Jan Heideman honored for cutting hair for 50 years at Orchard Manor

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jan Heideman, left, combs out Sandy Dujenski’s hair at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was recently recognized by staff for 50 years of service.

MEDINA – One thing residents of Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center look forward to is the weekly visit from hairdresser Jan Heideman of Lyndonville.

Heideman was recently honored by staff for her 50 years of attending to residents of the nursing home.

“The residents really look forward to her visits,” said activities director Jamie Murphy. “They just love her.”

Heideman came to the nursing home when it first opened. She was 19 and just graduated from Continental Beauty School in Rochester. One lady who came in every week for a manicure said she heard Orchard Manor was looking for a hairdresser.

“They had opened in June and this was August,” Heideman said. “I was the only one who applied and they hired me.”

“I’m the oldest employee there now,” she said. “I plan to work as long as I possibly can. I love my job and I love the people.”

Heideman used to visit Clover Hill in Albion and Applegate in Medina, but they are now both closed. She still visits Orchard Manor and the hospital’s North Wing a day and a half each.

“I look forward to her coming every week,” said Sandy Dujenski, a resident of Orchard Manor. “It is a highlight of my week.”

Heideman cuts their hair, colors it and gives perms, she said.

Provided photo: Staff at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center celebrated recently with hairdresser Jan Heideman on her 50th anniversary of doing the hair of residents. From left are Jenna Cracknell, administrator; Jamie Murphy, activities director; Heideman; Kristina Smith, business office manager; RoseAnn Velesko, social worker; Laurie Seager, activities aide; and Desiree Braham, MDS coordinator.