Meadowlark Hills Turns 35!

By Becky Fitzgerald on May 14, 2015

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.   

The celebration includes a variety of activities and programs designed to appeal to not only residents and employees but also Manhattan and area community members who are interested in knowing more about Meadowlark Hills. So much is scheduled that the invitations residents received last week are in the form of an eight-page booklet!

“Emerald Editions” of regularly occurring events, such as Community Bingo, Coffee Corner and the weekly ice cream social are planned as well as several special events. For example, former CEO Steve Shields will serve as a guest bartender on Monday, June 1, at Kansas Room Pub, and a Bayer Pond dedication ceremony is set for Wednesday, June 3 at the pond, weather permitting. In addition, campus tours will be offered four afternoons; presentations about Meadowlark Hills homes and the services our community offers also are planned.

If that’s not enough to get you in the emerald party mood, movies from the 1980s will be shown at Grosh Cinema from Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, and three green cocktails will be available at Kansas Room Pub. Try the 35 Special or Green Star any afternoon and events that week, and/or sip Emerald Party Punch during Summerfest.

Our annual block party, Summerfest, is scheduled for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 5. This yearly FREE event features a cook-out, live band, games for children and the young at heart as well as a beer garden.

Our annual block party, Summerfest, is scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 5. This yearly FREE event features a cook-out, live band, games for children and the young at heart as well as a beer garden. All residents, staff, families, Passport members and board members are welcome to attend. Summerfest is Meadowlark Hills’ annual kickoff to summer, so what better way to end a five-day anniversary extravaganza?

For more information, please see the invitation, the Opportunities Calendar in the May 28 Meadowlark Hills Messenger, or contact Sarah Duggan at (785) 323-3860