Eastside Defender

To all NE Residents:

A good friend of all Northeast, Tom Olsen (Tom the Barber on Lowry and Central) was diagnosed with throat cancer in October of 2009.

Tom and his family have been affected by this in many ways. He has been out of work for the last 3 months, and is expected to be out at least 3 more months, leaving his wife, Colleen, to run their Barber Shop alone. He has also had to give up many of the things he loves, such as bowling, being part of the NE Lions and the many other organizations to which he belongs.

A little back story on Tom the Barber; Tom’s Barber Shop has been on the Avenue for over 37 years. Tom and Colleen have been active members in many community events, such as hosting the Headquarters for the biannual NorthEast clean up days, and sponsors of the Celebrate NorthEast Parade.

Tom is a member of the Northeast Lions, Northeast Citizens Patrol and once a committed member of the Minneapolis Guardian Angels.

Tom and Colleen have also donated part of their property for the Community Garden, which helps students from Edison High School learn the importance of gardening and working together towards a goal.

Tom and Colleen have seen their share of hardships in the last few years, from losing their building/business to a fire in 2005 and having to restart their business from scratch, to now dealing with Tom’s cancer.

Through all of this they have not forgotten the support of their community, and are always the first to volunteer in any way that is needed. Now it is our time to give back to them.

Tom’s family and friends will be hosting a benefit in his honor on March 27th at The Moose on Monroe in Northeast Minneapolis, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, donated by Larry Ranallo, owner of The Moose.

The benefit will be a Spaghetti Dinner and a Silent Auction. We will be selling tickets for the Event for: $20 for adults, $10 for children, (children under 5 are free.) Your ticket includes: Dinner, and free tap beer from 6pm-9pm.

Tickets will be sold at Tom’s Barber shop as well through the committee of the benefit. Please take the time to make this event.

Donations are also being sought. Any type of donation is much appreciated.

All donations will go directly to Tom and Colleen to help pay for medical bills, loss of wages and the general expenses of running the Barbershop. Although Tom is a Veteran and is being treated at the VA Hospital, they do not cover many things, including co-payments, medications and special tests, this is all out of pocket expense for them.

Any questions can be directed to:
Jessie Olsen
(Tom and Colleen’s Daughter)
612-581-7157
Jolsen2582@aol.com

As a final note, Tom has volunteered countless hours patrolling our streets as an NECP member. He has given, given, given to NE without regards for himself, now he and his family needs all of us. Please attend this event or send a donation to the family.

Thank you!
JDS