Meadowlark is alive. That was obvious from the moment we walked in the door.
Outdoor Encounters
March 7, 2024
Local not-for-profit focused on supporting people in living their best lives
The fourth article in our series highlighting November as National Caregiver Month addresses self-care. When caring for others, it is impossible to do everything, and it can be easy to put self-care last. Even though we have all heard the sayings about putting on our own oxygen mask first and we can’t pour from an empty cup, the reality is there are only so many hours in a day.
For the third article in our series highlighting November as National Caregiver Month, communication is the goal. We all use communication in some form or fashion numerous times a day. This communication might be made with our hands, face, spoken words or sounds, writing and typing, pictures, and/or emojis. We also need to be able to understand and interpret these expressions from others in order to have true communication. What happens, though, when part of this system is challenged by speech, language, hearing, or cognitive difficulties?
Despite a light (and welcome!) rain shower during the recent Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson's Disease, nothing could wash away event organizers' excitement about the record number of registered participants for the 15th annual event, which occurred Saturday, Aug. 26, at Tuttle Creek State Park. Race directors Kimmie Koharchik, Doug Sellers, and Michelle Geering, along with event coordinator Michelle Haub knew that surpassing last year's number of runners and walkers was a real possibility in 2023.
The 15th Annual Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson’s disease, presented by Community First National Bank, begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Tuttle Creek State Park. The common gift for a 15th anniversary is crystal, which represents the purity and fragile nature of love and relationships. Even after 15 years, our event still requires our love, attention, and nurturing to continue its success to provide funds to support Parkinson's disease (Pd) programming.
Presenting sponsor Central National Bank and Meadowlark Memory Program collaborated again this year with Rockin K’s for a day of amazing food, drink, conversation, and music. Rockin K’s will donate 10% of the day’s sales to support the program. On Friday, June 9, people from the community learned about dementia and how the Meadowlark Memory Program supports those diagnosed and their care partners (including spouses, children, siblings, and friends).
April is a time for growth and change. Those bulbs resting underground all winter are now popping up leaves and flowers of fresh life through the soil. It’s a time where something that we can’t see changing is evolving into something beautiful. This is why it is fitting that April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s may feel like that flower bulb in the winter when they are diagnosed, and they may not understand they can still experience growth, independence, and beauty.
The last weekend in August brought opportunities for the Manhattan community to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, participate in exercise, and obtain a first-hand look at people living life with endurance.
Typically, when people think about Parkinson’s disease, they think about the tremor (shake), but this is only one part of the disease that affects a person’s life. Shuffling gait, depression, apathy, constipation, and small handwriting are a few more of the symptoms that can disrupt quality of life for the person with Parkinson’s and his or her care partner(s). For 16 years, the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program has been providing free education, exercise, outreach and engagement for people affected by Pd. How can these services be offered free of charge?
Pig Out for Parkinson’s will celebrate its 12th anniversary on Thursday, April 28. Since year one, the goal of this event is to educate the Manhattan and surrounding communities about Parkinson’s disease (Pd) and the free services the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program offers. Over the years, we have been able to increase the outreach opportunities we provide because of events such as Pig Out for Parkinson’s. We have learned that engagement is a big factor in quality of life, functional abilities, and living well with Parkinson’s.
The 10th Annual Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson’s was Saturday, Aug. 25, at Tuttle Creek State Park. The weather was nothing short of steamy, but it didn’t appear to rain on anyone’s enjoyment of the day and the activities. The party-like atmosphere in race headquarters was amazing! This year, more than any other year, it seemed as if people stayed longer and enjoyed their time with family and friends while recharging with Eastside & Westside Markets fresh fruit, Panera bagels, Cox Bros BBQ and Houlihan’s chips & dip.
Meadowlark is alive. That was obvious from the moment we walked in the door.
2121 Meadowlark Road
Manhattan, KS 66502
Directions & Map
Call: 785.537.4610
Email: info@meadowlark.org
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