1978
GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI
43c
we receive today have become accustomed to more luxuries than those we received 15 or even 10 years ago. Those applicants received for admission in the 50s and early 60s retired during depression years and were, therefore, not as demanding as those residents received today. Many of them had no Social Security or any income whatsoever. The residents admitted today have more income (while they are unable to live on their income), more insurance, and have been productive in the 40s and early 50s prior to retirement and have, therefore, become accustomed to privacy, air conditioning, communications, transportation, medical coverage, etc., which are now considered the necessities of life instead of luxuries. It is certainly not a trend on our part in overdoing it in furnishing the necessities of life for our residents. It is a matter of the economic upward trend in our country which has caused all of us, not only our residents, to expect and receive more out of life. This certainly has to be understood in providing for the residents we are receiving in our applications today and we must continue to face necessary changes and be broad-minded in our scope in order to cope with modern trends. ILLINOIS: The following was given as costs of the Illinois Masonic Homes for the past year: IOWA: A report of the Herman L. Rowley Trust which supports the Rowley Memorial Home at Perry, Iowa, contained the following: During this time of rapidly rising costs for all goods and services, the Board of Trustees and Administrator have endeavored to operate the Home according to sound management practices and within a carefully planned budget. Foremost in our minds, however, is the deep sense of responsibility for providing quality care for our brethren, wives, and widows and the maintenance of our facility in excellent condition. Residents are charged monthly rent of $325 for a semiprivate room in the 54-bed residential facility. This cost covers board, room, personal laundry and all housekeeping services. Arrangements can be made for a private room when space is available. In the 20-bed infirmary, the charge is $21.00 per day and includes nursing services in addition to board, room and personal laundry. On April 4, 1977, a significant change was made in the admission policy of the Home whereby a widow of an Iowa Mason may now qualify for residency. We believe this is an outstanding additional service to Iowa Masonry and urge each delegate to this Grand Lodge to communicate this to his lodge. The Trustees are pleased to report that a very fine administrator's residence was completed on the Home property during this year. This residence was made possible by a bequest from the Estate of Mylly P. Wilson, widow of Glenn P. Wilson, P.G.M., and long-time member of the Rowley Board. A bronze plaque has been placed on the residence to remind us of the Wilsons' dedication to Masonry and to the Rowley Home. MARYLAND: The Maryland Masonic Home, Bonnie Blink, has a lady for its new administrator-Mrs. Wilma L. Stone. Several interesting items are in the report of the Board of Trustees. One is that after a brief trial of outside food service the home has returned to an in-house operation. They like it much better. It was also reported that TV sets are now permitted in rooms of residents provided certain procedures and regulations are observed. During the past fiscal year a total of $2,350,294.96 was spent on Home operation and capital improvements. This is itemized as follows: General Operating Expenses-Home
$2,131,921.91