By ROB JONAS
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Since reopening June 2, Shannon’s Barber Shop BA in Glenmont has been giving back to those who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 response.
The shop has been offering free haircuts to first responders, and it is donating a portion of its regular sales to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Firemen’s Home in Hudson.
“First responders are very important to our community,” said Shannon’s owner Bill Asprion. “Without them, where would we be?”
Asprion has a personal connection to first responders and the FASNY Firemen’s Home. He has been a volunteer fireman for 40 years, 10 of which he spent as the Selkirk Fire Department chief. He also knows a fellow fireman who was moved to the Firemen’s Home after suffering a serious accident on a call.
“I know what it’s like when people don’t think about you. They just expect you to show up when there’s an emergency,” said Asprion.
Running a barber shop is relatively new for Asprion. He and his wife, Donna, bought the shop from founder Shannon Haslam at the beginning of 2019. Haslam is still cutting hair at the shop, along with two other barbers who were on staff when the Asprions purchased the business.
“Things were going strong for us until we had to close March 21 [when Governor Andrew Cuomo shut down all barber shops and salons],” said Asprion. “At that point in time, I made some decisions. I took advantage of the break and had the shop refurbished because it was a good time to do it. When we opened back up, we had a very nice, clean shop.”
Finding the shop isn’t easy. Shannon’s is located in the back corner of the Glenmont Center Square plaza on Feura Bush Road. However, once you find it, Asprion said you’ll likely become a regular.
“It’s the best-kept secret of a barber shop in the area,” said Asprion.
For more information, call 518-463-4247 or visit Shannon’s Barber Shop’s new website, shannonsbarbershop.com. You can also find Shannon’s Barber Shop on Facebook.
