Entire career revolved around providing and protecting a community and the citizens that reside in it. Have dealt with numerous critical incidents which were of concern to the community I served. I have planned and enacted various critical operations plans to range from community wide events to developing and leading plans on overly sensitive and highly dangerous police operations.
Northwestern University School of Leadership and Supervision
Kansas Chief’s of Police Association Leadership Academy
FBI LEEDA Graduate
FBL Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Graduate
Throughout my career I attended other leadership courses too numerous to mention.
In 2007 I spearheaded and introduced a new Field Training Program for officers. This program was later adopted by several other agencies in the KC metro area.
My leadership and experience dealt with having worked on individual department budgets, city wide budget, capital improvement programs, written and administered federal and state grants. I have worked with numerous city councils and communities in solving problems and directing the safety of the community.
Community Service/ Volunteerism
Although I have never belonged to a formal civil organization, I spent my entire career trying to mentor youth who are headed towards a life of bad choices. I am proud of those teens I have mentored.
What is your motivation for running for the office?
Baldwin City is facing challenges along several fronts. Taxes, growth, electrical issues, main water lines, maintenance of infrastructure etc.
We need a Mayor and City Council who examines these challenges
and are prepared to deal with those issues. By being in front of the problems instead of being behind them.
What is one major issue
Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
Leadership. Baldwin City is currently rudderless in leadership. At this point and time only an individual who has actual leadership experience across several disciplines can correct some of the issues Baldwin City faces. Furthermore, I have no personal interest in making financial gains off the growth or development of the city. I would serve solely in the best interest of the community.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
Growth is coming to Baldwin City. It is inevitable. My vision is to have controlled sustained growth while maintaining and promoting the culture of the community. Along with developing its infrastructure.
What personal characteristics and/or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to city office?
I have spent my entire working career dealing with various individuals, situations, and crises. I know and understand human nature. Many times, the choice of words or your actions can be the difference between solving a problem or inflaming the situation even further. I can and have navigated serious situations. This career experience is applied in the mayor’s office. I am always easily approachable to any and every one in our city.
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
If elected mayor, it would be my full-time job. I would be able to commit a substantial portion of my time to the position and the citizens of Baldwin City. Any action I take in the mayor’s position would be done with the best interest of the community in mind.
As a Kansas State Trooper, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to work in the Kansas House of Representatives which allowed me to learn the process of how our State passes Legislation and understand the legal processes that are involved. Further, this position instilled in me the desire to want to serve the community and understanding how service can impact the lives of others.
As a business owner, I managed the budget for the company which allowed me to gain a strong understanding of budgeting and the intricacies of cash flow and importance of balancing a budget with the needs of our customers and staff. Further, I gained the knowledge and confidence to work with various individuals towards a common goal.
My law school experience allowed me to gain further knowledge in the construction of laws and the operations of the legal system within the local, state and federal governments.
Community Service/Volunteerism
Baldwin Education Foundation Board member
Baldwin City Planning Commission
Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Baldwin Economic Development
Washburn Law Mentor
Washburn Law Ambassador
What is your motivation for running for the office?
Baldwin City has made enormous progress in recent years with our events, sidewalks, community center and public safety services. I want to build upon that and continue to move Baldwin forward while providing the level of professional services that our community has come to expect.
What is one major issue Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
Our number one issue is replacing our water line to Lawrence along with finding a secondary water source. Water will be one of the most important commodities to small communities in the future. We currently have only one water source feeding our water system in Baldwin. While we have made gains in this area, through negotiating with Edgerton to provide us water if/when it is feasible, we still must continue moving in the direction of obtaining a secondary water source while maintaining our current supply line from Lawrence. I have discussed this issue with Congressman Schmidt’s office and will continue to work with the federal and state governments to gain a federal
or state grant to assist with the cost of constructing and maintaining our supply lines. Working with our state and federal partners will assist us in obtaining funding that will not put all the strain on our citizens.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
My vision is to continue to build upon the family friendly atmosphere that we have all grown to appreciate. Further, I envision to continually make educated decisions that assist the city with bringing in revenue from other sources, like grants for various projects, which helps to remove the burden from our residents. Thinking outside the box when we are discussing projects, has helped secure millions of dollars for various grants for projects in our community.
Finally, my vision is to create a community that is conducive to a lifestyle that seniors want to experience, where families want to raise their children and a school district and college that continually grow and thrive within our small community. This includes working to add or attract amenities for healthcare, daycare and other services that our community is missing through sound government policies and working closely with the private sector to attract these services.
What personal characteristics and/or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to city office?
I bring business experience, public service experience, small community values, strong work ethic, love for our community and legal knowledge to the city. These characteristics have allowed me to forge relationships within our community for projects like the community center and assist community members by creating a conduit between citizens and businesses with the city government.
Further, I enjoy helping people, businesses or organizations connect more with our community and out government. We have built strong relationships with Baker and the School District and my relationship building skills have enhanced and maintained those relationships. It is imperative these relationships remain strong, because when Baker and our School District is successful, so is our community.
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
Whether you have agreed with decisions in the past or not, I am always willing to sit and listen to ideas and concerns. I believe in always keeping an open mind and listening to our community members suggestions and ideas. Serving our community is a privilege and I intend to continue to work towards improvements in all areas of our government while maintaining a high level of service to our citizens and businesses.
Contact information:
785-221-7910
COMMUNITY
ROBERT “BOB” FLEGAL
Family: Married (Lauren), child (Caitlin)
Education: BS & MS in Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University MBA for the University of Phoenix Registered Professional Engineer, NM, working on KS reciprocity
Career: Over 30 years in roles ranging from engineer to finance and budgeting to contracts and marketing. Currently acting as corporate engineering and planning subject matter expert for a major resource company
Relevant Experience
Project Management – managed projects from $50k to current work on one in Canada impacting over $65M in capital.
Developed and monitored variance on budgets and corresponding contracts, dealing with over budgets over $300M/year – reading the city’s annual budget is straight forward and understood.
Experienced in geotechnical evaluation and environmental monitoring – knowledge critically important in guiding community decisions and reviewing and contractor and consultant information. Planning – this is my forte. I have overseen shortand long-range planning for operations employing 500+ people and delivering as much as $30M+ in EBIT. Good planning, short-, mid- and long-range, is the only path to success.
Not just industry. I can fix almost anything; cars, engines, fabrication, welding, hydraulics, etc.
Community Service/Volunteerism
Former Board Member and Treasurer for Four Corners Credit Union
Former Board Member of Frontline Missions in Farmington NM
Looking to serve here in Balwin City
What is your motivation for running for the office?
After a long transition and some recent family health issues, I have been blessed with this opportunity to
bring my skills and knowledge to the benefit of our community and feel a need to do so to help lead the community,
What is one major issue Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
Sustainability coupled with planned growth – what does that mean for the citizens of Baldwin City? Maintain our standard of living on all levels and our unique small town atmosphere without losing ground to regional, national and even global impacts, especially inflation, while still planning where we want to be in 5years – 10 years – and beyond.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
This needs to come from the community itself. My wife and I moved to this town because of its warmth and charm. It should be preserved for current and future generations.
At the same time, sustainability requires a plan, be it in the form of growth, investment, marketing –whatever the path. When I look at what’s been done, I see pieces of a plan, initiatives by the city by not a mandated, comprehensive budgeted plan.
The 2023 survey showed overall satisfactory or better ratings with services – is that still valid? I have yet to see a real 5-yr plan for this town – that’s top on my agenda.
There are options, not just “follow the leader” of other towns. Baldwin City’s future is to be decided corporately. We must have solutions for –
• Reliable, affordable energy for the residents,
• Reliable, affordable and clean water,
• Responsive city works and services
Overall, our leadership just has to get better at this!
What personal characteristics and/or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to city office?
As already highlighted, I am highly skilled technically in planning, budgeting, contracts, engineering, marketing, etc., but also practiced in negotiation and leading teams. Being a part of a high performing team, delivering on promises made – that what I want rot bring to council..
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
We need to participate. At the very least vote. Becoming an active member in the community is one of the reasons I’m running for office. It’s everyone’s responsibility to be involved and this is one of the best ways I think I can contribute to the community I now call my home. Participation is not about back-biting and negative interactions on social media; it’s about positive impacts and lifting up our neighbors, their way-of-life and the town.
Family: Married (Mindy), 3 children (Mya, Cooper, Emersyn)
Education: 2004 BHS Graduate, completed college courses, then entered the trade field.
Career: 10 years at Baldwin City Recreation Commission (BCRC) as Maintenance Supervisor
Relevant Experience: Lifelong resident of Baldwin City, worked closely with the city on many projects through BCRC.
Community Service/ Volunteerism: Coaching BCRC and USD 348 athletics
What is your motivation for running for the office?
I’m running to help keep Baldwin City affordable and welcoming for all residents. My focus is on expanding affordable housing options, supporting every member of our community, and ensuring strong, transparent communication between residents and the City Council.
What is one major issue
Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
One major issue is replacing the water line from Lawrence to Baldwin. This is a significant infrastructure project, and we must begin planning now to complete it with minimal financial impact on citizens. I will work
closely with city staff and public works to develop a responsible, cost-effective solution.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
I envision Baldwin City as a growing, thriving, and affordable community that residents are proud to call home. My goals include reducing utility costs sustainably, supporting thoughtful development that benefits everyone, and completing the City Lake project, which I currently chair, to provide a valuable asset for residents and visitors.
What personal characteristics and/or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to city office?
As a current City Council member, I bring experience, knowledge of ongoing and future projects, and a strong sense of responsibility. I am approachable, level-headed, and committed to listening to residents’ concerns. I strive to see current initiatives through while building a stronger future for Baldwin City.
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
I will always prioritize the best interests of Baldwin City and its citizens. My roots run deep here, and I care deeply about the future of our town and future generations. I am dedicated to working every day toward a brighter, stronger Baldwin City for all.
Diploma, Certified Public Manager, KU school of Public Management.
Career: 45 years in Municipal Government.
Relevant Experience: Municipal utility management, retired in July 2024 as Director of Utilities for City of Ottawa, KS.
Community Service/ Volunteerism:
Three terms serving on the Water Environment Federation Board of Directors; Past President of the Iowa Water Environment Association as well as served on several committees for the Kansas Water Environment Association and the Kansas section of the American Water Works Association. I currently volunteer, one day a week, in the office of the Franklin County Cancer Foundation, Ottawa, KS.
What is your motivation for running for the office?
The opportunity to apply my 45 years of municipal utility experience, gained through working for six different communities ranging in population size from 10,000 to 40,000 residents. I am extremely motivated to help Baldwin City to flourish while still maintaining its current charm.
What is one major issue
Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
The single largest issue facing Baldwin City is how to continue providing the high quality of services
the residents deserve and have come to expect in the face of rising inflationary costs. I hope to be able to address these rising costs in the most effective, efficient and transparent way possible.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
My vision for Baldwin City is to see growth while maintaining its current small-town charm. This includes a quaint yet vibrant downtown, excellent quality of life in our community and the continuation of the safe environment we have all come to expect.
What personal characteristics and/or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to city office?
Throughout my career I have been faced with having to make many tough decisions. I have always, and will continue as a City Councilperson, to make those decisions fully informed, always researching all possible answers while analyzing what both short term as well as long term effects those decisions will have on the entire community.
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
I would like all the residents to know that I will always make informed, transparent decisions on their behalf. If I feel a topic has not been fully researched for a decision to be made, I will postpone my decision until all possible consequences have been reviewed. I truly believe a well-informed delayed response is always better than a quick uninformed response.
Family: Married (Brian) 6 kids (a blended — 3 hers and 3 his)
Education: JCCC (Johnson County Community College)
Career: Executive Assistant / Photographer / Business Owner of a web-based retail business
Relevant Experience: Served two terms as Baldwin City Councilwoman
What is your motivation for running for the office?
My motivation stems from Baldwin’s current positive trajectory, which includes new neighborhood development, plans for muchneeded brick street repairs, and incentive programs for builders and homeowners such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and RHID. I’m eager to support these efforts while also focusing on fiscal responsibility to manage spending in the coming years and offset rising costs.
Additionally, I’m motivated by the need to address low-income housing challenges and by my deep commitment to Baldwin City. I want to preserve our town’s unique character, charm, and connectedness while embracing forward-thinking solutions to ensure Baldwin reaches its full potential.
What is one major issue Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
Baldwin City needs economic growth to expand the tax base, which means continuing incentives for both builders and new homeowners. A significant challenge is the limited retail space, as the city is currently at or near capacity. Without additional retail space, sustained growth is difficult, and incentives remain necessary to keep progress moving forward.
Increasing retail space would bring higher tax revenues. Another key issue is managing costs,
as prices for goods and services continue to rise — including electricity rates. Minimizing expenses in the coming years will be critical to strengthening financial reserves and maintaining stability.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
In 5–10 years, I envision Baldwin experiencing steady population growth, which will increase property tax revenue and help lessen the overall burden on citizens.
This growth will also lead to new businesses opening, boosting sales tax revenue and strengthening our local economy. Throughout this progress, Baldwin will maintain its unique character and charm thanks to an engaged and interconnected community.
My hope is that the upcoming brick street project at 8th and High will help us secure future grants, allowing additional brick street installations to continue over the next decade — improving both the appearance and functionality of our community.
Personal characteristics and abilities that qualify you for city office:
I am diplomatic, level-headed, and a strong listener. Having served eight years on the City Council, I bring valuable knowledge about how the city operates, along with insights into its strengths and weaknesses.
Historical perspective is crucial when making decisions, and my experience allows me to carefully weigh past results. I don’t have a personal agenda or ego driving me — I simply love learning and representing our city as a strong female voice.
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
I care deeply about Baldwin City. While I know a third term might seem like a lot, it’s hard to step away when the city is making such positive strides.
We have a strong group of candidates running, and I encourage voters to reach out to all of us with thoughtful questions. Please research each candidate carefully to find the one who best represents your values and vision for Baldwin City.
My passion for this town is unwavering. I’m always eager to engage in discussions — whether you call, text, email, or stop me at the grocery store. I want to listen to your ideas and work collaboratively to shape a brighter future for Baldwin City.
Family: Married (Brooke) Proud father of four (two boys and two girls), with a lively home that also includes two dogs and two cats.
Education: Graduate of Free State High School, Completed advanced medical training through the Army Medical Command, becoming both an Army Medic and Practical Nurse
Career: Army Reserves (2009–present): Served in multiple leadership roles during missions across the globe, Nursing (2012–2022): Dedicated a decade to patient care and community health, Product Owner/Manager, Centene Corporation (2022–present): Oversee multimillion-dollar portfolios in advanced IT solutions
Relevant Experience:
Leadership has been a consistent theme throughout my life. Whether coaching my kids’ soccer teams, leading medical missions and Army units, or managing high-level projects in the corporate sector, I strive to combine compassion with innovation. My strengths in problem-solving, technology, and community-minded service help me face challenges head-on and foster collaboration.
Community Service/Volunteerism: Service has always been at the heart of who I am. From playing drums in my childhood church to participating in mission trips, community outreach, and youth leadership programs, I’ve spent much of my life giving back. My time in nursing, the military, and various community initiatives has only deepened my appreciation for this life — and my belief that gratitude is best expressed through service to others.
What is your motivation for running for the office?
My decision to run for City Council was twofold:
1. I believe my leadership experience — in both military and corporate settings — and my practical and technical skills can serve Baldwin City well.
2. When I filed to run, no other candidates had publicly declared. I wanted to ensure our community had a choice in representation. I’m glad to say that’s no longer a concern — today, we have five strong candidates running.
What is one major issue Baldwin City is facing currently and how would you address it?
One challenge I’ve observed is a growing sense of disconnect between some citizens and local government — and sometimes even with each other.
My approach is rooted in uniting people, listening openly (even to those I may disagree with), operating with honesty and compassion, and prioritizing clear communication. These qualities are essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring all citizens feel heard, respected, and represented.
What is your vision for Baldwin City 5-10 years in the future?
I love Baldwin City just as it is, but I know growth and change are inevitable. In the years ahead, I envision a community that:
● Continues to attract visitors through events and attractions, supporting both local businesses and our economy
● Faces rising costs of living with solutions grounded in care and collaboration
● Maintains the charm, diversity, and togetherness that make Baldwin City special
● Welcomes new businesses that provide strong local job opportunities, without compromising our small-town character
What personal characteristics and/ or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to city office?
I bring proven leadership, resilience, technical and practical expertise, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service that have helped me overcome many challenges across the multitude of paths that I’ve walked.
What is one thing you’d like voters to know?
I care deeply about Baldwin City and its people. I believe we can weather any storm — but only if we do it together. If I earn your vote, thank you. If I don’t, thank you as well. Exercising our right to vote is one of the greatest privileges we share, and I encourage everyone to make their voice heard.
One of the most challenging things we as humans have to do is release those things that no longer serve us. In general, we unconsciously carry around everything we were ever taught by our parents, society, our friends and other relatives and without examining it, we believe it’s true. We incorporated it into our belief system because someone we loved told us it was true as children, and we never even consider examining it for validity! We’re all guilty of that, especially if it came from our parents. We simply assume it is the truth and live our lives accordingly. But what if, though it was true for them, it is not true for you?
I believe that we find ourselves in conflict with ourselves because of things we were taught as children that have never been examined, so as you begin to come into your own belief system, if it is different than everybody else’s and you’ve never examined or even considered examining what those things are, your mind can become conflicted on a subconscious level causing turmoil in ways that confuse and frighten us. Including self-destructive habits we just can’t seem to break or selfsabotaging behaviors that keep us on a hamster wheel of repeated failure.
Some of us refuse to question what we were taught and instead justify that confusion with phrases like “my whole family does it that way,” or “it was the way I was raised,” or “it was good enough for my parents, so it’s good enough for me.”
Every single one of those phrases screams fear! If momma and daddy
didn’t know everything, then who am I? It never occurs to most of us that what was right for mom and dad may not be right for us because we have the right to have our own value system even if it is the exact opposite of our parents!
Be honest, have you ever questioned why you believe what you believe? Is it because you were told it was right, or because you’ve examined the reason someone believed it and decided you believe it too? In most cases, we not only haven’t examined it, but opening our minds to the possibility that what we were taught could be in direct conflict to what our soul believes is just too terrifying to consider.
Well, the only question here is, do you want to know? Do you want to live your life according to your true, authentic self or with the words that shaped you as child? Are you brave enough to sit with yourself and tear down the walls of your mind and really look at what is inside?
Well, the truth is, until you do, you will never know who you truly are as opposed to who your influencers told you, you were. And if you don’t know who you are, how can you love yourself? And if you can’t love yourself, how can anybody else love you? How can you truly love your spouse or your children it you’ve never examined what love means to you. Not what your parents told you love is, but what it is to you.
Open your mind, look inside and discover the wonderful, magnificent, unique person that is you! Enjoy the journey as you discover your authentic self!
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins with “Thinking Outside the Box!”
WANT TO ADVERTISE?
EVENTS EVENTS
September 17 BookTALK
Baldwin City Library 7:00 p.m.
September 19
Friends of the Library Annual Mum Sale
Baldwin City Library
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
September 19 Third Friday Market
downtown Baldwin City 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
September 20
Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market
near Sullivan Square 8:00 a.m. - 10:30/11:00 a.m. hornbergerfarms@gmail.com
September 20
Friends of the Library Annual Mum Sale
Baldwin City Library 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
September 20
Live on the Patio Uplift Baldwin 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
September 20
Our Local History Series: Petticoats in Kansas
Baldwin City Library 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
September 20 Santa Fe Trail Historical Society Fall Potluck Dinner and Presentation First United Methodist Church 5:00 p.m.
September 20 Autumn Equinox Celebration Om Grown Yoga + Wellness Collective 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
September 22 Tech Time Baldwin City Library 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Kaw Valley www.douglas.k-state.edu/program-areas/ 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.
November 22
Bingo: A Masquerade Soiree
Hosted by Rainbow Preschool Stony Point Hall
November 22
Baldwin City Trivia Night
Hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce
Baldwin City Community Center Details TBD
Jeanine Ross
COMMUNITY
OBITUARY
PHYLLIS NELSON
NOV. 23, 1938SEPT. 6, 2025
Phyllis Nelson, 86, of Baldwin City, KS died Saturday September 6, 2025 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, Kansas.
She was born November 23, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Stewart Johnson and Helen (Nyberg) Johnson. She later graduated from Blue Island High School in Chicago with the class of 1955. Phyllis would go on to Augustana College in Rock Island, IL where she completed her degree in 1959, majoring in Art.
On July 19, 1958, Phyllis was united in marriage to Victor Eugene “Gene” Nelson at Rock Island, IL. They shared over sixty-four years of loving marriage.
Phyllis worked in the business department at Baker University after her children were older. She eventually became the Financial Aide assistant working in that position for many years until she became the Financial Aide Director at Baker University, retiring in 2008.
Art was always a part of Phyllis and her life. She loved being a member of the Pottery Guild in Baldwin City and spent many years selling her artistic wares at the Maple Leaf Festival. She was also very active in the Lumberyard Arts Center. Later in her life she became an active member of the First United Methodist Church and loved volunteering her time to the church.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Nelson; her parents, Stewart and Helen Johnson and infant brother.
Phyllis is survived by two sons, Jon Nelson and his wife, Dona, Lawrence, KS, Don Nelson and his wife, Rochelle, Carbondale, KS; eight grandchildren, Amy, Cody, Gabriel, Helen, Isaac, Lynnea, Victor Glen, Victor Robert; three step grandchildren, Gary, Nicole and LeighAnn; and eleven great grandchildren.
Funeral Services were 11:00 a.m., Friday September 12, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, Baldwin City, KS. To celebrate Phyllis’s life, a visitation was held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday September 10, 2025 at Lamb-RobertsPrice Funeral Home, 712 Ninth St, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker University Scholarship Fund and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
EASE IN EVERY ROOM
DEAR HOMEKEEPER
By Cat Henry
Every home carries its own character, full of quirks, rhythms, and well-loved corners. Yet certain small touches, I’ve noticed, help life move more smoothly no matter the layout. These are the quiet assistants, the overlooked companions that spare us from needless searching or transform a moment of want into one already met.
Begin with lighting. A lamp or nightlight in each space softens sharp edges and has more than once kept me from stumbling in the dark when I was counting on my night vision only. Along side the glow of light, a throw blanket can be draped nearby over chilled shoulders, as useful as it is inviting.
Next come the simple curated tools of convenience. A wastebasket in every room, preferably with a lid, prevents the spread of crumpled tissues, wrappers, or receipts.
When you come in with the mail, quickly separate out fliers, etc. into the recycling bin from the mail you want to keep. I have a large tray near my main desk for everyday Items like my planning calendar and to place my mail on which makes it easy if I want to transfer it to another room.
Tissues: keeping a box handy in each room is indispensable, since spills, sneezes, and tears rarely confine themselves to one space. A clock, whether propped on a shelf or mounted on the wall, grounds us in time without always tugging us toward our phones or tempting the distractions of a smartwatch.
For peace of mind, I try to keep a small flashlight close by, especially in bedrooms or hallways. A phone charger within reach becomes a kind of lifeline by day’s end. Not in every room, but certainly in my bedroom and around the main living area, I’ve placed a smart device (not the wired in kind) particularly since I live alone. If necessary, I can tell it to call a friend or even 911. Though most of the first-aid kit stays in the bathroom, a few bandages tucked here and there spare me the frantic hunt when they’re quickly needed. A small drawer or covered container also provides invaluable space for tucking away odds and ends.
Which essentials do you often find just out of reach? A pen and notepad in each room can capture a grocery reminder, a fleeting thought, or even a doodle. A coaster or tray protects tabletops
while quietly hinting, “your cup belongs here.” Reading glasses end up being everywhere in my home, but I never begrudge their abundance. A touch of greenery, whether a plant or a sprig of flowers, brings life and cheer even to the most ordinary corners.
It’s handy to keep a basket by a chair to gather magazines, a small book to leaf through, or other reading material for later.
I have some sort of a desk assembly in all the bedrooms, from the days when my kids lived with me, in addition to my main office desk in my home. Over time each desk has gotten stocked with essential supplies.
I never underestimate the use of mirrors and catchall dishes. Every room in my home hangs a strategically placed mirror, not out of vanity, but because they multiply light and space, can reflect a focal point from one room into another, or double the beauty of flowers when placed behind a vase. A catchall dish or tray, whether stationed by the door or resting on a nearby table keeps track of keys, sunglasses, and other little essentials that so easily can be misplaced or disappear.
All these items are neither grand nor costly. They are faithful helpers of everyday living, waiting quietly in their places. Thoughtfully placed throughout the home, they create a natural ease that whispers a convenience, to ourselves first, and then to those who are in that room.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@gmail.com
P.S. Curated comforts transfer the ordinary into thoughtful living.
