Haircuts

      We used to go to barbershops in Hohokus for our haircuts because it was closer than downtown Ridgewood. First it was Ray's Barbershop next to the Hohokus brook. This later became Joe's. When the old building was renovated and became office space I started going to Dominic and Pietro. They are still in business and are a barber studio, as opposed to a barbershop.

     I mention all this because I just had my first haircut in four months. The barber came to our house and we let him ply his trade in our garden. It was my first ever outdoors haircut. I told him this could become a trend and that forward thinking shopping malls could use their open spaces for cutting and styling hair. Not so sure it will save any shopping malls but it could be part of a new master plan. Imagine Doctor's offices, therapists for the mind and body, and anything else which can't be ordered over the Internet or accomplished via telehealth.

     The shopping mall as we know it is long overdue for a complete renovation and the introduction of some new ideas. The small stores have to give way for social distancing. Though the department stores which anchor the malls do have potential for other uses. It's worth some brainstorming because to tear all the shopping malls down would be costly and ruinous to the local tax base. Perhaps converting some of the parking lots into alfresco dining would be a seasonal option and ready-to-make meals ordered in advance and delivered to people in their cars could help re-invent the food courts.

     I'm all for some new thinking so I don't have worry about getting my next haircut outside in the rain or snow. A pop-up barbershop in the empty parking lot of a mall works for me. Ten chairs and no waiting in line. Need a new generation of portable bathrooms to keep everyone happy but they are easy enough to imagine. It will all be part of a huge period of reflection in this country and other developed nations. The old ways will have to be altered so people can get back to work and even more importantly so children can go back to school. We have to do it all while keeping public health as our top concern.