I am truly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of Meadowlark Hills.
HOGtoberfest: 12th Annual Event Boosts Good Samaritan Fund
November 13, 2025
Blog
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.
An unusual achiever with a lifetime of service and generosity to her credit was honored Monday, May 11, at the 13th annual Legacy Society Banquet sponsored by Meadowlark Hills Foundation.
Next week will be the last week of our challenge, so it will also be the last week to earn your team some points! Continue tracking all activity on your Week Seven sheets and turn them in to the Hospitality Desk, Human Resources office, or Caul Fitness Center by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. The challenge post-party will be from 3 to 4 p.m Wednesday, May 27, in the Community Room. Plan to join us for snacks, awarding of prizes, random drawings and a celebration of all the physical activity you accomplished. Congratulations to Jo Horton for winning the Week Five Healthy Eating Challenge drawing.
Kermit the frog said it’s not easy being green, but Meadowlarkians aren’t likely to share his opinion during the first week of June. An emerald anniversary celebration is planned Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5, to mark the 35 years that have passed since Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community was formerly dedicated on June 8, 1980. 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.
This is Week Six of the challenge, which means there is only a little more than two weeks left. Keep moving, and earn as many points as you can for your team! Continue tracking all physical activity on your Week Six sheets, and remember to turn them in by Tuesday, May 12, at 5 p.m. Sheets can be turned in at the Hospitality Desk, Human Resources office or Caul Fitness Center. Congratulations to Sharon Smith for winning the Week Four Healthy Eating prize drawing; she won a 30-minute massage!