Fall vibes at Halo

It's official - it's fall. For the first time in my life, I feel ready for it. Hot coffee, cooler temps, good hair weather, fall clothes. You name it, I'm ready.

You know what else I'm ready for? Jenna’s return from maternity leave. We cannot wait to have her back!! She will be working Tuesday, Thursday, and every other Saturday beginning November 5th.

Shop ClarityRx and Kerasilk

We’re also relaunching ClarityRx and Kerasilk products. For the month of October, all Kerasilk and ClarityRx products will be 25% off. With any purchase of these products, you’ll also be entered to win a raffle basket.

Or, add on any Kerasilk mask treatment to your existing service for only $10. We have smoothing, strengthening, and recovery masks - ask your stylist which one is for you. These are the perfect Halloween mask…for your hair.

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

Thinking your own face mask is looking a little scary after all that sun this summer? Give your skin the fall refresh it deserves. Indulge in our Autumn Radiance Facial!

Experience the revitalizing power of our pumpkin spice enzyme treatment, paired with soothing steam and gentle extractions to reveal your best skin. Enjoy a calming massage and finish with a deeply hydrating autumn spice mask for a radiant, refreshed glow. Treat yourself to the ultimate seasonal pampering!

I hope everyone enjoys the fall. I went on a school field trip with Paytyn and the Happy Hours crew. The leaves are changing beautifully. We got our apples for apple pie and apple crisp. And of course had to have cider doughnuts. Life is busy and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all. Enjoy all the fall things that we may take for granted.

Community Spotlight

by Julia Mongeau

This past Sunday, October 6th, the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV) held their 29th annual candlelight vigil and walk. I still remember gathering in the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School cafeteria for the vigil when I was a student in Melrose. Hearing the names of those lost to domestic violence was a sobering moment, but doing so surrounded by people committed to ending the cycle of domestic violence offered a feeling of hope.

MAAV is a community-based agency focused on ending the cycle of teen dating and intimate-partner violence. Started in 1995, MAAV is committed to breaking the cycle of violence and abuse through prevention programming, community awareness, and direct survivor support services.

Crystal Johnson became the Executive Director of MAAV in 2022, though her domestic violence advocacy work began 10 years prior. Johnson provided in-home advocacy to survivors and their children in and around Seattle, WA, then went back to school to get her Master's in Social Work.

“I have always wanted to work with trauma survivors,” said Johnson. “I became increasingly interested in the prevention side of the work, asking ‘Why do people cause harm?’ and ‘How can these cycles be interrupted?.’”

As the Executive Director, Johnson wants to expand MAAV’s prevention programming to more communities across the state. Recently, MAAV partnered with St. John’s Prep in Danvers to develop a peer-led prevention program.

“I think something to know is that we don't just work with people living in Melrose,” said Johnson. “We work generally with survivors and communities in the Mystic Valley Region and will always get someone connected to the right resource.”

MAAV is a critical resource in this community, though Johnson notes there’s always more work to do. Specifically, the organization faces challenges supporting survivors when there are legal or financial obstacles preventing them from leaving an abusive relationship.

Despite these challenges, Johnson has also witnessed stories of hope and resilience.

“I've had the pleasure of working with countless survivors who go on to do amazing things despite their trauma, including giving back in this profession and using their story to help others,” said Johnson.

Though a “small but mighty team,” MAAV is supported by a team of donors, community partners, and loyal volunteers. If you’re interested in supporting their work, send an email to info@maav.org. If you’re an attorney, therapist, business coach, or other professional, reach out to discuss opportunities to give back. Thanks to the work of Johnson and her team, we can come together to take a stand against domestic violence in our community.