Document text
Hair stylists give free �dos Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Washington Elementary School third-grader Tim McCleary gets a new �do from Vivid Salon owner Jim Angel Monday. Angel and several other stylists provided free haircuts as part of a favorite holiday tradition. By Jonel Aleccia Tim McCleary sat patiently in the tall chair as Jimy Angel snipped and clipped and shaved the Washington Elementary School third-grader into one stylin� dude. The 8-year-old couldn�t remember the last haircut he�d had, but it was at least 3 inches ago and it certainly wasn�t offered for free in the school cafeteria. For Angel, the 35-year-old owner of Salon Vivid in Medford, providing complementary trims to area schoolchildren is one of his favorite holiday traditions. Monday�s cut-a-thon was the third annual event involving several stylists and hundreds of kids. Each stylist gave up a day�s earnings � $300 to $700 � for the project. "We just figure that a haircut is one of the best ways to look and feel good," said Angel, who offers his services to two low-income area elementary schools, Washington and Jackson. All day long, lines of kids perched on plastic chairs and discussed their new �dos. "I want my hair up to my ears," said Jasmine Coutee, 8, tossing a long blond mane. For the boys, the preferred look was short and spiked. "Marcus just wanted a buzz," said stylist Gena Walters, as she snipped the bangs of Marcus Gomez, 9. "Man, you�re a handsome dude." In addition to the haircuts, the kids received toys and a fast-food meal courtesy of Jack-in-the-Box, which signed on to the project as a corporate sponsor. The owners of Roxy Ann Bowling Lanes in Medford also offered an afternoon of cosmic bowling. The package surprised and pleased Christina Arraya of Medford, whose three children received free trims. "I think it�s awesome," she said. "It�s so convenient. It�s kind of like a nice Christmas present." That�s just what Angel had in mind when he started the event. "The only reason we do this is to inspire other businesses to take care of their communities," Angel said. "There�s a lot of need right here at home." Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.