HOLIDAY ON HIGH SHINES IN ITS SECOND YEAR, SELLING OUT THE LUMBERYARD AND SUPPORTING YOUTH THEATRE
The Lumberyard Arts Center welcomed a full house on November 29 as Holiday on High, Baldwin City’s festive community variety show, returned for its second year—and quickly proved itself a tradition worth keeping. With 56 attendees packing the venue to capacity, the show delivered a joyful kickoff to the season while raising awareness and support for the BC Players youth theatre program.
Holiday on High is produced through the Lumberyard’s BC Players, a program dedicated to nurturing local youth talent and expanding theatre
opportunities in the community. Each year, the show is shaped by a different director, bringing a fresh creative vision to the stage. In its first year, the production was directed by Dorian Logan (2024). This year’s event was led by Katrina Temple (2025), with support from a talented creative team:
Katrina Temple – Director
Katee Smith – Set Director
Chris Thomas & Charlie Spear – Sound Directors
Jake Lemonds – Music Director, BCCA Choir
Madeline Roger – Choreographer, BCCA Choir
Angela Murray – BCCA Choir Coordination
The 2025 program showcased a delightful mix of music, comedy, dance, and choir performances, featuring young artists, seasoned vocalists, instrumentalists, and beloved community groups such as the Baldwin City Creative Arts Choir and the Gumdrops quintet. With 17 performances across two acts— including classics like White Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Merry Christmas, Darling, and Santa Baby—the evening highlighted the depth of local talent and the collaborative spirit of Baldwin City.
Beyond the entertainment, the show also serves a meaningful purpose. The Lumberyard and BC Players are working to raise $5,000 for the youth theatre program through the Douglas County Community Foundation’s “Giving for Good” campaign, which runs through December 31. Every donation made through the DCCF campaign page receives a 50% match, increasing the impact of each gift and helping sustain opportunities for young performers.
Donations can be made at: dccfoundation.org — Giving for Good, BC Players Youth Theatre Fund (Direct link available on the Lumberyard’s and The Maple’s social media pages.)
As the Lumberyard continues expanding its arts programming, Holiday on High stands as a shining example of community creativity and connection. What began just last year has already grown into a cherished seasonal tradition—one that uplifts local performers, brings neighbors together, and directly supports the next generation of Baldwin City artists.
With two years now in the books and strong community support behind it, Holiday on High is poised to keep growing, inspiring, and celebrating Baldwin City’s creative spirit for years to come.
Moving into the winter season, some questions crop up every year. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions, and some insight into the planning and process of being prepared for a severe weather event.
All city staff members with weatherevent duties stay tuned into Douglas County Emergency Management Alerts, and we work closely with our outside partner agencies as needed. You may also sign up for emergency alerts at https://www.dgcoks.gov/emergencymanagement.
Sand and salt stock piles are ordered early and refilled as necessary. This year, the annual shipment was delivered over a month ago.
Trucks are readied, filled, and kept pointed outward, making roll out as efficient as possible.
If there’s time before predicted weather comes in, we’ll get out and pre-treat with salt and sand.
For the sake of efficiency and costeffectiveness, we’ll wait until the snow is done to plow, unless road conditions get dangerous. We stay in close contact with Baldwin City Police Officers during winter weather events, and if the snow is accumulating fast or is unusually wet and heavy, we’ll plow before it stops.
Snow routes are:
High Street
Lawrence Street to Highway 56
6th Street
If there is more than 2 inches of snow fall, you must move your vehicle off the snow routes in order to avoid being ticketed or towed.
We do recommend moving vehicles off all city streets if possible when more than an inch of snow is expected, in order to allow the plows access.
We focus on the snow routes, the roads near the schools, and downtown first. These are the heaviest traffic areas within city limits. The brick streets get slick very quickly, so we try to get to them early. They also take extra time because we need to navigate around vehicles.
Douglas County is responsible for 6th Street (1055) and KDOT maintains Highway 56. The city does not maintain these two main roads, including weather maintenance.
Plow drivers may have low visibility, and are concentrating on several things -the position of the plow, curb lines, ditches, parked cars, mailboxes, watching their mirrors for traffic and pedestrians -- all at the same time. Please try to make their job a bit easier and keep everyone a little safer.
If there’s enough snowfall to allow for sizable snow plow piles, please do NOT allow children to play in the snow plow piles. It can be exceedingly dangerous.
Last, but maybe most important, please be patient with us. We are out working for our town in the worst of conditions. We want to ensure the streets are as safe as possible so everyone can get home safely.
THE MAPLE WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION UPDATE
The Maple Weekly will stay free for public pickup at Baldwin City Market and the Post Office (first-come, firstserved).
If you want it mailed to your home, subscriptions are now $30/year (down from $50) to cover shipping. The $5/month option ends January 1, 2026—current monthly subscribers can either let it cancel or switch to the $30 annual plan.
Subscribers will receive a letter with a form to renew or cancel, or you can use the clip-out form in the paper. Online (PayPal) subscriptions will auto-renew at $30/year unless you cancel—email Jenni@BaldwinMaple.com for help stopping auto-pay.
COMMUNITY
BALDWIN CITY HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE UNDERWAY THROUGH DECEMBER 15
As the holiday season arrives, Baldwin City is once again stepping up to support neighbors facing hardship through a community-wide food drive benefitting the Baldwin Community Food Pantry. With the rising cost of groceries, unexpected financial strain, and ongoing economic uncertainty, many families in our area are finding it harder than ever to keep their shelves full.
But if there’s one thing Baldwin City does well, it’s showing up for each other.
This year’s food drive brings together more than two dozen local businesses, churches, nonprofits, and community spaces to make donating as easy as possible. Collection bins are now available across town, and residents are encouraged to give what they can—whether that’s one item or a full bag of groceries.
Organizers note that certain items are especially needed right now, including pasta sauce, mac ‘n cheese, canned green beans, tuna, cake mixes, frosting, and canned meals like Chef Boyardee. These pantry staples help ensure that families have access to quick, filling meals during a time when budgets are stretched thin.
And while the need is real, so is the generous spirit of Baldwin City.
From bustling High St. storefronts to local churches and family-owned shops, partners across the community have opened their doors to serve as drop-off sites—each one a reminder of how deeply this town cares for its people.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
High St. & Downtown Area
Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce | 719 High St.
Baldwin City Creative Arts | 711 High St.
Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine | 705 High St.
Baldwin State Bank | 721 High St.
Homestead Kitchen and Bakery | 719 High St.
Lighthouse Baptist | 700 Chapel St.
Lumberyard Arts Center | 718 High St.
Om Grown Yoga & Wellness Collective | 816 High St.
Simply Style Family Hair Care | 609 High St., Suite A
The Bullpen | 811 Eighth St.
Uplift Coffee | 112 Sixth St.
Ames St. & US-56 Corridor
Amplify Life Center | 603 Ames St.
Auburn Pharmacy | 400 Ames St.
Baldwin Veterinary Clinic | 412 Ames St.
Dollar General | 110 8th St.
Evry’tang and More | 215 US 56, Suite B
Kansas State Bank | 602 Ames St.
Vibe Hair Studio | 215 US 56
Wooden Spoke Restaurant | 309 Ames St.
Community Organizations & Schools
Baldwin City Recreation Commission | 712 Chapel St.
Baldwin City Library | 800 7th St.
Rainbow Experience Preschool | 115 6th St.
Worden Cornerstone Church | 294 E. 900th Road
Vinland Valley Nursery | 1606 N. 600th Road
Vintage Park | 321 Crimson Ave.
As families gather around holiday tables, it’s easy to forget how many of our neighbors are quietly stretching every dollar. This food drive is a chance to come together, lighten someone’s load, and make sure no one in Baldwin City has to face the season alone.
Because even in hard times—and perhaps especially during hard times— this community always finds a way to lift each other up.
Donations will be collected through the holiday season and delivered directly to the Baldwin Community Food Pantry, where they will be distributed to local families in need.
CITY OF BALDWIN CITY SEEKING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS FOR BLACK JACK BATTLEFIELD & NATURE PARK
The City of Baldwin City is now seeking volunteers to serve on an advisory board for Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park. This board is a joint effort with Douglas County, as well as other entities. Interested? Email a cover letter and resume to the City Clerk at apackard@baldwincity. gov by Monday, December 8th.
BALDWIN CITY LAUNCHES ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL DECORATING CONTEST
Light up your home for the holidays—and you could take home cash prizes and a utility bill credit!
Baldwin City is once again inviting residents to celebrate the season in bright, festive style through the annual Residential Decorating Contest. Homeowners across town are encouraged to deck their homes with lights, décor, and holiday spirit for a chance to win cash prizes and utility credits.
Participants will be judged on three key criteria: originality, creativity, and overall appearance. Entering is easy. Residents may submit an entry form by December 12 either by:
• Filling out the printed form available at City Hall (803 8th St.), or
• Submitting the online entry form through the City’s website.
Judging will take place the weekend of December 13–14, with winners officially announced at the City Council meeting on December 16.
Email: jenni@ baldwinmaple.com
Cash awards are generously sponsored by Christmas Decor by The Grounds Guys of Olathe, and utility credits will be automatically applied to December bills.
Whether you go for whimsical, classic, or full-on holiday spectacular, Baldwin City hopes everyone will join in lighting up the community and spreading seasonal cheer.
BULLDOG BULLETIN
MORE THAN A PRINCIPAL
Story by: Linden Schmidt, BHS Journalism
Principal Derek Bland has become a familiar face at BJHS, known for his commitment to students and staff. With years of experience in education and a passion for school leadership. In this interview Bland reflects on his path into education and the responsibilities that come with being a principal. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a school community. Readers will get a closer look at how he supports students, collaborates with teachers, and plans for the future of BHS.
Q: What inspired you to become a principal?
A: “When I was a kid, I almost got suspended for something I didn’t do, and no one would listen. That experience stuck with me. I decided I wanted to be the kind of principal who actually listens to students. Later, as I worked toward my teaching license in college, I found myself most drawn to the parts where I could be in schools, observing classrooms, talking with teachers, seeing what works, and that pushed me toward school leadership.”
Q: How long have you worked in education, and what roles have you held?
A: “I started teaching in 2002. Since then, I’ve taught 6th grade and 8th grade, been an assistant principal, and now I’m head principal. I’ve worked in both Kansas and Texas.”
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a principal at BHS?
A: “The best part is interacting with students, especially through things like our video game club. It gives me a chance to have real, meaningful conversations with kids. A connection, outside of regular classroom pressure means a lot to me.”
Q: What is the most challenging part of your role?
A: “As you move from being a teacher to being a principal, you get farther away from the daily personal interactions you had in class. That’s tough. You know your decisions impact a lot of students, but you lose that classroom closeness. I try to keep some of those connections alive through clubs and by being available to talk when students want to reach out.”
Q: How do you make decisions that impact the entire school?
A: “I’ve learned not to make decisions alone. I listen — to students, to teachers, to parents. For example, I’m sending out a parent survey soon. I want to know if concerns are widespread or just from a few loud voices. Good decisions come from hearing everyone’s side.”
Q: What are your goals for BHS this school year?
A: “Our main goal is improving vocabulary instruction school-wide. Because each teacher teaches differently, students can have a hard time adjusting from class to class. We want teaching to feel more consistent across all classrooms so students don’t have to keep switching learning styles.”
Q: How do you support students’ academic and emotional needs?
A: “There are a lot of students I’d love to sit with every day, but I have to prioritize — kind of like triage. Some days a student needs attention, other days it’s a teacher or a parent. We have great teachers here, but sometimes helping students means asking teachers to change the way they teach, which can be hard. I try to balance what needs to happen today, this week, and this semester.”
SNOW SEASON HAS BEGUN IN BALDWIN CITY
On Monday, Dec. 1, Baldwin had its first snow of the year. Overnight, it snowed about 1 inch, and during the day, about another 2 inches fell. This was not quite enough for school to be cancelled.
The Baldwin school district is not cancelling school for the day, and most students are unhappy.
8th grader Gobin Hill thinks the snow made it dangerous on the way to and from school, and we should not have had school when there is snow on the roads. There is always a risk of wrecks when driving on icy roads.
“I feel that there shouldn’t really be school because of the snow,” Hill said, “but I also saw a lot of people either in ditches or on the side of the road, which shows that it’s dangerous outside.”
8th grader Linden Schmidt lives in the country and had a hard time getting to school because it’s a farther drive and on gravel roads.
“The drive to school was
not fun,” Schmidt said. “We have to drive to school from the country, and there are big hills, and we slid a lot on the roads.”
Even teachers aren’t happy about having school because if we had a snow day, that would mean they would have a free day off, and I’m sure everyone would have loved to have another day off their 9-day break.
8th-grade social studies teacher Braydon Conaway lives in Kansas City, about 30 minutes away.
“The drive from Kansas City up to Baldwin on Dec. 1st was more difficult than I expected,” Conaway said. “I had heard there might be snow, so I made sure my tires were aired up and that I had my ice scraper in the car.”
Conaway explained how the streets deteriorated from Kansas City to Gardner to Baldwin.
“Closer to Kansas City, the streets were in better shape because more vehicles were out working to remove the snow,” Connaway said. “But once I got closer to Gardner and Baldwin, the roads became noticeably worse. I remember taking the Sunflower Road exit and realising it wasn’t very well cleared. I was going a bit faster than I should have, and when I hit the brakes, I lost a little control of my car for a few seconds.”
Story by Emmett Wright, BHS Journalism
COMMUNITY VOICES
COMFORT WITHIN REACH
By Cat Henry
I’ve come to appreciate the quiet luxury of small indulgences placed exactly where and when needed. Lately, drink stations have become popular. I wish I had this inspiration when my kids were younger. Instead, my home drink stations evolved over the years.
I’ve mentioned before that I organize my kitchen into zones, placing kitchen items near the appliances they’re used with (such as pots and pans near the stove and cookie utensils within easy reach). My coffee area is between my kitchen sink (for water) and fridge (for dairy). Cups are on a countertop mug tree on the other side of the sink in the tiny counter space available. The closest cabinets nearby hold all my coffee coffee accompaniments. Once you start noticing daily patterns where you reach, where you pause, where you gather, you begin shaping your home around them. These zones, or a refreshment stations, aren’t just decorative; they’re
intuitive living.
Eventually, I created a cork&glass corner. An in-law learned of this and gave me all sorts of fun wine-centric do-dads (and she doesn’t drink!) and fun glasses. A vintage wooden ice box, distressed but still hanging in there, with its hinged latch closures, is in a walkway between the kitchen and dining room and holds liquor and mixes. The under-the-stairs alcove in my living room has a steamer trunk set vertically on its side and is the “spirits trunk” with mini liquor bottles, and a hanging under-the-counter wine glass racks. Resting on top of the trunk is a homemade corkboard with assorted glasses set up like a chess set. I made a cork wreath that hangs in that area. There’s something endearing about creating space for your own comfort. Or for other family members as a gesture of kindness, saying you are worth preparing for. It’s a VIP experience customized for your house.
I set up a three-tiered station (stacked pedestal bottoms of cake stands) on a large
wooden lazy susan. It holds seasonal beverage mugs collected over the years, with all the garnishing, toppings, drizzles, dusting, sprinkles, or shavings a person can want. It sits on the kitchen island.
Setting up these stations is where the homekeeper can get creative. Use what you have to make an inviting one customized to your needs. Over time, these stations become segments of the home’s history. A mug gifted by a friend, a bottle discovered on a trip, a tray that once belonged to your grandmother, all carry whispers of the past while welcoming the present moment.
These segments could be at a hot beverage station, a smoothie station, a seltzer station, or even kid juice boxes. A cookie bar with milk in an ice bucket? If you like sparkling water, put some on a tray with syrups, coconut cream, flavored teas, or a soda maker to enjoy. Some kitchens have a roll-top appliance cabinet (aka appliance garages) that can be repurposed to hold a coffee station.
Then there are wine or beer bars. Beverage stations can be on trolleys, bar carts, vintage luggage on a luggage stand. My daughter has a second refrigerator in her garage right by the entry door to their kitchen. It is mainly for beverages (to include gallon-size milk containers). If your budget supports it, a small dorm fridge can exclusively hold drinks, or a wine fridge with a glass door, even a fridgefriendly mini-keg (like a kegerator that keeps beer fresh and carbonated yet portable enough to carry to gatherings).
Keurig machines make it possible to have a hot beverage station anywhere, even in the bedroom or home office. I, meanwhile, like to have a bottle of Mead in my bedroom that sits in this barrel-shaped wicker basket for wine bottles, along with a wine glass, and with some snacks, I can enjoy it when I slip into bed at night to read a book.
Let your home serve you in small and gracious ways. Ultimately, the art of homekeeping is not just about how we host others; it begins with how thoughtfully we host ourselves.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@ gmail.com
P.S. Thoughtful touches that turn daily moments into gifts.
FAITH VS RELIGION
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
I have often heard faith and religion used interchangeably as if they are the same thing. They are not. I believe religion is what we choose to express our faith. Whether you are Jewish, Catholic, Christian, Buddhist or whatever your preferred expression of faith, that expression is not faith. Faith, on the other hand, is a belief that is often not experienced with our physical senses. Faith is a belief that there is something or someone greater than us, more powerful than us, that has our best interest at heart always. I think if more people understood that, we would see that we have more in common than not.
So why do so many people think they are the same? Well, I think many moons ago, faith was apprehended by religious leaders as strictly a religious thing. But in reality, faith is a belief, not a religion. We have faith in a lot of things. We believe our bosses will pay us on time after we do the job they expect. That’s faith. We believe our spouses will love us forever. That’s faith. We believe that when we lie down at night, we will wake up to a tomorrow. That’s faith. Faith is believing in something you can not readily experience with your physical senses but somehow expect with certainty.
Since we all experience faith, I believe that’s how religious leaders explained their interpretation of God, and as a result, many people, still to this day, have never separated religion from faith. Think of how many times religion and faith have been interchanged in any given discussion about what
you believe. Think of how many times you’ve heard someone say, what is your faith, when they were actually asking about your religious beliefs?
I, myself, am not a religious person, (much to the disdain of my religious family) but I could not live a day without my faith. I think there are many people like me, searching for the God that Jesus talked about, or Buddha, or Gandhi, or whoever you relate to. The popular thing to say these days is “I’m not religious, I am Spiritual.” I wonder if they know what that means? To be Spiritual is to believe in a divine order and power and to understand that you are the co-creator of your life here on earth.
That’s a lot of responsibility we assume for our actions and the thoughts we carry in our minds. Being spiritual means you understand you are not a victim of your thoughts or your emotions, but that you are the master of them and whatever you choose to think or believe or feel is what you’ve decided you want in your life. Being Spiritual is a statement of faith, yes, but also a statement of acceptance and responsibility and knowing that you are co-creating with God, the universe, and the Holy Spirit. You are a key part of bringing goodness into this world in a way that has been assigned to only your spirit, so only you can do it that way.
Faith is believing in something you cannot see with your eyes, with a certainty that cannot be explained. Religion is an expression of faith. Now you know the difference. So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
DEAR HOMEKEEPER
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY: A DAY OF LOCAL SHOPPING, CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY
Baldwin City celebrated Shop Small Saturday with a full lineup of activities for families, shoppers, and supporters of local businesses during this year’s Shop Hop & Vendor Market.
Vendor Market Highlights
Shoppers visited the Brewery and the Library to browse items from 24 local vendors, offering handmade gifts, holiday décor, and stocking stuffers.
If you didn’t get a chance to see everyone, several of the same vendors will be back for the Holiday Hustle Market on Friday, December 13, at the Primary Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cheerleaders & Community Bingo
The BJHS Cheerleaders helped welcome shoppers
and passed out Shop Hop Bingo cards throughout the morning.
There’s still time to join the game—Bingo cards are available at all participating locations, along with City Hall and the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce. Cards must be turned in by December 16.
Open Storefronts & Family Activities
The Lumberyard Arts Center featured the opening reception of the Itty Bitty Art Show, inviting visitors to enjoy a new collection of miniature artwork created by community members.
Nearby, families stopped into the Baldwin City Children’s Association, where kids spent the afternoon playing games, doing crafts, and watching a movie while parents continued their holiday shopping.
The Bullpup Makers Market also took place as part of the day’s events. While details were limited, the student makers offered another opportunity to shop local and support young creators.
Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thank-you goes to Ashley Hornberger of Hornberger Farms, who led the planning and coordination for this year’s Shop Hop. Appreciation also goes to Debra Marsh and the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce for their support, and to Morningstar Care Homes for sponsoring the event.
Additionally, Baldwin City Beer Company offered half-price entrées to registered vendors at both of their locations—another example of community-minded partnership during Shop Small Saturday.