Villa Beausejour in Falher is moving forward with its plans to give its existing hair salon a make-over. The positive news was announced last week by management of the seniors’ lodging facility following receipt of a Alberta Lottery Fund grant in the amount of $5,057 from the Government of Alberta. “We’re extremely grateful to our MLA Hector Goudreau and the province for recognizing our need for this grant funding,” says Lucie Dufresne, Villa Beausejour manager. “It’s very much appreciated.” Pierrette Boisvert, activities coordinator at the Villa, says the funds (which were handed over to the Villa in mid-October) are earmarked for a number of internal improvements at the hair salon. “Our plans are to renovate and upgrade the hair salon,” Boisvert says, indicating that the work will consist of a new (countertop) work station and chairs as well as a fresh coat of paint and the addition of modern hair salon equipment. Reaping the direct benefits of the renovation project are the Villa’s seniors, many of whom regularly take advantage of the services offered through the hair salon. Boisvert says women at the Villa make up the overwhelming majority of clientele presently utilizing the facility. “The hair salon is really important to our residents,” she says, adding that roughly 90 per cent of the women at the Villa access the facility on a weekly basis. The high volume of use is something which staff and management at the Villa say is a clear reflection of the importance of the facility to its residents. “It’s one of those feel good services which really helps improve the overall self-esteem of our residents by helping them to feel good about themselves.” The hair salon has been offered to residents at the Villa dating back to 1992. Two hairdressers presently provide services to residents each Thursday and Friday, including Viviane Guindon (owner of Hair By Viviane in Falher) and Marilyn Simard, who operates Kymista’s based in McLennan. Dufresne says the hair salon is also accessible throughout the week to any family member interested in providing hair care services to their loved ones.