Page 4 - November Rolling Stone

Page 4
November, 2016
The WinnPrairie Difference
When I looked up the definition of the word ‘difference’ I found that it means: A point or way in which people or things are not the same. So, what is the WinnPrairie difference?
WinnPrairie was conceived through the personal experiences of the Swift family. While there are many caring and adequate senior health care facilities in our area, the hospitality expertise in their background was telling them that something was missing. This has led to amenities that are not always thought of in assisted living. In our building these amenities are the norm, not the exception.
Some of our amenities on the WinnPrairie side include, spacious two-bedroom luxury apartments with private laundry room, stainless steel kitchens, and outside sitting area. We also include telephone and TV service plus three meals a day ordered from our WinnPrairie dining menu. Garages are available for those who still like to drive. Day trips on our bus and a variety of activities are always offered for those that like to keep busy. Nurses and C.N.A.’s are available 24 hours a day to help with tasks of daily living that can become more difficult with age.
The need for a Memory Care Wing, The Meadows at WinnPrairie, was also a part of the Swift family’s personal journey. Attention to details that make the journey of memory care easier for resident and their family is first and foremost. Our care is not only for the memory care resident but for the entire family.
The Meadows Memory Care also has the same attention to detail. Private suites are provided for each resident with 24- hour nursing care. Our staff has all had specific training to enhance the lives of both resident and their family along the memory care journey. A sensory room, activity kitchen, safe outdoor area and several smaller dining areas are just a few of the specially designed features of our Memory Care unit.
Another difference is the partnership with The Monroe Clinic. Our team of C.N.A.’s, nurses and clinical management are all supported by The Monroe Clinic and their staff. The combination of hospitality expertise, medical expertise and
Cont. on page 7, Difference
Consider the City Manager Position an Investment in Freeport
By Dick Drogosz
I am serving along with Peter Flynn as co-chairs of the Planning & Implementation Team of the Committee to Change City Government. The mission of this Team is to develop a plan for how Freeport would make a transition to the Managerial form of government if the referendum on the November 8 ballot passes.
One of the frequently asked questions about this Managerial form of government centers on its cost compared with the structure we currently have. Let’s take a brief look at today’s salary cost and the estimated salary cost of the new structure.
In today’s structure, our Mayor is paid $90,496. In the new structure, the Mayor’s position would be part-time and the salary is estimated to be approximately $25,000. The difference in salary is therefore estimated to be $65,000 less than what we pay today. However, with the new structure, we would hire a City Manager with an estimated salary of around $115,000, which is the going rate for City Managers in cities of our size. The bottom line is an additional cost of $50,000. When one looks at the overall budget for our City, the $50,000 represents approximately one-tenth of one percent increase. In the big picture, that is a modest and manageable amount.
One way to look at this $50,000 increase is as an investment in the future for our community. One may ask what is the return on this investment? A City Manager is a trained professional who deals with increasing demands for legal, operational, technical and administrative skills. The City Manager handles the day-to-day operations. This allows the elected Mayor and City Council to focus on the big picture, the long-range vision, aims and goals for our community. They also set the goals and direction of the City Manager.
The day-to-day demands of today’s structure do not allow any mayor enough time to spend on business
Cont. on page 11, Manager
Vote Yes for Freeport was a sponsor at the SRC Living Well Senior Expo. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the organization and do not necessarily reflect the SRC views.
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