In December, some residents at Valley Manor were treated to an early Christmas present, thanks to high school students from Madawaska Valley District School (MVHS) enrolled in the fall semester Cosmetology course.
Course teacher and owner of Heavenly Touch Spa in Barry’s Bay, Erin Plebon, explains that the course is actually a returning one but had not been offered at the school for a number of years.
She was delighted to be given the opportunity to introduce students to the world of cosmetology. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed teaching the course, and I think the students have loved it as well,” she said.
Ms. Plebon explained that the course involves a daily 75-minute class. The goal is to introduce students to the cosmetology field and the many different avenues and professions within it. Students learn about skin, hair, and nail techniques, including braiding, the use of hot tools, and all aspects of skincare.
She added that students are also introduced to various career paths in cosmetology, as well as important elements of client care.
“We’ve also studied environmental issues that affect the field of cosmetology, such as the ‘dirty dozen’ and the use of disposable versus reusable products,” she explained.
Ms. Plebon noted that she currently has two classes – one with twenty-three students and another with fifteen – with students ranging from Grades 9 to 12, including two exchange students from Australia.
Hailing from South Australia near Adelaide, Claudia Muller was all smiles as she treated Bernice Bryan, who was visiting her mother at the Manor, to what Bernice described as a lovely hand massage. After a very long 30 hours of travel involving three different flights, Claudia says she arrived in Canada at the beginning of September, just in time to start the school year.
Experiencing Canada for the first time, she said she is thrilled to be enjoying a real Canadian winter and Christmas. “I love the snow!” she shared.
Claudia explained that the cosmetology course was one of the options available to her, and she thought it would be something fun and different.
“I’m enjoying the course. Erin is really lovely – she knows what she’s doing,” she said.
While she admits she will miss her family at Christmas, she says experiencing a white Christmas makes up for it.
On the day of the visit, the room was set up with individual tables, allowing students to connect one-on-one with residents. Many enjoyed having their hands massaged and nails done.
One special pairing was cosmetology grade 12 student Kayla Taylor who was able to share what she’s learned in the course with her great Aunt Mayme Sovie, a former Whitney resident who now resides at the Valley Manor.
The large recreation room was filled with plenty of friendly banter and the smiles on the residents’ faces were priceless. But Manor Recreation staff member Darlene Luckovitch’s smile may have been the brightest of all.
“It’s absolutely wonderful to have this program here today,” she said. “Any visitors are always welcome, but when young people are so willing to come into our long-term care home and assist our residents – whether it’s nail care, massage, or simply spending time – well, I think it’s wonderful.”
She added that it was especially nice to have the students visit just before Christmas. “It’s such a nice present for everyone.”
Having worked with the Manor’s Recreation Department for eighteen years, Ms. Luckovitch explained that visits from youth are incredibly important to residents.
“First and foremost, when youth come to the Manor, it’s extra special. It makes the residents feel younger, and my heart tells me that every time they interact with young people, they’re thinking of their grandchildren.”
As the holiday season approached, the visit served as a reminder that the most meaningful gifts aren’t always wrapped in paper. Sometimes they are shared through time, care, and connection. For the students, it was a chance to put their skills into practice; for the residents, it was a heartwarming reminder of community, youth, and the simple joy of being remembered, making it a truly special Christmas moment for all involved.
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