Michael puts away scissors after 50 yearsBy Angela Blackburnmultiple stops to refuel in those days.OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFI remember him telling me that he would be on the bus andsee sale signs in the shop windows and wonder why so manyfter more than a quarter of a million haircuts, mens hairstyl-shops were selling salt sale means salt in Italian, said Kim.ist Michael Galione has shelved his scissors and sold hisGalione began his apprenticeship in hair styling in SicilyAshop.when he was 14.I dont really know how it feels. Today would be my day off any-In 1961, just a couple of months after arriving in Canada,way, Galione told The Oakville Beaver last week just before heGalione landed a job in Toronto and continued his apprentice-hopped on a plane to Florida.ship and learned English while working for two men's stylists,He plans to spend six weeks golfing, catching a few rays andone of whom had come here from the United Kingdom, thecelebrating with friends and family.other from Italy. Galione later worked at the King EdwardAfter 51 years of working why not? asked Galione.Hotel and finessed his skills before going back to work for oneAmong his reasons for retiring, he wont have to stand up for soof the men at a different location.long anymore.Then he moved to Oakville in 1966 and went to work withHis reminiscences on leaving? After a while his clients wereHenry Mandarino at Henry's Barber Shop at 345 Lakeshore Rd.friends that would come for regular visits The haircut really wasMichael took over the shop from Henry and it became Michael'ssecondary, he said.Hairstyling for Men and then relocated to 267 Lakeshore Rd. E.He has cut some 227,000 heads of hair including those of before settling at his current location at 308 Church St. in 1987.many mayors and leading businessmen, said friend and client RossOver the years, Galione amassed an impressive clientele thatRosier who, along with other loyal customers, not only threwincluded former Oakville mayors Harry Barrett and MacGalione a 65th birthday party last May, but surprised him with aAnderson as well as former Ford of Canada president Kenretirement celebration Feb. 12 at his 308 Church St. shop.Harrigan, fitness personality Ed Allen and media personalitiesI started my training when I was 14-and-a-half and now ImBill McVean and Bill Walker.65-and-a-half, said Galione.For his first 13 years in Oakville, Galione worked in the base-The long-time mens hairstylist admitted that after 51 years,ment of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce building. He reliedstanding all day and set hours is too demanding.on word-of-mouth advertising by his customers and they cameSUBMITTED PHOTOIf I dont do it (retire), if I wait too long, as you see so many do, through. They liked the way he cut hair. In 1964, Galione wassomething could happen and its too late. I still have some of my Ontario Mens Hairstyling champion.CUTTING OUT: Long-time men's hairstylist Michael health so I should take advantage of it while I can still golf, said Galione was in his early 30s when he bought his barbershopGalione has put away his scissors, sold his Church Street shop Galione.on Lakeshore Road in downtown Oakville when there wereand called it quits after half a century. The Oakville resident admitted the reality of his lifestyle change still houses not yet converted into stores on the downtownwill likely hit home when he returns home from vacation and he strip. Now, he has handed over his most recent shop to Shannonsaid hes giving some thought to taking up wood carving as a hobby. Once a stylist, always a stylist,Williams, with whom he has been working for a few years.it appears.Galione said he learned a lot from people over his career and considers himself fortunate thatGalione arrived in Canada from Sicily, Italy when he was 16 in fact, on his 16th birthday.he could talk to people from all walks of life rich, poor, young, old. As such his circle of friendsHe couldnt speak English. and acquaintances and clients were varied. Galione said he would remember a clients haircut andGalione and his wife, Kim, make their home in Oakville as do Galiones two daughters, Lauraoften had their confidence, but as soon as they left his salon, so too would his memory of it all,and Amy. According to Kim, Galione and his mom joined his dad, brother and sister here upononly for it to flood back upon their return for another haircut.leaving their home in Castel Termini in Agrigento, Sicily. He was the youngest of five.It was all about gaining confidence and keeping the respect of the people who had found aThe mother and son made the two-day journey to Canada on a prop plane that had to makeliking to his work and a comfort level with his style, so to speak.Vision To be the most livable town in CanadaNotice of zoning by-law passing appeal form is available from the Ontario Municipal Board Planning Services department at 905-845-6601, ext. 3984 website at www.omb.gov.on.caor email gcharles@oakville.caZoning by-law amendment 2545 Sixth Line - Town initiatedThe personal information accompanying your submission is collected Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a File: Z.1415.13under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public by-law to the Ontario Municipal Board. An unincorporated record, which may be released to the public. Direct questions about this association or group may not file a notice of appeal. However, collection to the records and freedom of information officer at Take notice that Oakville Council passed Zoning By-law 905-815-6053.a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual Amendment 2011-020 under Section 34, of the Planning who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. Act, as amended on February 14, 2011. Last date for appeal is March 15, 2011. No person or public body shall be added as a party to the The purpose and effect of Zoning By-law Amendment hearing of the appeal unless, before the by-law was passed, 2011-020 is to provide site-specific zone provisions for an the person or public body made oral submissions at a public existing use. The subject land is located south-east of the meeting or written submissions to the Town of Oakville intersection of Dundas Street and Sixth Line, north of Council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Municipal Board, Central Park Drive. At this time there are no other there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public applications, under the Act, pertaining to the subject land.body as a party.Any appeals of the zoning by-law amendment must be filed A copy of the zoning by-law amendment is available for with Cathie Best, Town Clerk, 1225 Trafalgar Road, P. O. review at the Town of Oakville, Planning Services Box 310, Oakville, ON L6J 5A6, setting out the reasons for department, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the appeal together with a certified cheque or money order Inquiries may be directed to Gabe Charles, acting manager, for $125 payable to the minister of finance. A copy of the Planning Services, Current Planning - Central District, www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8