By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN – Legends Barber Shop teamed up with United Way of Greater Mercer County to celebrate Minority and Multicultural Health month and to promote prostate cancer awareness and literacy.
“The reason we have a relationship with them is because we do a prostate initiative,” said Megan Kirschner, United Way of Greater Mercer County director of community outreach and outcomes.
She said they have a bunch of barbers in the area who are trained to talk to their clients about getting prostate screenings, including Local Legends Barber Shop owner Israel “Izzy” Vargas.
“He was one of the ones that was super active in the community,” said Ms. Kirschner. “Definitely credit to Izzy for being the kind of guy who wants to do this in the community. It takes a special person. Not everybody lets us in to their business.”
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death among men in the United States, particularly among men of color, according to the organization’s flyer.
Legends Barber Shop, at 100 Mercer Street, held an event featuring a table out front run by United Way of Greater Mercer County filled with health information and giveaways on April 27. The first 25 men 40 years or older could get a free haircut.
“This is our very first one (at this barber shop),” said Ms. Kirschner. “The idea behind it is to just to increase access to literacy especially outside of the classroom.”
She said the even though the kids had access to books inside the classroom, they don’t access to books outside of the classroom in different area. That’s proven to increase literacy when they have access outside the typical classroom setting or the library setting, according to Ms. Kirschner.
“We are hoping to do some more of them with some other barbers,” she said.
At the event, the East Windsor Education Association (EWEA) unveiled a collection of books, a bookcase and chairs in which to sit and read. The area has a sign on it saying “Read On!” There are books ranging from all different grade levels.
“We support the program because we believe reading is not just a school activity, it needs to be an all-day every-day activity,” said EWEA President Ellen Ogintz. “That’s why we are calling it “Read On!”
United Way of Greater Mercer County Director of Outreach and Volunteer Services Denise Daniels thanked the East Windsor Education Association for its support in helping promote reading in places outside of the normal school and library.
EWEA also donated $500 to United Way of Greater Mercer County.
“The money goes to the books, bookshelf, chairs and upkeep and re-stocking of the books,” Ms. Ogintz said.
“Legends teamed up a few times with United Way since opening,” said Mr. Vargas in an email on Monday. “I’m a big fan of United Way’s efforts.”
He said he went to Better Beginnings as a child and a group of Better Beginnings students joined the celebration and unveiling on April 27 as Mr. Vargas sat down and read a book to them.
“I believe the connection was made there,” he said. “Legends has a diverse clientele base which gives United Way’s prostate cancer awareness program a good audience.”
Mr. Vargas said it’s important for him because many people have been affected by all kinds of cancer.
“Early detection is our best, if not our only weapon sometimes against cancer,” he said. “Legends is proud and honored to be part of United Ways prostate awareness initiative.”
He thanked United way, Better Beginnings, and the East Windsor Teachers Association for the health awareness programs and the library donated to them.
“It’s a hit,” he said.
