CALA’s 9TH ANNUAL ASSISTED LIVING EMPLOYEE AWARDS-OUTSTANDING RESIDENT SERVICE 2013
United Methodist Homes Assisted Living and Independent Living Communities are proud to announce the winners of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association’s (CALA) 9th annual assisted living “Resident Service” awards. We have had staff members from our Crosby Commons, Middlewoods of Farmington and Middlewoods of Newington communities win the outstanding resident service award. Below are the winners and a few highlights of their outstanding service.
Zofia Kempna
Zofia Kempna, CNA, does so much more than provide excellent care to the residents at Middlewoods of Newington. On a daily basis she goes above and beyond her assigned duties as a CNA while raising the bar of great resident care.
Bi-lingual in English and Polish, Zofia has made a huge difference in the lives of the residents who speak Polish or any Ukrainian language – making them feel welcome and at home immediately. In addition, she works hard to help any resident where English is not their first language, understanding how hard it can be to struggle to be understood or to understand. Zofia always has a ready smile, hug or loving comment and has the ability to get even the most resistant or difficult resident in the shower with her soothing and calming way. No one can say no to Zofia! She makes a difference every day she is around!
Carolyn Monachelli
In her position as receptionist/administrative assistant at Crosby Commons, Carolyn Monachelli consistently provides excellent service for our residents. They come to Carolyn on a daily basis with a multitude of requests. She assists them with anything and everything. This past year Carolyn truly went above and beyond when a resident approached her about a book she had written over the last two years in long hand. Carolyn volunteered to type and edit the manuscript and contact a publisher. When the resident was unhappy with the first publisher, Carolyn contacted a second publisher, Friesen Press and our resident’s book, “Casting Light on the Mystery of God in You” is now available on Amazon.com
Just recently, Carolyn volunteered to help a resident rid her apartment of overwhelming clutter. For several weeks in a row Carolyn came in on Sunday, her day off, to accomplish the job. We are very proud of Carolyn Monachelli for always going above and beyond within our community.
Marie Rimmelin, Executive Chef
Exceptional, kind, extremely talented, caring and delicious (!) are how we would describe our Middlewoods of Farmington’s Executive Chef, Marie Rimmelin. Marie came to the community 14 years ago when we opened the community. Our daily menus offer fresh food and a varied selection. Heart healthy and low sodium choices are always highlighted. It is her attention to detail and outstanding concern for our residents that shines through each and every day.
Each summer Marie lovingly plants a kitchen garden. The herbs she grows are used each day in the meals she prepares. Marie also seeks out recipes from our residents so that she may not only prepare a favorite meal, but so that they can feel special as the community eats and enjoys their special dish.
Marie recently prepared a special event for one of our residents; a High Tea for her Red Hat group. Marie worked extra hours to execute a tea fit for a Queen. Complete with tiny finger sandwiches, delicious teas from around the world and petite pastries for dessert, the event was an amazing success. This resident felt so proud to be able to so elegantly entertain in her own home. We are blessed with a talented chef, a caring person, and an employee committed to resident satisfaction.
Marissa Salvesen
Marissa Salvesen joined Middlewoods of Newington as the Activities Director three years ago and has never looked back! Always coming to the table with a new idea, she has helped take parties at Middlewoods of Newington to new levels. From the Hollywood Premiere where she made a movie starring the residents, to the Las Vegas Showroom where she facilitated and organized the residents in a talent show, to the Elvis wedding she planned on that night in Vegas between two residents. The ironic part of the wedding was that she chose and convinced two residents who are “arch enemies”! It was incredible!
Marissa also recognizes the importance of honoring those who have served our country and did so by creating an extraordinary Veteran’ Day video with clips, interviews and photos of our Veterans. This piece of personal history was then presented to each resident with a copy to their family for future generations to enjoy and treasure. In this way and beyond, Marissa shares her sparkle with us all!
Award Winning Communities
United Methodist Homes is proud of their staff and resident's accomplishments and look forward to our future accomplishments as well. If you are interested in learning more about our communities and our assisted & independent living services please visit our website or contact us by clicking here.
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