Vets Gazette - August 2013 - STATES

HARRIS AND THE BOYZ
Harris and the Boyz, a local musical quintet that includes residents Harris Ullian and Gary
Pelletier, performed in the North Dining Room of the Rhode Island Veterans Home on
July 31, 2013. The group played "Tennessee Waltz," "New York New York," "Hello Dolly,"
"Imagination," "God Bless America," and other popular songs.
Sue Perreira, an Activities worker, danced with residents Lewis Wagoner and Angelo Mascena.
While the Quintet was performing, the staff served strawberry shortcake and beverages to
everyone.
Jim Boylan
CLEANLINESS IS A MUST
Walking down the hall, I noticed two cleaning department workers sprawled on the floor, arms
stretched as far as they could reach moving their tools back and forth, cleaning behind the radiator.
I am aware that proper cleaning requires extra effort, but this appeared to be above and beyond the
requirements. So we investigated.
You can eat off the floor (but don't). A staff of approximately 25, provided by Healthcare
Services, a private company, are those who labor to keep us cleanly comfortable. I spoke with
Tania Fermin as to the specific functions required to maintain high sanitation standards.
Tania has worked here for five years. The department monitors are Luce Costa and Kayla Moniz.
Each worker is required to contribute a solid five hour work period with a fifteen minute break.
Every nook and cranny is overseen and attended to on a scheduled routine. Furniture and clutter
are moved, the area cleaned, and all items returned to where they came from. Some items prove
difficult to move. At night there are two men here, polishing floors and are available for
emergencies.
Tania is the designated trainer for newcomers to the Vet's Home group. She has two daughters,
one of whom worked here but moved to Massachusetts and is now an assistant manager at the
Milford Hotel. Tania's mother and a brother live in Providence. Her father lived in the United
States for fifteen years before returning to the Dominican Republic. Before coming to work at the
Veterans Home, Tania operated a fork lift for Ocean State Job Lot.
Al Benharris
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