Wed, 06/12/2019 - 9:30am

SUSAN JOHNS

Possibilities Salon owner and Wiscasset School Committee member Desiree Bailey gives Wiscasset Middle High School librarian Cindy Carter a new look June 5, to benefit two causes. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper

The after look June 6. In front, Prema Long. Back row, from left, Jean Phillips, Cindy Carter, Neal Goldberg and Stephan Puff. Courtesy of Deb Pooler

Wiscasset Middle High School educational technician III Stephan Puff said he hasn't rocked a mullet since maybe elementary school at Children’s School of Arts and Science in Edgecomb. That changed at Possibilities Salon on Gardiner Road June 5, the day before he and four of his WMHS colleagues walked down the center of Stover Auditorium with other staff as graduation attendees looked on.

Puff, math and science teacher Neal Goldberg, librarian Cindy Carter, science teacher Prema Long and English and drama teacher Jean Phillips agreed to hairdo’s on the different side, to benefit the school’s clothing closet.

Puff said students and staff donated a dollar for every two votes, with no limit. The five staff members going under the scissors or shaver proposed styles “radically different” from theirs, and then got the styles voters picked, he explained. School committee member Desiree Bailey, the salon’s owner, donated the do’s Puff said the staff had to keep for at least a week. The $135 raised will buy specific clothes the closet lacks, Puff said.

“This was also a fun way to raise awareness of the services and support available,” he said. All WMHS students can take clothes from the closet, he said.

This spring, Goldberg grew the first beard of his life to take part. Now that he has, would he ever want another? “I think I would. We’ll see,” he said as he waited for his turn in Bailey’s chair. He was getting a Fu Manchu. The fundraiser was fun for students and staff to do together and was for a great cause, Goldberg said.

Carter agreed, in an interview from the chair. Besides, Puff can talk you into just about anything, she said.

Bailey had just trimmed several inches from Carter’s hair. “I’m cool with it,” Carter said. “If it keeps a couple of kids warm (with clothes from the closet) it’s worth it.” And her shorn hair was going to another cause, Wigs 4 Kids, she and Bailey said. Carter said her look would probably have a spiky aspect.

Bailey was happy to help with the fundraiser.

Puff said the school gratefully accepts donations of new or lightly used clothes, shoes and accessories. Donations can be left at the front office, he said.