I LOVE the people that live at Meadowlark Hills. We are all different but similar, and that makes for a great place to live.
Outdoor Encounters: Pebble & Pond
April 22, 2025
Blog
The votes are in and the people have spoken! The destination for the August/September 2015 Trip is (drumroll……) Omaha, Nebraska! With the destination set, we are hard at work putting together the itinerary, including dates, events, dining and travel. There will be more details announced Monday, July 6, during Town Meeting. We will have sign-up sheets and registration forms available Monday, July 6, in a folder labeled “Omaha Trip.” For further information, please contact Resident Services Leader, Monte Spiller, at 323-3801.
Residents and passport members of Meadowlark Hills were welcomed by mostly-sunny skies and a refreshing southern breeze while attending the Tenth Anniversary of Symphony in the Flint Hills Saturday, June 13, at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County. The Sounds of the Kansas City Symphony, performed in honor of the milestone year, was a perfect combination with the scenery of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve along with the prairie art showcased.
I grew up on seven acres out in the country in Franklin County, Kansas between Ottawa and Pomona. My sister and I spent a lot of time playing outside in the grass and trees surrounded by our dogs, barn cats, rabbits and chickens. My dad always had a project he was working on from clearing trees to monitoring a burn pile to tending to his elaborate vegetable garden.
Two answers for today – remember to put your questions in the Ask Sarah box at the Hospitality Desk. Thanks for stopping by!
Q: Why do we have a history booklet titled “The First Forty Years,” but we are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Meadowlark Hills this week?
It is hard to believe that eight weeks have gone by, but the challenge is now completed and prizes have been awarded. Congratulations to the Blue Team (Becky Fitzgerald, Annie Peace, Loren Alexander) for winning the Physical Activity Challenge. The Best Team Award went to our Silver Team (Kimberly Ensley, Amanda Rall, Ruth Wells, Rae Stamey). The Most Active Resident was Don Rasmussen, with 4,540 minutes of physical activity. Kimberly Ensley was the Most Active Employee, with 3,790 minutes of physical activity.
First off – thank you to Annie for such a beautiful introduction. I know that she has left some big shoes to fill with answering the questions for this article, but I am up for the challenge!
For those who don’t know me, I am Sarah Duggan – the Community Relations Director at Meadowlark Hills. I have worked here for over four years and loved every minute of it. My husband, Edward, and I live in Manhattan with our 10-month-old daughter, Murphy Rose. We recently purchased our first home (exciting!) and are anxiously anticipating Murphy’s first birthday in July.
Q: Annie, with your change in role, who will be answering the questions submitted to the box at the Hospitality Desk?
Thank you for your question. This will be the last edition of Ask Annie, but have no fear. Your questions will be received in the very capable hands of Sarah Duggan, Community Relations Director. I have enjoyed researching and answering your questions and although my focus will be shifting, I look forward to the interesting topics you will bring up to Sarah. Thank you for your interest and for your questions, please keep them coming to Sarah.
The 10th anniversary of Symphony in the Flint Hills is less than a month away, but it’s not too late to join in the fun on Saturday, June 13. Reserved seats and transportation have been secured. All you need are comfortable shoes and a desire to hear beautiful music in a gorgeous setting. This year’s event is at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County, which was the location when the event debuted in 2006. Performing with the Kansas City Symphony in honor of this milestone year is special guest artist Lyle Lovett, a four-time Grammy award winner.
The emerald anniversary celebration starts next week with a special kick off at Town Meeting Monday, June 1! It’s been 35 years since Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community was formerly dedicated on June 8, 1980. During the week-long celebration lasting through Friday, June 5, residents and staff will be seen wearing green “Celebrating 35 Years” shirts, and several are already drinking from green tumblers now available at Verna Belle’s Cafe for $5.
We have reached the end, which means it will be time to celebrate! The challenge post-party will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in the Community Room. Plan to join us for food, the announcement of winners, prize drawings and to celebrate all the hard work that we have done over these eight weeks. Tracking sheets from Week Eight need to be turned in to the Hospitality Desk, Human Resources office or Caul Fitness Center by 5 p.m.. Tuesday, May 26.