Senior citizens treated to day of hair, beauty care

Each year, a team of beauty and hair care specialists show their appreciation for the senior citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines by hosting a day of free treatments.

This year’s Senior Citizen Appreciation Day event marked the 16th year since this venture first started, and it has grown from strength to strength – now incorporating specialists from various local establishments.{{more}}

Last Wednesday, October 21, the Methodist Church Hall was buzzing with activity as the group – led by Suzanne Goodluck – tended to the hair and beauty needs of senior citizens.

Speaking with SEARCHLIGHT, mother of six Theresa Marks said that she has been attending the event for several years, but that this year was the first time that she opted for a pedicure.

When asked why she never had a pedicure before, she exclaimed: “Is mountain they (her feet) going! Putting them in water boots and going mountain.”

Marks, a resident of South Union, said that she thoroughly enjoys the pampering session, and looks forward to it each year.

“I am so grateful and thankful for Suzanne and her team… I feel so happy, I feel so great! I pray God that he continues to bless them and give them the strength so that they can go on.”

Another regular was Vincent Campbell, who lives in Arnos Vale.

One of the few men who attended the event this year, Campbell spoke of his past careers of being a sailor and a security guard, and admitted that being treated to free hair care is a “really good” experience.

Also in attendance was Redemption Sharpes resident Noreen Roberts – a regular attendee – who brought along her friend Camelita Llewellyn (from Kingstown) for the first time.

Both women said that they were looking forward to receiving full treatments on their hair, hands and feet.

Another first timer in attendance was Cane Hall resident Viola Andrews-Jacobs, who said that she had known about the event for years, and had looked forward to the day that she could attend.

“I knew this was always happening for senior citizens, but I couldn’t have come before… I was just a senior citizen in August,” explained Andrews-Jacobs.

“I always used to wonder… if I would live to be a senior citizen, and He grant me that wish. I give him thanks and praise that… I am alive and well in Him.”

Jacobs, who currently works at the Town Board, recalled that she used to work with the event’s organizer Suzanne Goodluck when she first returned to St Vincent and opened her own business.

Villa resident Patrice Reddock, one of the longstanding individuals who has worked in the local fashion industry, also attended the event.

Reddock explained that she has been a customer and family friend of Suzanne Goodluck’s for many years, and always patronises the Senior Citizen Appreciation Day event.

“She’s very gracious!” Reddock enthused. “I encourage others to come along!”

Suzanne Goodluck, proprietor of Suzanne’s Hair Studio, said that she is very pleased how this venture has “evolved” over the years, and is hopeful that it will develop into an even bigger event.

“I hope next year, and even the year after that, it can go into the communities – it doesn’t really have to be based here,” she noted.

“Another community can pick it up where they don’t have to travel into Kingstown, and more seniors are served. They can probably use the resource centres.”

Goodluck also mentioned that this year, several other persons from other establishments were involved in the venture, namely, Joann Barnum, from Jubilee Beauty Salon; visiting national Lazique Williams, from Right Cut Barbershop and Beauty Salon (in Tortola); Jan Fernandez from Jan’s; and Sylvannie Lyttle from The Beauty Shop, among others.

“For the first time, this year we have more males attending,” said Goodluck delightedly.

“This is basically one of my best days [each year] in the salon. I look forward to it every year, and it never fails… When the seniors come out, a lot of them don’t even know each other. They just mingle and socialize.”

She also expressed her belief that senior citizens deserve a day to be appreciated because they “work so hard and give tirelessly of their services in various fields.

“This is a good thing for them. To remember they are alive, and show our appreciation.” (JSV)