An Assisted Living Community with a Mascot?

Just in case you were wondering, a community mascot is not really a common feature of a traditional assisted living community. This is why it makes perfect sense that Middlewoods of Newington Assisted and Independent Living Community would adopt a community mascot as part of their family. Throughout the past five years, Woody-the-Bear has danced at community parties and picnics, attended sporting events, visited doctors’ offices, posed for dozens of photos, and shown off a closet full of outfits! Why? Because life at Middlewoods of Newington is fun and no matter your age, there is just “something” about a fuzzy bear mascot that makes people feel happy.

The idea for a community mascot came from Executive Director, Kathy Braga, who then introduced the idea to the corporate team at United Methodist Homes (UMH), the organization which owns and manages the community. After much persistence, Braga convinced them to say “yes” to her request for a fuzzy bear costume. The bear costume then became the community mascot and was named “Woody-the Bear,” in response to the cleverly phrased question: what do you find in the “Middle-of-the-woods”? A bear, of course! Since then, “Woody” has become a familiar face around Middlewoods and the local community, charming staff, residents, family members and guests with her heartwarming smile, generous hugs, and friendly antics. Check out fun photos of “Woody” on the Middlewoods of Newington Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MiddlewoodsofNewington?ref_type=bookmark.

To learn more about Middlewoods of Newington, contact us today!