I grew up on seven acres out in the country in Franklin County, Kansas between Ottawa and Pomona. My sister and I spent a lot of time playing outside in the grass and trees surrounded by our dogs, barn cats, rabbits and chickens. My dad always had a project he was working on from clearing trees to monitoring a burn pile to tending to his elaborate vegetable garden.

Two answers for today – remember to put your questions in the Ask Sarah box at the Hospitality Desk. Thanks for stopping by!

 Q: Why do we have a history booklet titled “The First Forty Years,” but we are celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of Meadowlark Hills this week?

First off – thank you to Annie for such a beautiful introduction. I know that she has left some big shoes to fill with answering the questions for this article, but I am up for the challenge!

For those who don’t know me, I am Sarah Duggan – the Community Relations Director at Meadowlark Hills. I have worked here for over four years and loved every minute of it. My husband, Edward, and I live in Manhattan with our 10-month-old daughter, Murphy Rose. We recently purchased our first home (exciting!) and are anxiously anticipating Murphy’s first birthday in July.

The emerald anniversary celebration starts next week with a special kick off at Town Meeting Monday, June 1! It’s been 35 years since Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community was formerly dedicated on June 8, 1980. During the week-long celebration lasting through Friday, June 5, 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.   

Climb aboard as we visit Waterville, Kan. for the day! Tuesday, Feb. 24, we’ll tour the Weaver Hotel, Depot Museum and browse Anntie M’s Attic.

Happy New Year! Meadowlark Hills is kicking off 2015 with the second-ever Culture Story Contest beginning on Jan. 5. The purpose of this contest is to gather resident, family, staff and stakeholder’s stories that speak to the uniqueness of Meadowlark Hills and how person-directed care has changed their thoughts on what it means to age.

Grab a date and get signed up for the 2014 Christmas Carousel, a holiday party for independent living residents and Passport members! This year’s theme is Postcard Christmas USA and between 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, you’ll be traveling across America to five different cities and states – each in a different room in the Community Center!

Rita Harsch received the 2014 “Advocate of the Year” award for her excellence in advocacy leadership with Meadowlark Hillson Oct. 1, 2014.

Rita’s level of expertise with Medicaid and insurance allows her the opportunity to advocate for residents and their families to ensure their benefits.  In the confusing world of medical assistance and insurance programs, Rita provides elders and their family’s guidance and support.

It is that time again to put in your order for Meadowlark Hills apparel! There are two new items that have been added to the apparel choices: Meadowlark Hills hats and a tumbler cup. The price for the tumbler cup is $5. An additional color has been added to the polo shirt option, which now includes white. 

John Mann received the Manhattan Legacy Award on Monday, May 19, at the Meadowlark Hills Legacy Banquet.

Coach Bill Snyder, head coach for the Kansas State University football program, was the speaker for the evening. “Manhattan, Kansas is a special community,” Coach Snyder said. “All of us here chose to stay and the value of Manhattan is its people; people who genuinely care.”