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Letting mom relax photo by Andrew Mariman By JILL BRISKEY Getting yourself a haircut while struggling to raise a family on a low income can be the last thing on a mother's mind, Medford resident Joyce Wilson says. "I've got so many split ends, it just seems to mat up when I brush it," Wilson admitted. "I've wanted to do something for the last four months but I just couldn't really afford it." Sunday afternoon, beautician Cathy Hargis of Supercuts solved Wilson's dilemma by providing free haircuts to Jackson County mothers in Alba Park. "A haircut makes people feel good, and that's important, especially on Mother's Day," Hargis said as she trimmed Wilson's long brown tresses. "We're doing whatever the moms want. Any style at all." Hargis was one of several volunteers who participated in Medford's third annual Mother's and Children's Day Sunday afternoon. The event - sponsored by The Safe Place and U.S. Cellular - was a celebration open to the public, according to organizer Robin Turgesen. "Today isn't your ordinary celebration and it just warms the heart to see it," Turgesen said. "We've provided a place for mothers to go and celebrate the day with their children. More than 500 residents attended the free event, which included live music, a barbecue lunch with dessert, a free professional photograph for families and entertainment for kids. As mothers walked into the park, each was presented with a single rose and pampered for the day. And many of the participants could use a bit of pampering, said Medford resident Marci Fredrickson as her two small children played with other youngsters in the park. "It's great to see mothers who don't have anywhere to go today come here and celebrate," she said. Fredrickson and her husband pitched in by serving lunch and handing out balloons to children "I told myself that this was my day off and I would come here and have some fun," she said. "I'm so glad to be here. This is just awesome." During the event, U.S. Cellular offered low income residents a chance to chat with mothers anywhere in the United States, free of charge. "It's Mother's Day and we just wanted to help out," District Sales Manager Mike Spence said. "It's kind of like our slogan, 'we connect with you.' We want people to be able to connect with their mothers today." It gave Gold Hill resident Michael Hoke a chance to connect with his mother in Washington. "She's a Christian mother. You couldn't ask for a better mom," he said after chatting with her for several minutes. "It's really nice to hear from her and talk with her." J.P. Grant III, his wife Linda and 17 month old son Elijah were in the park, too. "This is a new start for us," said Grant, a former Alaska resident who now attends Rogue Community College. "It's good to come out and try to call my mom. It's a good day to be here." Turgesen, a registered nurse, said many of the participants are recovering addicts. Mother's and Children's Day, she said, offered families a "safe place" to spend a quality day celebrating. "Some of them are in a fragile state and they need this healthy fellowship," Turgesen said. "It's good for them. It's good for everybody here today." Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.