Here - Wesley Willows

The
World
SUMMER 2014
of
A FA I T H B A S E D C O M M U N I T Y
Wesley
Willows
AN EXTRAORDINARY SENIOR LIVING EXPERIENCE
Summer Heats Up With Plenty To Do At Wesley Willows
H
ere at Wesley Willows
we have a saying that
gets repeated all the time by
residents, staff, and friends“There is something for
everyone.” This summer has
been no exception with the
amount of activities, trips,
educational programs, and
fitness opportunities that have
been enjoyed by many with
the help of active residents
and eager staff.
A group of residents pose for a picture before heading
off on a trip sponsored by the Photography Club
The Wesley Willows Fitness
Department held a three month Fitness Challenge in which
residents were given cards to get punched for every time they
attended a fitness class, worked out in the Fitness Center, or
did a personal training session. Once a resident had their card
punched 10 times they were able to turn it in for a chance
to win different prizes donated by several local businesses.
Rockford Park District donated a number of passes to the
Forest City Queen, Nicholas Conservatory, and Magic Waters.
Other donations included gift bags from Culvers, passes to
Anderson Gardens, free bowling at Don Carter Lanes, and a
Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card. At the end of the three month
contest 178 punch cards were turned in by over 60 residents
from all lifestyles on campus.
The benefits of having residents participate in fitness activities
goes much farther than just their physical wellness. New
friendships are formed, a sense of community is reinforced,
and residents are generally happier in their day to day lives.
Wesley Willows’ Activity Department has also been hard at
work in providing opportunities for residents to enjoy all the
surrounding area has to offer. Day trips to the American Club
Resort in Kohler, WI, a day at the ballpark in Milwaukee for
the Brewers vs. Cubs game, and a shopping trip to Johnson
Creek Outlet Mall were enjoyed by many. Residents also
enjoyed local fare with lunches at Alchemy, Garrets, Noonan’s,
and even the Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days.
n President’s
Message
n Mission, Vision
Core Values
n Chef
for a Day
and
The fine arts scene in Rockford
has also provided residents
opportunities to enjoy
entertainment with concerts at
Sinnissipi’s “Music in the Park”,
Spring Creek UCC’s “Concerts on
the Creek”, and an evening at the
Starlight Theatre to see “Angel-A
Musical.” The Wesley Willows
Resident Social Committee has
even invited local jazz musicians
to entertain at Sunday brunch.
Educational opportunities
have also presented themselves
throughout different departments and resident interest groups.
Erin Gorman, Dietician at Wesley Willows, has held monthly
“Nutrition Talks” on campus focusing on topics such as the
importance of protein in aging, memory boosting foods, and
anti-inflammatory foods. A new resident lecture series held on
the first Sunday of the month has also given Wesley Willows
residents a chance to learn from each other. Residents including
Dr. John Howard, Dr. Grandon Tolstedt, Mrs. Mary Caskey,
and Dr. Barbara Brown have given inspiring presentations on
their professional experiences and travels.
Interest groups have also been busy this summer with the
community gardeners hard at work to hold garden market sales
on Fridays for residents and staff. The Photography Club has
taken trips to Cantigny Park and Museum and Janesville Rotary
Gardens. The Wesley Willows Auxiliary held their annual Ice
Cream Social and has been having weekly bake sales.
All of these activities are really part of a bigger picture-a Wesley
Willows Life Enrichment Program which is specific to our
campus, our residents, and inspiring seniors to celebrate life.
The seven wellness dimensions of the Life Enrichment Program
are Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Community, Emotional,
Nutritional, and Social. You will be hearing much more about
this program in the coming months and we look forward
to being able to provide everyone with fun and meaningful
activities.
n Chaplain’s
Corner
n Siblings Working Together
n Gifts
& Donations
n Groundbreaking
of
Willow Suites, Phase III
n 20 Years
n Music
of Accreditation
to Our Ears
LEADERSHIP
Bill Pratt, President & CEO
A
s I have traveled around the campus
(our 90 developed acres), it seems
as if dust and dirt and noise permeate
everywhere I go. This observation is not
limited to the outdoors only. We are replacing
nearly 50 year old boilers in our original building.
That statement could cause you to say, “Are you
kidding?” I assure you I am not. The boilers have worked from
the very beginning when we opened our doors in 1966. They are
relatively inefficient, take up lots of room, give off a ton of heat
in the boiler room where they are located, and seem to heat up
everything around them including our Arndt Dining Room that
is located just above the boiler room. All that being said, they
have done their job and heated the building and warmed our
residents over the years. But, here is one of the most compelling
reasons they are being replaced: any time a breakdown occurs
and we need new parts, they literally need to be manufactured
as parts are no longer available.
Outdoors there are projects on both sides of the campus
including the removal of a Willows Arbor patio that was
Mission Statement
We promote active secure lifestyles for Seniors
through ongoing personalized care.
Vision Statement
Wesley Willows will be the leader in providing exceptional
programs, services, and amenities for seniors.
Core Values
Integrity in all we do, embracing transparency and
a “do the right thing” focus as a faith based,
not-for-profit organization.
Relationships creating a community which exemplifies
caring and respect.
Operational Excellence in programs, services,
and facilities and grounds.
Fiscal Responsibility for Wesley Willows residents
and employees.
Safe and Secure practices and environments.
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originally built in the early 60s. The patio had begun to crumble;
the railings were beginning to deteriorate and the steps were no
longer accessible. We are replacing everything except the steps. In
their place we are installing a handicap accessible ramp. Nearby,
on Embury Road, a major project was recently completed curing
the ailing roadway that has always had a drainage problem and
subsequent road deterioration, all causing ongoing repairs.
On the west campus, we have an abundance of new construction
taking place. This includes the building of 3 new duplex homes
-- all in accordance with our policy of having both of the units
sold before a duplex can be built. This project means that six
new families will be moving to Wesley Willows before the end
of March, 2015. In the last issue of The World, I spoke of the
start of construction of Phase III of Willow Suites and a fabulous
addition to the Town Center. Things are buzzing along and
progress is occurring.
I don’t mention all of these projects just for the news of it.
It is really a segue to information about our new 2015-2017
Strategic Plan. At the July 28, 2014 Board of Trustees meeting,
Management outlined five focus areas of the plan:
Focus 1: Campus Position – Location, Growth, and
Marketability
Focus 2: Leadership – Staff Abilities & Outstanding Residents
Focus 3: Affordability
Focus 4: Wow Factors – Going Above and Beyond
Focus 5: Be Proactive in Current Marketing, Development,
and Technology Trends
This plan was the result of input from over 200 people on
campus. We listened to residents, staff and Board members
talk with us about our Mission Statement (We Promote Active,
Secure Lifestyles for Seniors through ongoing Personalized
Care) and Vision Statement (Wesley Willows will be the leader
in providing exceptional programs, services, and amenities for
Seniors) and of course, our Core Values: Integrity, Relationships,
Operational Excellence, Fiscal Responsibility, and Safe and
Secure.
After listening to the presentation, the Board of Trustees
approved the 2015-2017 Strategic Plan and gave Management
the go-ahead to get started on assigning responsibilities and time
lines.
One of the strengths of Wesley Willows over the years has been
the Board’s ongoing commitment to strategic planning. This
commitment has helped us expand and prosper, positioning
us for the future and ensuring we keep our promises to our
residents. The Board believes the 2015-2017 Strategic Plan is
a great next step in honoring that ongoing commitment.
Till next time,
Bill Pratt
President/CEO
Life is Full of Transitions
F
or some, change can be exhausting, daunting, and
overwhelming. For others, change can signify growth,
newness, and blessing. For me and my family, it has been a
buffet of these emotions as we moved here from Columbia,
South Carolina. Although we continue to assimilate,
transitions can be stressful.
Moving across the country is a huge transition in itself but
transitioning to Wesley Willows as the Chaplain has been a
blessing. In all of this change, I have seen and experienced
God’s goodness as my family and I have started to grow and
be enfolded into the Wesley Willows family, as if we’d been
here much longer. We have also experienced the newness of
temporarily living on campus and blossoming relationships.
In all of this transition, my family and I have been blessed by
so many people who have shown us such amazing hospitality
and God has blessed us in abundance.
Transitions can be hard. As I have embraced the Chaplain
position at Wesley Willows, I have observed what that has
meant as Bruce Main is no longer a part of this family.
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Jeremy Pool, Chaplain
It makes sense that Bruce will be
missed and a testament to the impact
he made. In this transition, I have
been able to observe and experience
what Bruce must have felt as I have
been welcomed kindly, embraced fully,
and accepted unconditionally as the
new Chaplain. I have also seen how much
love, respect, communication, compassion,
and personality is needed to make Wesley Willows
extraordinary not only to all of the residents but to all of us
as staff.
In the next six months, I plan to continue to do what is
effective in providing spiritual and emotional care to residents,
families, and staff. I also plan to continue to provide spiritual
programs, various weekly services, and perhaps incorporate
spirituality and a grief group as part of our Life Enrichment
Program.
Let us continue to transition together!
Chef for a Day, Experience of a Lifetime
“I
can fix a nice pot roast with potatoes, onions, and
carrots. I just love it, but it’s too much work anymore.
I’m 92 years old you know!” Bob Messner’s (Chef for a
Day June 2014) story is sure to be similar to that of most
residents on campus. Once they moved in to Wesley
Willows, they either gave their recipes away to their
children to pass on their
traditions, or they simply
threw them out.
It’s a bit of independence
often surrendered when
moving into a retirement
community—the simple
act of preparing your
own meals. One can
easily become used to the
idea of having all their
meals prepared for them,
but often times forget
the fulfilling feeling
of satisfying several
insatiable appetites
Wesley Willows resident Bob Messner
at once with culinary
sporting a Chef ’s hat with Sous Chef
creations passed down
Joey Paddock at dinner
from generation to
generation.
This was the seed that sprouted into what has now become
Wesley Willows’ Chef for a Day quarterly event. After
entering into a raffle, a resident’s name is drawn at random
to have their recipe featured on an upcoming menu, but
it doesn’t end there. The resident is then brought into the
kitchen to tour the facility, experience the inner workings
of Dining Services, and best of all—experience the thrill of
once again preparing their
recipe just as they had
years before for their own
families.
“Anything you can do
to make it feel more
like home, I think is
important.” Gladys
Campbell has lived at
Wesley Willows for
over eight years and was
selected as the first Chef
Gladys Campbell and
for a Day in March. She
Executive Chef Jason Kovanda
selected a special scalloped
share Gladys favorite recipes
potato recipe she had
with the Wesley Willows
served for years at family
residents
holiday events. Resident
response to the dish was
so astonishing that it was requested at that week’s Food
Committee meeting to feature the dish on the special
Easter menu the following month.
Due to these successes, the program will continue
indefinitely, featuring a new resident and a new recipe each
quarter. We feel it’s important for our residents to get the
opportunity to showcase their talents in the kitchen and
appreciate that sometimes the opportunity to be the Chef
for a Day can be the experience of a lifetime.
3
Siblings Working Together
A
core value of Wesley Willows is relationships
and creating a community of caring and respect.
Residents and employees often state, “We are one big
family”.
The family-friendly environment at Wesley Willows
includes many actual family members. Residents and
employees often encourage their family members to
experience the abundant offerings and opportunities
at Wesley Willows.
Erickson family (left to right) Cody, Tyler, Gage, & Brett
Employees feel a sense of pride in their work
and want family members to have the same
positive experience. Wesley Willows has
always encouraged the referral of family and
friends to the campus. It is extraordinary
when employees want their siblings to work
right along-side them. There are currently
siblings from 12 different families working
together as part of the Wesley Willows
family.
All four brothers work together to create memorable
experiences in the Dining Services Department. The
brothers say being able to share friendships and similar
experiences are some of the positive aspects about
working with each other. Tyler also reflected that it
is just nice to see each other more often. The four
brothers have fun workplace competitions by trying
to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently.
The Paddock family is another group of the many
siblings at Wesley Willows. Joey Paddock has been
employed since 2008. Joey was the employee of
the year in 2010 and was promoted to Sous Chef
this past year. Joey has recommended employment
at Wesley Willows to numerous friends and
family, including his sisters Miranda and Alyssa.
Joey has had the opportunity to support and
coach his sisters at work but also appreciates the
many ideas and suggestions they share with him
to make things better. The three siblings have
become even closer outside of work after having
the opportunity to work together.
Wesley Willows has many programs and services
in place to encourage families to come together
to develop a strong sense of community. Referral
programs are often utilized to support this ongoing endeavor. Family members want to share
their incredible experiences and mentor and
support one another. The end result is a happy, caring
Wesley Willows extended family.
One of these families is the Ericksons, which
includes triplets and a younger brother. Tyler
Erickson began work at Wesley Willows in
2011. Tyler has been promoted several times
and was awarded the 2013 Employee of the
Year. Tyler has encouraged all of his brothers
to pursue positions at Wesley Willows. Brett
and Gage began working at Wesley Willows
in 2013 and Cody, the last of the triplets,
joined the Wesley Willows family in 2014.
Paddock family (left to right) Miranda, Joey & Alyssa
4
Groundbreaking Of
Willows Suites Phase III
Wesley Willows Continues To Grow Through Community Expansion
O
n Friday June 27, 2014 a groundbreaking
ceremony was held at Wesley Willows for
Willows Suites Phase III. The latest expansion will
feature 36 one and two bedroom apartments ranging
in size from 794 to 1,342 square feet. Each of the
new Suites will include a full kitchen, washer and
dryer, balcony or patio, spacious closets and a full
range of services including optional underground
heated parking. The cost of the project is $18MM
will provide work for 200 – 300 people in Rockford
during the next fifteen months”. Noelker & Hull
Architects of Chambersburg, PA is continuing its
13 year partnership in development of the Wesley
Willows Campus. Upon completion of the expansion
residents will begin moving into Willows Suites Phase
III in the summer of 2015. The community’s growth
will generate an additional twenty new jobs to the
Rockford area.
Bill Pratt, President and CEO, states “We’re
pleased to be adding additional homes and
Town Center opportunities in response to
the strong demand from area seniors for a
healthy, active and stimulating lifestyle –
enjoying activities with friends; delicious
Members of the Construction Advisory Task Force as
well as the Scandroli family, and Dr. Craig Rogers
breaking ground on Suites III and Town Center
expansion.
and is being financed by Wells Fargo
Bank. According to Peg Laughlin from
Wells Fargo, “we are delighted to finance
this project for Wesley Willows, a stellar
operator which continues to build on its
own past successes.”
This is the third major building project
for Wesley Willows in the last six years. As
with Phases I & II each of the suites will
have easy indoor access to the Town Center
with its stunning aquatic center, indoor
track, fitness center, Bistro, salon, library,
and gift shop. In addition to the new suites
we will also be adding a Town Center
expansion with additional meeting space,
an upscale dining area, and a club room.
Wesley Willows has again partnered with Scandroli
Construction Company to be the general contractor
who in 2012 completed the second phase of the
Suites. Joe Scandroli Jr. commented “this project
The construction crew hard at work in what will be Suites III
meals; an assortment of health and wellness programs;
and the peace of mind knowing they have immediate
and guaranteed access to comprehensive health care
services, should they ever need them.”
5
IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
We Deeply Appreciate All Your Generous Gifts Given To Wesley Willows.
April 16, 2014 - July 31, 2014
BEQUESTS
Wayne H. & Ruth Diehl
Charitable Foundation
GOOD SAMARITAN
ENDOWMENT FUND
Ronald Armagost
Bill & Fran Pratt
Wesley Willows Resident
Community Garden
GOOD SAMARITAN GIFTS
Doug & Renie Adams
Gretchen Christensen
Adams
Robert Ahmer
Anonymous Friends
Barber-Colman Alumni
Group
Helen Calacurcio
Carroll Dietz
Richard Drogemuller
Tim & Elizabeth Earleywine
Dorothy Erwin
Faith United Methodist
Women
Phyllis Gallano
Georgalee George
Elbridge & Barbara Gerry
Frank Gutierrez
Robert Hatch
Diane Helsel
Fenimore & Doris Hicks
Patricia L. Johnson
Rick & Lois Johnson
Jungle Wagon Press
Wilma Kuhlmeyer
Sarah Lewis
Janet Mace
Willard & Marilyn Meyer
Marion M. Milas
Northern Illinois Conference
of the UMC
Betty Reece
Marvin & Donna Robey
Viola Scadden
Janet Schuldt
Kathleen Smith
Betty Taylor
Tonya Thayer
Grandon Tolstedt
Dorothy VanMatre
Christopher & Nancy
VanSickle
Wesley Willows Auxiliary
Mary Ann Willard
Dick Zimmanck
GIFTS GIVEN IN
HONOR OF
Jane Bailey
Maney’s Lawnscape, Inc.
Raymond & Joyce
Schoenfield
6
GIFTS GIVEN TO
HONOR OTHERS
Robert & Sharon Ash
Janet Mace
Peter Schoenfield
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF
Richard Adams
Marjorie Anderson
Janis Ansari
Carol Bach
Thomas E. Brown
Phyllis Burger
Shirley Cagle
Dorothy Clikeman
Pauline Clough
James Cummings
Carol Dietz
Lee Dunbar
Flossie Ellsworth
Darrell English
Harold Fair
Genevieve Farr
Waltraut Fritsch
Eleanor Fry
Marie Griffis
Barbara Hammes
Joyce Hartman
Doris Helsel
Dorothy Hermanson
Jeannie Hill
Carolyn Hockman
LaVada Johnson
RoseMarion Koebbeman
Claire Larson
Grace Leighton
Wanda Meessmann
Elizabeth Miller
Joseph Moe
Steven Moore
Leila Pearson
Louis Peck
Jeanne Satterthwaite
Lee Snap
John Sype
Charles & Dorothy Thomas
Milton Truesdale
Gerald Wallace
Juanita Wallace
Virginia Webster
Evelyn Wiemer
Mervel Wood
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Betty Adams
AEK Technology
Arnold & Trina Ames
Anonymous Friends
Ronald G. Armagost
Jane Atteberry
John & Marilyn Axford
Jane Bailey
Rachel Baskerville
Martha Bauch
Dave & Francis Bechtel
Jeffrey Beil
Carol Bennehoff
Bill Riggles Builders
Ronald & Georgia Bodda
Jon & Beth Boettner
Todd, Michele, Ben & Sam
Bonzi
Chuck & Pat Brackett
David & Kathleen Bradley
Sean Bradley
Betty Brown
Robert & Karen Brown
William & Joyce Brown
Roger & Helen Brunner
Doug & Mary Bruss
Richard & Margaret Burns
Michael & Mary Carlson
Janice Carnes
Jean A. Castle
Georgina Caywood
Steve & Brenda Chapman
Steven Cielesz
Marie Cini
Bruce & Marylon Cole
Don & Nola Colwell
William & Alanna Conard
William Conzemius
Al & Sue Cowan
Kay Cull
Barry & Carol Davidson
Carol Davis
Carolyn Decker
Todd & Gloria Dermer
James & Diane Dixon
Joan Dorion
Kari Downey
Richard & Jean Dunlap
Nancy Eaton
Georgeanne Eggers
Ronald & Sherrilyn Einsel
Lana M. Engen
Kenneth & Bonnie Erdman
Barbara Erickson
Ellen Erkert
Ted & Rosemary Faber
David & Arlene Fischer
Douglas & Betty Fisher
Priscilla Flynn-Heath
George & Tanya Franklin
Doris Fransen
Donald & Myrle Fuller
Tom & Darlene Furst
Allen & Betty Gantzert
Gordon & Christine Gantzert
Janet Gantzert
Geri Gelander
James & Helen Gibbons
Rhoda Giddens
Margerite Glenny
Tom & Kay Glenny
Jon & Nancy Gramzow
John & Susan Gustafson
Erich & Jan Hagenlocher
James & Delores Hall
Bob & Anne Hammes
Bob & Myrna Hanes
Jerry & Sue Hansen
Rev. Thomas & Coralee
Hardwick
Steven & Sue Hoffmann
Marge Huenkemier
Hunter Methodist Church
Claude & Karen Ingrassia
Jonathan & Sandra Johns
Curtis Johnson
Jeremy, Dana & Isabella
Johnson
Marjorie Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Randy Jurgens
Elizabeth Kasper
John & Mary Kasper
Frederick & Jean Kennerly
Lynell Kenny
Tom & Sharon Klein
John & Sally Koepsell
Dolores Kruse
Wilma Kuhlmeyer
Charles & Joyce Lantz
Angela Larson
Larry & Judith Larson
Roger A. Larson
James & Kathryn Lee
Linda Leighton
Bob, Adabelle & Ronnie
Lester
Kenneth Lester
Scotti Lichtenheld
Jean Liegel
Carol Long
Chester & Jeorgianna Long
Frank & Juanita Macchi
David & Coralie Magnus
Muriel Magnus
Sarah McFeggan
McGladrey LLP
Gerald & Patricia Medlar
Judianne Melter
Trudy Metzger
John Mihalovich
Donald J. Miller
Roberta Mink
Finetta Moore
Jean Moravek
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Moser
Ann Musa
Joan Nelson
June Neuman
Monte & Judith Nixon
Lisa Novak
Roger & Barbara Oehlke
Gerald & Diana Ogren
Judy Olson
Charles & Madeline
Osadjan
Barbara Ott
Jack W. Packard
John & Kathryn Palm
Richard & Gay Palm
Glenn & Gail Palmer
Allen & Kay Pang
Dennis Peck
Gabriela Pirrello
Raymond & Wilma Porter
Rick & Vicki Porter
Michael & Susan Pratt
Sharon Provenzano
Dean & Marcia Redman
Joyce Reid
Roger & Mary Reithmeier
Norman & Alice Rice
Mrs. Barbara Ring
Rockford Manufacturing
Group, Inc.
Rockford Memorial Hospital
Dennis Roop
Nellie Runne
Amy Runyon
John & Pamela Russell
Samco
Patricia Sample
Bob & Sue Saunders
Richard & Judy Schultz
Thomas Severson
Bob & Pat Shaw
Donna Simmons
David & Sharon Smith
Lillian Smith
Michael & Judith Smith
Alfred & Norma Snap
Sharon Snap
Robert & Kelly Stackhouse
Barbara A. Stauffer
Louis & Marilyn Steenwyk
John & Sharon Stoner
Carl Swanson
Raymond & Ann Sytek
Angela Taylor
Jean Thomas
Rose Thomas
Grandon Tolstedt & Kay
Hotchkiss
Gyla Tomlinson
Milton & Marlene Truesdale
Teresa Truppe
Shirley Tudor
Michael & Annette Vogeler
John W. Walgren, Jr.
Donald & Justine Walhout
Gary & Alice Wallace
Ronald & Patricia Wallace
Janet Wax
Edward Audrey Weiss
Wesley Willows
Wesley Willows Auxiliary
Ken & Beth Whitford
Helen Wibben
Diana Wiemer
David Wood
Gary & Jonette Wood
Jim & Lynn Wood
Lyle & Sean Wood
Mervel & Ruth Wood
R. Ray & Nola Wood
Sam & Barbara Wood
DESIGNATED GIFTS
Anonymous Friends
Jesse & Lorraine Peters
Robert & Beverly Rosecrance
IN KIND GIFTS
Marie Beck
Alan Bloomfield
Pat Conti
Bob & Anne Hammes
Robert & Harriet Greenblatt
Phyllis Hult
Gerald & Diana Ogren
Rockford First
James & Ivonne Spelman
BUILDING A PROMISE . . .
TOWN CENTER GIFTS &
PLEDGES
Thuan T. Le
DEEPENING OUR ROOTS
GOOD SAMARITAN
ENDOWMENT
GIFTS & PLEDGES
Debra Adkins
Michka & Janna Bailey
Edgar & Lori Diaz
Barbara Erickson
Jack W. Packard
Bill & Fran Pratt
Ed & Mary Anne Rounds
Tom & Betsy Studley
Paul & Sheryl Thogerson
Mark & Carla Ticknor
2014 ANNUAL BENEFIT
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
BENEFIT PRESENTING
SPONSOR
Wells Fargo
BENEFIT GOLD SPONSORS
Morrison Senior Living
Scandroli Construction
BENEFIT SILVER SPONSORS
Alpine Trust & Investment
Group
Rockford Health System
BENEFIT BRONZE SPONSOR
Williams-Manny Insurance
Group
BENEFIT UNDERWRITERS
DQ Grill & Chill
Fitzgerald Funeral Home &
Crematory LTD.
Focus Financial Advisors,
Inc.
LawnCare by Walter, Inc.
Maney’s Lawnscape, Inc.
McGladrey LLP
Mechanical, Inc.
Medline
MS2/Meridian
Puckett’s Flooring
Rockford Bank & Trust
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP
GOOD SAMARITANS
Barbara Erickson
John & Mary Kasper
June Neuman
Noelker and Hull
Associates, Inc.
Don & Beverly O’Hare
JoAnn Shaheen
Paul & Dolores Swanson
BENEFIT GOLD
BENEFACTIORS
Advanced Window Systems
Joe & Dawn Clinton
Michael W. & Patricia M.
Davis
Ellen B. Erkert
Michael & Trish Gann
Theodore & Virginia
Gapinski
Sue & Ken Groff
James & Jo Hellmich
Matt Humpal
Lorna Keefer
John & Sally Koepsell
Rosetta McIntosh
Bill & Fran Pratt
Neil Webster
BENEFIT SILVER
BENEFACTORS
Rudy & Lyn Allison
Arc Design Resources, Inc.
Robert & Sharon Ash
Debra Adkins
Jack & Marilyn Axford
Benchmark Flooring
Michka & Janna Bailey
Betty Brown
Balsley Printing
Scott & Erin Calkins
Jean Beal
Fritz Deichstetter & Sue
Marie Beck
Stajdohar
Carol Bennehoff
Milton Garner
Alan Bloomfield
Guler Appliance, Co. Inc.
Robert & Karen Brown
Claire & Margot Kelley
Paul & Lori Burke
Charles & Joyce Lantz
Carpet Mill Outlet, USA
Richard Leighton
Mary Caskey
Mark & Marilyn
Jean A. Castle
McClenathan
Virginia Cooper
Rex & Jean Moore
Alfred & Susan Cowan
Gerald & Diana Ogren
Kay Cull
Jack Packard
Richard & Marge Cyrier
Carole Perrin
Rosecrance Health Network Edgar & Lori Diaz
Dr. & Mrs. Milton G. Schmitt Bill & Shirley Dickson
Rodney & Phyllis Dillinger
Mary Jane Schubert
Dean & Doris Dion
Richard & Judy Schultz
Doug & Betty Fisher
John & Kathy Shockey
Gregory & Laurel Franchini
Stanley Tarr
Donald & Mary Freedlund
Don & Justine Walhout
Tom & Darlene Furst
Don & Dee Williams
Clark & Kay Galloway
Fred & Susie Wilson
Norma Gesell
Nancy Wrage
James & Helen Gibbons
Tom & Kay Glenny
BENEFIT PATRONS
Robert & Anne Hammes
Alice Alfredson
Joyce Hart
Ann Haub
Elena Herbert
Betty Hlavka
Claude & Karen Ingrassia
Alice Johnson
Stuart & Evelyn Johnson
Williams G. Johnson
Jill Kaney
Matthew & Betty Keefe
Daniel & Joanne Kelly
Jean Killingsworth
Robert King
Dolores Kruse
Mary Lou Lafler
Norma Larson
Dennis & Valerie LeFevre
Ken & Marge Lemmel
Edwin & Olyva Liddell
Eric & Andrea Luke
Dick Lyford & Barbara
Severson
Janet Mace
Sally Medernach
Richard & Ann Morris
Mary Murata
David & Susan Murray
Maxwell & Carol Newport
Northern Lights Unlimited
Doris Oncken
Dr. Allen & Kay Pang
Kraig & Patricia Pierceson
Wilma Reinke
Norman & Alice Rice
Robert & Miriam Richardson
David & Diane Risley
Barbara Runestad
Pat Sample
David & Margaret
Sanderson
Jeanne Satterthwaite
Robert Sieker
Gloria Silberman
Anne Thomas Simone
Christian & Mary Simonson
Harry & Marjorie Smith
James & Ivonne Spelman
Marshall & Diana Strauss
Raymond & Ann Sytek
Paul & Sheryl Thogerson
Mark & Carla Ticknor
Gary & Ann Turner
UIC College of Medicine at
Rockford
Dixie Vance
Donald & Kathleen Walker
Doral & Judy Watts
Gerald & Pat Weber
Edward & Audrey Weiss
Lois Wildman
Ronald and Rene Worden
Marilyn Workman
BENEFIT SPECIAL FRIENDS
Jane Bailey
Dorothy Brown
Gregory & Lisa Brown
Lorraine Bruns
Ted & Rosemary Faber
Robert & Ethel Landis
Jean Larsen
Donald & Marjorie MacLean
Gordon Melms
Dora Meredith
Trudy Metzger
Joanne A. Muck
Bob & Arlene Persinger
Betty Reese
Robert & Beverly Rosecrance
Elmer Rudy
Marie Schroeder
Velma Slothower
Barbara Stauffer
Diane Steva
Donald & Cloette Sturner
Jeanette Unger
Janet Wax
Kenneth & Beth Whitford
BENEFIT IN-KIND GIFTS
Alpine Bank
DQ Grill & Chill
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic
Garden
Laurent House Foundation
Maney’s Lawnscape, Inc.
MS2/Meridian
Volcano Falls Adventure
Park
Wesley Willows Celebrates 20 Years of Accreditation
W
esley Willows
received its
first accreditation in
1994. While many
things have changed
on the campus since
1994, the ongoing commitment to
meeting accreditation standards has not.
On June 23, 2014, surveyors arrived
from the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and
Educational Assessment Guidelines
Leading Toward Excellence (EAGLE)
to do a five year re-accreditation
survey at Wesley Willows. The
two teams were assessing Wesley
Willows for conformance to nearly
1500 Continuing Care Retirement
Community standards. In addition to
the four surveyors on campus, an offsite “Virtual Finance” surveyor joined
us by phone.
The accreditation process is unusual in
a couple of ways. First, the survey teams
are comprised of people who work in
senior living. Second, the surveys are
designed to be consultative in nature
with a sharing of ideas between the
surveyors and those being surveyed.
Third, the survey process encompasses
the surveyors meeting with residents
and families; Board members; frontline
staff; Supervisors and Department
Managers; and Management. The
interview process is followed up by a
review of volumes of documents. When
the teams leave the campus, they give
a verbal report, but the accreditation
determination takes six to eight weeks.
Continuing Care Retirement
Community standards thru CARF
focus on three main areas: Governance,
Financial Strength, and Health and
Wellness Programs. In a joint survey
with EAGLE, each of these areas are
important, and EAGLE also looks at
our Fund Raising; Chaplaincy; and
how we live out our Mission, Vision
and Values.
On August 1, 2014, Wesley Willows
received notice from CARF that it
had been granted another five year
accreditation. Along with the notice
was a report of our areas of strength
and areas that could use some
improvement. In five of the financial
standards, Wesley Willows received
an exemplary rating; of the 26 areas
surveyed, Wesley Willows received
100% in 24 of them and 96.5% in
the other two! EAGLE will make their
accreditation determination during
the month of August. Wesley Willows
will submit a quality improvement
plan to CARF for the areas that need
improvement and annual confirmations
that we remain in conformance with the
standards for both CARF and EAGLE.
If you’d like to know just how unique
the CARF accreditation is, you could go
to www.carf.org and search for CARF
accredited retirement communities. If
you check out how many organizations
are both CARF and EAGLE accredited,
you will see what a select group Wesley
Willows is part of. Most important,
in all of this conversation about
accreditation, is Wesley Willows’
commitment to excellence and how
it positively impacts the lives of our
residents, families, staff and friends.
7
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ROCKFORD, IL
PERMIT NO. 3899
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bill Pratt
President/CEO
Michael C. Gann
Chairman of the Board
Board of Trustees
4141 North Rockton Avenue
Rockford, IL 61103
Erin Maggio Calkins
Linda F. Chang
Joe Clinton
Michael W. Davis
Lori Diaz
Michael C. Gann
Monica B. Glenny
Anne Hammes
Doug Lamb
Mark McClenathan
Bill Pratt
David M. Schmitt
John Shockey
POSTAL CLEAR ZONE
(815) 316-1500
www.wesleywillows.org
Music To Our Ears and Smiles To Behold!
Wesley Willows 42nd Annual Benefit for THE GOOD SAMARITAN FUND!
Staff, Board members, and volunteers
helped pass out the goodie bags to all
who attended the Annual Benefit
W
hat a marvelous way to spend a
warm and sunny July afternoon!
All in the name of doing something
good for our friends – through the Good
Samaritan Fund. Over 1,000 residents,
Board members, donors, sponsors,
staff, family and friends were treated to
a fabulous production of The Sound of
Music at the Rock Valley College Starlight
Theatre. With the amazing singing and
dancing of more than 40 talented actors
plus the incredible musicians hidden
under the stage, Director Mike Webb
brought music to our ears as he presented
the von Trapp family story in such a way
that it brought both tears and laughter. to find that sweet pastry in a picture,
and the Wesley Willows cookies were
better than a picture – they were real
and delicious!
Our sponsors and underwriters played an
important role in our success, providing
financial support, prizes and gifts for
the Goodie Bags, plus friends and family
to share in the event. Wells Fargo as
Presenting Sponsor, Morrison Senior
Living, Scandroli Construction, Alpine
Trust & Investment Group, and WilliamsManny Insurance Group were all there as
major sponsors as in previous years. We
were happy to welcome Rockford Health
System, LawnCare by Walter, Inc. and
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, to our list of
new sponsors and underwriters.
We enjoyed The Sound of Music actors
as they mingled with guests in the tent –
always bringing smiles and laughter. This
year we had a special guest that no one
expected: A walking, talking Dairy Queen
Ice Cream Cone! Ms. Cone was most
likely a relative to our Ms. Dilly® Bar and
there to crash our annual party. What fun!
As always, the Alpine Coloring
Contest offered artists, young and old,
the opportunity to create their own
masterpiece to win prizes. The “Find the
Strudel” puzzle contest challenged guests
TAB
We thank one and all for your kindness,
your generosity, and the joy you brought
to our Benefit. On July 13th, we
announced we were just a pinch away
from our goal of $70,000. Thanks to your
additional generosity, by 2:00 p.m. on July
14th, we were three dollars over! Today,
we are excited to announce we topped that
at $73,000! – all for our Good Samaritan
Fund! That’s music to our ears! Thank You
So Very Much!