It’s time to revive a Messenger column that has been out of print since late 2017: Ask Sarah!

For those who don’t know me, I am Sarah Duggan, the Community Relations Director at Meadowlark. I have worked here for more than 13 years and love being here. My husband, Edward, and I live in Manhattan with our three daughters: Murphy Rose (9), Eilish Wynnette (7), and Edie Glenn (2). I enjoy writing and hope to publish a novel someday. My family and I like adventures, especially if it includes spending time “camping” in our camper at different spots around Kansas and even out of state! We love music, staying busy, and connecting with family and friends.

During my time at Meadowlark, I have periodically heard the comments or concern of how residents and staff receive communication regarding news and events on our campus. There are several ways information is communicated to residents including the Meadowlark Messenger, Channel 1960, flyers, Meadowlark’s website, and social media pages.

The Meadowlark Messenger is our lifeline at Meadowlark! The Messenger features articles about news and upcoming events, a list of meal specials for Prairie Star Restaurant, the Grosh Cinema movie schedule, and an Opportunities Calendar outlining the activities for the coming week. The Messenger is printed and distributed every Thursday morning. This publication is created and managed by me. There is a resident committee who meets every Thursday morning to fold and distribute the Messenger, including several residents who deliver the newsletter to the cottages and duplexes.

Channel 1960, an internal television channel, is managed by the Hospitality team. This can be found on channel 1960. The channel is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The channel rotates through slides with information including meal specials and the daily movie. Some additional announcements are included in this rotation and information about services offered on the Meadowlark campus. All activities listed in the Messenger are not included on Channel 1960 in an effort to make the slide rotation a manageable one to watch. If there is a cancelation for an activity, there will be a slide placed on Channel 1960. You can also join exercise classes via Channel 1960; and the schedule for the televised exercise classes is listed in the Messenger each week on the Opportunities Calendar.

The Hospitality team posts flyers in the elevators, Game Room and the bulletin board at the west side entrance advertising events and activities. Cancelations are communicated on flyers in these areas.

Meadowlark’s website features a section on events. Residents, staff, and community members are invited to use this option when looking to see what events are coming up. Previous and current Messengers are also included on the website. Visit the Meadowlark Hills homepage by going to www.meadowlark.org.

 Of course, if there is ever a question about an activity or event, please inquire with any of the following people:

•  Monte Spiller, Resident Services Leader, (785) 323-3801
•  Michaela Hummel or Brook Marcotte, Dining Services, (785) 323-3821
•  Hospitality team, (785) 537-4610
•  Jayme Minton, Sales, Home Health, & Support Services Director, (785) 313-0454

Additional resident resources include floor/neighborhood reps, monthly Town Meetings (first Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the Event Center) and contacting a team member.

I’m looking forward to receiving, researching, and answering your questions. Submit questions to the box at the Hospitality Desk or directly to me via phone, e-mail, or stopping by my office! I’m located across the hall from the Fitness Center.

Sarah Duggan can be reached via phone at (785) 323-3878, via text at (785) 313-7020, or via e-mail at sguge@meadowlark.org.