The Maple Weekly - Feb 16 by The Maple/The Maple Weekly

WEEKLY

PINEWOOD DERBY KEEPS A CLASSIC SCOUTING TRADITION ROLLING IN BALDWIN CITY

Photograph by Kayla Curry

For generations of Scouts, the Pinewood Derby has been a rite of passage — a mix of creativity, friendly competition, and time spent together that leaves a lasting impression long after race day. In Baldwin City, that tradition continues through Cub Scout Pack 3065, where the annual Pinewood Derby

remains one of the most anticipated events of the year.

First introduced in 1953, the Pinewood Derby has been part of Cub Scouting for more than 70 years. The concept is simple but powerful: each Scout receives the same basic kit — a small block of pine wood, plastic wheels,

and metal axles — and transforms it into a race car of their own design. With the help of parents, siblings, and mentors, Scouts shape, sand, paint, and personalize their cars before racing them down a gravitypowered track.

Pack 3065 was established in Baldwin City in 1954, just one year after

the Pinewood Derby began nationwide. While records don’t pinpoint exactly when the local pack first hosted a race, leaders say it’s likely the Derby has been part of Baldwin’s Scouting story since the beginning. Over the decades, races have been held at a variety of locations around town, including the Baldwin Intermediate Center and, during the pandemic, even South Baldwin Farms.

More Than a Race

While trophies and finish times add excitement, Pack leaders emphasize that the Pinewood Derby is about much more than speed. The event reflects the Cub Scout motto, “Do Your Best,” encouraging Scouts to take pride in effort and creativity rather than perfection.

On race day, cars are placed at the top of a sloped metal track and released all at once, racing toward the finish line in a matter of seconds. Results are recorded across multiple heats, and additional awards recognize craftsmanship, originality, and design. Cars shaped like lightning-fast wedges line up next to creations resembling hot dogs, spaceships, or favorite characters — each one a reflection of a Scout’s imagination.

Beyond the competition, the Derby teaches valuable life lessons. Scouts learn sportsmanship by cheering for others, integrity by following shared rules, and resilience when results don’t go their way. Perhaps most importantly, the project creates meaningful family bonding time, as parents and children work side by side learning new skills and solving problems together.

About Cub Scout Pack 3065

Cub Scout Pack 3065 serves boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade,

COMMUNITY

NEW SUBDIVISIONS SIGNAL STEADY GROWTH IN BALDWIN CITY

Over the past year and a half, Baldwin City has seen steady and thoughtful residential growth, with several new subdivisions taking shape on different edges of town. While Baldwin City has not experienced explosive development, the pace of these projects reflects a balanced approach — offering new housing options while maintaining the community’s small-town character.

Currently, three active subdivisions are driving most of the new construction activity: Firetree, Trail View, and Heritage. Together, they provide a mix of spec homes, custom builds, and available lots, giving future residents multiple ways to call Baldwin City home.

Firetree Nearing Completion Firetree, one of the newest subdivisions in Baldwin City, has moved quickly toward build-out. Active for roughly a year and a half to two years, the neighborhood now has only nine lots remaining, a strong indicator of demand for new construction within city limits.

The remaining opportunities in Firetree include a mix of spec homes and custom builds, with spec homes to come on the market in the future. These move-in-ready homes offer an option for buyers looking to relocate to Baldwin City without the longer timeline of a full custom build, while additional lots remain available for those interested in building from the ground up.

Trail View Offers Large-Lot Custom Living

Located east of town, Trail View —— provides a very different housing option. Featuring larger one- to two-acre lots, Trail View is designed primarily for custom homes and appeals to buyers seeking more space and flexibility.

While fewer lots have sold here so far, there is still significant availability, making Trail View a

longer-term development with room to grow over the next several years. Most homes in this subdivision are expected to be custom builds, with higher overall price points reflecting lot size, construction style, and individualized design.

Heritage Brings New Homes North of Highway 56 North of Highway 56, near Rice Manufacturing and west of the Custom Mobile Home community, the Heritage subdivision is beginning to take shape. Many of the lots have already been sold, with several under builder ownership and new homes currently under construction.

Some of these homes are expected to be built as spec homes, providing additional opportunities for buyers looking for new construction in the mid-range price point. Remaining lots are still available, and the subdivision is expected to continue filling in over the next few years.

A Healthy Pace for a Growing Community

Compared to larger cities, Baldwin City’s growth is intentionally measured. With three subdivisions active at once, local real estate professionals estimate it may take two to four more years for these neighborhoods to fully build out — a healthy timeline for a community of Baldwin City’s size.

Together, these developments reflect a strong and steady housing inventory, offering a range of lot sizes, home styles, and price points. As new residents move in and construction continues, these subdivisions represent not just new houses, but continued investment in Baldwin City’s future.

For those interested in building or buying a new home, Baldwin City currently offers more options than many similarly sized communities — with room to grow, and time to do it well.

Families in Baldwin City will soon have the opportunity to combine creativity, connection, and early childhood learning as Parents as Teachers (PAT) partners with the Lumberyard Arts Center for a special friendship-themed art experience later this month.

The collaborative event, scheduled for February 17 at the Lumberyard Arts Center, invites young children and their families to explore friendship through hands-on art activities and guided conversation. Two sessions — at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. — will be offered to help accommodate families’ schedules, and participants only need to attend one.

Organizers say the goal is simple: create a welcoming space where children can express themselves creatively while building social skills and meaningful connections.

What is Parents as Teachers?

Parents as Teachers is an early childhood family education program serving Baldwin City through USD 348. The program supports families with children from prenatal stages through kindergarten by providing resources, developmental screenings, home visits, and group learning opportunities.

The focus is on helping parents understand how young children grow and learn, while strengthening the bond between caregivers and children. As a Blue Ribbon Affiliate, Baldwin City’s PAT program meets national standards for quality and effectiveness in early childhood education.

By partnering with the Lumberyard Arts Center — a long-standing hub for creativity

in the community — PAT leaders hope to blend art, social-emotional learning, and family engagement in a way that feels both fun and meaningful.

Art, Friendship, and Community Connection

During the February sessions, families will talk about friendship and create artwork together. The pieces created will later be featured as part of the USD 348 Baldwin Art Show on February 28 from 10 a.m. to noon, giving children the chance to see their work displayed publicly.

Event organizers say the collaboration reflects a shared mission between PAT and the Lumberyard Arts Center: creating safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn through creativity and community interaction. In addition to the art activities, a giveaway will take place during each session, adding an extra layer of excitement for participating families.

Building Friendships Early

Programs like this highlight how Baldwin City’s schools, arts organizations, and family services continue to work together to support young learners beyond the classroom. By combining early childhood education with creative expression, PAT and the Lumberyard Arts Center aim to help children develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging — all while having fun. Families interested in attending are encouraged to connect with Parents as Teachers or USD 348 for more details.

COMMUNITY

CHAMBER CELEBRATES NEW BUSINESSES AND INVITES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce has several exciting events coming up this spring, all centered around welcoming new businesses, celebrating growth, and inviting community members to get involved.

Ribbon Cutting & Explore Baldwin Series

Thursday, March 12 | 5:00–6:30 pm

Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine

The Chamber invites the community to celebrate Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine with a ribbon cutting as part of the Explore Baldwin Series. This after-hours event offers a relaxed opportunity to tour the business, meet the team, and learn more about the services now available locally. The Explore Baldwin Series is designed to help residents connect with and support the businesses that make Baldwin City shine.

Ribbon Cutting: Maple Leaf Law

Tuesday, March 3 | 5:00–6:30 pm

719 High Street

The Chamber will also host a ribbon cutting to welcome Maple Leaf Law to Baldwin City. The community is invited to join attorney Jennifer Wortham for an evening celebration marking the opening of her new practice. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.

Wortham brings 13 years of experience as an assistant criminal district attorney and has shifted her focus to helping families stay out of the courtroom through services such as wills, trusts, estates, elder law, Medicaid planning, and special needs planning. Her practice emphasizes honest

guidance, compassion, and long-term planning for individuals and families.

Ribbon Cutting: Homestead of Baldwin City

Thursday, April 2 | 1:00 pm

321 Crimson Avenue

Formerly known as Vintage Park, Homestead of Baldwin City will celebrate a ribbon cutting to mark its new management. The Chamber invites community members to attend and help welcome this next chapter for the senior living community.

Chamber Seeking New Board Member

In addition to celebrating new businesses, the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce & Main Street is currently seeking a volunteer to serve as Design Committee Chair on its Board of Directors.

This role focuses on enhancing downtown’s appearance, preserving Baldwin City’s historic character, and supporting projects related to façade improvements, signage, streetscape enhancements, public art, wayfinding, and accessibility. Members with an interest in design, preservation, placemaking, or community development are encouraged to apply.

Those interested in learning more about the open board position can contact Dana Mullis at Dana@baldwincitychamber.com

.With new businesses opening, leadership opportunities available, and community connections continuing to grow, the Chamber encourages residents to attend upcoming events and stay engaged with what’s happening in Baldwin City.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

By Jeanine Ross

Awww love! We all want it. We all search for it. We all fantasize about our perfect love!

I think it’s fair to say that for women we want a supportive partner that we can talk to and confide in. We want him to be sexy (if only to us), and masculine and tender and affectionate. And it goes without saying, loyal, honest, trustworthy and so into us that no other woman exists for him! That’s not too much to ask, is it?

When I ask men what they want in a perfect mate, most shy away from the question with a response like, “I’m not picky as long as she can cook.” But occasionally I get them to answer in more detail and it surprised me to find that what they treasure most is femininity. They want women to be soft and caring and nurturing. They want to have a partner that needs them and supports them and believes in them. They want to feel like, (no matter what age), their women look up to them and value their thoughts and opinions. Wow! Did any of that surprise you?

I learned something from these men, but mostly I learned something about myself. If I want the love that I deserve, I have to be a woman deserving of love. We as women have been pushed into the roles of tough, accomplished, and aggressive. The truth is, if we want to get ahead in our careers, we almost have to be. But if we want love, we have to wear a different hat and that is where we stumble. How can we be tough, and hard, and aggressive during the day, and soft and nurturing and feminine at night? But that is what is expected from many men.

So what is expected of men? How are they supposed to be a tough, masculine, Tom Cruise kind of man during the day, and basically your best girlfriend (with man parts) at night? It sounds like we’ve set impossible standards for each other. Is it any wonder that there are so many single people looking for love? So what is the solution Jeanine?

I suggest we all begin with acceptance. We have to accept each other as we are, without unattainable expectations. If we want the love we deserve, we have to begin by knowing that we all want the same thing, someone we can trust and rely on. If we begin by accepting each other right where we are, then knowing what you know about yourself, deciding if that person would fit in your life, that is the best we can do. We all have to show up as we truly are, measure the attributes of the person we’re considering as life long partners, then be willing to be completely vulnerable with that person. With this simple solution, finding the love you deserve is on the horizon!

So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”

2025 CHAMBER BANQUET AWARDS - TOP 3 FINALISTS

As Director of the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, I am proud to announce the Top 3 Finalists for each of our eight Chamber Awards. On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, we are honored to recognize these outstanding local people, businesses, and organizations who help make Baldwin City such a special place to live, work, and play.

We look forward to celebrating these finalists, and announcing our award recipients, at the Chamber Awards Banquet on Friday, February 20, at Stony Point Hall. This promises to be a fun and meaningful evening dedicated to celebrating the heart of Baldwin City and the individuals and businesses who make our community thrive.

Tickets are on sale now and will sell out, so we encourage you to get yours soon. There are also limited opportunities still available to sponsor an award or sponsor a half or full table for the event. Visit https://www.baldwincitychamber.com/ chamber-banquet for more information, get tickets, or secure your sponsorship.

Please join us in congratulating the Top 3 Finalists and in celebrating all that makes Baldwin City a great place to call home. We hope to see you on February 20.

— Dana Mullis Director, Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce

Top 3 Finalists for each Category (nominees are in alphabetical order)

Best Community Event

Independence Day Celebration

Maple Leaf Festival

Rainbow Preschool BINGO

Best Newcomer

Baldwin City Creative Arts

Baldwin City Distillery Manis by Margreta

Excellence in Education - USD#348

Cybill Coates

Kelley Bethell-Smith

Parents as Teachers

Excellence in Education - Baker University

Logan Dingus, Baker Bands

Dr. Jody Fournier

Literary Salon

Friendship Award

Baldwin City Beer Company

Baldwin City Library

Standard Grooming Supply

Innovative Marketing

Arrowhead Hardware

Gambino’s Pizza

Lumberyard Arts Center - Bailey Rice-Beach

Local Heroes

Amplify Life Center

Bryan Butell

Casey Simoneau

Business of the Year

Baldwin State Bank

Hometown Construction

One Choice Heating & AC

COMMUNITY

CELEBRATING KANSAS QUILTS

January is Textile Arts Month at the Lumberyard Center here in Baldwin City. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Kansas Quilts and Kansas Quilters! This year’s celebration featured a display of quilts made by local quilter, Gary Keller. Gary’s selections included a wide variety of styles and techniques. Most noticeable is his use of color—many very bright colors and a wide selection of hues. I’m sure my favorite was the Bengal Tiger that he paper-pieced. It was constructed from 60 different fabrics and the pattern contained 200 pages of paper-foundation-piecing patterns! The finished quilt was stunning! We concluded the month’s celebration with a presentation Saturday morning by Gary, discussing his quilts, the inspiration for some of them, and a final opportunity to view and appreciate his work.

Additionally, Saturday afternoon the Quilt Capital of Kansas team hosted a discussion attended by a cross section of our guests to explore ways to extend the Quilt Capital’s works. As the Quilt Capital of Kansas we hope to extend our programs to benefit quilters across the entire state. We have initiated some programs that have been successful locally and we were looking for ideas for additional ways we could offer beneficial programs that reach a larger audience. The discussion netted some excellent ideas and expressed support for programs that are currently in progress. We certainly appreciate the input from all who attended.

Our first project that brought Quilters’ Paradise and the Lumberyard Arts Center together was making face masks during the pandemic. Sharon had the materials and Jeannette organized the volunteers and wrote grants to help cover some of the cost. As the project became known, others donated materials, over ninety volunteers assembled masks, and approximately 17,000 masks were distributed free to members of the community.

An on-going project sponsored by the Quilt Capital team is Open Sewing Studio which is held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lumberyard Arts Center. Participants bring projects that they are working on so that

they can enjoy the company of others as they sew, quilt, crochet, knit, embroider, or spin. It is a good time to meet new friends with similar interests. There is concern that since the pandemic, people feel isolated and do not socialize as they did before the pandemic. This is an opportunity to break the pattern of staying isolated. Also, if you need a little help on how to continue on your chosen project, chances are good that someone at open sewing can advise you. It’s a good opportunity if you want to “brush up” on skills that you haven’t used for a while.

We have recently completed a project, funded by a grant from the Douglas County Heritage Council, that taught textile arts skills to youth. Classes included sewing, quilting, crochet, and macrame. Our goal was to pass skills for these arts to a younger generation so that those skills do not become lost. Even though the classes that were part of the grant program are complete, we continue to offer classes for both youth and adults.

The annual Fashion Show and the Ugly Sweater Run are additional projects that have come out of the Quilt Capital of Kansas program. Do you know who dresses Sven (the city fountain) for Christmas? You guessed it—The Quilt Capital of Kansas team!

Back to the question of “What should we tackle next?” Anyone who sees a need that would promote quilting or other textile arts in our area or across the state is welcome to suggest their idea to the Quilt Capital team. Just contact Jeannette at the Lumberyard Arts Center or Sharon at Quilters’ Paradise and we will present the idea to the other team members. As the Quilt Capital of Kansas we feel that we have an obligation to extend quilting programs across our area and across the state. We hope next year’s Celebration of Kansas Quilts will be the our biggest and best celebration of all!

QUILT CAPITAL

TIMELESS STITCHES

By Sharon Vesecky & Liz Granberg-Jerome

AN OLYMPIC MOMENT FROM A LIFETIME AGO

An Essay by Tony Brown

In late February of 1980, I traveled home for the weekend to visit my parents. It was my first year of college and I was still at the stage where I felt more comfortable at home than I did at school. We had a pleasant and familiar weekend, and then on Sunday afternoon I packed my things and prepared to make the 3-hour drive back to campus.

The Winter Olympics were concluding in Lake Placid, New York, and we were following the games with casual interest. That afternoon the American hockey team, a group of college players, was scheduled to take on the Soviet Union team, with a chance to move on the gold-medal match. The Soviets were a professional team and heavily favored to win the gold, so we were not optimistic about a U.S. victory.

None of us had ever seen a hockey game before and we certainly didn’t understand the rules, besides trying to put a rubber disk into a goal inexplicably guarded by a large opposing player. And we were watching the game on a TV in our kitchen with a screen the size of a toaster. So, we were at a slight disadvantage – watching a sport that is notoriously difficult to follow on television on a tiny screen with a limited understanding of the rules of the game. Still, we decided to watch for a while, and then I would hop in the car and be on my way.

And then a remarkable thing happened: the American boys made the match competitive. Incredibly, the two teams were tied at the end of the 1st period and the Soviets only led by a score of 3-2 when 3rd period began, a deficit that was clearly surmountable for the American team. Halfway into the final period, Team USA scored on a power play, and then scored the go ahead goal a few minutes later.

At the end of the match, when it was becoming clear the American team was going to pull off the impossible and defeat the Soviets, the commentator for the game, Al Michaels, ask the now iconic question, “Do you believe in miracles?” And in that moment, my parents and I did believe in miracles, as I’m sure did plenty of other families across America. It was an electric moment, punctuated by Al Michael’s branding it a “miracle,” something humans seem to be fascinated by and long to experience. But fascination with miracles is nothing new, going all the way back to biblical times. The 19th-century poet Walt Whitman wrote about them and proposed that miracles happen to all of us all the time in the everyday activities we engage in. Cynics might say that of course he would come to such a conclusion, as that is the job of poet after all, to find miracles. But if poets can identify miracles (whether or not that is their role), why can’t we all?

The issue is that for most of us, we don’t recognize miracles when they happen to us. But when you first meet your life partner, that is a miracle. When you welcome a newborn baby to your family, that is a miracle. When you realize the community where you live has become your home, that is a miracle. Miracles happen all around us, but we are often too preoccupied with the business of everyday life to notice them. It is only with some time and perspective that we can see them for what they truly are.

Every four years when the winter Olympics roll around, I am reminded of that Sunday afternoon long ago when my parents and I witnessed something remarkable. But I am also reminded to look for the remarkable in my everyday life, as poets urge us to do. I am reminded that miracles are out there. I just have to look up to see them.

WORLD CUP FOODPRENEUR READINESS TRAINING –FREE ONLINE EVENT

Local food entrepreneurs and vendors are invited to prepare for upcoming opportunities through a free World Cup Foodpreneur Readiness Training taking place online on Monday, February 16.

TWO ZOOM SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO FIT DIFFERENT SCHEDULES: �� 9:30– 11:00 A.M. 3:30– 5:00 P.M.

A dedicated breakout space with a translator will be available for Spanish-speaking participants.

The training will cover a wide range of topics designed to help food-based businesses grow and succeed, including event planning, marketing, food safety, inventory management, event staffing, mental health, fire safety, and revenue optimization. Time will also be set aside for participants to ask questions and connect with experts.

This free program is made possible through a partnership between the Douglas County Food Policy Council, Online Restaurant Academy, NetWork Kansas, the KU Small Business Development Center, and Douglas County Government.

Spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Feb. 17

PAT + LAC

Lumberyard Arts Center 9:30 am – 10:45 am

Parents as Teachers is partnering with LAC to talk about friendship and create art with our friends. There are two sessions to accommodate everyone, so you only need to attend one. Then come check out your child’s art during the USD 348 Baldwin Art Show on Feb. 28 from 10 am – 12 pm.

Feb. 17

Optimizing Grass Productivity Through Managed Grazing

Flory Meeting Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Free, but registration appreciated.

Speaker: Ethan Walker, NRCS Area Grassland Specialist. Topics: “Grazing Arithmetic” and “Using a Grazing Stick”

Feb. 18

Sports Equipment Exchange

210 N. 6th Street, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Feb. 18

BookTALK

Baldwin City Library, 7:00 pm

Feb. 20

Free Coffee + Donut

Homestead Kitchen + Bakery

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Rooted in the Baldwin City Community

Throughout the year, Pack 3065 stays actively involved in the Baldwin City community. Their calendar includes participation in the Maple Leaf Parade, hosting a craft booth, volunteering at a local fireworks tent, community pool parties, and service projects such as Scouting for Food, tree planting on Earth Day, and helping with community gardens.

Leaders say Cub Scouting plays an especially important role in a small-town setting like Baldwin City. The friendships formed often last well beyond elementary school, and youth grow up learning teamwork, kindness, and responsibility alongside classmates they’ll continue to see throughout their lives.

Like all Cub Scout packs, Pack 3065 relies heavily on volunteers. Parents, leaders, and community members help ensure every child can participate, whether through fundraising support, donating supplies, or sharing skills.

Adults don’t need to have a Scout in the program to get involved. Community members are welcome to serve as guest teachers, committee members, or volunteers at events and fundraisers. From helping manage parade floats to staffing booths or donating gently used camping gear, every contribution helps strengthen the program.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 approaches, Pack 3065 is looking forward to another exciting Pinewood Derby season, followed by spring camping trips, rank advancement ceremonies, and summer camps. For families considering Cub Scouting, leaders encourage early planning and exploration.

“Pack 3065 is a fun, family-focused group where kids learn by doing,” leaders shared. “Scouts build confidence, develop practical skills, and form friendships right here in their own neighborhood — all while learning what it means to serve their community and do their best.”

For many Baldwin City families, the Pinewood Derby is more than a race — it’s a tradition that continues to shape memories, skills, and community connections, one small wooden car at a time.