I LOVE the people that live at Meadowlark Hills. We are all different but similar, and that makes for a great place to live.
Parkinson's Awareness Month: Update from 2026 Parkinson’s Policy Forum
April 3, 2026
Blog
The calendar says it’s September, but for the past several months, Art Committee members could be convinced it’s Christmas time. Since last spring, various potential donations of fine art and decorative art (framed posters, etc.) have been presented at each of our first Friday-of-the-month meetings for consideration. I believe I speak for a majority of members in saying that it’s been a treat to examine and/or research the proposed gifts.
Every first and third Tuesdays (and the fifth Tuesday when they come around!), a group of talented residents gather in the Living Room four an hour in the afternoon to exercise their writing skills and learn new techniques from their fearless leader. The most recent leader of the Meadowlark Hills Writing Group, Charlie Kempthorne, led his last class Tuesday, Sept. 1, as he and his wife will be moving from Manhattan to be closer to family.
How many of us can think of multiple times that we have been called by a telemarketer – and the funny thing is, they always call at the most inconvenient times such as in the middle of dinner or when you are walking out the door. Some of us might argue that anytime a telemarketer is calling, whether your have the time to deal with it or not, is inconvenient. A possible solution to this problem is the National Do Not Call Registry.
Submitted by Sue Hunt
I went down to feed the worms Labor Day morning and although the wet weather has caused very tall ragweed the sunflower field is in full bloom.
Tall Joe-Pye weed has white fluffy tops and the snow on the mountain covers many bud areas. Thistles are making purple tuffs. The big bluegrass flowering and the Indian grass has yellow top.
There are plenty of grasshoppers and if you can catch one, hold it upside down by the legs and it will become very still so you can see its spur throat or bond wings.
Submitted by Duane Miksch
Among the birds visiting our feeders, are a large number of doves. The Mourning Doves are especially prevalent. Adults were joined in mid-summer by many juveniles. The youngsters seem to flutter around less when not feeding and sometimes can be seen sitting quietly on the path in the shade outside our north windows.
Outside is the best side!
In April 2015, the Duggans moved into our first house. The family’s first mission? Grow grass. Our new backyard was an overwhelming mountain of mud. I grew up in the country and there, growing grass wasn’t a priority. If we had it – great! If we didn’t – less to mow. Edward grew up in the city without a yard. Fast forward to 2015 and two newbie homeowners are standing in the lawn and garden section at Home Depot, heads tilted in confusion.
Meadowlark Hills resident Sue Hunt held up an adjustable cane decorated with hand-painted roses, and the knot in my stomach began to unravel. Meadowlark Hills Foundation’s first public auction of donated household items had lured several capable volunteers and a large crowd to Pottorf Hall in Cico Park on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and the raised hands and nodding heads that were prompted by auctioneer Vern Gannon did much to calm my nerves.
Submitted by Jayme Minton, Support Services Director
The Prairie Star renovations are just around the corner! Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 21, and will last approximately six to seven weeks. During the entire length of the construction, Prairie Star dining room and the Manhattan Room will be closed.
Submitted by Velma Skidmore
Since mid-April when the Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrived in our neighborhood they are so fun to watch. So small they are! Their amazing tiny bodies and wings move so rapidly. A recent article in the September-October 2015 Audubon Magazine gives interesting information: