The Maple Weekly - March 30

WEEKLY

FROM SKETCHBOOK TO SKIN: BEKAH FINDS HER PLACE IN BALDWIN CITY

For Bekah, becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t a straight path—it was a dream that waited patiently while life unfolded around it.

Now, as a new tattoo artist in Baldwin City, she’s building a career rooted in creativity, connection, and community— proving it’s never too late to follow what’s been calling you all along.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Bekah moved to Baldwin City in 2021 with

her husband, Frederick, and their two sons. What began as a move for work quickly became something more permanent.

“I’ve always been a city girl,” she said. “But now, I would never go back. I love living here and raising our kids here.”

That sense of belonging has shaped both her life and her work. Bekah says Baldwin’s close-knit nature has made a meaningful difference for her family, especially for her oldest son, Grayson, who has autism.

“I love that everyone looks out for everyone,” she said. “That means everything to me.”

A Dream Years in the Making Bekah’s journey into tattooing began years ago with a single experience—her first tattoo.

“I loved everything about it,” she said. “The art, the atmosphere, the freedom—it just clicked.”

But like many dreams, it was set aside. Life moved forward. She focused on raising her children and supporting her husband’s business, while continuing to create art whenever she could.

It wasn’t until years later that Frederick encouraged her to revisit that dream.

“He always believed in me,” she said. “Even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

In 2024, Bekah began an apprenticeship at Fine Lines in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. Tattoo apprenticeships are notoriously difficult to secure, and she faced skepticism along the way.

“I’ve had people underestimate me my whole life,” she said. “But I never let that stop me.”

Her determination paid off. Bekah earned her Missouri tattoo license in October 2025, followed shortly by her Kansas license.

“I cried when I got it,” she said. “I was so happy.”

“I wanted to bring something new to the community.”

“This is where my kids go to school. This is home,” she said. “And there wasn’t a tattoo shop here yet. I wanted to bring something new to the community.”

Working out of 7th Street Salon, Bekah has found both support and connection.

“I’ve truly enjoyed working here,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming.”

Her approach to tattooing is rooted in both artistry and relationship-building. While she enjoys a range of styles, she’s especially drawn to floral realism and American traditional work.

More than that, she values the experience she creates for her clients.

“I want people to feel comfortable,” she said. “I try to make it a relaxing, welcoming space.”

From offering snacks and drinks to providing small comforts like weighted blankets and cold eye masks, Bekah focuses on making each appointment personal.

“It’s like therapy,” she said. “For them and for me.”

Rooted in Community

For Bekah, tattooing in a small town offers something bigger than business—it creates connection.

“I really get to know my clients,” she said. “We build relationships, and I get to hear about their lives. I love that.”

That same mindset carries into her plans for the future. She hopes to become more involved in community events and is already planning a monthly “flash for a cause” initiative, donating a portion of proceeds to different awareness efforts.

“I just want to contribute in a positive way,” she said.

A Message to Others

Looking back, Bekah sees her journey as proof that it’s never too late to start.

“If there’s one thing I’d want people to take away, it’s this: don’t let anyone put you in a box,” she said. “Just keep trying.”

It’s a philosophy she carries with her—literally. The word “try” was the first tattoo she ever gave herself.

“It wasn’t perfect,” she said with a smile. “But it reminds me that you just have to keep going.”

And now, in a town she loves, Bekah is doing exactly that—one tattoo, one connection, and one story at a time.

BCRC UPDATES

SPECIAL EVENTS

Independence Day Celebration Announcement: Did you catch our video announcing this year’s Independence Day headliner? Check out the full lineup on our website!

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Summer Camp 2026

Registration:

Registration for our 10-week, full-time childcare camp opens THIS WEEK!

Current After School participants: Monday, March 23 @ 9AM

USD 348 students: Wednesday, March 25 @ 9AM

General public: Thursday, March 26 @ 9AM

If space allows, part-time enrollment opens Friday, March 27.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Sponsor a youth team or purchase a banner at the Sports Complex, North Park Soccer Complex, or Baldwin City Pool. Banner purchases close April 17. Visit our website for details.

ADULT ACTIVITIES

BCRC The Majors (Golf Simulator Edition):

Compete in four tournaments from April–July. Each entry includes a 90-minute round.

$15 per tournament or $50 for all four (includes exclusive t-shirt).

First Serve: Beginner Pickleball:

Perfect for newcomers! Learn rules and techniques in a relaxed setting. Equipment provided. FREE, pre-registration required.

T.A.K.E. Women’s Self Defense Course:

ADVISORY BOARD BEGINS WORK ON BLACK JACK BATTLEFIELD AND NATURE PARK

An advisory board has been formed to help guide the future of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, following the joint purchase of the property by Baldwin City and Douglas County in November 2025.

This initial update marks the beginning of a long-term planning process, with additional updates to follow as more details and recommendations take shape.

The board, made up of members from both Baldwin City and Lawrence, will work to develop short- and long-term goals for the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the historic site. Members include Dr. Roger Boyd, Marta Jardon, and Susan Pitts of Baldwin City; Kim Anspach, Caitlin Klepper, and Sheena Parson of Lawrence; and Steve Nowak, who serves as an ad hoc member.

Baldwin City Administrator Russ Harding and Douglas County Deputy Administrator Sean Peterson are also

participating, with Kaitlyn Ammerlaan, Douglas County’s Heritage Conservation Coordinator, leading the group.

The board’s mission is to advise both entities on how best to protect and interpret the battlefield while enhancing open space and connecting the site’s natural and cultural history for residents and visitors alike.

Members bring a wide range of experience in local and Kansas history, education, land management, and historical preservation. Organizers say the group is committed to a thoughtful and deliberate approach as they begin shaping the future of the site.

Once their work is complete, the board will present recommendations to Baldwin City and Douglas County before dissolving.

Further updates on the progress of the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park planning process will be shared as the work continues.

A FREE two-hour class covering safety awareness, practical skills, and everyday protection tips. First 12 registrants receive a t-shirt!

COMMUNITY

Baldwin City’s annual Independence Day celebration is returning in 2026 with a full lineup of live music, family activities, and fireworks—but residents should take note: the event will not be held on July 4.

Instead, this year’s celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at the Baldwin City Golf Course, continuing the tradition of hosting the event on a date that allows for a full-day community gathering.

The celebration will feature a headlining performance by country music artist Rodney Atkins, an ACM Award winner known for hits like Watching You, which was named the Number One Song of the Decade by Country Aircheck. With six No. 1 singles, billions of global streams,

and a career spanning multiple decades, Atkins brings a nationally recognized presence to this year’s event.

Joining Atkins on stage will be Shaylen, an emerging artist blending country, rock, and punk influences, along with Big Time Grain Co., featuring The Voice contestant Dylan Gerrard, and local singer-songwriter Asher Brown. Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. and continue throughout the evening, culminating in a fireworks display at approximately 10 p.m. Organizers say the event is designed as an all-day experience for families and visitors alike.

In addition to live music, attendees can expect a wide range of food and drink vendors, as well as a free Kid’s

Zone featuring activities such as face painting. Due to the anticipated turnout, parking at the golf course will be available for $10 per vehicle, with free shuttle service running from the Baldwin Intermediate Center and Primary Center beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing through the evening. Event organizers encourage attendees to arrive early and utilize shuttle options when possible.

With a high-profile music lineup and a full slate of activities, Baldwin City’s 2026 Independence Day celebration is shaping up to be one of the community’s largest events of the year—just a little earlier than some might expect.

FUTURE SCIENTISTS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT STEM NIGHT

Future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians were on full display this week as Baldwin City Parents as Teachers hosted a hands-on STEM Night at the BESPC Gym.

Families with young children gathered to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and learning through play. From experimenting with simple concepts to discovering how math and science connect in everyday life, the evening offered something for both children and their families.

Young participants—and many of their siblings— embraced the opportunity to explore, create, and problem-solve together, making it a night full of discovery and fun.

The event is part of the Parents as Teachers program’s ongoing efforts to support early childhood development and provide meaningful learning experiences for families in the Baldwin City community.

INSIDE USD 348

EVENTS

March 26 - April 4

Ad Astra Quilt Shop Hop

Quilters’ Paradise

During normal open hours

March 31 Maker Space Open House

Baldwin City Library 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

April 1 – May 31

All Kansas and Nebraska Shop Hop

Quilters’ Paradise During normal open hours

April 3

Live Music: David and Katie Wooge

Baldwin City Distillery 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

April 4

Easter Weekend at VVN

Vinland Valley Nursery 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

April 4

One Year Anniversary Celebration

Evry’tang and More 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

April 4

Garden Design 101 (Spring) Workshop

Vinland Valley Nursery 1:00 pm

April 4

Happy Hour

Baldwin City Distillery 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

April 5

Easter Sunrise with First and Ives

Baldwin Golf Course 7:00 am

April 5 Easter Worship

Baldwin First United Methodist 9:30 am

April 5 Easter Weekend at VVN

Vinland Valley Nursery 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

April 9

BC Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

12-1 pm | Baldwin City Community Center

April 17

Facade Completion 5:30 pm, Lumberyard Arts Center

May 1

Baldwin City Community Garden Mural 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, 3rd & Lincoln St

May 9

Thunder on the Bricks Classic Car Show

Downtown Baldwin City

HOT TAKES ON BHS CELL PHONE POLICY

Story by Kailen Hill, BHS Journalism

As of last year Baldwin High School enforced a cell phone policy. Students were told to put their phones in a phone caddy until that class was over.

Students are allowed to have their phones during passing period, lunch and before and after school.

While in class they have to put it in a phone caddy, but sometimes some teachers let them just keep it in their backpack.

Most students don’t like the new phone policy.

weren’t used to having to put their phones up before class started.

“Honestly we do need to have something set in motion for a phone policy, because there are some students who need to learn how to time manage,” English teacher Leslie Jessip said.

“I honestly do not like it, because it doesn’t help students focus because they are always going to be worried about what’s going off when they get a notification,” Sophomore Heather Hale said.

The phone policy just started in the 2024-2025 school year. This was new for the upper grades, mostly because they

The phone policy was put in place to try to incline students attention and focus to school, it was also a hope of declining cyberbullying during the school hours.

“I don’t really think it does much with helping students focus, considering they find ways to get onto social media or their phones during school,” Junior Keziah Moses said.

“I think the phone policy is pretty good but I feel like we could be a little more lenient if students are done with their homework, like in seminar,” Biology teacher Renae Linke said.

COUNTY CLERK SCHEDULED TO SPEAK AT LOCAL CLUB’S APRIL 7TH MEETING

Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew is scheduled to speak at the April 7th meeting of the Baldwin City Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW). The program portion of the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Baldwin City Library at 800 Seventh St. Proposed topics include how to register to vote and how to sign up to serve as an election worker in Douglas County.

The public is welcome to attend.

COMMUNITY

THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG

As a society, we label everything because, as humans, we need to bring meaning to everything. We label colors, objects, and emotions. We even label reasons why, intentions, and relationships. We label everything so we can, collectively, live in what we call a “normal” standard, because we need normal. We need something to measure everything by, so we know if we’re doing it right or living up to our potential. I get it, but I wonder who decided that the color red should be called red? Why not call it jade or sunset or midnight? And who decided what normal looks like? And why do we follow it without question like sheep to the slaughter?

By now, you already know this is how my mind works. I question everything because that is the only way to move forward on the path of my purpose, not somebody else’s definition of it.

So, I started thinking about right and wrong and what that really means. I understand we, as humans, need a measuring tool, but who gets to say what that tool is? Who gets to determine the way we measure, or why we measure, or how we respond to the measurement? Was there a vote I missed?

Those questions having been asked, I waited on the universe to give me answers I could share with you. Here’s what I got.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience. As spirits, we have no need to measure because measurements are irrelevant. But as humans, measuring was intended to set the groundwork for understanding. Unfortunately, what we measured to understand was irrelevant. We measured the things we can experience with our five senses which are greatly limited. Therefore, the measurements we’ve chosen to live by are not only greatly limited but also damaging to our growth, especially the measurement of right and wrong, good and bad.

For humans, being right is to be among the majority, no matter whether what the majority accepts is productive to growth or not. Being wrong, according to humans, is anyone who is against the majority. It is for that reason that right and wrong, good and bad have changed direction across history, because it was steeped only in the majority rule, not spiritual principles, which never change.

Wow! That blew my mind! So, according to human measurements, there is no steadfast right and wrong, only what most of us agree on as acceptable! Does that change how you see things? It changed everything for me! It instantly clarified why I never felt confident in society norms or religious justifications.

Some would say I am a rebel, but I say, I am a truth seeker, above and beyond what is socially acceptable or the tune that the collective herd blindly marches to. I am in search of the spiritual truth that never changes, wavers, or varies, and that is the life I want to live in this leg of my journey and every chapter beyond. If you are feeling what I’m saying here, question everything! Don’t settle for the herd mentality! Open your mind to a new understanding of the world society lives in and the world you want to live in. You get to choose!

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

IDLE TIME FILLED WITH STITCHES

Recently my husband Les and I went to Ohio for him to attend the 2026 Buckeye Game Fest, a tabletop board game convention that was nearly a week long. Knowing I would have a LOT of idle time on my hands in the hotel room while he was downstairs gaming, I planned ahead for some dedicated sewing time. Not being an avid hand-sewer, I took my Singer featherweight, sewing supplies, and a couple of quilt projects to work on during those long hours.

Pre-planning is essential if you’re going to create a workable sewing area in a single room with limited space. Not only did I pack my machine and basic supplies in my notions/toolbox, I also packed a small foldable table to work on, a multi-outlet extension cord tower, and my favorite iron that heats up hot and fast. I nearly always add the bag with my SewSteady extension table that also holds several large/long rulers, an 18”x24” cutting mat, and my 18” wool mat for pressing. Having an ironing board hanging in the hotel room is a true blessing as putting the wool mat on it saves doubling my cutting area for a pressing area.

Once we were in our room, I checked out the space. There

were windows from wall to wall providing lots of natural light and a more than adequate desk with what appeared to be a granite top that was at least six feet long. The chair was comfortable, although not on wheels. I set up my table at one of its lower positions to match the height of the chair, added my SewSteady extension to my machine, and got ready to work.

Being in a room with two queen beds, there was plenty of space to spread out. The bed nearest the sewing area is where I laid out all of the pieces I would be working with. The ironing board was set up behind the sewing table, and the cutting mat and rulers were on the built-in desk. Soon I was ready to dive in!

The project I took with me was a QuiltWorx.com Judy Niemeyer foundation paper pieced quilt that was in progress. I had purchased the pattern and kit for a gorgeous Mardi Gras themed bright colored star on black, rather than the more sedate colors of the Cattails in the Meadow pattern. I had fallen in love with this version after seeing it made up while shop hopping quite a few years ago at Holton’s Quilting on the Square that, sadly, is no longer there.

With recent projects, I’m using more bright colors set in a black background as they seem to truly pop and make a bold statement when done! The center section of the quilt was completed at a retreat four years ago. I knew when I went back to it, it would take some time to review the sometimes-confusing cutting directions for the colored pieces and the assembly instructions. With full days of (mostly) uninterrupted time to really concentrate on the pattern and process, I was able to complete all but the final four setting squares, which will go quickly now that I’ve completed the assembly of the setting triangles, which are very similar. I left with a feeling of great accomplishment coming home with a quilt top that was now about 80% complete! Once I was comfortable with the process and had started chain piecing multiple parts, I truly enjoyed putting on my headphones and listening to a great book while I stitched. Having audio books to listen to while I’m sewing has become about the only way I “read” anymore! Between Hoopla, Libby, and the Cloud Library, all available for free through local/ state libraries, and Audible for the occasional book that is not yet available through the library, I have a non-stop list of books to enjoy as I work.

As our week wound down and we prepared to return home, I was able to break down the entire sewing area into the few bags I brought it in that easily fit back into the car with Les’s maps and games. There have been many times I’ve traveled and taken a sewing machine and project with me. I always remember the little things that make it easier such as that foldable/adjustable height table, my notions/toolbox, and a lot of patience as I get used to a different setup with each occurrence.