Lemonade stand keeps bringing in money

By now, Chloe Sheridan is a lemonade expert.

Since the 10-year-old started her weekly lemonade stand last month to raise money for playground equipment at her subsidized-housing complex, she and her helpers have mixed an estimated 25 gallons of lemonade and baked about 15 dozen cookies, brownies and other sweets.

“You make sure it looks clean, and of course, you always wash your hands,” she said, describing some of her secrets for a successful stand.

The marathon continued Saturday at her stand at the intersection of North Second and Lyon streets, above, and she posted her second-highest profit so far, $68. She’s now raised $2,081 for Pine Tree Townhouses– not including donated equipment — but wants to reach $3,000.

She plans two more stands: from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Aug. 30.

Schools

District secures grant for after-school program

The Lawrence school district has landed a five-year grant for a before- and after-school program for students at New York School, officials said.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant is for a program called Stepping Up & Stepping Out! It is a cooperative project with Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and the school district.

In the first year, $156,000 will be allocated to improve life skills, recreation and academic activities of New York students. Funding in subsequent years hinges on government resources and evaluation of the program’s value.

“The whole academic part can help students who are behind in their studies,” said Sandee Crowther, the district’s executive director of planning and program improvement.

KAPS

Advocates for disabled plan state listening tour

Rocky Nichols is looking for ideas on how to improve Kansas Advocacy and Protective Services, a federally funded agency that found itself in hot water after a recent audit uncovered financial improprieties involving a past board president.

Nichols, who took over the embattled agency last month, is beginning a statewide listening tour this week. Lawrence-area stops include:

• 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Monday, Kansas State Historical Society, 6425 S.W. Sixth St., Topeka.
• 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park.

The three-day tour also will make stops in Parsons, Wichita, Garden City and Hays.

KAPS’ mission is to advocate for the rights of Kansans with physical and developmental disabilities.