Administration Carmela Gagnon is the Executive Director. Carmela came to Heritage Commons in 1991 after graduating from Quinnipiac College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Management. Although licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator, she remained dedicated to this community. Carmela started in Activities and Resident Services and eventually just did it all. This past summer she was named Executive Director. Her overall mission is to ensure the people who live at Heritage Commons truly enjoy this wonderful way of life. Carmela oversees all operations of the community. Heritage Commons is managed by Bridgestone Realty out of Waterbury. Resident Services Carmela Gagnon, the Executive Director, along with her staff, work together to ensure all your health and wellness needs are met. Heritage Commons offers a convenient wellness program which includes visits from Dr. Fosdick, Podiatrist, a nurse from Connecticut VNA for foot care, blood pressure screenings, hearing aide repair and screenings and various lectures and presentations on topics related to your health and well-being. If the need should arise, Heritage Commons can assist in arranging personal care, overnight care, transportation to doctor’s appointments, and other related services. Marketing Trish Witzky is the director responsible for marketing and sales of Heritage Commons. Trish graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing / communications. With over 20 years of experience in the field, her task is to educate the community and especially seniors about the carefree, rewarding lifestyle that is possible at Heritage Commons. She is available and invites you to tour the community at your convenience. Activities Lucille Greco is the Recreation Coordinator. The purpose of the department is to meet your social, emotional and spiritual needs. Activities are planned to fill your days and evenings. Only the best outside entertainers are hired to entertain you. Lucille also coordinates trips to the Bushnell for the various Opera, Broadway and Classical Series. A twelve passenger mini bus, driven by Chuck Sherwood and Wayne Hollenbeck, takes you shopping, to religious services, lunch outings and many other trips. Annemarie DuBois, an art and exercise instructor works with Lucille to bring people living in our community variety and specialized programs. DayTymers Social Club This is an adult day care program that offers gentle supervision and socialization to people who live in Middletown and in the surrounding towns who are looking for socialization and a stimulating environment for the day. The members of the staff are Lisa LoGuidice, Fran Verdone, Anna Szubert and Annmarie DuBois under the direction of Carmela Gagnon. Maintenance/ Housekeeping John Harden is the director of this department. John’s been employed by Heritage Commons since 1988, while we were being built. He knows this building inside and out and is here to ensure your safety and comfort. Housekeeping is also under John’s direction. John oversees the recycling, routine maintenance of apartments, heating and air conditioning, fire safety, indoor and outdoor maintenance, and other related duties. John is also an IT expert and has taught computer basics to the people who live in our community. You can be assured that any maintenance issues in your apartment will be dealt with in a timely manner. Just imagine a worry free living environment! Members of this department are Victorio Milardo, Frank and Tony Zavaglia, Pat Baldyga, Kathy Specyalski and Margaret Slack. Front Desk The front desk is the main lifeline of Heritage Commons. It is here where all your questions and concerns should be brought to so that the appropriate department-head can respond. The Front Desk is staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year! Their priority is you.  They are here to respond to your questions and to any emergencies that may arise. The pull-cords in your apartments are tied into the main panel at the Front Desk. Employees of this department are: (top row) Ruth Cooke, Rose Damiato, Lenny Kuzbel, Marie Keser, and Irene Makuch. (front row) Jean Dickinson, Ann Crossley and Erica Bergstrom. General Store Helen Munno, the bookkeeper, also manages the General Store. Residents volunteer to run the register and assist in tasks they are able to do. Food Service Roland Kelsey recently joined Heritage Commons and is our new Director of Food Service. With over 20 years of culinary experience, Roland along with Jennifer Parkus and a staff of 25, create daily menus ranging from hearty New England fare to sophisticated continental cuisine. Our Dining Room Manager, Lisa Mack, makes sure all our residents have an enjoyable dining experience each and every day!