Giving back to the community is nothing new in this area, however there are some who take that volunteerism to a heightened level.
The service Lowell Meyer provides is free haircuts for seniors and special needs children who cannot otherwise get to a barber.
"I thought this is something I could do for the community," said the Montrose resident. Meyer has had calls from La Cañada throughout the Crescenta Valley. He will travel to the client's home, barber kit in hand.
La Cañada residents Marion and Don Sandoz are grateful for Meyer's visit. Although Don can still get around, it does get difficult at times.
"That is hard to maneuver sometimes," said Marion Sandoz, gesturing towards Don's walker. The couple heard of Meyer from a neighbor. Word of mouth is how Meyer has learned about many of his volunteer barbering appointments.
Meyer honed his skills at an early age. "I worked my way through college in a barbershop," said Meyer. Although he left his barbering days years ago he has kept his skills up by continuing to cut hair for neighbors, relatives and friends. Meyer's real profession of 43 years has been teaching - in every age bracket from college to the primary grades. For the last 10 years, Meyer has been teaching sports to students with special needs at Los Angeles Unified School District.
"It is a really nice job," said Meyer. "I have been off this summer and am really looking forward to going back."
Meyer is also an accomplished author. He has written 18 children's books that describe various sports and how to play them. The books are in every classroom in the district, said Meyer.
Meyer also devotes time to the Catholic Big Brother organization. His little "brother," Christian, is a12-year-old special needs child who lives in North Hollywood.
"He gets to learn about life outside North Hollywood, " said Meyer. They travel to museums and other places Christian would not normally be able to visit.
Meyer does not confine his philanthropy spirit to this country. He also supports a child and his family, in India. "My wife and I plan on visiting them," said Meyer.
Meyer will be back at school teaching this fall, he plans to teach for three more years to reach his 50th teaching year. He understands that some people may be hesitant to call for a free haircut.
"Its too bad, but you really can't trust anyone these days," said Meyer. He wants people to know his background and his motive for offering this service.
"I like people. I learn so much from talking to people," said Meyer. "I just think this is a good way to give back to the community."
Any senior citizen or parent of a special needs child or anyone who cannot easily make it to the barbershop or hair salon can call Meyer at 400-5931.
