By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

DESTREHAN – Maggie St. Pierre has been cutting hair for many years, and doesn’t plan on putting down her scissors anytime soon.

Along with seven other hair stylists, she visits the Ormond Nursing Home weekly to beautify the patients with new hair cuts.

That also includes the gentlemen residents. “We used to have a barber here,” said the Destrehan resident. “But he stopped coming, so we learned to cut mens’ hair.”

St. Pierre began her beauty career in the local area many years ago, seeing customers in her home. When her husband Vernon was transferred with his work at GATX Railroad, they moved to Texas. “I wasn’t able to get a license there, so I didn’t cut hair then,” she said.

After 10 years, the couple moved back to Destrehan. Some years after that time, St. Pierre connected with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP,) which brought her to the Ormond Nursing Home.

The ladies never lack for work in the haircutting shop. Dozens of patients stream in and out of the little room during the time they are open for business.

One of the challenges for the hair stylists is to coordinate those coming and going while they do their hair magic in the very small room that is set up as a makeshift beauty salon. “We definitely would like a bigger area,” said St. Pierre.

But they make do. The little beauty shop is a hub of activity, with many conversations going at once. Everyone enjoys themselves and appreciation is shown by those able to do so.

Supplies, such as setting gel and hairspray, are provided by the nursing home. If the ladies need other styling instruments, all they have to do is ask, said activities director Tiffany White. “Not too long ago, they needed hair clippers, so we gave them the money to purchase them.” she said.

White added that the patients look forward to their time in the hairstyling salon.”It makes their day,”she added.

Organizations and individuals in the community also make donations to the beauty shop during the year.

Although St. Pierre is usually busy coordinating her days, she also plans time for her children. They are V.J. and Dale of Destrehan; Shiela Livingston of Florence, S.C.; Gail Potier of Plano, Texas; and Donna Maitre of Covington. Her son Wayne is deceased.

St. Pierre also volunteers at the Children’s Abuse Center in Hahnville, and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary; New Sarpy Homemakers, and Family Community Education, a homemakers club.

She thoroughly enjoys her volunteer work and feels there are mutual benefits for those that give of their time and those they serve. “I love people,” she said. “This is really good therapy for all of us, the patients and hairdressers alike.”

For more information about RSVP, tri-parish residents can call Fay Caire at (985) 785-1037.