In a season when communities often look for ways to connect and support one another, Worden Cornerstone Church is stepping up once again. Now in its second year, the “Worden Loves Baldwin City” initiative is designed to meet a wide variety of needs across the community—from raking leaves and small handyman projects to grocery shopping, housecleaning, and even offering companionship.
Meeting Practical and Personal Needs
The list of services offered is intentionally broad to cover as many community needs as possible. Tasks may range from physical work such as yard care or minor repairs to simply spending time with a neighbor who would enjoy a friendly visit. The focus is on practical support and personal connection, with the goal of brightening lives. The services are free of charge, and any community member is welcome to request assistance.
How Families Are Selected
Because the initiative takes place during a single day of service, the planning
team carefully evaluates requests to ensure that projects taken on can be fully completed. Applications are currently being accepted, and organizers encourage residents to sign up before the October 12 deadline. To apply, residents can call Sharon at 785-893-1300 or Shelly at 785-764-2560, or email wordenlovesbaldwincity@ gmail.com
Volunteers Powering the Effort
The heart of the initiative is its volunteers—around 40 this year, similar to last year’s numbers, representing a wide range of ages and skills. Many volunteers come from within the church congregation, eager to lend their time and talents to support their neighbors. On the day of service, teams will spread out across Baldwin City and nearby areas, tackling projects from yard work and household tasks to providing companionship.
A Vision for the Future
Organizers view this initiative as just the beginning of an ongoing effort. With the success of its first year and the momentum building for year two, the goal is to make “Worden Loves Baldwin
City” a semi-annual tradition. By doing so, the church hopes to expand its reach, involve even more volunteers, and provide meaningful support to additional households in need.
How to Get Involved
Community members who may not need assistance themselves can still play a part. Additional volunteers are welcome, and donations are being accepted to help cover the costs of materials and supplies. Anyone interested in supporting the project can use the same contact information provided for resident sign-ups.
Finding Joy in Service
For the planning team and volunteers, the most rewarding aspect of this initiative has been the enthusiasm and energy surrounding the effort. The process of organizing, preparing, and seeing the community come together has created excitement and encouragement. With its blend of practical help and heartfelt service, the second year of “Worden Loves Baldwin City” is shaping up to be another bright example of neighborly love in action—one yard, one home, and one smile at a time.
25th (November 1 - rain out date) st
ROAD CLOSURE: INTERSECTION OF 8TH AND HIGH TO CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD
The intersection of 8th and High Streets, in the heart of downtown Baldwin City, will close to traffic on Wednesday, September 3rd. All four directions will be completely closed. Truck traffic should take 11th Street if possible, and all deliveries to downtown businesses will need to find an alternative route.
Intersection Renovation Plan
The brick pavers in the intersection will be removed by the company that won the bidding process, Heartstone, Inc., beginning Wednesday, September 3rd. They will replace and reinforce the subbase of the street, and then replace the pavers with a mix of new and old pavers to include a maple leaf pattern, as shown in the diagram below. The crosswalks will remain open on all four sides as much as is feasible, while the intersection itself is closed to traffic.
While parking will still be available downtown through the entire project, please be aware that navigation in the blocks of 8th and High surrounding the intersection will be complicated due to the intersection closure.
CITY OF BALDWIN CITY BALDWIN
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
THE BALDWIN CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE CITY PLAYCORPS AT THE SEPT. 19TH THIRD FRIDAY MARKET.
Slots are in 1 hour increments and volunteers can select one or more slots. Duties, depending on the time volunteered, include unloading and setting up, monitoring play time and keeping the area tidy, packing up and loading the play items.
FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASS OFFERED ON SEPT. 11
Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County is offering a free Women’s Self-Defense Class from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Prime Martial Arts, 1310 Research Park Drive, Suite B. There is no registration, but participants must be at least 13 years old. A $5 donation is appreciated to help fund Crime Stoppers programs.
Participants will learn how to defend themselves with practical techniques in a supportive and empowering environment.
You can submit tips related to crime at anytime by calling 785-843-TIPS (8477) or at the new website: crimestoppersldgco.com.
CITY BEER COMPANY PARTNERS WITH BEF FOR MONTHLY FUNDRAISERS
Baldwin City Beer Company is raising a glass to education by teaming up with the Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF) for a new monthly fundraising effort. Beginning this fall, the brewery will donate 5% of sales each second Tuesday of the month to support BEF’s mission of paving the way for a brighter future for Baldwin students.
The fundraising nights, running from September 2025 through May 2026, create a simple and fun way for the community to give back. Guests can enjoy local brews and food while knowing their purchases are making a direct impact in classrooms. Funds raised will support innovative projects, student opportunities, and teacher initiatives across the district.
The partnership highlights a shared commitment to keeping support local. As BEF notes, “When one of us wins, we all BaldWIN!”
Mark Your Calendars: 2nd Tuesday Fundraising Nights for BEF
Sept. 9, 2025
Oct. 14, 2025
Nov. 11, 2025
Dec. 9, 2025
Jan. 13, 2026
Feb. 10, 2026
March 10, 2026
April 14, 2026
May 12, 2026
For more information, visit bef348.org
SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY
TAILGATING TIPS: FOOD SAFETY SHOULD BE PART OF GAME PLAN THIS FALL
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MANHATTAN, Kan. – As fall sports kick off across the country, fans are taking the summer picnic from the campground to the parking lots with grills, coolers and team spirit.
But with tailgating season underway, Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says the game plan should include four basic food safety steps.
Wash your hands
Keeping hands clean is the first line of defense, Blakeslee said. “When you’re out in a parking lot, you obviously don’t have a sink, so pack a separate jug of water and put some liquid soap in it so that you can get some suds going to help remove dirt,” she said.
Other options include wet wipes or soapy washcloths. Hand sanitizer can help, but only after visibly dirty hands are cleaned. “Hand sanitizer is more effective if you’ve washed your hands first,” Blakeslee said.
Keep hot foods hot, and cold foods cold
Hot foods should be kept at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, and cold foods at 40 F or lower. The temperatures between those two are what’s known as the food safety ‘danger zone.’
Blakeslee suggests slow cookers or other heating units that plug into car outlets for keeping foods warm. At the least, wrap warm foods in towels as you’re walking out the door on the way to the party.
For cold foods, “ice chests come in very handy, and there are many options for ice chests out there now,” Blakeslee said. Bring multiple ice chests to keep raw foods separated from ready-to-eat foods. Consider another cooler for drinks, to avoid having to open food coolers often.
Pack a food thermometer
Checking a particular food’s internal temperature with a food thermometer is the best way to know when that food is cooked safely. Blakeslee said there are three temperatures to remember:
145 degrees Fahrenheit – This is the minimum internal temperature to safely prepare meats like steaks, roasts and chops.
160 F – This is the minimum internal temperature to safely prepare ground meats.
165 F – This is the minimum internal temperature to safely prepare any kind of poultry, including ground turkey burgers.
“There’s been a lot of research done at K-State about determining meat doneness by color,” Blakeslee said. “There are times when the meat’s color will still look red, but it will actually be at the right temperature, and times when it looks done but it’s not at the right temperature yet.”
“A food thermometer is your best friend. Take it and use it.”
Leftovers
As a rule, Blakeslee suggests trying to plan so that there are no leftovers, but if there are, most foods should not be left out for more than one hour.
“Pay attention to that time,” she said. “If it’s nice, you could leave those foods out for two hours, but when it gets a lot hotter, you want to pay closer attention and get those cold foods on ice, and keep those hot foods hot.”
Before heading into the game, pack leftovers on ice.
“If you don’t have enough ice left, then that hot food is just going to sit there and slowly cool down, and that’s not a good thing,” Blakeslee said. “Sometimes it’s best to just let it go and throw it away.”
Blakeslee is also the coordinator of K-State’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science. More food safety tips are available online at https://www.rrc.k-state.edu, and at local extension offices in Kansas.
OBITUARY
JUANITA A. HORAK
JAN. 14, 1928-AUG. 27 2025
Juanita Avonne Horak went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 27, 2025, in Baldwin City, Kansas.
She was born on January 14, 1928, to Lloyd James and Ferne Dora (Nixon) Murphy on a farm near Belleville, Kansas. Less than a year later, her family moved to a farm one mile west of Munden, Kansas, where she enjoyed a happy childhood. After graduating from high school in 1945, Juanita attended Kansas State University and went on to teach elementary school in Republic County, including three years in Munden.
On August 21, 1947, Juanita married the love of her life, John Charles (“Johnny”) Horak, at the United Methodist Church in Munden. They first made their home there while Johnny worked as a Rock Island Depot Agent. In 1954 they moved to Belleville, Kansas, and then to Norton in 1956, where Johnny continued his career with the Rock Island and later the Kyle Railroads. Juanita devoted herself to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She and Johnny shared 63 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children together.
Juanita was a devoted member of Norton United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed playing Bridge with friends, being part of Mendo Club, quilting, and many other activities within the Norton community. After Johnny’s passing, she moved to Vintage Park Assisted Living in Baldwin City in 2017, where she remained an active part of the community. She served as an ambassador welcoming new residents, participated on resident boards, enjoyed outings, learning about the area, and even discovered
new hobbies such as painting. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Johnny, her parents Lloyd and Ferne Murphy, her sister Leta (George) Janasek, brother Eugene Murphy, sister Dee (Bob) Dugdale, sisters-in-law Sylvia (Ray) Weaver, Marcie (Ben) Holloway, Ruby (Pete) Eickmann, and Judy Smith.
She is survived by her daughters Lana (Pat) Hutchens of Eudora, Kansas, and Shari (Greg) Coleman of Wilber, Nebraska, and her son Terry Horak (Kim Gregory) of Marathon, Florida. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Johnathon (Jennifer) Hutchens of Smithville, Missouri; Jen Gibbs of Kearney, Nebraska; Jackie (Ryan) Hoobler of Gardner, Kansas and Chelsey (Barry) Young of Wilber, Nebraska; as well as her great-grandchildren Christine (Andrew Rayburn) and Andrew Gibbs, Brock, Logan, and Colbie Young, and McKennah and Stockton Buck. She is also survived by her brother Jimmy (Carol) Murphy of Belleville, Kansas, sisterin-law Katie Murphy of Franklin, Nebraska, and sister-in-law Donna (Ed) Stehno of Hays, Kansas. And many other family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Belleville, Kansas, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment following the service at Belleville City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Juanita’s memory to the Vintage Park Assisted Living Activity Fund in Baldwin City and to the First United Methodist Church of Norton and may be sent to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 566, Belleville, Kansas 66935.
Juanita lived a life full of faith, grace, and kindness. She was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home of Belleville, KS is assisting the family with arrangements, www. tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com
Story by Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news
THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NEXT MONTH?
BRIDGING THE GAP: A RURAL HEALTH COLUMN
By Marcus Yoakam
You sit in a crowded waiting room, meticulously filling out the same paperwork you’ve seemingly already completed before. Nearby, someone coughs violently, without covering their mouth (of course), while sitting just a bit too close. You wonder why you had to take time off work for this. Then you remember: this was the only appointment they had available, and it takes months to see the provider otherwise.
If this scenario sounds familiar, that’s because it is for far too many people. Why is it that you have to wait so long to see the doctor? In this article, I hope to briefly explain where this inequality comes from and ways to address it.
The main reason why you’re waiting so long to get an appointment is quite simple: there aren’t enough providers or staff in rural areas. Rural communities struggle to attract and retain healthcare professionals due to lower pay, professional isolation, and limited resources. According to a 2023 article from the Association of American Medical Colleges on rural health care, there are approximately three times more physicians in urban areas than rural at 286 vs. 98 per 100,000 population, respectively, or ~349 patients per doctor vs ~1,020 patients per doctor - an astonishing gap. This shortage leads to excessive patient volumes and the challenge is compounded by the fact that rural patients, on average, are less healthy and have more complex medical issues. Furthermore, it is not just physicians who are in short supply. Rural clinics are also understaffed when it comes to nurses, nurse assistants, medical aides, and administrative support. This can contribute to high rates of burnout among staff, who are often forced to wear many hats.
So what can be done to reduce these wait times and improve rural healthcare in general? It starts with making it easier and more appealing for providers to practice in rural settings. This could include things like: More rural hospitals and clinics in medical training rotations, which gives students valuable early exposure to rural medicine,
expanding rural residency programs, which are proven to increase the likelihood that residents stay in the area after their training, and offering stronger loan repayment and financial incentives for those who commit to serving rural populations. Additionally, when recruiting physicians, hospitals should prioritize recruiting families, not just individuals. The spouses, partners, and children of physicians play a crucial role having supported their loved one through more than a decade of intense training. Their needs and sense of belonging matter just as much as the physician’s and this is where rural communities can truly shine.
The draw of rural life is not cowboy hats and spaghetti western cliches, it is personal. It’s about being in a place where distance is measured in minutes and kindness in various baked goods. It’s a sense of belonging, where a casserole travels faster than bad news and saying things like, “I’m fuller than a tick” won’t catch you any sideeyed glances. Hospitals need to emphasize that a rural hospital is not just “an ER with more beds”, it is a pillar of the community offering care, essential services, and a major source of economic strength and opportunity. For physicians and their families, practicing in a rural region provides them the unique opportunity to make real, long-lasting changes in the community almost immediately. However, this kind of impact is only possible when rural hospitals are supported and as of last week, that support is under a very serious threat.
With the recent passing of the Big Beautiful Bill, the state of Kansas alone is projected to lose about $3.897 billion in federal and state Medicaid funding according to FOX News. Additionally, over 13,000 Kansans are expected to lose access to Medicaid leading to higher uninsured rates and placing even more strain on already vulnerable rural hospitals. While the Senate did include a $50 billion rural hospital relief provision to help offset anticipated losses, Kansas hospitals would only receive approximately $811 million. This amount falls well short of the funding that would be lost, leaving a multibillion dollar gap and leaving hospitals at even greater risk of closure. Ultimately, the passing of this legislation will disproportionately affect the low-income, elderly, and chronically ill patients, exacerbating the burden on an already fragile rural healthcare system and making it even more difficult to attract physicians to rural regions.
ABOUT THE WRITER: The Rural Cancer Institute is a non-profit dedicated to rural cancer advocacy, research, and best practices. Marcus Yoakam is a second-year medical student at Kansas City University - Joplin campus, originally from Pittsburg, KS. Prior to medical school, he was an oncology nurse and an English teacher in inner-city France. When he is not trying to relearn the Kreb’s cycle for the umpteenth time, he enjoys cooking, reading, watching nature documentaries, and spending time with his wife, family, friends, and his cat. Marcus hopes to one day practice in Pittsburg, KS and give back to the community that gave him so much. Please send questions, thoughts, and comments to program@ruralcancer.org
THEY MAY BE SPOOKY, BUT SPIDERS ARE BENEFICIAL TO THE GARDEN
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MANHATTAN, Kan. – Many people view spiders as pests, and the fear of spiders is one of the most common phobias among Americans. However, spiders are predators that feed on insect pests in gardens and landscapes.
Kansas State University entomology expert Raymond Cloyd says that spiders feed on insects that may damage ornamental and vegetable crops. Consequently, they should be left alone and encouraged to take up residence in gardens and landscapes.
“There are two common species of garden spiders in Kansas that are active during the day,” Cloyd said. “They are the yellow garden spider and banded garden spider.”
The yellow garden spider has a black abdomen with yellow markings and black legs with a yellow or red band, Cloyd said. The banded garden spider has continuous bands across the abdomen and legs, alternating white and dark with orange and black bands on the legs. Both spiders create large webs in gardens and landscapes.
Garden spiders rely on vibrations that move through the web to indicate that prey have been captured.
Cloyd recommends leaving garden spiders alone because they are beneficial and are not harmful to humans.
Cloyd and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Entomology produce a weekly Extension Entomology Newsletter with information on managing insect and mite pests of landscapes and gardens.
Interested persons can subscribe to the free newsletter, as well as send their insectrelated questions to Cloyd at rcloyd@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
Story by K-State Research and Extension news
COMMUNITY
EVERY FALL THERE’S A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WARNING. THIS TIME IT COULD HAPPEN.
Story by Jennifer Shutt , kansasreflector.com
WASHINGTON — Congress returns to Washington, D.C., this week following an uneventful August recess where little to no progress was made on government funding, even though lawmakers have just weeks left until their shutdown deadline.
leaders will need the support of several Democratic senators to approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1, since lawmakers have once again failed to complete the dozen full-year bills on time.
But what was once a routine bipartisan exercise has taken on heightened stakes, with Democrats and some Republicans increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration’s unilateral spending decisions.
The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has issued several reports faulting the Trump administration for impounding, or refusing to spend funds approved by Congress, in violation of the law. And dozens of lawsuits have been filed, alleging the administration has acted to supersede Congress’ power of the purse.
The ongoing tension, combined with party leaders’ increasing focus on next year’s midterm elections, makes the possibility of a shutdown higher than it has been for years.
President Donald Trump said in midAugust he was open to meeting with Democratic leaders once they were back in town to negotiate a government funding deal but minimized the importance of talks.
“Well, I will, I guess, but it’s almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything,” Trump said.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a letter last week urging Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly begin negotiating a bipartisan stopgap bill.
“The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way,” they wrote. “That is the only viable path forward.”
Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said last week
that she wants to keep advancing the full-year spending bills, but that a shortterm stopgap would be necessary to give lawmakers enough time.
“We need to avoid a government shutdown, which would be horrendous if that were to occur on October 1,” Collins said, according to remarks provided by her office. “And we also need to avoid having a continuing resolution, by that I mean a stopgap bill that just puts government on automatic pilot for the whole year.
“We’re going to have to have a short-term continuing resolution, but we’re making really good progress with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I hope that will continue.”
Another failure
Congress is supposed to complete work on the dozen annual appropriations bills before the start of the new fiscal year but has failed to do so for decades. This year is no different.
The House and Senate are nowhere near finishing their work on the bills, which provide funding for dozens of departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.
The bills, which make up about onethird of federal spending, also fund smaller agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation and the National Weather Service.
The House has approved two of the dozen bills — Defense and Military Construction-VA. The Senate has passed its Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA bills.
The House bills have only been supported by GOP lawmakers, while the Senate’s bills are broadly bipartisan, giving that chamber an upper hand if the two chambers begin conferencing fullyear bills later this year.
Without a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on how much to spend on all of the bills, it’s highly unlikely Congress will be able to complete its work before
the Oct. 1 deadline.
Leaders will instead need to reach agreement on a stopgap spending bill that essentially keeps government funding on autopilot until lawmakers can work out a final deal on the full-year bills.
Thune anticipates ‘big fight’ in September over potential government shutdown
Leaders will instead need to reach agreement on a stopgap spending bill that essentially keeps government funding on autopilot until lawmakers can work out a final deal on the full-year bills.
The calendar doesn’t give Speaker Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Thune, R-S.D., much time to find compromise with their Democratic counterparts.
Both chambers are in session for three weeks at the beginning of September before breaking for Rosh Hashanah. They’ll return to Capitol Hill on Sept. 29 with less than two days to fund the government or begin a partial shutdown.
Thune said in mid-August at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Inside Washington luncheon that he expects lawmakers will “have a big fight at the end of September.”
Last shutdown stretched 35 days
It’s been almost seven years since some federal departments and agencies had to navigate a shutdown, when Congress and the first Trump administration were unable to broker a funding deal before a deadline.
A shutdown this year would have substantially more impact than that 35day debacle since, when that funding lapse began, Congress had approved the Defense, Energy-Water, Labor-HHSEducation, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA spending bills.
The departments and agencies funded by those laws, including Congress, weren’t affected by the shutdown.
Lawmakers have failed to send any of the full-year bills to Trump so far this year, so every department and agency would need to implement a shutdown plan if Congress doesn’t approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1.
Federal employees who deal with the preservation of life and property as well as national security will likely be deemed exempt and work without pay until the shutdown ends.
Workers who are not considered essential to the federal government’s operations would be furloughed until Congress and the president broker some sort of funding deal.
Both categories of employees receive back pay once the lapse ends, though that doesn’t extend to federal contractors.
On to the stopgap
Congress regularly approves a stopgap spending bill in September to gain more time to complete negotiations on the fullyear appropriations bills.
That continuing resolution, as it’s sometimes called, usually lasts until the last Friday in December when both chambers of Congress are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C.
So a September stopgap would likely last until Friday, Dec. 19, assuming the House and Senate can reach an agreement and hold floor votes in the weeks ahead.
Last year, in the lead-up to the presidential election, lawmakers approved a stopgap bill in September that funded the government through mid-December.
Following the Republican sweep of the November elections, GOP leaders opted not to negotiate the full-year bills and used a second stopgap bill to fund the government until March after a raucous 48 hours on Capitol Hill.
Speaker Johnson took a go-it-alone approach on a third stopgap spending bill, leaving Democrats completely out of the negotiations and jamming the Senate with the legislation.
Schumer and several Democrats ultimately helped Republicans get past the 60-vote legislative filibuster, but most voted against actually passing the stopgap.
The dilemma over forcing a shutdown or helping Republicans pass a stopgap bill will resurface for Schumer in the weeks ahead as he tries to navigate another shutdown deadline amid unified GOP control of Washington.
COMMUNITY VOICES/EVENTS
ALIGN DON’T CHASE
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
We all have goals and aspirations, and that’s good. Goals and aspirations keep us moving forward in our lives and give us a focus for our energy. But have you ever felt like the more you chase your goals, the further away they seem? You think you are doing everything right, but for some frustrating reason, you can’t get the results you desire. Why?
What if I told you that chasing a thing only scares it away? What if I told you that it’s your frustration that sends out such negative energy, there is no room to receive the things you desire? Well, that is exactly what I’m telling you!
Remember when you were a little girl or boy with your first crush? If you were a boy you would pull her pigtails or hit her and run, or knock the books from her hands and laugh as they hit the ground. If you were a girl, you would draw him pictures or make him gifts out of construction paper shaped like a heart, or maybe bake him cookies. Then you’d cry when your heart’s desire tried to hide when they saw you coming or told the teacher you were a bully, and you had to stand in the corner.
Well, it’s the same thing! Chasing is not the most effective way to get what you want. Instead of chasing the thing you want, find a way to
align with it. What that means is you have to find the confidence and faith that you are worthy of your heart’s desire. Believing you are worthy is a really big deal, and it may require you to do some thought cleansing. You need to be sure in your heart that what is meant for you is meant for only you, and nobody and nothing can take it from you. Then, when you truly believe that, you wait patiently, knowing it will arrive exactly the way it was meant to. Not necessarily the way you want it to, or when you want it to, but definitely the way it was meant to, and that confidence and inner knowing will open the space needed to receive what you want. Quite possibly even more, and even grander than you could ever imagine. We all have hopes and desires, but we have no idea how much grander it could be if we just let the universe surprise us! That doesn’t mean you can’t ask for what you want. On the contrary! You should ask for what you want and be as specific as possible. Our faith tells us to ASK and it will be given to us; SEEK and you will find; KNOCK and the door will be opened. Then rest in the faithful knowing that it will be given to you in divine time. Wait for it. Expect it every day, but don’t demand it or ask for it over and over again. Just wait and gratefully rejoice that it will arrive in its perfect time!
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
EVENTS EVENTS
September 3, 4, and 5
The Diary of Anne Frank – a play
Darby Hope Theatre
618 Eighth Street, Baldwin 7:30 p.m.
Seats are limited. For tickets, contact theatre@bakeru.edu
Did you have a good weekend over Labor Day? As mentioned here last week, I typically reserve the Labor Day weekend for some simple redecorating to mark the seasonal changes. It can get messy in the process, almost like Christmas with all the bins and boxes, but for me, it ends up giving me a shot of dopamine decorating.
We often think of wellness as something pursued elsewhere, but it can take root in the daily spaces we shape at home. The home is more than a shelter; it’s the daily classroom where health and wholeness are practiced.
My decorating dopamine fix got me to thinking about neurasthenics (neuro = mind, aesthetics = style or vibe). This can involve a person’s fashion, a room’s décor, a social media feel or even a lifestyle that fits a certain visual or an emotional mood. It’s how a room’s décor, even a social media feed, or an idea of a lifestyle carries an effect that feels cohesive and appealing. Environments, after all, shape our physical and mental well-being. Safety and comfort are some of our most basic instincts. Home is our refuge, a sanctuary. It’s where we exhale.
Homekeeper, have you ever noticed how your surroundings influence you? Is there a corner that causes distress? You can revise it. Open floor plans, for example, can mean more noise and visual clutter. A lack of quiet nooks can leave us feeling exposed, what designing architect Adam Rolston describes as the unsettled feeling of being in an airport.
Here are eight dimensions of wellness, translated into the rhythms, spaces, and choices of a homekeeper’s household.
Social
A home can be a gathering place where relationships are nurtured. It can come alive at the table, in porch conversations, or even at the transition points of the entry area. It’s even better if there’s a gappy tail-wagging pet, or person, waiting to greet you.
Environmental
Our surroundings influence our sense of calm. Choosing natural light, fresh air, plants, safe cleaning supplies, and uncluttered spaces can make the home a sanctuary. The way you steward resources, conserving water, recycling, repurposing what you already have, expresses environmental care.
Physical
Wellness isn’t just for the gym. It’s in the meals we prepare, the rest or sleep hours we protect, and the movement of cleaning the home. For some, clutter blocks energy (as Feng Shui teaches); for others, a bit of creative chaos, a project left midstream, can be a welcome invitation back to productivity.
Emotional
This well-being shows up in the atmosphere. It can be enhanced with a lit candle, playing favorite music, and a family photograph, all signaling comfort and stability. It also lives in the intangibles: a note of encouragement, a quick apology, the practice of kindness when tempers flare.
Spiritual
Wellness is felt in the quieter corners of home, those moments of pause. Whether it’s a journal by the bed, a well-worn Bible, a ritual of gratitude at the table, or simply a few minutes of positive reflection. Even silence, spaces free of screens and noise, becomes sacred ground within the home.
Occupational
Wellness is supported when daily work, paid or unpaid, flows smoothly. A tidy desk, a pantry stocked, or a laundry routine that runs smoothly keeps responsibilities from becoming chaos. When a home nurtures efficiency and rhythm, vocational tasks of vocation are less burdensome.
Intellectual
This can be sparked by the presence of books on a shelf, a puzzle on a table, or the conversations that stretch the mind. This invites curiosity, through beauty, art, or ideas, that keeps us growing.
Financial
This often finds its shape in contentment. Living within our means, finding joy in simplicity, and stewarding what we have turns the home into a place of sufficiency rather than constant striving for more.
These dimensions of wellness are not abstract ideals but everyday practices. They show up in casseroles and candles, in budgets and bookshelves, in chores and conversations. Wellness is not separate from the home; it is kept alive within it.
Until next time, with grace. Cathenry.ch@ gmail.com
P.S. Picture the healthy life you want to live in, then create the space for it.
After School Program Director: We’re looking for someone passionate about creating a fun and safe environment for kids after school while fostering strong connections with families and school staff. Oversees a team of 5-7 staff. Must be 18+ years old with a high school diploma or GED. $17/hour. For more details or to apply, check out our website here.
Flag Football Officials: We’re looking for a few more individuals to join our seasonal employment staff for fall sports. Must be 14+ years of age. General knowledge of rules a must. Uniform is provided. Applicants must attend mandatory training sessions.
Maple Leaf Gravel Grind: The grind is back! Registration for Maple Leaf Gravel Grind 2025 is now OPEN! Join us Saturday, October 25, for the best gravel race around. Pick your challenge (16, 40, or 70 miles) and conquer iconic climbs like Signal Oak and Pork Chop Hill. More of an e-bike person? We’ve got routes for e-riders as well! Sign up today through our website!
Coming up: Big Hair on the Square: Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night in Sullivan Square! Big Hair on the Square returns Saturday, September 20, from 6:00PM-10:00PM with a high-energy lineup of music, food, and fun—completely FREE to attend. Headlining the evening is ELTON DAN, AKA the Rocket Man’s Biggest Fan. Dan captures the spirit of Elton John in a way that speaks to both lifelong fans and newcomers. Opening our event is Kansas City’s premier Stevie Nicks tribute band, GOLD DUST DREAMS. Drink ‘N Dreams Cantina and Bucket List BBQ will be present with their Beer Garden and mouth-watering BBQ respectively. Admission is free, so bring your friends, your appetite, and your love of live music. Just make sure to tie your shoes tight—because this show is guaranteed to rock your socks off!
