Date: Fri 06-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Joe-Pelino-Village-Barber

Full Text:

JOE PELINO MARKS 35 YEARS BEHIND THE BARBER'S CHAIR w/ 2 cuts

(with 2 photos)

BY ANDREA ZIMMERMANN

It's one of the last male bastions in Newtown. And patrons, who come from as

far away as Prospect, seem to like it that way at the Newtown Village Barber,

which has been anchored in Queen Street Shopping Center for more than three

decades.

When asked if he would consider cutting women's hair, even owner Marino "Joe"

Pelino smiles, shakes his head, and with his trademark European manner

politely changes the subject to his fruit-bearing fig tree.

"It has six figs," he says pointing to each one on the small potted plant. "I

made plants from my [late] father-in-law's tree. This one has been growing

since October. It's very unusual that it has fruit [this soon]."

Gardening is a common topic at the barber shop. As testament to Joe's green

thumb, tomato plants, the fig tree and a geranium tree have at one time or

another flourished in the shop's sunny window. The key is "sun, Miracle Groî

and agua," he says.

As the scissors snip away creating flat-tops and "VIP" styles, talk turns to

news of the day or sports.

"On Friday we always have a big discussion on sports - baseball, football,

basketball, golf, soccer - that's numero uno," says Joe.

Born in Introdacqua, Italy, Joe was a barber in his native country before

moving to the United States. When he came here he needed to be certified to

practice his trade, so he studied at Bullard Haven Technical School in

Bridgeport. He began working for John Marino, the former owner of Newtown

Village Barber Shop, immediately after he earned his apprenticeship license.

He continued his schooling and, two years later, he received his journeyman's

license. In three more years, he had a license to manage a barber shop.

"When I was first here, Johnny and his customers were helping me learn

English. I am proud to be an American citizen," says Joe, who goes by his

father's name because his boss thought it would be too confusing have two

Marinos working in the same shop. "I've been behind this chair 35 years and

two months - on the tenth."

The business was given to him when John Marino retired in 1990.

Unlike many barbers, Joe still uses a straight razor to shave his customers,

and finishes each haircut with a massage by using a hand-held vibrator.

Bill O'Keefe, a volunteer firefighter in town, has been coming to Joe for a

haircut since he moved here in 1979. How have things changed over the years?

"He charges more for less hair," he says, laughing and patting a bald spot on

the back of his head. Joking is another favorite pastime at the barber shop.

"Old fashioned barbers are harder and harder to come by."

Apparently, many would agree because patrons travel from Brookfield, Bethel,

Monroe, Prospect, Trumbull, Terryville, Watertown, Beacon Falls, New Milford,

Danbury and West Haven to get a cut, which usually takes 15 minutes. Two weeks

ago, a regular from Bethlehem arrived at 6 am, set up a lounge chair and

waited outside for Joe to arrive at eight.

"He was drinking a cup of coffee, eating a doughnut, and reading the paper,"

said Joe.

His clientele includes salesmen, truck drivers, lawyers, doctors, landscapers,

shoemakers, police officers, carpenters and judges. Joe, who "loves to be a

barber and do the work with pride," enjoys meeting people of different

nationalities.

As if by way of conjuring, Hector Walton walks through the door. A native of

Puerto Rico, Hector worked in Newtown for 31 years as a horse trainer. He has

since moved away, but comes back twice a year for a visit and always stops by

the barber shop to say hello to Joe.

"I used to get my hair cut here all the time. We've remained good friends," he

said.

"My promise to all customers is I still continue to give the same good service

I did 35 years ago - no cutting corners, right Bobby?" he says to a customer

in the chair.

"You cut ears once in awhile, though," replies Robert McGuire, who has

patronized Newtown Village Barber Shop for at least 15 years. They all laugh.

"Joe is my wine adviser," Robert explains. "He told me about putting peaches

in wine."

"Peaches in red wine - that's true," said Joe. "It gives the wine a better

taste."

A steady stream of customers comes through the doors weekdays between 8 am and

5 pm, and Saturdays between 8 am and 3 pm (Wednesdays and Sundays the barber

shop is closed). Talk turns to the different hair styles Joe has given over

the years. Yes, he has given a mohawk. The flat-tops which went out of style

for a while are now back in. He even shaved a design into the hair of a

Newtown High School football player.

"It was 1990. Brian Gleason had me shave his number on his head - number 72

printed on the left side of his head," says Joe. "You remember Tommy."

"Yeah, I was here," says Tom Langan, who is waiting for a cut. He had gotten a

cut the same day his teammate had. "You gave me my first flat top - shaved it

all off. I've been coming here seven years; it's the best place in town and

the only place I go. When I was in high school and even when I was in college.

"It's easy. He remembers how you like it cut," says Tom. "And he cuts it the

way you want it cut. It's worth the trip. He tells me what all my old friends

are doing. I don't see them any more, but he does."

Sometime in July, Newtown Village Barber will move across the parking lot near

Queen Street Cleaners. And Joe will be right behind that same chair because he

just signed a lease that runs through June of 2002. He looks forward to

continuing to offering customers his professional cuts.

"But just men's hair," reminds Joe.