BALDWIN CITY LIBRARY ANNOUNCES UPCOMING BOOKTALK DISCUSSION
The Baldwin City Public Library invites the community to its next BookTALK event, part of the statewide Talk About Literature in Kansas program. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 7 p.m., led by facilitator Joanne Janssen, and will focus on Gordon Parks’ powerful novel, The Learning Tree
Gordon Parks, a celebrated photographer, writer, and composer, created a deeply moving and trueto-life story about growing up as a Black man in 20th-century America. The Learning Tree has been hailed by critics and readers alike for its emotional depth and its portrayal of one family’s journey to understand the world around them while striving to
leave a meaningful mark on it.
Copies of the book are available now at the library, and no library card is required to check one out.
The event is open to adults and will be held at the Baldwin City Public Library, 800 7th Street. It provides a welcoming space to engage in thoughtful conversation about literature, culture, and history.
For more information, visit baldwincitylibrary.org or call 785594-3411.
This program is supported by Humanities Kansas and the Friends of the Baldwin City Library, working together to promote community dialogue through books and storytelling.
ALL ABOARD FOR THE MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY AT BALDWIN CITY LIBRARY!
THE BALDWIN CITY LIBRARY IS EXCITED TO WELCOME KEVIN PYLE AND HIS INCREDIBLE MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR! THIS EVENT IS ALWAYS A COMMUNITY FAVORITE, DELIGHTING TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL AGES WITH ITS INTRICATE DETAIL AND REALISTIC SETUP.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE OPEN FOR VIEWING ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES:
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO BALDWIN CITY LIBRARY, LOCATED AT 800 7TH STREET, AND EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF THESE MODEL TRAINS UP CLOSE.
WHETHER YOU’RE A LIFELONG TRAIN HOBBYIST OR JUST LOOKING FOR A FUN OUTING, THIS EVENT IS SURE TO BE A HIT FOR ALL AGES!
ROTATING CROPS THIS FALL CAN SET GARDEN UP FOR SUCCESS NEXT SPRING
Story by Cynthia Domenghin MANHATTAN, Kan.
– This is the gardener’s mantra: Success requires planning.
“To give your plants a healthy start next year,” says Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, “the best practice is to rotate crops within the same family to a different location than where they’re growing this year.”
Crop rotation offers several benefits, according to Domenghini.
“Plants in the same family are typically susceptible to similar pests,” she said. “Some pests overwinter in the soil; some are able to survive on debris. If the same host is available when the pests emerge in the spring, they will be able to continue feeding, and multiply the problem. Crop rotation breaks the cycle of these pests.”
Domenghini added that plants in the same family also have similar nutrient requirements, so rotating crops prevents the soil from becoming depleted of those nutrients. “And, the varied root system depths from one plant family to the next contributes to the health of the soil,” she said.
“Now is the perfect time to make a map of the vegetable garden so you can switch things up when you plant next year,” Domenghini said. “For example, in the location where tomatoes are growing now, avoid planting anything from the Solanacaeae family (such as eggplant, pepper or potato) next year.”
Domenghini said a helpful table of common vegetable crop families and examples of how to rotate these crops is available online in the Kansas Garden Guide, published by the K-State Research and Extension bookstore.
Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.
Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at cdom@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
USD348
BEF HALL OF FAME NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
The Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF) is officially opening the nomination period for the BEF Hall of Fame, with submissions accepted October 1 through December 31, 2025. This is an opportunity for the community to recognize individuals or groups who have made a lasting impact on the USD 348 School District through their contributions in Academics, Arts, Athletics, or Service.
The purpose of the BEF Hall of Fame is to celebrate those who have helped shape Baldwin City schools and their tradition of educational excellence. This includes honoring alumni, former staff, and supporters whose work has enriched the district and inspired others.
“From exceptional educators and talented artists to dedicated volunteers and standout athletes, the Hall of Fame highlights the people who have truly made a difference in our schools and community,” said BEF representatives.
Eligibility
Nominees must have a strong connection to USD 348 through attendance, graduation, employment, retirement, or significant support of the district. Current students and employees are not eligible for nomination.
Candidates can be recognized in one of four categories:
Academics – Contributions to
learning, scholarship, or educational advancement
Arts – Excellence in visual or performing arts
Athletics – Outstanding athletic achievement or support of school sports Service – Dedication to the betterment of Baldwin schools and community
Nomination Process
Anyone may submit a nomination by completing the official nomination form and providing the required supporting materials. Once submitted, nominees will remain in the candidate pool for up to three award cycles, ensuring continued consideration.
The selection committee will review
all submissions after the December 31 deadline. Inductees will be chosen and notified by January 31, 2026, giving families and honorees time to prepare for a special recognition event.
The 2026 inductees will be honored during the BEF Spring Gala, set for Friday, March 27, 2026. This evening celebration will bring together community members, educators, and alumni to celebrate Baldwin’s proud tradition of excellence. Nomination forms and full guidelines are available through the Baldwin Education Foundation. Community members are encouraged to take part by nominating deserving individuals who have left a positive and lasting mark on Baldwin City schools.
BHS SNAP THANKSGIVING PIE FUNDRAISER NOW TAKING ORDERS
The Baldwin High School SNAP program is once again making Thanksgiving a little sweeter with their annual Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser. This popular event offers families the chance to enjoy made-from-scratch pies and cheesecakes from Hometown Pie Company — while also supporting Baldwin High School students. Orders are open now through Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5 p.m., and payment is due at the time of order. Pies will be ready for pickup on Sunday, November 16, between
1 and 3 p.m. in the Baldwin High School parking lot, located at 415 Eisenhower St.
How to Order
Payment Options:
Venmo: @Andrea-Statham
Drop off a check at the BHS office
Mail checks to: 48 E. 1900 Rd., BC, KS (Checks payable to BHS SNAP)
Delicious Options
Fruit Pies – Filled with real fruit — no canned
filling — for that just-like-grandma-made taste. These pies come ready to bake so you can serve them fresh from your own oven.
Cream Pies – Simply thaw and serve! Each one is topped with light, fluffy whipped topping, perfect for a no-fuss dessert.
Cheesecakes – Rich, dense New Yorkstyle cheesecakes, handmade and baked to perfection. Just thaw and serve for an
effortless and indulgent treat.
This fundraiser is a perfect way to save time in the kitchen during the busy holiday season while supporting Baldwin High School’s SNAP program. Supplies are limited, so don’t wait to place your order and secure your holiday desserts.
To place your order, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3zkyuh7k
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE REC?
October Activities Calendar:
Our October Activities Calendar, full of FREE fun activities at the Community Center, will be released later this week. Make sure you check it out at our website or grab a physical copy from the Community Center!
Maple Leaf Festival Chill Zone
Join us at the Baldwin City Community Center during the Maple Leaf Festival on Saturday, October 18, for a perfect spot to relax, refuel, and catch all the football action! Stop by anytime between 10:00 AM-4:00 PM and grab some delicious BBQ, kick back, and watch your favorite games on the big screen. Whether you’re taking a break from the festival fun or just looking for a laid-back spot to unwind, we’ve got you covered. See you there!
Maple Leaf Gravel Grind:
Registration for our annual Gravel Grind race is now OPEN! Join us Saturday, October 25, for the best gravel race around. Pick your course length (16, 40, or 70 miles) and take in the beautiful fall scenery around Baldwin City while tackling Signal Oak and the (in)famous Pork Chop Hill. Options for traditional and e-bike riders! Don’t just ride this fall—OWN it. Sign up today!
Maple Leaf Beer, Wine and Spirit Fest:
We’ve got spirit (and wine and beer), how about you? Get ready, Baldwin City—the 5th annual Maple Leaf Beer, Wine and Spirit Festival is coming up on Saturday, October 25, from 2:00PM5:00PM! Sponsored by Maley and Sons Construction, this adult-only event highlights some of the region’s best
breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Tickets include 10 samples, plus light appetizers and a relaxing downtown atmosphere complete with live music. Don’t miss out—this event is capped, so purchase your tickets today and enjoy the best fall has to offer!
Adult Volleyball:
Looking for an active AND competitive fitness option this fall? We have two great adult volleyball options! Both leagues runs November through midDecember with a ten-game season guarantee. Check out the details below to see which option best fits you and your friend group.
Co-Ed 6v6 League:
Grab some friends and form a team to play Sunday evenings starting at 4:00PM. Just make sure you have the right ratio—teams must be able to maintain a minimum of 3 women and 2 men on the court at all times.
Women’s 3v3 League:
NEW this year, we’re offering a 3-on-3 women’s league! Games will take place Sunday afternoons starting at 1:00PM.
Registration for Youth Basketball:
Dribble, shoot, score—registration for youth basketball is now open! We have Biddy Basketball (K/1st grade) and 2nd grade clinics for our younger residents and 3rd-6th grade leagues for upperelementary players. No matter the level, we are committed to teaching the game of basketball in a fun, competitive, and instructional atmosphere. Keep those kiddos active during the cold winter months and sign them up today!
Recently, I stayed in someone else’s home for 14 days. I usually adhere to the adage that, is similar to fish, overstaying guests begin to smell after 3 days. But this was a stay I couldn’t avoid. When I first walked in, I was reminded that a house carries its own scent. The occupants, smokers, did so outside, so the interior held no trace of cigarettes or their smoke. Still, a faint mustiness greeted me: the old-house smell of still air, settled dust, and fabrics that had absorbed years of living. Not offensive, just heavy.
Living in a historical home, I am very sensitive to that smell. I like the smell of old basements and even old books. Admittedly, it’s quirky but I stick my nose to the inside of a book’s open pages (when no one is looking!) to the binder to sniff an old book. It transports me back to that time in a historical novel.
Homekeepers know that the strongest human scent tied to memory is the sense of smell itself. The atmospheres described here are observations, without judgment on the people or environment.
The home mentioned above was lovingly decorated. Meanwhile, the initial greeting was a stale, old-house smell that is usually a mix of still air, settled dust, and fabrics that have quietly absorbed years of living. It carries a faint mustiness, almost like a closed book or a chest that hasn’t been opened in a while. Sometimes there’s a trace of damp wood or plaster behind it, the scent of rooms that have gone too long without a breeze. It isn’t sharp or pungent, just a lingering heaviness that hangs in the air and makes the space feel tired until fresh air or light livens it up again. It reminded me of an old theater playhouse I frequent with this musky smell that bombarded you when you entered. Funds were eventually raised to clean the theater’s carpet, fixing the problem.
Not every odor is exclusive to being in an old establishment. There’s a house I visit weekly for farm produce. Less than a half a dozen friendly pets
hang together on the front porch with their hellos to greet me on scheduled pickups. But the initial greeting is the telltale smell of animal urine.
Friends have stayed with me, leaving their perfumed scent lingering in their guest room once they’ve left. Perfume rarely smells the same an hour after it’s applied. The pleasant top notes fade, leaving the heavier base notes that can feel cloying or stale. It takes effort, even after cleaning and washing linens, to freshen the air again.
Being chronologically gifted, in my age, my olfactory sense should be diminishing. But it seems keener. Age, gender, and genetics influence how we detect smell.
The human sense of smell detects airborne molecules through the nose and helps the brain recognize danger, appreciate flavors, and connect experiences with vivid memories and emotions. If the brain paid equal attention to all these smells, it would be overwhelmed. Scent receptors and the brain adapt. After continuous exposure, the brain filters out “background smells.” You become nose blind. The benefit is we’re more likely to notice smoke, gas, and the like that is out of place through this filtering.
Most people can recall powerful scented memories: locker rooms, leather shops, old libraries, and the mothball aromas from closets. We can reset these aromas. Step outside, then return with a fresh nose for observations of unwanted smells. Open windows daily, wash linens, clean carpets, and trash cans instead of masking odors with fragrances. Discretely placed bowls of baking soda, charcoal, or vinegar tucked away absorb odors.. Use natural scents, like coffee, cinnamon, and citrus, to brighten the air. And when in doubt, ask a friend for honest feedback on your home scent.
As we head into the season of closing our homes up against the colder weather, it’s worth remembering: every home carries its own signature scent. Awareness helps us tend not only to our environment and personal hygiene but ourselves and others.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry. ch@gmail.com
P.S. We live in atmospheres as much as in between walls.
