boasts a mix of local farmers, ranchers, artisans, and shop owners, along with Baldwin City favorites such as Baldwin City Beer Company, El Patron, Gambino’s Pizza, Lovely Flower Co., Lucy’s Corner, Ice Cream House, Om Grown Yoga, Standard Grooming Supply, The Bullpen, The Well Nest, Town Galleria, and Baldwin City Made.
Activities & Entertainment
The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with a Cornhole Tournament — no registration required — offering prizes of $100 for first place, $70 for second, and $50 for third, sponsored by Baldwin City Baggers and the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors can also enjoy:
6–7:30 p.m. | Opening Art Gallery Reception “Watercolor Menagerie” by L. Neal Ballard at the Lumberyard Arts Center, along with a “Christmas in July” sweater-decorating activity for the Ugly Sweater Fun Run.
6–9 p.m. | Baldwin City Library sidewalk games, Buck’s Honey Bee Company hive viewing, Hornberger Farms children’s book giveaway, M & M Designs’ rubber ducky game, Santa Fe Trail Historical Society’s spinning wheel, and the Soil Trailer at 8th & High.
6:15–7 p.m. | Free tumbling class with giveaways, coloring pages, and bubbles.
6:30 p.m. | Water fight with the Baldwin City Fire Department — water guns encouraged, but no water balloons.
7:30–9 p.m. | Live music from The Lintners in Sullivan Square, sponsored by Hometown Construction.
A Few Reminders
Per Baldwin City ordinance #1196, pets are not permitted at the event.
The Third Friday Market is coordinated by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and is part of a summer series designed to foster community connection, celebrate local talent, and provide a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
For vending inquiries or more details, visit baldwincitychamber. com, call 785-594-3200, or email admin@baldwincitychamber.com.
BAKER UNIVERSITY INVITES EMPLOYERS TO FALL 2025 CAREER EVENTS
Baker University is welcoming employers, organizations, and community members to participate in its upcoming Fall 2025 career events. These events offer opportunities to connect with talented students and share information about employment and internship openings.
Recruiter Tabling –Tuesdays or Wednesdays throughout the semester, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Employers may also conduct on-site interviews during these times.
Sign up: https://bakeruniversity. formstack.com/forms/tabling
Grad Fair – Tue., Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Best suited for hiring upcoming graduates (Dec. 2025, May 2026) for full-time roles.
Sign up: https:// bakeruniversity.formstack.com/ forms/gradcareerfair
Mock Interview Evening –Wed., Oct. 23, 7-8 p.m.
Assist students in preparing for the job market by serving as an interviewer.
Sign up: https://bakeruniversity. formstack.com/forms/mocks
A few spots remain for the Involvement & Job Fair on Saturday, Aug. 17. Interested organizations should reply to the event coordinator as soon as possible, as space is first come, first served.
RESIDENTS INVITED TO SHARE INPUT ON LOCAL HERITAGE NEEDS THROUGH SURVEY
The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council, in collaboration with Coneflower Consulting, is conducting a countywide needs assessment to better understand the strengths and challenges facing local heritage organizations.
By completing this brief, anonymous 2-3 minute Douglas County Heritage Partners Public Survey, residents will help guide future planning and support for heritage organizations in Douglas County.
The survey will remain open until Oct. 1, 2025. A report of the findings will be shared at the conclusion of the project.
To ensure this effort reflects the values of our community, residents are encouraged to share their perspectives on local history and the organizations that preserve it, such as museums and historical societies.
DOUGLAS COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES OFFERS FREE PROGRAM TO HELP CAREGIVERS WITH TEEN STRUGGLES
The Youth Services Division of Douglas County Criminal Justice Services is offering The Parent Project, a 10-week program that gives parents, grandparents and caregivers tools to help guide their strongwilled teens (ages 10 and older) and build healthy families.
Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting Aug. 26 and ending Oct. 28. The classes are held at 1006 New Hampshire Street in Lawrence.
The program is open to Douglas County residents, and there is no cost.
The Parent Project is designed to tackle challenges
facing youth such as drugs, youth violence, depression, social media, bullying and sexual predators.
Participants will learn: Prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use. Improve school attendance and performance.
Establish expectations in the home and what to do if the child breaks those expectations. Develop action plans to address a child’s destructive behavior.
To sign up for the program or ask questions, please contact parentproject@dgcoks.gov or call 785-331-1300.
AN INTRODUCTION TO ‘THE RURAL HEALTH REPORT’
Hello, my name is Samson Mah and I’m a premedical student from Independence, KS. Last year, I started working with a national nonprofit called the Rural Cancer Institute. This is the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to rural cancer care advocacy, research, and best practices. Since our founding in 2022, we’ve published new research, planned a national rural cancer conference, and assembled a network of public health figures from Kansas and across the country.
In 2024, my co-collaborator Zack Schroeder began writing a column for our hometown paper the Independence Daily Reporter. Motivated by his journey as a medical student and cancer survivor, the original goal was laser focused. We wanted to inform readers about the growing difference between rural and urban cancer outcomes: the socalled rural cancer gap.
After publishing the column, we received an outpouring of support from the community. Some readers sent in heartfelt letters detailing personal cancer journeys. Others wrote in expressing their general gratitude for the column. At that point, we realized that perhaps our column could fill a bigger niche. While rural cancer remains a major health issue, it’s certainly not the only unique health challenge facing rural communities.
So we experimented. The next series of columns spanned a wide selection of topics ranging from maternal and mental health, Zack’s medical school journal, and the nitty gritty of Medicaid and Medicare. In Zack’s own words, “What started as a small idea quickly became one of my most meaningful creative outlets. I’ve truly enjoyed diving deep into issues affecting rural healthcare— not only as a writer, but as a learner. Each column has pushed me to research, reflect, and grow.”
Dr. Schroeder graduated in May of this year and is starting his internal medicine residency this summer. With this comes a new chapter in Zack’s medical journey, but also a new chapter for our rural health column. In June of this year we officially transitioned to a new format. While Zack will still be an occasional contributor, we’ve expanded our pool of writers to include other talented and motivated rural health students. With those new authors come new voices and fresh ideas. We certainly hope you’ll enjoy those columns in the months and years to come.
If you ever have any thoughts, comments, or questions, please reach out to us at program@ ruralcancer.org. Thank you again to The Maple for supporting our work, and we hope you enjoy our column.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS: LATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN RURAL CANCER CARE
BRIDGING THE GAP: A RURAL HEALTH COLUMN
By Kylee Davis
When it comes to cancer, timing can mean the difference between life and death. An early diagnosis opens the door to more effective treatment options and better survival odds. But in rural America, far too many patients are diagnosed too late—when the cancer has already advanced and the path to recovery becomes steeper, costlier, and more uncertain. This disparity is due to rural areas often facing a combination of structural and socioeconomic barriers that limit access to timely and effective healthcare. Receiving a late diagnosis of cancer often means that the conditions of the cancer care require more aggressive and costly treatments, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality rates.
A late cancer diagnosis can be a difficult journey for anyone who faces it; however, it is more prevalent and common in rural areas. An alarming number of rural hospitals have closed down in recent years, creating an abundance of healthcare problems for those in rural areas. This mass shutdown has led to more difficult access to regular cancer screenings in order to prevent or detect cancer at an early stage. Thus, creating a higher probability of those living in rural America being diagnosed with a form of late-stage cancer.
Socioeconomic barriers also create the higher likelihood of rural patients being diagnosed with a latestage form of cancer. Rural areas often have higher poverty rates and lower incomes, making it difficult for residents to afford healthcare costs, including insurance premiums, copayments, and travel expenses needed to attain proper checkups and healthcare assistance. Rural residents may have lower levels of education and health literacy, which can hinder their understanding of health information and their ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This can include symptoms of cancer at early
stages, including new or irregular spots on the skin, a change in an existing mole, or even lumps detected in the breast.
The time allowed for cancer to grow and spread due to a delayed diagnosis can lead to more aggressive and costly treatments with potentially reduced effectiveness. Late-stage cancers may have fewer effective treatment options compared to earlier-stage cancers, where surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy might be more successful in removing or controlling the tumor. Instead, more invasive approaches often have to be used. Advanced or metastatic cancers often require more complex and aggressive treatments, such as combinations of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. These treatments can be more invasive and have more significant side effects as well as creating a more costly treatment plan. This can be due to the cost of travel from a lack of resources in rural areas as well as the extensive medical procedures or treatment plans needed.
For every month delay of diagnostic or treatment care, the mortality rate can increase dramatically, as shown in an article by City of Hope, “Even a One Month Treatment Delay Increases Cancer Death Risk.” A one-month delay in cancer surgery can increase the risk of death by 6-8 percent, with an even higher risk of death in an eight-week delay in breast cancer being 26 percent. The increase of mortality rates due to delay in treatment and diagnosis is directly due to the time the cancer has to metastasize and grow.
To reduce the likelihood of late-stage cancer diagnoses in rural areas, a concerted effort must be made to expand cancer education and improve access to screenings and treatment. Raising awareness about the early symptoms of common cancers can empower rural residents to seek medical help sooner. However, education alone is not enough. Regular access to screenings is essential. One effective strategy is the deployment of mobile health clinics, which bring services directly to underserved communities. For example, the Labette Health Center has successfully implemented such clinics that can provide nearby, routine cancer screenings to rural populations. Expanding similar programs nationwide could significantly improve early detection rates and health outcomes.
ABOUT THE WRITER: Kylee Davis is a current pre-medicine student at the University of Kansas majoring in biology with a minor in business. Kylee graduated from Independence High School in 2024 where she won her local pageant, “Queen Neelah.” This led her to compete in the Miss Kansas pageant where she worked alongside the Rural Cancer Institute, a nonprofit focused on addressing the rural cancer gap. Kylee plans to continue on her pre-med track to one day become an oncologist focused in rural America. Questions and comments can be sent to program@ruralcancer.org
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTY LOSES CERTIFICATION FOR LYING ABOUT CRASH LOCATION
A former deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has lost his law enforcement certification for lying about the location of a crash in which he was driving a county vehicle.
Brandon Lewis was employed first as a corrections officer in October 2005 and certified as a deputy in September 2009. He worked for DGSO for more than 19 years, most recently as a master deputy.
Lewis was traveling back to Douglas County from Wichita in a county-owned transport vehicle on Nov. 4, 2024, according to the recent summary order from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training revoking Lewis’ certification.
Lewis was working in DGSO’s corrections division in the transports unit, Sheriff Jay Armbrister said in emailed responses to questions.
“That was what he was doing the day of this incident; however, he was alone in his vehicle at the time of the crash as he’d dropped an individual off and was returning to Douglas County,” Armbrister said.
The roadway was wet, and Lewis hydroplaned, lost
control and slid into the grass but was able to safely return to the roadway, according to KSCPOST. After Lewis arrived back in Douglas County and exited the vehicle, he noticed damage on the passenger side, according to the revocation order.
Lewis contacted his supervisor to report the incident and wrote in his report that the crash had occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Interstate 70 near milemarker 199. That’s approximately between the Lawrence interchanges at Kansas Highway 10 and McDonald Drive.
“After concerns arose regarding the true location of the crash,” the sheriff’s office opened an investigation, according to KSCPOST.
Asked what sparked those concerns, Armbrister said that “Fellow employees believed this needed to be looked into further.”
The investigation found that the crash had actually happened between 10:54 and 11:24 a.m. on Interstate 35 between Cassoday and Emporia, according to KSCPOST.
Armbrister said it was unknown why Lewis had falsely stated the location of the crash.
Lewis could not immediately be reached for comment Monday afternoon.
“I think it speaks for itself in that he falsified an official document as part of dishonesty and was relieved of his duties as a result,” Armbrister said.
Lewis was placed on leave on Nov. 15, and he was terminated Jan. 8. Armbrister said DGSO does not have concerns about Lewis fabricating details in his investigations but did not elaborate on why not.
According to the KSCPOST summary, Lewis told an investigator in April that he would not appear for an interview to determine whether he was still suited for law enforcement certification, and that “he was done with law enforcement.”
Prosecutors need to be aware of any dishonesty or bias in law enforcement officers’ criminal and professional histories, and they have a legal duty to turn that information over to defense attorneys. Lies from law enforcement can lead to guilty defendants walking free, innocent defendants getting convicted, and crime victims getting no justice or closure.
Douglas County District Attorney Dakota Loomis said the DA’s office has no active cases in which Lewis is a material witness. The crash and the investigation were resolved, and Lewis was terminated just before Loomis took office Jan. 13.
Loomis said his office has not conducted a systematic review of cases in which Lewis was a material witness. He said it appeared Lewis was working at the jail for “quite some time” prior to his departure.
“This may help explain why he has not been a material witness on any cases since I took office and the last case in which his testimony would have been material was filed and resolved way back in 2021,” Loomis said. “… If at any point former Dep. Lewis was involved in an active case as a witness, we would notify defense counsel immediately.”
The damage to the vehicle was not very severe, Armbrister said.
George Diepenbrock, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said the total cost to repair the damage was $2,822, and DGSO pays a $2,500 deductible.
COMMUNITY VOICES/OBIT
CHANGING FOR THE BETTER
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
Good day dear and faithful readers! As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I’ve changed the name of my weekly column from “Just Ask Me, I’ll Tell You” to “Thinking Outside the Box.”
I think it better describes the content of my writings but I have to tell you, it was difficult to change, even though I believe it is a better title.
Change, whether it is labeled good or bad is not easy for us humans. We start a thing and get comfortable in it, we incorporate it into our routine and it starts to feel like a part of us. So, when we (or especially when something outside of us) changes it, it can feel like a part of us is being ripped away or discarded in some way and that feels personal. Our first human instinct is to resist. Nobody wants to be discarded on any level.
But what if we think about it in a different way? What if we think about change for what it actually is, evolving, maturing, growing? What if we consider that change is something we are all striving for and no matter what form it comes in, it is a signal to ourselves that we are shedding those things that no longer serve us and stepping into a better more enlightened way, leading us to our highest selves?
I believe that every change, no matter how small or large is leading us toward our better selves. Since good and bad are conditions we’ve created in or own minds, lets change the conditions. If we begin to look at everything as it is, without labels, and we know all things are working together for our betterment, isn’t change then a welcomed thing?
Change leads us from one leg of our journey to the next. Consider this, since our inception, we have been changing. We changed from an embryo to a fetus to a human baby to a child to a pre-teen, to a teenager, to an adult, to a senior citizen! Change is inevitable and it is always moving us to experience the next leg of this journey we call life. And on each leg of our journey, we have to let go of what was and step into what is to be, even when we don’t know what is to be means! Change is only scary if you are trying to remain the same, but since nothing remains the same, why not embrace change for what it is, the next step in our never ending journey of evolution!
Enjoy this journey! Marvel at the way it unfolds! Observe the miraculous way YOU are changing for the better and be grateful that you have the opportunity to experience life in all it’s many forms of growth.
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins with “Thinking Outside the Box!”
OBITUARY
Cynthia Jeanne (Cindy) Spear
Sept.21, 1934-July 20, 2023
Cynthia Jeanne (Cindy) Spear was born September 21, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Karl E. and Rhoda C. Spear, the eldest of four children. She passed away on July 20, 2023, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. Cindy was a well-loved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 1952 before attending Baker University. While at Baker, Cindy was in choir and played varsity volleyball all four years and varsity softball three years. She was Secretary of the Class of 1956, President of the Women’s Athletic Association, Phi Mu President, President of the Panhellenic Council, and Vice President of the French Club. Cindy graduated from Baker in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
After graduation, Cindy trained at St. Luke’s Hospital in KCMO, working as a Medical Technologist for Drs. Byers, Ballard, Thompson, Skillman, Petitt and Forsythe’s Offices. She also served as a burn care nurse, where her compassionate care helped those in great need. She was a member of the Greater KC Medical Technologists Society. After taking postgraduate courses at KU Medical Center, she eventually went back to college, graduating from the University of Kansas in 1983 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Cindy worked in hospice care until her retirement. A member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Clinical Social Workers, she also served as a KU School Official Welfare
Practicum Liaison. Even after retirement, she volunteered with Daughters and Co., providing loving care and assistance to the elderly. She was a member of the NE Johnson County Republican Women and Phi Mu Alumnae of Greater KC. She always stayed connected to her beloved Phi Mu sisters, especially her “Breakfast Bunch,” who met monthly in Kansas City up to 2019.
Fifty years ago, Cindy was a founding member of the Unity Church of Overland Park. She especially enjoyed fellowship in between services by welcoming all with coffee. Her passions included Unity teachings, being in the church choir, reading (especially about holistic health and stress management), bowling, golf, wood carving, and bird watching. Always a respected leader, she served as Vice-President on the Wyandotte-Johnson County Women’s Bowling Association Board. Cindy faithfully sent birthday cards to all family and friends, showering us with food and gifts, telling jokes and adding a playful atmosphere to family gatherings.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Rhoda Spear, her sister, Pat Potter, and nephews Sam and Steve Potter. She is survived by her sister, Janice Craig (Baldwin); her brother, Karl (Bud) Spear and his wife, Nancy (Colorado/Nova Scotia), and brother-inlaw, Oke Potter (Baldwin), as well as her many nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.
Cindy’s Celebration of Life will be held at her beloved Unity Church of Overland Park in Lenexa on Saturday, August 23 at 2:00_ pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UCOP. UCOP address is: Plexpod Lenexa, 10000 Marshall Dr.
COMMUNITY VOICES/EVENTS
BACK TO SCHOOL ON PURPOSE
By Cat Henry
Perhaps you’re not in the season of sending older kids off to live on their own. Maybe you’re in the season of getting them equipped and ready for a new school year.
I’m not sure who was more excited for the first day of school, me or my kids when they were that age. In truth, it was probably a mixed bag with my brood. Schooling has always been a rewarding experience for me. Growing up, a few mentors came into my life at just the right time, leaving a lasting impact.
There’s One fond memory I want to pass down to my grandkids.
On my first day of sixth grade, my teacher, Mr. Watson, left a gift on each student’s desk. He seemed so old at the time, t in hindsight he was probably in his forties, his hair already white. I had just moved into a new home that summer and gotten to know a few classmates in the neighborhood. Our school had two sixth-grade teachers; one was known for producing a class newsletter written by students. I hoped to be in her class.
Instead, Mr. Watson spent his summer making each of us, about 25 students, wooden nameplates for our desks. He jigsawed each letter of our names by hand. I loved mine, and to this day I’m still fond and have a desk nameplate..
I’ve ordered similar nameplates for each of my grandkids to give them right before school starts, encouraging them to place it in their area where they do their homework.
I still remember one August buying school supplies like it was yesterday. It took my breath away when the cost was rung up for equipping four children for school. Between supplies, equipment, book fees, tech, activity fees, and extracurricular cost (sports gear, piano lessons, dance) expenses added up quickly. The average annual cost is now around $800 per child. While that number can be daunting, it’s helpful to remember that investment in them is spread throughout the year.
As summer winds down, the rhythm of home shifts. Homekeepers can help
school-age children reestablish the routines that will carry them through the year. This can be setting up regular meal and wind-down times. Keep wake-up and bedtimes consistent, even on weekends.
After school, help them create a routine for homework, screen time, and relaxation. Designate a quiet, clutterfree homework space stocked with basic supplies. Hopefully books have been part of their summer but if not help them refresh academic habits of reading daily, graphic books and audible stories count.
Involve students in back-to-school shopping to build anticipation. For younger children, it may be the thrill of opening a fresh box of crayons; for older ones, it could be a new journal or planner.
Set up a “launch station” in a convenient spot for backpacks, papers, and anything that needs to travel to and from school to alleviate clutter and the morning rush. Attend back-to-school nights to meet the teachers, this is the adult(s) your children will spend most of their days with. Make sure your little ones know the basics about school drop-off and pick up, lunch, snack time, and recess.
Familiarize yourself with the school’s online portals, calendar and social media. Speak positively about the school and staff. As a parent, meet the parents of a few classmates. Building a support network can be invaluable. One of my daughters works 45 minutes from home, and her husband is in the military. Her neighborhood, along with family, has become a lifesaver when juggling school pickups, activities, and schedules.
For the homekeeper’s part, stock up on lunch and snack options. Involve the kids in choosing and making lunches. Keep a family calendar to track events, deadlines, and activities. This makes it easier to plan ahead, especially when new sports or music seasons begin.
The shift from summer to school can be hectic, but with preparation, routines, and a little tradition, it can also be a time of anticipation and joy, for both parents and children.
Until next time, with grace, Cathenry. ch@gmail.com
P.S. Behind the hidden riches of preparation is a fresh start, a feeling of readiness.
EVENTS EVENTS
August
August 15 Potluck, Lunch, and Movie
Vinland Valley Community Church 12:30 p.m. - whenever
August 15
Third Friday Market downtown Baldwin City 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
August 15
L. Neal Ballard Art Gallery Opening Reception
Lumberyard Arts Center 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
August 15
Water Fight with the Fire Department
Baldwin City Fire Station 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Bring your own water gun. No water balloons please.
August 16
Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market near Sullivan Square 8:00 a.m. - 10:30/11:00 a.m. questions? contact hornbergerfarms@gmail.com
August 16 Craft Your Stress Away Baldwin City Public Library 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
September 6 BC Fashion Show 6:00 PM: Fashion Show 7:00 PM: Garden Party, Live Music Lumberyard Arts Center
September 20
Big Hair on the Square 6:00 PM, Sullivan Square
September 19 Third Friday Market downtown Baldwin City 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
October 4-5 Kaw Valley Farm Tour Kaw Valley www.douglas.k-state.edu/programareas/kaw_valley_farm_tour/
October 18-19
Maple Leaf Festival downtown Baldwin City
October 25 Maple Leaf Gravel Grind downtown Baldwin City 8:00 p.m.
October 25
Maple Leaf Beer, Wine, and Spirit Fest downtown Baldwin City 2:00-5:00 p.m.
