Hickory Villa is a faith-based, non-profit senior living community that has been providing living and respite care services for over 50 years. Hickory Villa provides individualized care and personal assistance with normal daily activities, as they set out to foster as much autonomy possible with each resident while providing a strong safety net of support services and supervision. With their focus on offering an active lifestyle while promoting social, spiritual and physical health for each resident, Hickory Villa is committed to “Enriching Lives Through Service”. Jane Annin is the Culinary Service Director for Hickory Villa.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve always enjoyed cooking. When I was in college I worked as a server in a retirement facility and started cooking there. I have been with Hickory Villa for twelve years in March. I started as a part-time cook, and was offered the Culinary Service Director position seven years ago.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Probably trying to make everyone happy with the menu. We have over 50 residents, and even after seven years as manager I try but I don’t always succeed.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I honestly think as long as the residents are happy and full—as I joke with them—then I have achieved what I am here for!
Tell us a little about your family. – My family is growing! Aric and I are expecting our first child in March. I came from a large family with four sisters, two of whom are also in the culinary field.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Starting a family. I am a bit older than the normal first time mother, but I am very excited and it’s going to be wonderful!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Because I work so early in the morning and most coffee shops aren’t open, I love to go to Crane and get a Vanilla Silk (decaf!), do a little shopping, and usually cook dinner for Aric and myself.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I went to college for photography.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Ha! My father is full of advice…I still get advice from him every time I see him. Let’s go with “If you do it right the first time, you won’t have to do it again.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Funny.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – I love Prince, so I think anything by him would do.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’m pretty ‘arts & crafty’. I like to do little projects around the house the most.
What talent would you most like to have? – Ballroom dancing.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I really enjoy photography, but I think it would be very rewarding to be an Elementary School Teacher.
What is your favorite good book or the last good book you read? – I only read cookbooks!
What is your favorite movie? – I love movies! Anything with Adam Sandler or Ethan Hawke–it’s hard to pick just one.
What is your favorite TV show? – Big Bang Theory
What is your favorite local restaurant? – La Casa Pizzeria or Hector’s.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By email at jannin@ba.org or visit our website at bethesdaseniorliving.com.