Primping, Preening and Smiles: Local Salon Steps Up for EMarc

The following is a press release issued by EMarc 

Lumina Salon repeated their exclusive salon afternoon for EMarc participants attending the ninth annual Snow Ball dance. On Jan. 20, the salon welcomed a dozen EMarc participants into their salon to add extra elegance, style and beauty to their special night.  

After attending EMarc’s Nov. 2010 Tucker Dinner and Auction, owners Lisa DeLeo and Kathy Petrella were inspired to do something special for EMarc. In Feb. 2011, Lumina set up a ‘members only’ salon afternoon for attendees of the highly popular Snow Ball. After the great success of last year, they once again happily and excitedly welcomed back EMarc to the salon.  

Lumina closed their salon for the afternoon and offered complimentary styling and manicures for young women and haircuts for the young men.  Headbands from Irresistibles in Andover were donated to each of the women. Dance participants were able to call and schedule their own appointments and parents enjoyed networking while their children were doted on by creative stylists. 

“Every one of the kids this year were amazing, inspirational and we all had a blast spending the afternoon with them,” said Lumina staff member Sharon Costin. “They brought so much positive energy into Lumina with their joy of being pampered for the Snow Ball.”

EMarc Recreation Director Chenine Peloquin was impressed by the staff at Lumina. “Individuals with developmental disabilities often have a hard time finding a salon that understands their unique needs. The staff at Lumina was patient and understanding and really took the time to create a positive and memorable experience for each person,” says Peloquin. “Everyone arrived at the dance looking fantastic and had a wonderful evening.”

The Snow Ball dance was held at the Reading’s Parker Middle School and was attended by 54 students with disabilities, ages 13-21. Over 40 volunteers from local high schools including Reading, North Reading and Malden also participated in the semi-formal event.  

“The staff at Lumina is proud to give back to the community by offering their services free for this deserving non-profit organization,” says Costin.

Lumina Salon is located at 328A Main Street, Reading and can be reached at 781-944-9909.

To learn more about EMarc’s activities and outings, please contact Chenine Peloquin at 781-942-4888 x4036.

ABOUT EMARC:

EMARC is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Since 1954, EMARC has helped our participants to live, work and play in our communities.  The human service agency provides a wide-array of programming, which includes services for Residential Support, Day Habilitation, Vocational Training and Family Support services through their Family Resource Center.  To learn more about EMARC and all of its services and programs visit TheEmarc.org.