UMH Proudly Celebrates the Grand Re-Opening of Middlewoods of Newington!

UMH proudly celebrated the completion of a 2.5 million dollar expansion and renovation project at Middlewoods of Newington Assisted and Independent Living Community with a grand re-opening event on Thursday, October 9^th.

The event featured tours of the community, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and several local speakers, including Middlewoods of Newington Executive Director, Kathy Braga; Carlene Rhea, Director of Mission Development for United Methodist Homes (UMH); David Lawlor, President and CEO of UMH; Newington Mayor Steven Woods, and Senator Paul Doyle, of the 9th State Senate District.

Middlewoods of Newington Renovations

The renovation project added nearly 5,000 square feet of new community space including a beautiful country kitchen and grand entertaining room, a spacious fitness and therapy center, expanded offices for UConn physicians, courtyard patios, and new studio suite and one-bedroom apartments. Common areas of the existing building were also updated with new flooring, lighting, furniture, window treatments, wall paper, paint, décor, and artwork. Here are some photos, taken by Woodruff/Brown Photography, of the new renovations:

To check out more photos of the new community spaces, visit the Middlewoods of Newington Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MiddlewoodsofNewington.

The cozy, home-like spaces were created with the goal of fostering relationship-building and connection and have become popular new gathering areas for residents, family members, and staff. After months of living with construction, residents and staff at the community are now enjoying the new design, activity rooms, apartments and other amenities at the community.

Here’s what people are saying:

“I think it is beautiful!  All of the new areas are very nice.  I love the colors. It was hard to explain before the work was done, what it would look like and it is much nicer that I ever thought! With the new addition, my apartment is now close to everything.” Resident - Sue Fresello

“I like the Great Room for the residents.  They have more room for all the things they want to do. The large, round tables are great for the residents who like to play poker.  It is easier for the residents and staff to get around, especially the short cut to the Dining Room.” Employee – Zofia Kempna

"We have more room; it's a big difference.  We've needed that for years.  It's all very attractive; the Country Kitchen is good!" Resident – Oronzo DeNigris

“It is very nice, a big improvement.  I love the new furniture; it gives me something to show off to my visitors! Everything matches and it is much easier to get around the community. Management knew what they were doing with the planning and it is beautiful.”  Resident – Marie Pelletier

“When the Activity staff cook and have other activities in the Country Kitchen, the table is full all the time!  It is so nice to see families play pool and visit with the residents there too. Having the Wellness Office in the center provides easy access for everyone and is convenient for the residents. I was gone for three weeks and when I came back and saw all the work complete… it was stunning! Everything matches and it looks great!” Employee – Floretta Tinsley

“The Great Room is terrific! There’s lots of things we can do there now; different games and activities. You can even have a nice space to eat if you have guests. I like the whole addition.” Resident – Josephine Smith 

Photo Caption: Middlewoods of Newington Executive Director, Kathy Braga (second from right) poses with UMH Corporate Controller, Gary Maglio (left), UMH Vice President of Assisted Living Operations/Marketing, Beth Schave-Bemis (second from left), and UMH President and CEO, David Lawlor (right), during the community’s Grand Re-Opening, Thursday, October 9^th.