NEW SPORTING GOODS STORE IN GARDNER ALREADY SERVING BALDWIN CITY FAMILIES
For Baldwin City families with student athletes and busy sports seasons, a new option just 15 miles away is already making life a little easier.
Hometown Sports Gear, a locally owned sporting goods store, opened its doors in March at 929 E. Lincoln Ln. in Gardner. The shop aims to fill a much-needed gap in youth and school sports equipment for families across southern Johnson County—offering a convenient, community-driven alternative to the long drive to Overland Park or Olathe.
Owned by longtime Gardner residents Lacie and Matt Griffin, the store was born out of years of family conversations and a shared vision for meeting a local need.
“There’s a strong demand for sports gear not just in Gardner, but in nearby communities like Baldwin City,” said Lacie Griffin. “We’re excited to provide a local option for families who don’t want to spend hours driving just to get a pair of cleats.”
Quick, Reliable, and Close to Home Hometown Sports Gear focuses on essential youth sports items—cleats, gloves, mouthguards, socks, and other items that often need to be tried on or replaced last-minute. With a curated selection of trusted brands and a staff that understands local athletes’ needs, the store is quickly becoming a go-to for families looking for personalized service and convenience.
Since opening, the shop has already welcomed customers from Baldwin City—often stopping by while in Gardner for dinner or errands. And the Griffins hope to expand that relationship.
“We’ve seen interest from Baldwin families in things like sunglasses, pickleballs, and team gear,” said Griffin. “As we grow, we plan to bring in more apparel for Baldwin schools and partner with coaches and athletic directors to better serve local teams.”
Giving Back to Local Programs
The store isn’t just selling gear—it’s investing in youth sports. For every school t-shirt sold, Hometown Sports Gear donates $1 back to local schools. This summer, they’ll also be hosting hot dog fundraising lunches to support area teams.
The Griffins are currently focused on building strong partnerships in Gardner, but they see Baldwin City as a natural next step. Plans are already in the works to connect with local Parks and Rec programs and schools, with ideas like bringing specialty gear—such as wrestling shoes—to school events so families can order the right sizes without needing to travel.
A Better Alternative for Baldwin Families
With competitive pricing and a hometown feel, Hometown Sports Gear offers a practical and affordable option for Baldwin families during busy sports seasons. Whether it’s replacing lost gear or gearing up for the season ahead, the store combines the reliability of bigname brands with the heart of a small business.
“As parents ourselves, we know the stress that comes with youth sports,” said Griffin. “We’re here to make that just a little easier—for Gardner, Baldwin, and beyond.”
“We’re excited to provide a local option for families who don’t want to spend hours driving just to get a pair of cleats.”
-LACIE GRIFFIN
ICE CREAM, KARAOKE & COMMUNITY:
BALDWIN’S SWEETEST
TRADITION RETURNS BIGGER THAN EVER
Baldwin City is gearing up to celebrate the end of the school year in the most delicious way possible: with heaping scoops of ice cream, karaoke classics, and community fun at the 4th Annual Ice Cream Social, happening Wednesday, May 22, from 4–6 PM at Sullivan Square.
Hosted by Jenni Fish, publisher of The Maple, the Ice Cream Social has quickly become a Baldwin City tradition— drawing hundreds of residents of all ages downtown to kick off summer with a smile.
Last year’s event was a sugary smash, serving over 700 guests, dishing out 33 gallons of Homestead Bakery ice cream, and featuring 40 karaoke performances by local kids. Attendees polished off a sweet lineup of 10 packs of Oreos, 6 pounds of sprinkles, 18 pounds of gummy bears, and 60 ounces of cereal for sundae toppings. The event was such a hit, organizers ran out of ice cream before 6 PM.
“We knew we were onto something special year one,” said Fish. “Every year we make it better.”
What’s
New in 2024?
In addition to the beloved free ice cream sundaes and karaoke stage, this year’s event welcomes BCK United as an activity partner and features a performance by Grey Garden, the high-energy BHS Alumni band bringing a rock soundtrack to your summer scoop.
New to the celebration is a Rubik’s Cube Competition open to all ages. Whether you’re a speed solver or a colormatching beginner, this fun and fast-paced contest is set to add a quirky new flavor to the day’s lineup.
“We’re adding a little more fun, a little more music, and a lot more energy,” Fish said. “It’s a true community party.”
Community-Powered & Sponsor-Supported
The Ice Cream Social is free to attend thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organizations. Returning sponsors include The Maple, Homestead Kitchen + Bakery, State Farm Agent Cody Anno, Baldwin City Beer Company, USD 348, Baldwin State Bank, Mid America Bank, BSP, Hey BHS, and many more who helped make this celebration possible.
With players from the Baldwin City Blues, surprise guests, and new ways to play and participate, this year’s Ice Cream Social is set to be the biggest yet.
Mark your calendar: May 22, 4–6 PM. Bring your friends, your best karaoke voice, and your sweet tooth— because Baldwin’s coolest summer send-off is almost here.
RUNNERS PASSING THROUGH BALDWIN CITY AT THE END OF MAY.
Two Kansas ultrarunners, Sean Frost and Jonathan Prosser, will be attempting a historic 250mile run across Kansas from May 22-26, 2025. This endurance attempt will traverse the state from the Nebraska border to the Oklahoma state line.
This unprecedented running attempt combines athletic achievement with charitable giving. Sean Frost is raising funds for Topeka Collegiate to support educational scholarships, while Jonathan Prosser is fundraising for Lifeline Children’s Services, supporting families and children in need.
Their run will begin the morning of May 22 at Kirkwood & Co in Highland, KS, and end in Coffeyville, KS on May 26. They will be in Baldwin City, KS on May 23.
To follow the runners along their journey, search for the Border to Border Kansas Run Event on Facebook.
For more information or to make a donation, visit:
RunKansas: 250 Miles for the Vulnerable GiveSmart Donor CRM
Media Contact:
Chelsey Trevino
785.424.3451 chelsey.haden@gmail.com
Schedule Overview:
May 22 - Day 1: Nebraska border to Oskaloosa (66 miles)
May 23 - Day 2: Oskaloosa to Ottawa (56 miles)
May 24 - Day 3: Ottawa to Iola (50 miles)
May 25 - Day 4: Iola to Cherryvale (54 miles)
May 26 - Day 5: Cherryvale to Coffeyville (19 miles)
THINKING ABOUT RUNNING FOR BALDWIN CITY COUNCIL OR MAYOR?
Just a reminder—the deadline to file is one month away!
Two Baldwin City Council seats and the Mayor’s office will be on the ballot this year. If you’ve considered serving your community, now is the time to act.
Filing Deadline: Noon on June 1, 2025
Requirements:
• Must reside within Baldwin City limits
• File the necessary documents with the Douglas County Clerk’s Office
• Pay a $20 filing fee
Learn more about current council terms here: baldwincity.gov/city-council
Filing info and candidate forms: Douglas County Clerk – https://www.dgcoks.gov/county-clerk/ voting-and-elections/become-a-candidate
There’s still time to make your voice heard and shape Baldwin City’s future!
CONTACT JENNI FOR
COMMUNITY
A SUMMER OF CREATIVITY AWAITS AT THE LUMBERYARD ARTS CENTER
From stage lights to sketchpads, sewing machines to 3D printers, the Lumberyard Arts Center is rolling out one of its most ambitious summers yet, with an exciting and diverse lineup of creative opportunities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for hands-on art experiences for kids, digital design classes for teens, or fun night-out activities for adults, there’s something for everyone this season in downtown Baldwin City.
BC Players Youth Summer Theatre Camp
At the heart of the summer season is the BC Players Youth Theatre Camp, a two-week day camp for students entering 3rd through 8th grade. Directed by Dorian Logan, the camp invites young performers and behind-the-scenes creatives to learn every aspect of producing a play—from acting and stagecraft to costume design and set building. The experience culminates in a live outdoor performance at Sullivan Square on June 14 at 7 PM, open to the public.
While the camp promises a magical summer experience, minimum enrollment is needed to make it happen, and organizers are hoping for a strong final wave of sign-ups. This opportunity is unique from the BHS Musical Theatre Camp, and the Lumberyard team is working collaboratively with the school district to ensure both programs thrive. A limited number of fee waivers are available for families interested in participating but concerned about the cost. Contact director@
lumberyardartscenter.org for more details.
Hands-On Art for Kids & Teens
Younger students can get creative in Art Explorers, a four-day morning camp for K–6th graders exploring painting, sculpting, and famous artists, led by Becky Weaver. The popular Free Summer Art Tuesdays in July also return, offering completely free drop-in creative fun—no registration required.
Teen Art Camp provides a more in-depth experience for middle and high school students interested in drawing, painting, and mixed media. It’s a great opportunity to grow confidence in the arts in a supportive setting.
Textile Arts for Youth &
Adults
Thanks to a continued partnership with Quilter’s Paradise, both youth and adult students can dive into a robust series of textile classes. Options include crochet, garment sewing, denim upcycling, macramé, quilt design, and beginner workshops—all taught by a talented lineup of local fiber artists.
Technology & Design Offerings
For those looking to learn new digital skills, Web Design and 3D Printing & Modeling classes offer beginner-friendly introductions to coding, layout, and hands-on tech creation. These small group sessions are ideal for middle schoolers who want to mix creativity with future-ready skills.
Photography Classes
Local photographer Frank Perez is back with both beginner and advanced photography classes. Students will learn camera basics in Photography Basics: Session 1, while more experienced participants can capture Kansas City’s skyline in a special Nighttime Cityscapes class on June 21.
Creative Workshops for Adults
Looking for a fun, artsy outing? Try Chirp n’ Slurp, a new adult class where participants paint native birds on wooden birdhouses while sampling a curated wine selection—no art experience necessary. Or sign up for the Felting Fiber Art Class, a twoevening workshop for teens and adults that blends color, texture, and imagination into wool-based works of art.
Get Involved:
Most classes require advance registration, and spots are limited—especially for tech and textile workshops. Prices vary, with discounted rates available for Lumberyard members.
To register or view the full course catalog, visit www. lumberyardartscenter.org/ courses.
With opportunities for youth, adults, families, and creatives of all kinds, this summer at the Lumberyard Arts Center is shaping up to be one of the most enriching and inclusive yet. As organizers put it: “Art belongs to everyone— and there’s room for you here.”
50+ Coffee & Donuts
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH BCRC CELEBRATING HERITAGE: FIVE COMMUNITY EVENTS AWARDED FUNDING IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
This Friday is the 3rd Friday of the month— join us at 9:00 AM at the Community Center for coffee, donuts, and great conversation! No registration required.
Youth Camp Deadlines Approaching Registration for Tennis Camp and Golf Camp closes Friday, May 23— some sessions are nearly full, so don’t wait to grab your spot!
Summer Cornhole League
New this year: Cornhole games will be played Friday evenings indoors at the Community Center— rain or shine! Teams must be 18+. Sign up today and toss like a boss.
Pool Opening Day –May 26
Enjoy free admission to the Baldwin City Pool on opening day! Please note: season passes must be purchased or renewed at the Community Center or by calling 785-5943670—not at the pool.
Learn more and register online at baldwinrec.org or call 785-594-3670.
Five community events will receive a total of $24,000 in funding from the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council’s new Heritage Events and Celebration Fund program.
The recipients and award amounts are:
The St. John Mexican Fiesta, $5,667
We Remember: Lawrence Annual Día de Muertos Celebration, $5,667
Juneteenth Celebration 2025, $5,666
Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation Annual Blintz Brunch, $3,000
Vinland Fair, $4,000
Approved by the Board of County Commissioners in the 2025 budget, the Heritage Events and Celebrations Fund is a new Douglas County program administered by the Heritage Conservation Council (HCC) to support annual events that celebrate our county’s living heritage.
As supported by HCC’s strategic vision to support local heritage organizations and honor Douglas County’s under-told heritage stories, the program is designed to support event organizers for up to three years to sustain and enhance community events.
This year, $24,000 in funding was available to support the program. Of the total funding available, $4,000 was earmarked specifically for support of the Vinland Fair, a previous recipient of Douglas County Community Partner funding.
HCC received 12 applications, requesting a total of $77,815.
CHOIR STARS TAKE THE STAGE
Story by Lillian Crites, BHS Journalism
The BHS choir hosted their annual Starstruck performance on Saturday, May 10. It was BHS choir director Rachel Naughtin’s final performance at BHS before transitioning to her new role at Lawrence High School.
Starstruck wasn’t just any choir performance—it was a full show. “I was so excited to see the camaraderie among these students and watch them perform for everybody,” Naughtin said.
The show began at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. for the distribution of choir awards and letters.
Starstruck was all about the seniors. Each senior had the opportunity to perform a solo or duet for their “senior song.” “I was most excited to sing one more time at BHS with my classmates,”
senior Issac Taylor said.
Purple Choir, Silver Choir, and Concert Choir all had songs in the program.
“The environment of Starstruck was so fun. Everybody was so hype to perform and got the audience and performers excited,” said Purple Choir and Concert Choir member Maddi Cooper.
Senior Niella New, who watched Starstruck last year, attended again. “I liked the solos and duets. I remember Carson and Saturn’s duet, and I really liked it—it sounded really pretty,” New said.
Freshman Addie Wright had never been to Starstruck before but went this year to watch. “I was most excited to see my friends and classmates perform and do what they enjoy,” Wright said.
PASSPORT TO PERU: BHS SPANISH STUDENTS SET FOR CULTURAL ADVENTURE
Story by Macy Miller, BHS Journalism
Trips have always been enjoyable, with BHS taking trips out of the country. The Spanish teacher, Katie Marten gives information about this upcoming Spanish trip and how long it’s been going on for.
“The Spanish and French trips were going well before I started working at Baldwin. Ms. Moreau started the trips. Spanish travels in even years, and French travels in odd years,” Marten said.
“Since I’ve been at Baldwin, we’ve gone to Costa Rica three times, Panama, and Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. I can’t pick a favorite.Some of my favorite memories are because of the people, not necessarily the places,” Marten said.
“I have way too many fond memories,” Marten said. “Like I said before, it’s the students and their camaraderie that make the trips worthwhile.”
“The best parts of the trip are watching students come out of their shell and develop their confidence, not just with the language. I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to Machu Picchu,” Marten said.
Many activities lined up to do, Marten explained what activities will be done while in Peru.
“Day 1, arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel. Day 2,spend time getting to know the city cap off the day with
a performance of music and danzas folklóricas from the various regions of Peru. Day 3, start the day with a visit to some of the ancient archeological sites near Cusco,” Marten explains.
“Day 4, take in sweeping views of the Sacred Valley as you head to the Salinas de Mara salt flats, a unique spot that has served as a source of the mineral since Inca times. Then visit the circular terraces of Moray. On the way back to Cusco, experience a textile workshop in Chinchero to learn about the traditions of naturally dying the brightly-colored wool for which the area is known.Day 5, board the train for a magical 4-hour train ride along the Urubamba River,” Marten said.
“Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a bus will take you up to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Day 6-10, begin your 5-day Family Stay where you will immerse yourself in the Peruvian culture by experiencing everyday life with your host family,” Marten said. “ Day 11, return to Lima and spend some time exploring the capital city before settling into your hotel for the night. Day 12, explore the extraordinary Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco and its catacombs and enjoy your last day in Peru. Day 13, arrive back in the United States.”
USD 348
NEW DASHBOARD PROVIDES REAL-TIME DATA ON HOMELESSNESS
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Douglas County and the City of Lawrence, in partnership with the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition, have launched a public dashboard displaying data on homelessness in Douglas County. The tool, updated monthly, offers realtime insights for those working on the community’s five-year strategic plan to end chronic homelessness, A Place for Everyone. The dashboard is available at dgcoks.gov/aplaceforeveryone.
“Douglas County has been a Built for Zero community since March 2020, focused on ending chronic homelessness,” Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur said. “A foundational part of this work is having quality data, so we know who
is experiencing homelessness in real time.”
The dashboard tracks individuals enrolled in homelessness services within the past 90 days, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, safe haven and street outreach. However, it may not capture all individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those not engaging with service providers.
In March 2025, 589 individuals were documented as experiencing homelessness, with 79 exiting the system while 46 entered or returned to homelessness. The dashboard provides detailed data on adults, families, youth, chronically homeless individuals and veterans, as well as usage statistics for Lawrence’s emergency shelters - the
Lawrence Community Shelter and The Village.
The data comes from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and is collected through the Kansas Balance of State Continuum of Care’s HMIS enrollment process.
The A Place for Everyone plan is a component of the 2024-2029 Community Health Improvement Plan, with Jolicoeur and Brandon McGuire, Assistant City Manager, City of Lawrence, serving as conveners. They emphasized that the dashboard will help inform local investments in affordable housing and supportive services while providing a clearer picture of both the challenges and progress in connecting
people to stable housing.
“Ending chronic homelessness in Douglas County requires a coordinated system of resources in which many organizations work together,” Jolicoeur said. “These systems help us gather a clearer picture of where things stand so we can work toward functional zero.”
For more information about A Place for Everyone, visit: dgcoks.gov/ aplaceforeveryone.
###
Contact: Karrey Britt, Communications and Media Coordinator, Douglas County, kbritt@dgcoks.gov | City of Lawrence Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.org
COMMUNITY VOICES
THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY
DEAR HOMEKEEPER
By Cat Henry
Don’t you think May particularly invites the opportunity to create a space where love lingers and life unfolds? It opens with blossoms and ends with flags. It’s a time to remember to keep company with those who have shaped us, even in their absence. That can hold sorrow and celebration in the same breath. May isn’t only about what we celebrate, but it’s about who we carry.
Of course, for this month, I am referring to Mother’s Day, graduations, and Memorial Day. Other milestone events included in May are school and seasonal ones like prom, end-of-year student showcase concerts, and special Teacher Appreciation.
This month’s pace and pattern remind me of the stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, packed with transitions, watershed events, and emotion, often layered back-to-back. It makes the month feel both full and fleeting.
Because keeping a home is never just about order or style, I return to the same thought: our homes are more than just shelter. They’re containers of the meaning of places where we celebrate, grieve, remember, and begin again. The heart of homekeeping isn’t in what we do,
but in what we make space for.
We mark occasions with celebrations to help create lasting memories, strengthen connections, and honor important people and events associated with our family. Celebrations bring people together, offering joy, reflection, and a sense of significance to life’s moments, big or small. They also reinforce traditions and give us a break from routine, making special events feel even more meaningful.
During the pandemic, my daughter became the master maker of balloon arches. One of my g-kids has a birthday in May. The balloon arch served as the backdrop for a digital virtual event our family attended as part of a birthday celebration while still quarantining. She still uses her skill in creating a festive atmosphere with these balloon arches while hosting birthday parties done “live” in her home.
This upcoming weekend, the traditional graduation caps will be flying at the local high school and college graduation events. School color themes, banners and signs, photo displays, or maybe some old yearbooks, or even a balloon display of giant numbered balloons (2025) may make their way into your decorating if this milestone event is part of your life.
This year happens to be one where I live in the peripheral view of such celebrations. When this happens, I
make it known to my friends that I have space for their overflow of guests should they need be. I remember the thoughtful offer (that was accepted) when a neighbor once did this for a family member attending my daughter’s wedding celebrations.
Aside from the fresh towels, clean sheets, maybe simple snacks, I will make sure I have some “survival” stuff on hand. I go so far as to provide such a person with a survival kit. It is a small, thought-out bundle of practical items often overlooked while packing for their trip. It’s a convenient way to help those attendees stay comfortable, fresh, and prepared during their visit. This could include items like stain remover wipes, mints, bandages, small tissue packs, lip balm, hand sanitizer, or sunscreen.
My first survival kit experience was actually more like a workplace treat. A supervisor once created candy “Rebus Messages” for our team with clever phrases using the brand name candy as part of the message. This idea extends itself to a great gift card for almost any occasion, including one for the Graduate. The idea is to give physical candy along with a greeting. Such greetings could be:
“You’re a SMARTIE who always goes the EXTRA (the gum) mile.” or “Don’t SNICKER at how far you’ve come, bask in the JOY of your accomplishment,”
Maybe that’s what May really holds: a special day that each one of us can observe or a day that echoes someone dear. It is part of a season that reminds us of moments we carry. It’s a month where memory and meaning share the same space in our homes.
Until next time, warmest regards. Cathenry.ch@gmail. com
P.S. Homekeepers know that love lingers here.
KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW
By Jeanine Ross
How often have you heard people say something along the lines of “You can’t tell me nothing cause I’ve seen it all!” Or “I know what I know and that’s all I need to know!” Or “If I don’t know it by now, it ain’t worth knowing.”
My bet is that you’ve heard these things or something like it your whole life. I know I have. What I didn’t know is that it actually shaped the way I viewed life until I decided I wanted to know what I didn’t know. When you know what you don’t know, you realize you don’t know anything at all!
I may have mentioned that I have a lot of pastors and ministers in my family. A pastor is someone that has a congregation and a minister is someone that is in training for a congregation.
Anyway, I have found that when you ask a person of the cloth a religious question that they don’t know the answer to, they will often say “God works in mysterious ways.” Well, that just wasn’t satisfactory to me. So, I asked why? I was always that kid that adults would say, “children should be seen and not heard.” To which I would say “Why? Are you afraid of us?” Yep, I was my mother’s nightmare child!
But I digress. Anyway, instead of a clergy person saying, “I’m not sure, let’s find out together” or “That’s a good subject for bible study” or “Read this chapter,
and that verse and let’s talk about it.” No! They tried to shoo me away or make me feel like I shouldn’t question God. As a result, for a good part of my life I thought there were questions I should not ask or answers I should not seek or thinking outside the collective societal box was wrong and it made me weird. Shame on those powers that be!
The truth is, to know what you do not know is powerful! It keeps you seeking and trying new things and asking yourself the tough questions. When you live your life seeking, you will always find something unexpected that leads you to something you didn’t know existed which takes you to a place you never imagined!
But first you have to acknowledge that you don’t know. You have to understand that just because our parents, or our favorite religious leader or grandma and grandpa say it’s true, doesn’t mean it is. Or maybe it is true but only a small part of the truth and there is so much more to know about it. When you know what you don’t know, you live your life with an open mind that is always curious about what lies beyond. I can tell you from first hand knowledge that when you live your life like that, you are never bored or depressed or afraid of what comes next. Your life becomes an awesome adventure! Join me and watch a whole new world unfold!
So, if you really want to know what I think, “Just Ask Me, I’ll Tell You!”
