HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) -- Stylist Sherry Hembree has worked at Waldron Place for a little over a year. Waldron Place is a senior living facility in Hutchinson, and the staff says they are all one big family. "I love the family atmosphere and being able to be friends and put myself out there," He mbree said. "We all care and all put so much energy and effort to take care of them on a daily basis, and make their lives happy, and have happy events to go to." "Everyone is so friendly here, and I know everyone's names here," resident Patsy Hutchison said. "Everyone gets along well." Cara’s Closet opens in Hutchinson school, honoring custodian Hembree also works at a local salon in Hutchinson in addition to doing hair at Waldron Place. It's a career she loves. "I like doing hair because it is helpful to people," Hembree said. "I like giving people their best look and making them feel happy about themselves." At Waldron Place, being a stylist is a particularly important job. Hembree says she sees the residents regularly, so she becomes close with them. "Their hair session is very important to them," Hamby said. "It's something they've done their whole lives. It's a weekly ritual for them." "You walk in feeling kind of, eh, and you walk out feeling like a million bucks," Hutchison said. "Hair is very important to us women, I guess, and having a nice hairdo when you walk out of her shop makes you feel good about yourself." After their hair appointment, the residents feel beautiful both on the outside and inside. "She just adds that extra sentimental touch they need," Hamby said. "Just to have her care that much about these people as their hairdresser means the world not only to the residents but staff as well." "We're so happy to have her," Hutchison said. "Everybody loves her here." Sherry goes far beyond her job description to make sure the residents feel loved and celebrated. "She's here all throughout the week," Hamby said. "She does activities, helps with fundraisers, she'll serve in dining room, clean up, just being there with everybody is why is why we love her so much. These activities give them a little more enrichment in their life. It adds to their overall wellness. It's social; it's so many things they don't even realize is happening, but it is. Bringing in someone that's not necessarily caring for them hands-on every day gives them the additional support they need." Hembree says the staff at Waldron Place inspires her to go the extra mile. The people I work with here, the staff gives so much that it makes me want to give more," Hembree said. "They are so good with every community member. They are family to them. It inspired me to step out and do a little more and be more of the whole setting, not just the salon setting." Hembree's grandma also lived there, so she wants to give back. "I feel like if you're putting good things out, good things will come back, and thinking that my family might receive good things someday from people they don't know and will treat them like family is really important to me," Hembree said. The residents say they love the parties, and they do lots of activities together. Community steps up to create pep band with no band teacher "They keep us busy," Hutchison said. The staff and residents say Hembree is a light who goes the extra mile to bring others happiness. "She has just been an angel here; she is that extra ear for the residents, along with making them beautiful," Hamby said. "She has a calling to serve others in so many ways, and she does it every day with a smile on her face. If you're having a bad day, go find Sherry because she will make you smile." If you would like to nominate a person or business for Positive Connections, fill out KSN’s online contact form. ...read more read less