By Joyce Corey

To grow facial hair or not; that is the question. Actually, that’s not the real focus of the Movember Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer; this event is all about starting conversations and getting answers.

The event’s organizers, Sally Harris and Ella Slayne, owners of Harmony Brookside, wanted to “raise awareness of men’s health issues” in a man-friendly environment.

Sally Harris said, “Movember is an annual event that encourages the growing of mustaches and beards during the month of November. Although we are not concentrating on growing facial hair as much as we want to generate conversations, bring the community together, and raise money for a significant cause.”

Ella Slayne tells about a special part of their Movember event.

“We start our fundraiser with a Gallery Reception on Friday, November 2 from 5-7 p.m., exhibiting the stunning photography of David Patino,” says Slayne. “His “Beards So Cool” photos became the inspiration for our fundraiser.”

People who want to pledge their support to this cause are invited to attend the Gallery Reception at Harmony Brookside, 2 East Main Street, Brookside, (Mendham Township). Their event partners, Cambridge Wines of Morristown and Simply Nourish You will be there with bourbon samples and drinks.

Sally Harris said, “We wanted this to be a men’s event so we created an atmosphere for them to be comfortable.”

There are three steps to take to get involved in Movember: Pledge and donate. For those who cannot make the Gallery Reception visit Harmony Brookside during November. Grow a beard or mustache. Women, fake facial hair can be provided to participate in the next step. Return to Brookside Gallery on Saturday, Dec. 1, for a photo shoot with David Patino.

Everyone who pledges to this cause is invited for a professional photo shoot, ‘Retro Portrait Session,’ which will capture the spirit of Movember at Harmony Brookside.

Harris and Slayne opened their art gallery/gift store in May.  Harmony Brookside takes its name from Harmony Brook which runs through the historic area of Brookside in Mendham Township. Both women are two British ex-pats originally from Yorkshire who currently live in Mendham with their families.

Sally said, “We wanted to create a place for the community that is both welcoming and inviting. The gifts and housewares we offer are a little bit different. In our art gallery, we feature exhibitions each month by various artists.”

Slayne added, “We hope to organize at least two fundraisers each year. We want to bring people together and support issues that positively impact the community.”

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be sent to the Movember Foundation.

Although they agree, those who will benefit the most will be the men who start talking about health issues and getting real answers.