Becky Fitzgerald

Blog

  • Alyn and Kevin West’s dog, Mädi, strikes a pose similar to the coyote in “Luna 2” by Aaron Morgan Brown, a SNW Gallery featured artist.

    2025 Art Mingle: Gem of an Opportunity Benefits Meadowlark Memory Program

    By Becky Fitzgerald on February 6, 2025

    Mark your calendars! Meadowlark Foundation’s 7th art-related fundraiser is set for Friday, March 7. Art Mingle: Hidden Gems, which benefits Meadowlark Memory Program, returns to 328 Poyntz Ave. with an earlier start time and, taking event-goers’ feedback into consideration, more seating! This Poyntz Avenue location in the HEART of downtown Manhattan is home to SNW Gallery & Custom Frames and Union Hall, which are located inside the historic, 127-year-old Eames Building.

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  • Meadowlark Foundation: Charitable Giving Propels Meadowlark's Funds, Programs, & Projects

    By Becky Fitzgerald on January 30, 2025

    Meadowlark Foundation provides opportunities for private giving to further the person-directed mission of Meadowlark, a local not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization enhancing senior lifestyles.

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  • Vicky Auman, Meadowlark resident and Market volunteer, wears a head lamp while preparing for the June sale. Her rolling furniture repair kit is nearby.

    Service with a Smile: Friendly Atmosphere Adds to Meadowlark Market Success

    By Becky Fitzgerald on December 19, 2024

       “Great sale. Good customer service.”    “Everyone was sweet and helpful.”    “The ladies there are very pleasant and helpful. Thanks!”    “Friendly people!” It’s the holiday season – a time for good tidings and grateful hearts. At Meadowlark Market, the merry and magic associated with Christmas appear to be experienced year-round. The comments above were sent to the Market team by customers during the past several months, and at least one frequent shopper and one Market volunteer echo these sentiments.

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  • The ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Texan told the story of Rudoph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with larger-than-life ice sculptures.

    'Tis the Season: Holiday Getaway features Texas' Christmas Capital

    By Becky Fitzgerald on December 12, 2024

    More than 1 million visitors are expected to visit Grapevine, Texas, (population 50,981) during its annual Christmas Capital of Texas celebration, and the Meadowlark Travelers were 38 of that number on Dec. 6 and 7, ready to experience some Texas-size fun. In addition to tour leaders Becky Fitzgerald and Monte Spiller, our group was composed of residents, Passport members, and family members.

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  • Kelley Boland of  Junction City strings salvaged beads on framed chicken wire.

    SUNsational CATCHERS: Meadowlark Parkinson's Program Member Creates Shimmering Beauties with Repurposed Items

    By Becky Fitzgerald on October 10, 2024

    Kelley Boland’s beaded designs are doing more than catching sunlight. They are catching much attention wherever they are displayed. Such was the case at August’s Empowered LIVE!, an annual event to empower persons living with Parkinson’s Disease to celebrate life and stay engaged. Boland, a newer member of the Young Onset group supported by Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, was one of several VIPDs showing off their handiwork and hobbies at the LIVE! gathering, held prior to the Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease.

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  • HOGtoberfest 2024

    Year 11 for HOG Heaven: Annual Celebration Benefits Good Samaritan Fund

    By Becky Fitzgerald on October 3, 2024

    Oink! Now that the calendar has flipped to October, temperatures are cooling, but activities to benefit Meadowlark Foundation are heating up. It’s HOGTOBERFEST season, and here are a few squeal-worthy announcements!  No. 1 – The 11th annual HOGTOBERFEST, an awareness and fundraising event to benefit Meadowlark Foundation’s Good Samaritan Fund, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25!  No. 2 – You asked for it, and you got it! Meadowlark’s Prairie Star Restaurant and Event Venue is once again this year’s celebration location! 

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  • High bidders for a Progressive Party on Poyntz will arrive at their first stop in a 1943 limousine, owned and driven by resident Wanda Fulks.

    Ready to Mingle: Upcoming Party Offers Paintings, Experiences, & More!

    By Becky Fitzgerald on May 16, 2024

    Do you have your tickets for Art Mingle? No?! There's no better time than right now to secure your spot at this artful fundraising event, set for May 31 at SNW Gallery and Union Hall, 328 Poyntz Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Art Mingle 2024: Poyntz of View, presented by Community First National Bank, promises to be a delightful evening in the HEART of downtown Manhattan. Your ticket includes savory and sweet food stations, libations, and lively music! This event benefits Meadowlark Memory Program.

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  • Grow Green Match Day: Final Numbers Announced

    By Becky Fitzgerald on May 9, 2024

    Thank you, Manhattan! At the conclusion of a reconciliation process following an annual 24 hours of giving sponsored by Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, event organizers proudly announced three eye-opening numbers. The 12th annual Grow Green Match Day on April 22 attracted 7149 gifts to 91 non-profit organizations totaling $1,773,601.69!

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  • Union Hall & SNW Gallery

    Poyntz of View: Art Mingle fundraiser moves to new location

    By Becky Fitzgerald on May 1, 2024

    Mark your calendars for Friday, May 31! Meadowlark Foundation’s art-related fundraiser is moving from Prairie Star Restaurant to a different venue with two new partnerships. Art Mingle: Poyntz of View, which benefits the Meadowlark Memory Program, begins at 6:30 p.m. at 328 Poyntz Ave. This location in the HEART of downtown Manhattan is home to SNW Gallery & Custom Frames and Union Hall, which are located inside the historic, 127-year-old Eames Building.

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  • "On the Sidelines," donated by residents Nelson & Marilyn Galle, is by Cheri Graham, Manhattan.

    Gifts from the HeART: Meadowlark's Art Collection Began & Continues with Donations

    By Becky Fitzgerald on February 15, 2024

    On Feb. 14 about 25 years ago, Meadowlark resident Marion Pelton, a retired professor of music at Kansas State University and longtime supporter of the arts, walked into the chief executive officer’s office with a rose and an envelope. According to then CEO Steve Shields, his first thought was that Pelton, a friend and mentor, was bringing him a Valentine’s Day remembrance, but when he opened the envelope, he found a signed check. “What is this for?” Shields asked.

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