Tuesday, December 7, 2021
It’s been a busy time at JAA, honoring staff who have been recognized for their outstanding work, whether locally, state-wide, or nationally.
And we are saying farewell to two employees with 99 years of combined service to JAA.
Let’s start by thanking Nora Morant, who was the longest tenured employee in long-term care anywhere in the U.S. She retired after 72 years working for JAA. She began as a youthful vocational school graduate when she joined the JAA housekeeping department and she hardly missed a day of work since. In 2019, we celebrated Nora’s 70th anniversary “Cheers for 70 Years” on August 16, commemorating her first day on the job (August 18, 1949). According to Nora, “I never thought in a million years I would be here this long. I guess JAA grew on me.”
Our other long-tenured employee who retires with 27 years of service is Linda Simmeth, Senior Director of Human Resources. She has been an integral part of a number of union contract negotiations, along with the recruitment, hirings, and retirings of countless JAA employees, always serving as the voice of reason with her guiding hand and calm demeanor. In typical Linda fashion, she wishes to leave with little fanfare. JAA’s holiday party on December 15 is her opportunity to say farewell to all who know and love her.
Now we salute the following for honors they have received recently:
Chief Operating Officer Mary Anne Foley, named Professional of the Year by the Association of Jewish Aging Services, a national award for her outstanding leadership. She will be honored at the AJAS annual convention in April.
JAA Home Health Aide Christina Tormey was recently recognized as a Direct Care Worker of the Year Honoree by the Pennsylvania Homecare Association.
Last month’s JAA Pakler Exemplary Employee Recognition (PEER) Award winner was Chris Fertal, pictured here.
Dina Bear Rabinowitz was named JAA’s Volunteer of the Year in the annual Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle edition honoring local volunteers within the community.
Finally, we say hats off to the staff of Weinberg Terrace who delivered a Deficiency-Free Annual Survey conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services that oversees quality metrics for Commonwealth personal care communites.
We’re proud of our people, that’s for certain!