Roundup: Taste Of Westport, Sherwood Island, Staples Robotics …

Posted on April 9, 2026 | 1 comment

One of Westport’s favorite nights is back, and celebrating a milestone.

With a twist.

The 20th annual Taste of Westport returns Wednesday, June 3. As they’ve done for 20 years, the area’s top restaurants and mixologists will host an evening of great food, drinks and community — all for a wonderful cause.

The fundraiser benefits CLASP Homes. All proceeds help provide group homes and 24/7/365 services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

The twist: With the Inn at Longshore — its longtime home — undergoing renovations, the event moves to the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

It’s an intimate setting, with the same — but always fresh — superb food, signature cocktails and fine wines.

Tickets go on sale today. Click here to purchase, and for more information. (Note another tradition: They always sell out quickly.)

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The Sherwood Island pavilion — one of the most popular meeting spots at Connecticut’s first state park — will be closed all year.

Maybe longer.

Alert “06880” reader Allan Siegert noticed the pavilion was closed effective January 16 “until further notice.” The Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, of which he is a member, uses it for their annual meeting, and other gatherings.

Park supervisor Cailtin Munson told him: “Unfortunately at this time, we really don’t have any information to share with you. The pavilion is closed until further notice while we undergo assessments for repairs, and we do not anticipate it to reopen for the remainder of 2026.

“While we are hopeful to have it reopened for the 2027 recreation, no information is available to provide an update for a re-opening date, so a timeline does not exist at this moment which is why it is listed as closed until further notice.

“As the Park Supervisor for Sherwood Island, I have the most up to date information regarding the pavilion, however, I still encourage you to also utilize the deep.stateparks@ct.gov email for questions you may have, as some inquiries may get routed to an alternate contact depending on the nature of your questions.

“Sherwood Island does have a smaller picnic shelter near the east beach bath house that is now reservable between May 1sr and September 30th through Reserve America, which may be an option for your gatherings.”

Sherwood island pavilion.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School robotics team!

Competing recently their first aerial drone competition, the club placed first overall.

They also took 2nd place in both the Autonomous Flight and Teamwork categories.

The results qualify them for the Northeast Dragonfly regional competition in West Virginia.

They look forward to continuing to improve their skills in piloting, programming and teamwork as we prepare for higher-level competitions.

Of course, there are expenses like equipment and travel. The robotics team’s goal is $2,000. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page, and encourage residents to help support their efforts. Click here to contribute, and for more information.

Staples High School robotics team.

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On Tuesday, MoCA\CT opened their doors wide, hosting a special “speakeasy” night for Club203.

Members of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities enjoyed casino games, jazz led by talented Staples High School musicians, tasty bites by Calise’s Deli, and art with MoCA (making dice and playing cards).

The current “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit lent a special flavor to the night.

Club203 thanks all who made the evening great — especially, during this Volunteer Appreciation Month, the many volunteers who do so much!

Club 203’s speakeasy night, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Stacie Curran)

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Comcast continues to wire Westport.

The cable, internet, phone and wireless provider plans to connect nearly 12,000 homes and businesses to their Xfinity network, which currently serves more than 64 million customers.

Click here for details on timelines and service availability. Comcast expects to complete the Westport project by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, here’s a typical scene. Bob Weingarten spotted it at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.

But it’s repeated all over.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Westporter Tony Kiniry — executive director of Bridgeport-based nonprofit Recovery Community Development — described his organization’s work and impact at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.

The non-profit buys and renovates abandoned homes, then provides housing for up to 12 people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction in each.

RCD runs 3 houses in the Bridgeport area. A fourth is planned for Norwalk.

Residents pay a low monthly rent, and stay as long as necessary.

Tony Kiniry, at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/ Dave Matlow)

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The Weston Public Library’s Photography Club semi-annual exhibit is open right now, in the community room.

The theme is “Street Life.” A reception is set for April 25 (1 to 3 p.m.). It runs through May 27.

“NYC Intersection” by Susan Urbania is on display at the Weston Public Library.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between April 1 and 7.

A 29-year-old Mount Vernon, New York man was charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, reckless endangerment and illegal window tinting. In January an officer was alerted by a license plate reader that there was an active warrant for a passing vehicle’s owner. The vehicle exited a Saugatuck train station parking lot, then engaged in a pursuit on Riverside Avenue that included driving through a work zone, off the shoulder, jumping a curb and sidewalk, then over a retaining wall into a private parking lot. The pursuit was discontinued, but after the suspect was incarcerated in Westchester County, New York, he was extradited to Connecticut. He was held on a $35,000 bond.

A 20-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs (under 21 years of age) and evading responsibility, following a motor vehicle accident in the parking lot of 100 Post Road East. She allegedly struck a fence, support structure and sign, then rove away and nearly struck another car, before parking extremely close to an adjacent car. She was released on a $1,000 bond.

A 27-year-old Brooklyn woman was charged with larceny, identity theft, criminal investigation, forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a complaint that a check had been intercepted and altered. She was held on a $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 34 citations (part of a statewide crackdown this month)
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
  • Distracted driving: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
  • Speeding in a school zone: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
  • Failure to cancel registration within 10 days: 1

Westport Police issued 34 citations for texting while driving. 

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Sure, it’s April 9. But some folks here woke up to frost today.

The birds, though, are singing as they always do this time of year. And if the weather is good enough for them — as it is for this blue jay, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — it’s good enough for us.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … in honor of the bird in the image above:

(Don’t text and drive! But any other time, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Your support will keep the police reports — and everything else — coming. Thank you!)

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Craig Melvin: From 30 Rock To Saugatuck, “Today” Host Talks

Posted on April 9, 2026 | 1 comment

Millions of “Today” show fans know Craig Melvin from TV.

Thousands of Westporters know him as our neighbor.

Last night, a capacity Westport Library crowd got to know him even better.

The co-anchor of the 74-year-old TV institution — heir to a tradition that includes Dave Garroway, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel,  and many more illustrious names — spoke for nearly 90 minutes about his life, his career and, especially, his and his family’s life in our town.

For once, he was not the host.

That task fell to Jim Marpe, former 1st selectman and a member of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston. That also-venerable institution sponsored the event.

Before he took the stage, Craig Melvin (right) and Jim Marpe watch a video of the co-host’s “Today” show career. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Under Marpe’s warm but insightful questioning, Melvin described the route he and his wife, TV journalist Lindsay Czarniak, took to Westport. Searching for a home between New York City and Bristol, Connecticut, where she worked for ESPN, they toured Fairfield County.

Sitting at Mansion Clam House, he thought, “Everyone here is in finance. And white.”

But they rented a place just across the river, on Otter Trail, and fell in love with the town.

As their children grow up here, Melvin has enjoyed participating in their lives: flag football, basketball, gymnastics, dance and more.

He’s also a member of Westport 10. The organization — founded by Jay Norris — brings Black men together, to network and socialize. It’s also a way for their children to meet other Black youngsters in town.

Jim Marpe with “Pops: Learning to be a Son and a Father.” Melvin wrote the memoir about fatherhood, addiction and resiliency. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

There were other serious moments too. Melvin and Czarniak are involved in several cancer-related charities (his brother died of colorectal cancer).

The “Today” anchor grew emotional when describing the recent trauma involving the disappearance of co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother. He described the “family” atmosphere among the show’s cast and crew, and offered insights into the close relationship between himself and Guthrie. (Not long ago, on a trip to Arizona, Melvin visited her mother’s home.)

During the audience Q-and-A, a woman asked for advice on getting into the television industry.

“One thing you can’t learn is genuine intellectual curiosity,” he noted.

A capacity crowd filled the Trefz Forum. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Another woman said that she sees Melvin around town, but doesn’t want to say anything to him.

“That’s rude!” he shot back.

He enjoys speaking with residents, he said — though he appreciates not being approached when he’s with his family.

“Lindsay and I knew what we were getting into” when they went into television, he explained. “Our kids didn’t sign up for this.”

Melvin also gave shout-outs to several Westporters in the audience, including the Rhimes family, Dave Briggs, and Bill Mitchell (“you buy a tie, next thing you know he’s got you doing something for Sacred Heart University”).

“This is not the life I imagined” growing up in South Carolina, Melvin said. One day he’s interviewing Keanu Reeves; the next, Marco Rubio.

But it a life he relishes.

Last night, thanks to Jim Marpe and the Y’s Men, hundreds of Westporters understood why.

Jim Marpe and Craig Melvin, enjoying their conversation. (Photo/Susan Garment)

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and we all meet neighbors like Craig Melvin. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Coop’s Canteen: A Grand Slam At Little League Fields

Posted on April 9, 2026 | 3 comments

There’s a new Westport Little League MVP in town.

But he does not swing a bat.

Cooper Shapiro is a 4th grader at Long Lots Elementary School.

He’s also the founder of Coop’s Canteen. The pop-up snack stand is quickly becoming a fan favorite among hungry players, parents and siblings.

What started as a simple question —what happened to the snack stand? —turned into a full-fledged business idea.

With the old concession building sitting idle, Cooper saw an opportunity.

He stepped right up to the plate.

This is not, however, your average kid’s lemonade stand. Cooper brought in a very modern business partner: AI.

He used ChatGPT to work through pricing strategy, build a simple inventory tracker, and design an eye-catching logo.

Cooper Shapiro with his sign …

Of course, there’s a Venmo QR code for easy payment.

Yet the setup is more “Leave it to Beaver” than 21st century: a folding table, a lineup of snacks, and a young entrepreneur ready to serve.

The vibe is equal parts baseball, business and community.

You can usually find Coop’s Canteen on Saturdays at the Town Farm fields — somewhere between Kowalsky and White — or at Coleytown Elementary.

(It depends on where his younger brother Asher is playing.)

… and at his table, with his younger brother Asher.

Parents appreciate the convenience. Kids love the independence.

Cooper, meanwhile, is always thinking about his next restock.

What makes Coop’s Canteen special is more than the snacks. It’s the spirit behind it.

Cooper saw a problem. Then he figured out how to fix it.

He smashed this one out of the park.

(Young Westporters are doing remarkable things — and “06880” is your place to discover them. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Sports, technology

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Pic Of The Day #3276

Posted on April 8, 2026 | 2 comments

Daffodils return to Willowbrook Cemetery (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Staples Basketball Coach Goldshore Steps Down

Posted on April 8, 2026 | 1 comment

Dave Goldshore — the Staples High School boys basketball coach who in 4 years won 2 FCIAC (league) championships, and took the Wreckers to the state finals twice, most recently last month — is stepping down.

Goldshore — whose team this winter filled the gym, galvanized the town and inspired a generation of younger players — sent this message to the Staples basketball community an hour ago:

“After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step away as head boys basketball coach at Staples.

“This was not an easy decision. Over the past 9 years — 5 as an assistant and 4 as head coach — this has meant far more to me than a position or title. It has been a purpose, an identity, a privilege, and something I have poured my heart into every day.

“I have always believed this role deserves full energy, and full presence and I am confident that the program will be left in very capable hands.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me, for the support you gave this program, and for the opportunity to coach you or your sons. It has been an honor to be part of this journey.”

Coach Dave Goldshore, at last month’s state championship at Mohegan Sun. 

Athletic director VJ Sarullo added: “This afternoon, Coach Goldshore held a meeting with our student-athletes to share that he has resigned from his position as head coach of our boys basketball program.

“We thank Coach Goldshore for his incredible leadership and commitment, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Coach Goldshore for his dedication to our student-athletes and the Staples High School community.

“Under his leadership, the program achieved an overall record of 85-19, highlighted by 4 consecutive FCIAC Finals appearances, back to back FCIAC championships, and 2 appearances in the CIAC Finals.

“While the on-court accomplishments are significant, the relationships that Coach Goldshore built and the positive culture that he fostered within the program are even more meaningful.

“At Staples High School, we believe the most important quality in our coaches is that they are outstanding individuals who genuinely care about our student-athletes. Coach Goldshore exemplified this standard each and every day and his impact on our program will be lasting.

“I congratulate Coach Goldshore on all that he has accomplished and thank him for the impact that he has made on our student-athletes.  He will always be a Wrecker!”

(Photos/Ryan Allen)

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Remembering Joan Nathan

Posted on April 8, 2026 | 4 comments

Longtime Westport resident and active civic volunteer Joan Nathan died peacefully on April 2. She was 97.

The Trenton, New Jersey native earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bryn Mawr College, and a master’s in educational psychology from Columbia University. She met her husband Marvin in New York City. They married in 1951, and moved with their 4 children to Westport in 1964.

Her early career years were spent at Sears Roebuck as director of personnel testing. She resumed her vocation in 1970 with Westport’s Youth Adult Council, as director of job and volunteer placement.

Joan nurtured deep connections with friends and family which she nurtured throughout her life. She spent long, happy pre-computer hours on the pool deck at the Westport YMCA during swim meets; grilling hot dogs at the Little League concession stand; cheering from the hill at Staples soccer games and at Water Rats and Staples swim meets — plus hours of driving to every event her kids took part in up and down the East Coast, with her golden retriever Curry (and then Charlie) by her side.

On a 40th anniversary trip to Copenhagen, Marv died of a heart attack. With formidable inner strength and calm, Joan began a new chapter rebuilding her life in Westport.

Joan Nathan

An early member of Y’s Women, she soon became treasurer. She also produced their newsletter, and explored many interests through the group.

Her community at Winslow Park, growing family and friends bolstered her strength. Her dedication to women’s health and reproductive rights — a steadfast commitment to the legacy of her mother, a pioneering obstetrician/gynecologist — carried her through challenging times, and formed the foundation of her new life.

In her work and in parenthood, Joan’s ability to listen in earnest; her deep capacity for care; her emphasis on individual agency, and her genuine curiosity about people and their stories were all constants. She cared first and foremost about the worth and dignity of all.

She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren as someone who leaned into life with an open heart and an inquisitive mind – qualities that led to her lifelong love of the arts, travel, politics, and the New York Times crossword puzzle. Her continuous evolution in thoughts, ideas, perspectives and taste made her a wise confidante across generations.

Joan is survived by her children Ellen, Barbara (Chris), Rob and John (Ruby), and grandchildren Stacey, Tara, Misty, Jonathan, June and Frances.

In accordance with Joan’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to plannedparenthood.org. or a charity of choice supporting women’s health and reproductive rights.

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Posted in Obituaries, YMCA

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Unsung Hero #429

Posted on April 8, 2026 | 4 comments

Lynn Goldberg writes:

I’d like to propose Ellen Lane as an Unsung Hero.

Ellen has run a knitting group for over 15 years, at the Center for Senior Activities. They meet weekly, and knits shawls for cancer patients.

Ellen drives the finished products to Susan Komen, and other cancer centers.

Yesterday, Ellen Lane’s knitting group thanked her for all she does …

Ellen is a volunteer who has created a wonderfully supportive atmosphere and sense of community with the knitting group.

She brings in a cake once a month for group birthdays, and supplies yarn to those who need it. Members thrive on their conversations, while creating contributions to people undergoing treatments.

… and gathered for a group photo.

Former Senior Center director Sue Pfister calls Ellen “a gem.” She said Ellen is a very kind and caring person, who provides rides to knitting if needed, calls if someone is sick, and checks to see why they are absent.

Many other Senior Center friends echo Lynn and Sue’s praises. Thank you, Ellen — and congratulations on being a true Unsung Hero, for so many!

One of many shawls that Ellen’s group knits. She delivers them to cancer patients. (Photos courtesy of Molly Alger)

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Roundup: Sandwiches, Clams, Cocktails …

Posted on April 8, 2026 | Comments Off on Roundup: Sandwiches, Clams, Cocktails …

With over 1,000 votes cast, the winners of the Great Westport Sandwich Contestare …

Best Chicken Sandwich: Garelick & Herbs

Best Steak Sandwich: Nômade

Best Combo Sandwich: A & S Fine Foods

Best Vegetarian Sandwich: Nômade

Best Club Sandwich: The Clubhouse

Best Pressed Sandwich: The Granola Bar

Best Breakfast Sandwich: The Granola Bar

Best Wrap Sandwich: Kabab & Hummus House

Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich: Rizzuto’s

Best NY Deli Sandwich: Gold’s Delicatessen

Honorable mentions go to Calise’s Market and Outpost Pizza in the Best Chicken category.

The contest was organized by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, with sponsorship from the law firm Bercham Moses.

The winners (clockwise from top left): The Clubhouse, The Granola Bar, Kabab & Hummus House, A & S Fine Foods, Gold’s Delicatessen, Nômade, Rizzuto’s, Garelick & Herbs.

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Earthplace celebrates 2 milestones soon: the 40th anniversary of Harbor Watch, and the 15th anniversary of “Cocktails & Clams.”

The fundraiser is set for June 6 (5 to 7 p.m.), at Copps Island Oysters, Norwalk.

The location is fitting. Proceeds will help modernize the water quality lab at Harbor Watch, Earthplace’s Long Island Sound program. They’ll also provide hands-on training for student interns, and will support ongoing water monitoring.

Guests will enjoy an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, plus a live band and silent auction.

Click here for tickets, and more information. For details on sponsorships, email l.connell@earthplace.org.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Westport Senior Center kicks it off on May 1 (1 p.m.), with a special event  featuring Melissa Bernstein.

The co-founder of Melissa & Doug Toys will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about her personal journey through anxiety and depression.

She’ll discuss the tools and insights that helped guide her back into the light, and what she has discovered about finding purpose and meaning along the way.

Melissa is the author of “Lifelines” and “The Heart of Entrepreneurship: Crafting Your Authentic Recipe for Success.” She also curated a collection of stress-relief tools inspired by her own life experiences, available at Lifelines.com.

The event is open to Senior Center members, and anyone 60 or older.

Melissa Bernstein

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Among the agenda items for today’s Board of Selectpersons agenda (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium): acceptance of $20,000 from Sustainable Westport, for the purchase and installation of 2 ADA-compliant water filling stations.

They’ll replace the current fountains at Compo Beach and Winslow Park

A plaque on the Winslow Park water filling station will honor the memory of Sherry Jagerson. The longtime environmental activist died in 2024.

Sherry Jagerson

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The Blight Prevention Board meets tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Zoom).

They’ll continue their discussion of 20 Center Street, and address 3 new properties:

  • 5 Hiawatha Lane
  • 7 Hiawatha Lane
  • 20 Meeker Road.

20 Center Street

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Just in time for the golf season, several dozen new carts were delivered yesterday to Longshore.

They come with GPS, to help golfers determine distance to the pin and course topography.

A less interesting feature: speed control.

New golf carts, at Longshore. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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Plenty of middle school students dream of acting on TV and in movies.

Most have no clue how to get a chance.

On April 2 (2 to 4 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse offers a masterclass on the subject.

Actor Liz Fye will lead students, as they work on scenes, and learn to adjust to notes.

The class is $100, and limited to 12 youngsters in grades 6-8. Click here for more information, and registration. Questions? Email Maggie Meath mmeath@westportplayhouse.org

Liz Fye

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Westport resident Carole Williams died Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 86.

A longtime customer service manager at Pepperidge Farm, she was known for her dedication and care. After retiring she worked for the town of Westport, at the Fire and Building Departments.

She was an avid traveler, and also enjoyed both playing tennis and shopping.

She is survived by her daughter Kim Thibodeau, grandson Michael Thibodeau, sister Phyllis Denke, brother Samuel (Sandy) Anastasia Jr. .

A Requiem Mass will be held at Assumption Church on Friday (April 10, 10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.

Carole Williams

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Longtime Westporter Dick Alley sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: Schlaet’s Point, at low tide in early spring.

(Photo/Dick Alley)

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And finally … in honor of Earthplace’s “Clams & Cocktails” fundraiser, benefiting Harbor Watch — harborside, at Copps Island Oysters (story above):

(From the environment and entertainment to the Senior Center and beach, if it’s happening in Westport you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers’ support; please click here to help. Thank you!) 

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[OPINION] “Westport Music Teachers Changed My Life”

Posted on April 8, 2026 | 17 comments

Darin Brunstad grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1985. He and his husband David are raising 4 children in upstate Connecticut. Darin writes: 

Whitely, Lipson, Weigle: Westport music teachers who saved me.

I think of them often these days, as my own young kids wend their ways through public school music education: choir, sax, clarinet and trumpet.

I started out labeled “gifted” — an early program which sent us to help classmates learn skills we had already mastered.

I liked helping. But by 3rd grade my life settled into the reality of a bad check- writing, alcoholic, unemployed stepfather; a clinically depressed grandmother caretaker, and a mother who was gone 12 hours a day beating her head bloody against the glass ceiling on Madison Avenue.

I changed elementary schools 6 times (including Kings Highway, Saugatuck, Coleytown and Burr Farms). Each was a progression of barely tolerable experiences, save the last one, which was more “Lord of the Flies” than anything else.

Burr Farms was one of Darin Brunstad’s several elementary schools. (Computer image by Steve Katz)

I was chubby, dirty and unkempt. I combed my hair and saw fleas stuck between the teeth. I was afraid of bathrooms because of The Terrible Thing that happened in one. So much shame and fear to keep locked away.

I also had more concussions than a child is supposed to have. (Shoutout to the Assumption kids — that was me who starred the windshield when my Grandma hit your school bus head on).

This probably fried my brain a bit. But I think most of my academic apocalypse had to do with being the new kid too many times.

Mrs. Whitely was the music teacher at my last elementary school. She had long gray hair she wore up, and glasses on a chain. I don’t think I ever saw her smile.

She was mocked and derided by students, yet somehow managed to expose us to such amazing things: outdoor winter concerts, fiery depictions of “Night on Bald Mountain,” barbershop quartets. She pulled off an excellent performance of “Solomon Grundy,” with the composer in attendance.

My first time on stage singing in her choir, watching her hands guide us along with such intensity, changed me.

The rest of the world disappeared. There was only that moment of creation — something I didn’t quite understand yet, but enjoyed immensely.

I was a boy soprano who could sing higher than any girl. Taunts of “faggot,” plus recess bullying, made me quit. I withdrew further, and spent recess volunteering in the cafeteria.

Three years of a music desert followed, as things got worse both at home and school. Even my main tormentor started feeling sorry for me, knitting his brows and saying, “Are you depressed? You seem depressed!”

By Long Lots Junior High I was too skinny, and desperately tried to make my increasingly tall and lanky body fold into itself to remain completely unnoticed.

But into a cramped basement music room with arena seating, all the way in the dark back corner of our school, came Alice Lipson. She was petite, and had hair all the way down to her waist.

Alice Lipson (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

She tried diligently to teach us heathens about music theory, using Mozart’s “Symphony #40 in G Minor” to illustrate codas, themes and whatnot. There were even handouts. None of that made much sense to me, but the music — the music — grabbed at me.

Mrs. Lipson corralled a gaggle of reluctant 9th graders, and built an immense choir with an ambitious repertoire.

We were rowdy and disobedient, but somehow she coaxed amazing sound out of us. Some teachers in the audience at our concert actually cried. This thing we were doing not only centered me in my chaotic world, but it could affect others too?

By 10th grade at Staples I was fiercely hiding in the closet, and numbing myself regularly with alcohol. I skipped school, lied a lot, and barely passed anything.

Darin Brunstad, sophomore year.

But high school brought George Weigle — an exacting and immensely gifted choir director.

We sang double choir magnificats, spirituals, and put on huge holiday productions. We sang in Latin, Hebrew, German. The professionalism he required of us made us capable musicians, and better people.

Dr. Weigle was nearing the end of his career. He had little patience for nonsense, and famously less for “mediocrity.”

Dr. George Weigle (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

But you’d be wrong to mistake his constant look of intensity and focus as a scowl, even as he looked down at us over his glasses.

In December of sophomore year I came to school late, after a young man I knew took his life. I had spent the previous night trying my best to comfort his mother, and had helped clean up the mess so she wouldn’t have to see it when she returned from the hospital.

I wandered into his choir room and just stood there, still in shock. George Weigle quietly dismissed the 108-voice group and led me into his office. I think he talked to me for an hour.

1984-85 Orphenians.

More than anyone, George Weigle taught me the beauty of that intense moment of silence, after the conductor makes eye contact and right before he raises his baton.

Discipline, focus, intention. Then the sharp intake of breath as he raises it up.

What happens after is always a blur to me. After hours of rehearsals I get lost in the music, barely remembering anything before the final sweeping cutoff motion.

Lost in a beautiful way, though. I just go somewhere else. Somewhere happy.

Darin Brunstad’s senior portrait …

What would I have had if I hadn’t been given this gift of music by these teachers? What would have become of me? Yet my love of music endures, and is integral to my mental health. I can’t imagine life without it.

My husband and I adopted our kids from foster care later in life. l’ve witnessed how music smooths the rough places for them, but those will be their own stories to tell someday.

,,, and today, with a flower he found on the sidewalk.

So to all the beloved music teachers: If you see a kid who is struggling, music may be the answer. Maybe there’s a kid who acts out because they can’t read music and is embarrassed. That was me.

Don’t give up on them. Everything you do is important. It can even be life-saving. Every beginning squeak, scratchy string or flat note can lead to something profound and permanent.

Thank you Mrs. Whitely, Mrs. Lipson, and Dr. Weigle.

George Weigle conducts the 1984 Candlelight concert production number. Darin Brunstad is in the center; he played the father in “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

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Posted in Arts, Education, Looking back, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #3275

Posted on April 7, 2026 | 1 comment

Owl’s perspective on Devil’s Den (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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