Meadowlark is alive. That was obvious from the moment we walked in the door.
Philosophical Backpacking
March 20, 2025
Blog
Most bird species migrate some with the seasons, but this migration pattern comes in different flavors. Consulting various authorities, I have identified eight flavors (variations), with the first being that many of the bird species that nest in our area just go south in the fall. I deal here with the seven other variations within which at least a few members of certain species overwinter in eastern KS. I gathered a list of ninety-plus bird species for which at least a few of each spend the winter with us. Not all of these species are mentioned here.
Don Rasmussen, Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program participant and resident at Meadowlark Hills, is feeling good these days. It’s August and for the tenth year in row it means the season for the Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson’s disease is in full swing. The event is the main fundraiser for Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, which provides services for the Flint Hills region to improve the quality of life for all those affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD).
I remember my grandfather’s mother. She was beautiful, worldly and raised five boys. I recall spending time with her and that I felt happy and engaged when doing so, although I don’t remember a single thing we ever talked about. We called her Grandma Ruby.
All through the fall, winter, and spring we on campus have been privileged to hear calls of both the barred and great horned owls. Both rank among the largest of owls in North America. Field guides usually describe their calls as follows: great horned owl, often referred to as the “ hoot” owl—four to six resonant hoots, with rhythms varying with the owl; barred owl—“hoo—hoo—boohoo,” That comes out as a slightly shrill and insistent “Who cooks for you?” The barred owl also sometimes calls during the day.
The 2018 Meadowlark Wellness Olympiad has come to a close! It was a fun six weeks and the participants spent many hours being active. Totaling up the physical activity from all of our participants, they completed roughly 887 hours during the Olympiad. Great job and keep moving!
The competition was tight until the very end and came down to the final challenge at the post party. Team Germany (Cam Beatty, Don and Bea Rasmussen) were able to pull out the narrow victory, keeping their winning streak alive. Cam, Don and Bea have now won the Olympiad for three straight years!
The C. of C. Clyde Jones’s name stands for Clifton, but it could very well stand for “Community”. A seemingly tireless leader, mentor, consultant, philanthropist, and volunteer, Jones at 95 is a friend and inspiration to many people and many Manhattan area causes and organizations.
A volunteer award given annually by Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce bears his name, as do a Wildcat football career development program, a charity 5K fun run and walk, and a graduate scholarship in business administration.
During a 24-hour period last month, 55 local non-profit endowment funds received more than $528,000 from nearly 1000 donors. Local business leader and former Meadowlark Hills board member Phil Howe provided more than $240,000 in matching dollars, bringing the total raised during the 6th annual Grow Green Match Day to more than $768,000!
The 6th Annual Grow Green Match Day on Friday, April 20, is a tremendous opportunity for the Manhattan community and Meadowlark Foundation. On that day, donations made through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation to participating nonprofit agencies will receive a 50% match that can be used for their most crucial needs. What a great way to do "more good" for our friends and neighbors!
Registration for the 2018 Meadowlark Wellness Olympiad is now open! Registration forms can be found at the Hospitality Desk and completed forms should be placed in the drop box at the same location. Sign your team up before the registration deadline of Monday, April 2.
The Olympiad will start with the Kick-off Party from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 6, in the Community Room where we will distribute participant materials, review the rules and hold the first Team Challenge.
The 8th annual Pig Out for Parkinson’s, benefiting Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, is set for Thursday, April 19, at Cox Bros. BBQ. A raffle prize is again part of the fun with proceeds also supporting the Parkinson’s Program. Raffle tickets for a K-State Football Experience package will be sold beginning Monday, March 26. We’re pleased to announce the prize winner will receive: