Facial hair, some men can pull it off, think the cast of “Duck Dynsasty,” Jon Hamm, Adam Levine, Tom Selleck, Joe Mangianello, or George Clooney. Others really shouldn’t, like when Brad Pitt decided it would be a good idea to add ponytails to his beard. Not a good look for the handsome leading man. The question folks across the North Fork want to know is – can the police officers in Southold Town grow a great mustache this Movember? You be the judge.
What is Movember?
Movember, also dubbed “No Shave November,” began in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia and has grown to become a global initiative focused on spreading awareness of men’s health issues across the globe. Currently more than 3 million people – men and women – in 21 countries participate. The movement gained national attention this year as the men of NBC’s “Today” show began sporting stubble in early November and closed the first week with Matt Lauer and Al Roker getting on-air prostate screenings.
Southold Police Officers Put Mustaches In The Spotlight
Bringing the focus close to home in the Hamptons and across the East End of Long Island, the men and women from the Southold Town Police Department decided to use the Movember momentum to raise funds that will be distributed in the community to those in need.
What started as a few officers debating who could grow a mustache (or not), twenty officers eventually signed up and donated $20 to get into the game starting the month clean shaven. There will be a penalty of $20 for those who, for whatever reason, shave off their facial fuzz before the end of the month. For those already sporting a ‘stache there was no need to worry, they could still be part of the fun explained PO Chris Salmon via email, “If you already rock a mustache you can still participate, and you will have a nice head start on everyone else.”
As the days passed it became apparent that they were on to something and family and community members wanted to participate. Friends and family of the officers can now be seen sporting supporter pins all over town. One wife, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “I’ve never seen him with facial hair in 17 years. Our girls love it and I kind of like it, but I hope he shaves for Christmas.”
With approval from Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, who has had a mustache for years, the department members are hopeful to raise funds and have some fun along the way. At the end of the month an event will be held to judge who grew the best (and worst) mustache.
Get Involved
If you are sporting a mustache or beard this Movember – share your before, during, and after photos with us and we’ll post them here on Hamptons.com.