Innovative Cleaning Services staff-LW’s unsung heroes

IN APPRECIATION

by Kathy Thayer

assistant recreation manager

An old scripture cautions us to be hospitable to strangers, as we may be entertaining angels unawares.

Leisure World has been blessed with a team of angels for nearly six years that go by the name of Innovative Cleaning Services.

These are the workers who make sure our meetings are set up with the equipment we request, and who clean our offices, clubhouses, laundry rooms and carports. It is they who take care of special circumstances with which we don’t want to deal, like a deceased animal, an oil spill or an unfortunate accident.

Typical of the comments we receive on our ICS crew, these kudos came from a happy Mutual where a comedy of errors committed by nature could have ruined the picnic they had planned at Clubhouse 1.

Mutual 8 President Jeri Dolch wrote: “We woke up to rain Saturday morning, and later in the morning, we had an SCE meltdown and were without electricity.

“You contacted your service personnel, and they jumped into making one of the best times for Mutual 8. Despite the weather problems, we got long tables and chairs set up inside Clubhouse 1 for everyone and long service tables set up for buffet-style service.

“They gave assistance with the grill setup and filled tubs with ice for water bottles. The entire time they were asking if we needed assistance with anything, cleaning floors when something was spilled, and helping through the end with cleaning up and putting everything away.

“So many shareholders said how nice and helpful the employees were. “Please let them know they are very much appreciated,” concluded Dolch. These custodians and utility workers staff our clubhouses seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. They clean our offices after hours and help set up and tear down special events like the Amphitheater shows and the vaccine clinics.

Sometimes you may have trouble finding them because every clubhouse incorporates multiple areas, both indoors and outdoors, for which they are responsible.

During the pandemic, these essential workers scrubbed equipment in the closed amenities and performed strict disinfection protocols throughout trust properties.

Several ICS employees have been with us longer than ICS has, choosing to join the company to be able to stay on at LWSB.

Valente Gonzalez is the weekday a.m. custodian at Clubhouse 2. Val has been here 25 years and knows the lay of the land better than most of us and knows the residents by name.

Miguel Perez-Ruiz and Antonio Fernandez have cleaned our

GRF salutes the men and woman who have tirelessly worked to keep GRF facilities safe and clean. carports for 25 and 15 years, respectively. Three shift supervisors, Selvin De Leon, Ramon Padilla and Ana Gomez, keep busy checking the custodians’ work, delivering supplies, assisting GRF Recreation staff at special events and managing special cleanups. They have all been here since ICS came on board.

All of them and their co-workers are considered family by the GRF Recreation Department, which is responsible for all janitorial services.

At the top of the on-site organization is the indefatigable site manager, Walter Solares, and his assistant, Elizabeth Cerda. Daily meetings with the Recreation staff keep them apprised of any issues requiring special attention, and both are in contact with their staff and ours seven days a week throughout all shifts.

Without their work ethic, our amenities would not be the enjoyable venues and activities that set LWSB apart.

ICS is led by Jennifer Shramo and her team of operations staff, which are devoted to our community. If you spoke to any of them, they would share their gratitude for the opportunities Leisure World has provided for so many of their staff.

You would also hear of the great pride they have in their staff who work hard to deliver safe and clean facilities for our residents.

Sharing her business philosophy, Shramo says, “The leadership of ICS is dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all their employees. With this mindset, Innovative achieves stability in staffing, content and dedicated crew members, and consistent service.”

Next time you see one of these unsung heroes, take a moment to thank him or her for all they do behind the scenes. They more than deserve it.

For more information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com or call (562) 431-6586, ext. 398.