Middlewoods of Newington Resident Recognized for Distinguished Accomplishment

(Newington, CT – May 12, 2016) Mildred Gallegos, a resident of Middlewoods of Newington Independent and Assisted Living Community, was recently recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) with the Distinguished Resident Accomplishment Award, an award which honors the distinguished service and accomplishments of senior living residents. Gallegos, along with twenty residents from other senior living communities across the state, was nominated to receive this prestigious award because of her extraordinary example of aging and her exceptional contributions to the community.

“Mildred is a pleasure to know and has brightened up our days,” shared Stacy Kesl, Executive Director of Middlewoods of Newington. “She joined our community with great apprehension but has truly embraced life in her new home, becoming a vital member of our family and making each day count.” Mildred maintains her independence with a daily walking routine and volunteers her time with our Dining Services team each day, folding napkins for our mid-day meal. “We recently held our 13 th Anniversary Party at Middlewoods, which featured a 1940s USO dance in the Pacific. Mildred, her daughter, and a family friend came to the party dressed in their best 1940s garb and were the hit of the party,” said Kesl. “We are thrilled to be able to honor Mildred in this way and celebrate this award.”

The First Annual Resident Accomplishment Awards luncheon was held at the Wesley Village Senior Living Campus (Shelton, CT) on Wednesday, April 27 th for all honorees and their guests. Awards were presented by CALA Board Chair, Randy Phillips, with opening remarks made by CALA President, Christopher Carter, and a welcome address offered by Peter Belval, Vice President of Wesley Village Operations. Carlene Rhea, Director of Mission Development for Wesley Village/United Methodist Homes and First Vice President of CALA, extended her thanks to everyone who attended this very special event and best wishes to all the honorees. “CALA is honored and delighted to acknowledge and recognize the inspiring residents who live in our many communities. Each and every one of them is the reason we all come to work each day. They represent an outstanding group of people,” stated Rhea.

The Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) is a trade association which represents the Assisted Living industry in Connecticut. CALA’s mission is to promote the growth of Assisted Living in the state including the development, marketing and operation of communities. CALA provides education and training while fostering ethical standards and the best business practices. CALA also serves as a legislative advocate and information resource for its members. For more information about the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA), please visit www.ctassistedliving.com.

Middlewoods of Newington is an award-winning independent and assisted living community affiliated with the UConn Health Center. The community is located at 2125 Main Street in Newington. For more information about Middlewoods or to schedule a tour, please contact Stacy Kesl at 860.667.1336 or visit www.middlewoodsofnewington.org. Middlewoods of Newington is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for- profit organization based in Shelton, CT.

Photo Caption: Middlewoods of Newington resident, Mildred Gallegos, receives a Distinguished Resident Accomplishment Award from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association.