Summer is in full swing and all around the Meadowlark campus residents, staff and families are soaking up every minute of the season, including parties with friends, fishing and spending time in the great outdoors

At the invitation of Max and Sue Bayer, the Tuttle Creek neighborhood group gathered for a driveway party the evening of Sunday, July 9. Ice cream parfaits and cookies were served. The group enjoyed the cooling of the day and the slight breeze as they chatted non stop! It was hard to leave for home by the light of the beautiful full moon. 

The first-ever Meadowlark Fishing Tournament began Friday, June 30, and concluded, July 7. The tournament participants caught a total of 102 fish! Don Rasmussen, IL resident at Meadowlark Hills, wanted to get residents, staff and family members excited about fishing in Meadowlark’s Bayer Pond. Fourteen fisherman participated in the week-long tournament catching a variety of fish, including catfish, blue gill, bass and carp. 

Alberto Chabrier caught the most fish overall with a grand total of 33 fish. Mia Gerena, age 4, caught the largest fish in her age group, an eight-inch blue gill. Skip Jones, Meadowlark Passport member, caught the most fish (15) and the biggest fish, a 18-inch catfish, in his age group.

Don Rasmussen provided all the fishing equipment for those who didn’t have their own and he has maintained the worm farm for the last two years available for anyone fishing down at the pond. Don wanted to start tournament in memory of Don Good past resident who was responsible for developing fishing at Bayer Pond. 

And finally, Saturday, June 24, was a spectacularly beautiful day and a group of residents set out that morning to enjoy a ride to the pond choreographed by Meadowlark Ambassador, Sue Hunt. Two motorized carts gave the group a fun ride to the pond while they soaked up all the luscious sunshine and gazed at the wildflowers. At the destination, Bayer Pond, they enjoyed learning the history of the pond, its paths, gazebos and accessories. While enjoying refreshments, the group took turns reading the entries in a journal that is kept at the site and writing their own take-away memories. It was a pleasant excursion; watch the Meadowlark Messenger for more Pond Ride opportunities this season!