Sandy Delawter has 23 years of experience in hair styling and barber techniques. And, it was always her dream to open a shop that would cater specifically to men and be a little different from all the rest. In October, Sandy began living her dream when she opened her new barbershop and spa, Men’s Oasis, on North Church Street in Thurmont.

"It was always my dream to open my own shop and to have a specialized barbershop," said Sandy. "I offer old-world techniques with a flair and friendly conversation, great customer service and top-notch hair cuts."

Sandy’s vast experience allows her to do a variety of cuts and techniques. "I specialize in military cuts of all kinds: flat tops, high and tight, fades, buzzcuts…" said Sandy. Plus, I can also create styled cuts and even the trendy new cuts for various lengths of hair," she added.

Sandy offers men’s spa treatments such as brow and back waxing, paraffin hand wax treatments, and shampoos—something a little more common at a women’s hair salon than at a man’s. "I have a nice relaxing environment where men can come to and get away for a little bit," she said.

Men’s Oasis is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. The shop is closed on Sundays. Walk-in appointments are welcome! For more information call 301-271-9958.

Sandy will be a Toys for Tots collection site and welcomes your donations of new children’s toys.

Pet Tales Pet Care

A different type of dog and cat kennel opened in Thurmont recently. It’s reminiscent of a bed and breakfast for animals!

After the loss of her 8-year-old pet cat, Zeus, Cheryl Peterson decided to try something different and left the demands of a career in the dental field to start a pet sitting and kennel business. "It all sort of fell together—the house, the business," she said. "I was originally looking with my mom to open a real bed and breakfast, but after the loss of my cat, the idea came to me to share the love I had for my cat with other people’s pets."

Cheryl has a long affiliation with pets as her mother was a former cattery owner, breeder and would show cats professionally.

Pet Tales Pet Care features three theme rooms: Maui, Tuscany, Congo, so your pet can take a vacation while you’re on vacation. Pet Tales has a very limited number of guests each night and non-family pets do not share spaces. Each room is video and sound monitored 24-hours a day. Pets have their own private room just steps away from Cheryl and her mother. "Let Pet Tales be your pet’s home away from home," said Cheryl. All dogs are taken individually outside for time in Cheryl’s backyard with a 62 high fence.

If you’re not looking for a boarding facility, Cheryl can come to your home. She offers pet and house sitting, daily visits, dog walking, field trips and pet transportation. Cheryl is bonded and insured, and is a member of NAPPS and PUPS. Cheryl is also trained as a home inspector and can troubleshoot home repair problems for you while you’re away from home.