Meadowlark is alive. That was obvious from the moment we walked in the door.
Outdoor Encounters: Pebble & Pond
April 22, 2025
Blog
I rarely salute water that flows from my kitchen faucet. Yet, one of the great unsung achievements of technology and science is the ability to produce huge and dependable quantities of potable water. In sharp contrast is the scene in the Third-World, where most every day, in a village somewhere, people rejoice in that first gush of safe water from some pipe in their village.
Congratulations to Kelly Salaz, CMA in Collins for winning the Meadowlark Leader of the pack for March 2017!! Kelly’s nomination stated, “Kelly always takes extra time to make sure the residents have a good day, whether it be laughing or talking with them, doing their hair and makeup, or doing her famous creative manicures that residents love. Kelly doesn’t go through one shift without going the extra mile for the residents. She is always brainstorming ideas for outings and new adventures, and doesn’t mind taking the lead on coordinating when asked.
Congratulations to the Meadowlark February 2017 Leader of the Pack, Sara Snell! Sara goes above and beyond every day. If she can find a way to make someone’s job easier or life better, she will. Not only has she been the primary organizer for the entire 2017 Winter Ball event, she supports the Veterans Group, she was a lead for Christmas Carousel (including sewing several costumes!) and will help at any event that she is asked to assist with. Sara is a hardworking and caring team member that is always willing to help.
Congrats, Sara!
Bayer Pond Nature Area attracts a variety of wild life, and in early February, a moose was spotted! In the United States, moose prefer states such as Wyoming, Utah and Alaska, but our moose has relocated from the Lake Perry area. Next time you visit our pond, watch for him! He stands west of the West Gazebo by the trail leading into the woods.
As some of you may have noticed, Pizazz and Flair have welcomed two new stylists in the last few weeks, Shannon Creagh and Kathy Shawver.
We have many “snowbirds” on campus during the summer. This led me, during 21 and 24 January, to hike every street and trail on our campus except for the line of trees on the ridge between Meadowlark Valley and the cottages along the east side of Meadowlark Road. I was involved in the “Sport of Kings:” a scouting and counting venture meant to impress all of us with the number of wild creatures with whom we share our campus during the “growing season.”
Submitted by Helen Roser
Now it can be told. Instead of a respectable government para-legal, I should have been an entertainer. The ham in me adored the thunderous applause.
It was in the days when CBS Television had its first three-camera show. It was taped and would circulate for two years. Very big deal.
I was invited to be a jury member on the new show called “Face the Facts”, about trials. The director told us: “This is for entertainment, not a legal education. Let them enjoy it.” He meant our studio audience as well as the television watchers.
Those sturdy conifer and deciduous trees gracing our Campus and Natural Area prove each winter, by standing and taking the full brunt of whatever winter throws at them, that they are tough cookies. Some of how they do this is understood, but the adaptive mechanisms described below will safeguard trees only so far into the realm of freezing temperatures. A reason exists for the “tree line” across northern Canada.
Christmas Carol-sel: Bringing the Pages to Life!
It’s time to get signed up for the 2016 Christmas Carousel, a holiday party for independent living residents and Passport members! This year’s theme is Christmas Carol-sel and during the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 14, you’ll be diving into the classic Charles Dickens’ tale of A Christmas Carol.