PRINCETON: Barbershop gives Arc recipient a cut above

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   Andrew MacPherson needed to look his best for The Arc Mercer gala tonight in Trenton.
   And on Wednesday, local barber Mike Zingaro helped him do just that.
   Mr. Zingaro, owner of Mike’s Barbershop on Witherspoon Street, gave a free hair cut to Mr. MacPherson. Mr. Zingaro said a few friends contacted him about the idea, something he was glad to do.
   Mr. MacPherson, who took the seat in Mr. Zingargo’s barber chair Wednesday afternoon, is being honored by The Arc Mercer, which serves people such as Mr. MacPherson who have developmental disabilities. Each year, the Ewing-based organization honors one of its clients with its “rising star” award, recognition that he or she has made advanced development.
   State Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-15), one of those who contacted Mr. Zingaro, was on hand to present Mr. MacPherson a proclamation signed by him and his two fellow lawmakers from the 15th District, Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and state Sen. Shirley Turner.
   Mr. Gusciora got to meet Mr. MacPherson after he was touring Arc residences after super storm Sandy. During that time, Mr. MacPherson invited Mr. Gusciora to the Arc Gala at the Masonic Temple in Trenton, said Arc executive director Steven Cook.
   Arc Mercer serves more 1,000 people with disabilities and their families each day, Mr. Cook said from the barbershop. The organization provides vocational training, recreation opportunities and residential living facilities, from group homes to individual apartments.