East Village Place Resident, Staff Members Honored

EAST LONGMEADOW — Watermark Retirement Communities Inc., one of the nation’s leading operators of retirement communities, recently presented annual awards recognizing 12 associates and one resident of East Village Place, which is managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, for their outstanding commitment and performance.

The awards were presented at a recent celebration at the East Longmeadow retirement community, 50 Benton Dr.

East Village Place resident Johnny Messenger and associate Michael Shaw were recognized by Watermark for their extraordinary efforts as faculty members of Watermark University, a program that promotes brain and body fitness for life.

Thrive Awards are bestowed to Watermark associates who exemplify the Watermark commitment to “creating extraordinary communities where people thrive.” At East Village Place, Thrive Awards were earned by nine exceptional associates: Joanne McNaughton, Charlotte Fields, Karlene Shaw, Judith Maldonado, Michael Shaw, Seth Machak, Linda Kane, Diana Griffin, and Jessica Szczepanek.

Dee Chlebus was named Activities Director of the Year, among 27 Watermark communities. Earlier this year, Chlebus had also earned the Creative Care Award, presented to “an individual in Western Mass. who is known for their unique ability to create activities for individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by engaging their mind and memory.”

In addition, Annetta Webley received the STARZ award from East Village Place, a quarterly peer award, and Samantha Skiba received East Village Place’s “Active Support” Award for her role in supporting the new business office manager during her transition into her new position.