Community Presentations

August 13, 2026
We enjoyed hearing from Kris Erdman, manager of Fareway Stores Basehor, about the company’s culture, its investment in young employees, and its growing connection to our community. Kris has been with Fareway for 20 years and shared how the company gives employees opportunities to grow from an early age, including hiring teens as young as 14 and helping them build responsibility, communication skills, and confidence through real-world work experience. They also hire local talent and give options to transfer stores when people move.

We also appreciated learning more about Fareway’s commitment to giving back to our community. Through register round-ups and company matching, the Basehor store helped raise roughly $12,000–$13,000 for BLAS. They also offered buy a bag donations that were tailored to the specific needs of local families. (It is probably going to happen again this holiday season!) Fareway also supports organizations like Variety Children’s Charity and Toys for Tots, while encouraging stores to support causes close to home. And they’ve supported our Terrific Kids celebrations too, helping kids learn the importance of goal setting and achieving! It was great to hear how seriously Kris and his team take Fareway’s role as a small-town grocery store and community partner.

June 17, 2026
We appreciated the chance to hear from Brooke Renton with the Alzheimer’s Association, who shared both helpful information and her own personal connection to the disease. Brooke’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and passed away in 2024, and it was clear that her work now is rooted in helping other families know where to turn.

Brooke gave an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including warning signs, the importance of early detection, and the impact on caregivers. One thing that stood out was the reminder that Alzheimer’s does not just affect the person diagnosed. It affects families, caregivers, friends, and entire communities.

We also learned more about the support available through the Alzheimer’s Association, including free education, caregiver resources, research opportunities, and the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. Brooke also shared ways to get involved, including the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and other fundraising efforts that help support care, awareness, and research.

May 14, 2026
We heard from Basehor Police Department Chief Jeff Short and Officer Jennifer LeMansky, who serves as a School Resource Officer.

Chief Short has been with Basehor PD for about six months, and it was clear he is working hard to get to know the community and build a department focused on visibility, service, and hiring good people who want to serve well.

One thing that stood out was the reminder that many people only interact with police on one of their worst days. That is part of why community connection matters, and also why small moments of support can make a difference, especially for kids.

We appreciated the conversation, the openness to new ideas (like our Comfort Kits!), and the chance to keep looking for ways to support kids, families, and the people serving our community.

April 9, 2026
We enjoyed hearing from Innovation Academy Director of Innovative Programs Amanda Riley and Innovation Specialist Kayden Littrell, along with students who shared how they are tackling real-world challenges through project-based learning. The program focuses on building skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while encouraging students to “fail forward” and grow through the process. 

Students presented projects that are already making an impact, including improving concession stand efficiency at school events, creating a student-led initiative focused on mental health, and designing a better training setup for the high school baseball program. Their work not only solves practical problems but also benefits fellow students and the broader community.

The Innovation Academy connects students with real experiences and local partners, helping them explore future careers while building confidence and independence. With strong academic growth and increasing interest, the program continues to expand its impact across the district. Students at all grade levels in USD 458 have opportunities to participate in various ways.

The community is invited to attend the Innovation & Real-World Learning Showcase on April 29 from 5–7 PM to see student projects firsthand.

February 12, 2026
We enjoyed hearing from Basehor Historical Museum Society Director Mary Leonard and Treasurer Ken Massingill about the important work they do preserving and sharing Basehor’s history. Since opening in 2008, the museum has become a place where residents and students can explore local school history, veterans’ stories, railroad history, church history, and city development, along with rotating exhibits and special displays like their upcoming nursery, Jessie James, and interactive cookbook exhibits opening in March.

The museum also brings the community together through events, demonstrations, school field trips, and seasonal fundraisers, all powered by dedicated volunteers. Memberships and donations help keep the museum thriving, and they’re always welcoming new volunteers and ideas. Consider stopping by the museum off 155th or becoming a family member to help keep Basehor’s story alive.

January 8, 2026
Joy Meadows supports families impacted by foster care by providing stability, resources, and community for children and caregivers in our region. Their work serves foster families, adoptive families, kinship caregivers, and children who have experienced trauma.

Through their Linwood campus, Joy Meadows offers family housing, respite care, therapy space, monthly community gatherings, clothing and school supply support, and outdoor and animal-based experiences that help children feel safe and supported. Their programs are designed to reduce placement disruptions, keep siblings together whenever possible, and help families thrive long-term.

Joy Meadows is a privately funded nonprofit and relies heavily on volunteers and community support to carry out its mission.

To learn more or get involved, visit https://joymeadows.org.

December 11, 2025
JAG-K helps students build the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. The program supports students who face six or more barriers in areas like academics, environment, mental and physical health, or work-related challenges. The program coordinator, Chelsea, works to help remove at least two barriers each year and continues to check in with her graduates monthly for a full year after they leave high school.

The student officers shared how they build employability skills, explore careers, take on leadership roles, and work toward full time positive outcomes after graduation. These outcomes can include full time employment, apprenticeships, military service, earning credentials, or enrolling in postsecondary programs.

We also learned that JAG-K supports incoming 8th graders and high school students in Basehor and Linwood, and that there are 1221 JAG programs across Kansas serving about 6500 students.

Hearing directly from the students leading the program was the highlight of our meeting. Their confidence, honesty, and teamwork were remarkable. We are grateful to the officers and Chelsea for giving us a closer look at the work happening in our schools.

November 13, 2025
Operation Backpack ensures students across all seven Basehor-Linwood schools have reliable access to food each week. The program currently provides 67 students with weekly food bags (up from 47 last year), each costing about $10 to prepare and stocked with:

• 2 breakfasts

• 2 lunches

• 2 snacks

Once a month, students also receive a peanut butter and jelly bag, which runs about $12.

Volunteers pick up the food at Sam’s Club and pack the bags in bulk—about 200 at a time—to keep the program running efficiently. Families apply through school counselors, ensuring privacy; BLAS never receives the names of participating students.

Thanks to strong community support, BLAS is able to fund every child who needs assistance. A special thank-you goes to Vicki, Naomi, and Glenda, whose leadership and hard work keep Operation Backpack organized, streamlined, and thriving.

If you want to support BLAS and the work they do making sure everyone in Basehor has what they need, they have an online donation link here.

October 9, 2025
At our October 9 meeting, Judy Temaat (Executive Director) and Meagan Walker (Case Manager) shared how KC Kansas Angels walks alongside foster families, children, and youth across Douglas, Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth counties. Their mission is to offer consistent, relational support to help foster families thrive - because nearly 50% of foster families close their homes within the first year, leading to more instability for children who are already grappling with a lot of change and upheaval.

KC Kansas Angels’ programs address both family and youth needs:

• Love Box Program: Volunteers commit to one year of intentional giving and relationship-building with a foster family, providing practical help like groceries, household supplies, and gas cards, as well as emotional support such as babysitting, tutoring, or simply being a listening ear. Each match is tailored to what that family needs most.

• Dare to Dream Program: For youth ages 11–22, this mentorship program pairs each young person with a carefully screened adult who meets with them twice a month to offer guidance, teach life skills, and help them plan for their futures.

The impact is clear: foster youth face higher rates of homelessness and incarceration - yet KC Kansas Angels shows that with consistent community support, those outcomes don’t have to be inevitable.

As of the time of our meeting, 15 families (60 kids!) were waiting on Love Box volunteers and 8 kids in our area were waiting for mentors. You can view local families and children in need of support on their website’s interactive family map and youth map and learn more about how to get involved.

August 14, 2025
Maddie Bouton, Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director for the City of Basehor joined us at our Happy Hour to deliver a presentation on the Brighter Basehor: Sales Tax Election. She explained how the proposed measure would fund future improvements to roads and parks in Basehor.

Maddie also took time to answer many questions about how local taxes work, helping our members and guests better understand this important topic. We’re grateful to her and the City of Basehor for keeping our community informed. If you have questions about the election, feel free to reach out to Maddie - she can get you answers!

More information about the Brighter Basehor initiative is available here: City of Basehor – Brighter Basehor Sales Tax Election

August 14, 2025
Jessica Pontbriant with the Leavenworth County Council on Aging shared the many ways they support older adults so they can stay independent and in their homes for as long as possible. From Meals on Wheels and in-person dining here in Basehor at the Basehor United Methodist Church, to the Senior Express Transportation service throughout Leavenworth County, to the Friendly Visitors program to address loneliness, and even pet support through their PALS and Pet2Vet programs, they’re filling critical needs with care and creativity. Some services start at age 50, and others begin at age 60 or are income-based. Some services also support disabled people regardless of age.

We also learned about their Leisure & Learning programs - everything from fitness classes to the adventurous BLAST series (because you're never too old to Zipline!). They keep their calendar packed, and it offers great opportunities for seniors to engage in community.

Thank you to the Council on Aging for giving us a deeper understanding of the resources available right here in Leavenworth County. It’s good to be reminded that caring for our community spans all ages - from children to seniors, and everyone in between.

See https://www.leavenworthcounty.gov/departments/council_on_aging/index.php for more information on the services they offer, how to volunteer with them, and how to donate to their cause.

August 14, 2025
Linda Hughes, Community Outreach Program Manager with Lead to Read KC, shared how their organization mobilizes volunteers to improve literacy for 1st-3rd graders in high-need schools across the greater Kansas City area. In some KC classrooms, only 23% of 3rd graders are reading at grade level - something Lead to Read is working hard to change through one-on-one reading time, tutoring, author visits, and free book distribution.

While their programs aren’t active in Basehor schools, Linda encouraged caring adults in our community to volunteer in neighboring districts where kids face greater barriers to reading at home. Helping children succeed in school - whether here in Basehor or in other Kansas City area communities - ultimately strengthens our whole region.

You can learn more or sign up to volunteer at leadtoreadkc.org.

May 8, 2025
Rachael Hissong, Library Director of the Basehor Community Library, and Clara Knipp, Youth Services Coordinator at the Linwood Community Library, presented at our meeting and told us about their Summer Reading programs. Rachael also told us about Basehor Community Library's project to expand the children's section by adding onto their building. Clara explained how Linwood Community Library is a crucial gathering place for community members and how they provide programming to meet that need.

See their sites for information on upcoming events and programs they have:

• Basehor Community Library Events

• Linwood Community Library Events

April 10, 2024
Heather Shue, Basehor-Linwood Mentors and CareCats District Coordinator, presented at our meeting and told us about the student-driven CareCats program and helped our Club Members onboard for the MENTOR program. This program enables community members to be safely vetted, lightly trained, and then allowed to volunteer at schools around town. This program allows us to run the Terrific Kids program at BES! If you're interested in learning more about the MENTOR volunteering opportunity, contact Heather for more information! 

March 13, 2024
The Basehor-Linwood VEX Robotics Club came to speak with us again this Spring about their upcoming VEX Robotics World Championships. They explained how the club helps has prepared them for college, which schools they will attend and degrees they will pursue this Fall, and how they have helped upcoming students prepare for their VEX futures. It has been so much fun watching them grow and learn over the last year, and seeing them find success again as they travel to Worlds this year. We wish them the best, and can't wait to hear about how well they do with their robot!

September 12, 2024
Joan Shearer, owner of Cider Hill Family Orchard, stopped by to make us feel welcome and tell us more about how they give back to the community. They’ve worked with After the Harvest for years and donate as much as 800 pounds of windfall apples to local food banks every time the gleaners stop by. They also intentionally set up the orchard to be a no-cost gathering place, from allowing people to fish in their lake, take a hay ride, or just stop by for a picnic. They don’t charge for entry or parking, which allows people to come and enjoy the beauty of nature they have. And they even allow our club to use their barn as a meeting space once a month. We love the spirit of community that they bring to our area, and are especially grateful for the beautiful location they provide for our club to gather so we can carry out our mission to help local children. 

August 8, 2024
Julie Luttman with the Brain Injury Association of Kansas & Greater Kansas City came to speak to us about their mission. They are a small, local organization that has spread nationwide with the intent of helping people who have acquired or inherited brain injuries. Brain injury doesn’t have as much support and is a fairly niche area, so a lot of what they do is connecting people to the resources, information, and support they need. As an example, in the entire state of Kansas, we only have one facility that exists to help people with brain injuries, so knowing who to go to that can help with various challenges someone with an injury is experiencing is important. Not all of the effects of a brain injury are apparent when looking at a person, so they need a variety of treatments targeted to the needs of the person who has experienced the injury. One of their missions is education on treatment and prevention, so if you’d like to learn more, please contact them! They’d love to make the connection. 

May 9, 2024
Our club enjoyed listening to Darren Koester speak about the wonderful work BLAS does for members of the Basehor and Linwood communities. He shared information on all the types of assistance they provide, including the Backpack Buddy program he spearheads, which gets food sent home from school with kiddos who need it. We look forward to supporting their work in the years to come. If you’d like to support them, you can donate on PayPal here: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1984965 

April 11, 2024
The Basehor-Linwood VEX Robotics Club came to speak with us about their upcoming VEX Robotics World Championships. They explained how the club helps them develop science, math, coding, organization, planning, and presentation skills. They talked us through how the competitions work, and even demonstrated how one of their robots works. They also explained how they have grown their program significantly in the last few years, and provided their projections for how they expect the program to grow between this year and next year. It was wonderful learning about one of the many activities at the local high school.