Manicures give a helping hand to Haiti

NORTH CANAAN — When does a manicure benefit a disaster-struck country? When a school full of people get their nails done, and an efficient and artistic manicurist is willing to donate the nominal fee. At $2 per manicure, it all added up to a lot of help for Haiti.

Michael DeMazza, husband of North Canaan Elementary School teacher Ashley DeMazza, will take the proceeds with him when he visits Haiti next month. The country is still recovering from the devastating January earthquake.

Sandra Palmer, who does nails in her North Canaan home, and makes house calls (she can be reached at 860-824-5210), spent April 23 at the school. A steady stream of customers found time during math and English classes for a quick spruce-up for their nails.

Bright reds and pinks, and glitter were popular with the girls.

For boys, and all sports fans, there was single nail painting with a favorite team logo. Of course, the Yankees and Red Sox were popular. By midday, there were about as many fans for each.

“Can I get one Yankees and one Mets?� asked Christopher Duntz, who is hedging his bets on the baseball season.

First-grader Sirena Gualan wasn’t sure why she was getting her nails done during the school day, but was supremely happy about it. Her smile widened when she was told she was helping school children in Haiti.

Palmer said she will likely hold the event again, as she was unable to get everyone’s nails done.

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