A nor’easter is moving into the area today, and will continue through Sunday. Town officials urge residents to prepare for strong winds, prolonged rain and coastal flooding.
North to northeast wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles an hour — locally up to 55 mph — could bring down tree limbs, trees and power lines. Power outages are expected, particularly along the coast.
Trees are still fully leafed out, and soil saturated by recent rainfall may make them more vulnerable to falling during the prolonged wind event.
Officials say, “Treat every downed wire as live and dangerous. Stay away, keep others away, and call 911 to report it.”
The most likely forecast calls for 2 to 3 1/2 inches of rain, with the heaviest expected near the coast. Flooding is possible in areas with poor drainage and along rivers and streams.
Coastal flooding is a concern across multiple high tide cycles, with Sunday morning currently expected to bring the greatest impacts. Low-lying shoreline roads and properties may flood.
“Please use today to prepare, particularly if you live near the shoreline or in an area that has flooded before,” says Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan.
“Move vehicles to higher ground, secure loose items and make sure you can receive emergency alerts. If a road is flooded or barricaded, turn around.”
“We know many residents and businesses are still recovering from the September 13 flooding,” says 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. “Town departments are monitoring this storm closely, and we will share information as conditions change. Please check on neighbors who may need help preparing.”
Westport’s first responders and Public Works crews are preparing for the storm, and will respond as conditions develop.
Secure outdoor items, charge essential devices and clear leaves from nearby drains where it is safe to do so. Never drive through floodwater.
To receive Westport emergency updates, sign up for Nixle by texting 06880 to 888777 or registering at nixle.com.
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
For nearly 70 years — at a variety of locations — Westport Community Theater has been a Westport fixture.
They kick off their 69th season with “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play.”
The script is adapted by Fairfield playwright Joe Landry, known for his “live radio shows.” (“They’re beloved by actors,” WCT president Sam Mink says, “because they don’t have to remember as much.”).
I was delighted by WCT’s last 2 productions, in the basement level of Town Hall — far better than I’d expected from community theater.
This show doesn’t hit that bar. The reason why is a tribute to WCT’s commitment, resilience and love of theater.
A quick review, then a bit about what went on behind the scenes.
The show transforms 3 early Alfred Hitchcock thrillers — “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” — into a 1940s-style radio broadcast, performed before a live audience.
It promises to be spooky, thrilling and witty. Let’s throw in “harrowing” for those of us in 2026 who are horrified at how blindly people trusted strangers back then.
In “The Lodger,” a father is okay with having a super-creepy stranger take his daughter to a music hall. In “The 39 Steps” a guy brings a woman to his apartment who just fired gunshots in a music hall to fend off her enemy assassins – and not for sex.
But it’s all in good fun.
Linda Gilmore and Sam Mink.
And this show tries to be fun. When the script charms, the cast charms. When it simply scatters bits to be gleaned and polished — especially in the radio “sponsorship” spots — the cast doesn’t pull them together. Sound effects and pacing lack their typical crispness.
The show, however, goes on.
Which is where it gets commendable.
Rehearsals were happily underway for the season’s kickoff production, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” a 2-character play. A few weeks before opening, one of the actors bowed out unexpectedly.
Not wanting to disappoint fans and ticket holders, the theater scrambled for another show. They chose “Vintage Hitchcock,” in part because they had success with another popular Landry show, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.”
This meant frantically securing rights, and scurrying for a new cast and production staff to pull it off, (Remember, they’re volunteers).
Tom Rushen and John Bachelder. (Photos/Alexander Kulcsar)
Says WCT, “It’s been an intense, short rehearsal period,” and adds that Landry himself attended a rehearsal.
John Steinbeck wrote, “The theater is the only institution in the world which has been dying for 4,000 years and has never succumbed. It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive.”
Recent discussion about flooding at 55-57 Greens Farms Road — and the potential for more, if plans for a 250-unit apartment complex there move forward — got Eric Buchroeder thinking.
Though very young, he remembers construction of I-95 — then called the Connecticut Turnpike — in the mid-1950s. It was part of President Eisenhower’s plan for a nationwide highway network to provide security against foreign invasion. (As a young cavalry officer in World War I, he’d had difficulty moving large numbers of troops around the country.)
In 1953, Eric says, the plan was to construct an elevated highway, in a right of way between Greens Farms Road and the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad tracks.
Though later built level with the tracks, it needed much more roadbed material than was available commercailly.
Someone had the idea to pump liquified sand and silt from the bottom of Long Island Sound at Compo Beach. Steel pipes ran the material from the beach, up Hillspoint Road to Greens Farms Road, where it was used as landfill to elevate the road embankment.
Greens Farms Road was rebuilt too, replacing curves with the current stretch between Hillspoint Road and Compo Road South/Bridge Street.
Readers: Do you remember construction of that stretch of I-95, and the construction of the “new” Greens Farms Road? Click “Comments” below.
We have no photos of the construction of I-95 along Greens Farms Road. So this view — looking east from Saugatuck — will have to do.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)I–9
As we prepare for another weekend of wild weather — rain, wind, and who knows what else — here are some helpful links.
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection: click here.
State Senator Tony Hwang — who provided this information — hosted a recent Extreme Weather & Coastal Resiliency Informational Forum. It highlighted
the importance of resiliency and preparation against growing risks of flooding, severe winds, coastal erosion and extreme weather. Click here to see.
From that forum, you can link to FEMA’s Severe Wind Protection Plan (click here; page 19) and Financial Preparedness and Homeowners’ Insurance Claims (page 15).
The Connecticut Insurance Department has also launched a resource to assist with preparedness. Click here to see.
Will this weekend bring a repeat of 2 weekends ago? Be prepared!
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Meanwhile: Still cleaning up from the September 13 flood (while preparing for this weekend’s weather)?
Help may be near.
And it’s free.
The state Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security and CT Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disasters has engaged the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief organization to offer free help.
Assistance includes assessment, removal of damaged items and materials, cleanup and mold mitigation.
To request assistance, call 203-628-6978. Leave a message after the beep with your name, phone number, address, and a brief description of your needs.
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One cancellation already for tomorrow: The Fun Fest at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
Two important projects — one (hopefully relatively) short-term, the other longer — are on the agenda when the Board of Finance meets October 7 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream at www.westportct.gov).
The board will be asked to approve an appropriation of $172,5000, for the design cost and permitting of the Jesup Road bridge replacement.
The short, often unnoticed span was weakened during the September 13 flood. The road is closed, shutting off an important route from Imperial Avenue to the police station, Library and Levitt Pavilion.
The project has been estimated to take 12 to 18 months. Residents and town officials hope for an expedited process.
The second request is for $176,000, for the initial assessment and “new vs. renovation comparison study” for the future Coleytown Elementary School project.
This would be an initial step in a long-awaited process for the 1950s-era building.
The BOF will also consider a request for $1,119,000, for consultant services in support of the Safe Streets and Roads for All, Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Grant.
The state Department of Transportation will mill and resurface Route 57 (Weston Road) from Easton Road (Route 136) to just south of the Weston town line, beginning Sunday.
The work is expected to be completed by October 9, weather permitting.
Although this section of Route 57 was resurfaced in June, the top layer of asphalt is to be replaced due to an issue with the paving material.
The tentative start date for the milling portion of the project is scheduled to begin Sunday night, and continue for approximately 3 nights.
The tentative start date for the paving portion is the night of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and continue for approximately 3 nights.
The Westport Prize for Literature goes to … “Good People.” The debut novel by Patmeena Sabit was selected by an independent jury from a field of finalists that also included “Transcription” by Ben Lerner and “The Children” by Melissa Albert.
Now in its 4th year, the $10,000 annual prize honors original works of literary fiction published in the US that are both relevant and timeless. The prize is administered by Westport resident volunteers.
Sabit will receive the prize at the Library on November 12 (7 p.m.), followed by a conversation with Meghan O’Rourke, editor of The Yale Review. Copies of Good People will be available for purchase at the event, and Sabit will sign books afterward. For more information about the event, click here.
How often do you get a chance to hear a Grammy-nominated singer in Westport … for free?
(Besides the Levitt Pavilion, of course.)
Next Friday (October 2, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport), baritone Sidney Outlaw and pianist Piotr Kozlowsk presenting the Connecticut premiere of “26 Ways of Looking at a Black Man,” with music by B.E. Boykin and poetry by Raymond Patterson.
The UU says, “This is an opportunity not simply to hear a world-class performer, but to gather around a deeply meaningful work that centers Black artistry, identity and lived experience.
And finally … on this date in 2001 — 20 years after his death — the voice of Bob Marley ushered satellite radio onto the air. It promised listeners greater variety — for a price — with the launch of XM Satellite Radio. It was the first worldwide broadcast of a satellite radio station
(We’re getting ready for another weekend. As always, “06880” will be here with whatever news you need. And as always, we’re grateful for any readers who click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Though nearly 3,000 miles apart, there are plenty of similarities between Westport, Connecticut and Mill Valley, California.
Located in 2 of the wealthiest counties in the country (Fairfield and Marin), real estate prices are similar. Schools are excellent; there’s a townwide focus on kids. Working class folks were priced out a while ago.
Downtowns are walkable, with lots of restaurants. We’ve got a beach; theirs is a bit further away, but redwood forests and hiking trails are very close.
The city seal of the California town includes an old mill. We are known for one Old Mill in particular.
Both are commuter suburbs (New York and San Francisco). Since COVID, many more people work part- or full-time at home. That means more traffic — and more aggressive drivers.
Downtown Mill Valley. Like Westport, but with wider streets and different trees.
For years, Mill Valley families have moved to Westport. And vice versa.
Take Urban Carmel.
After graduating from Staples High School in 1981, where he was a track and cross country star, he embarked in a career in business development, including managing director at UBS Asset Management.
In Mill Valley he chaired the Library’s board of trustees and Planning Commission, then served as mayor earlier this decade. His focus was on wildfire safety, infrastructure and fiscal responsibility.
Former mayor Urban Carmel rocked a Westport shirt at a recent City Council meeting.
But this story is not about Urban Carmel. It’s about Janet Miller.
On Monday night, the City Council honored the 1982 Staples grad for her exceptional efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the town.
She was hailed for her work in special education and disability rights. Janet served on the school district Board of Trustees; co-founded a sports program and became director, focusing on recreation, arts, social and community programs that foster belonging and connections; worked to overcome language barriers; expanded the Challenger Baseball League (Westport has one too; produced a documentary on neurodiversity — and that is just a very short list.
Janet has done much, much more, in many ways and throughout Mill Valley.(Want the long version? Scroll to the bottom, for the official proclamation.)
Janet Miller, accepting her award.
Former Mayor Carmel presided over the ceremony. He read into the record a heartfelt letter from 4 of Janet’s friends — all fellow Staples alums. They said:
We, Janet’s dear friends from the East Coast — Lynn, Judy, Jan and Callie — would like to add our congratulations to this evening’s celebration. Along with Janet, we have been a band of 5, with our friendships spanning back to our elementary days, having grown up together in Westport, CT (where, by the way, a few other notable Mill Valley residents hail from as well), Janet was teaching us about inclusion and giving to causes beyond ourselves.
It was during our high school years that Janet taught us about giving beyond ourselves. She shared with us her passion to Save The Seals, introduced us to Amnesty International and Greenpeace, way before any of us had an inkling about getting involved in movements beyond ourselves. We gave money and had stickers galore!
Janet has always been our worldly, intelligent, thoughtful friend, who does not look for the limelight, yet is there working hard to educate herself and motivate others to make a difference in the lives of many.
We can say with certainty that our friendship with Janet has helped us to be better versions of ourselves. Before any of the titles this city has so rightly given Janet, she was already exactly who she is today: the person who shows up, who notices who’s been left out, and who quietly makes room for everyone else.
That’s the same quality she has brought to Mill Valley — here with her expanded life experiences, particularly in the world of autism and disabilities, she has greatly widened her circle.
Mill Valley clearly recognizes what we’ve known since childhood: that there is no more loyal friend, no more devoted advocate, and no better person to have in your corner than Janet Miller.
We thank former Mayor Urban Carmel for sending this story. A full continent and 40-plus years later, he’s still an “06880” reader.
We also like the final line of his email: “I’ve often thought Westport and Mill Valley should become sister cities.”
Then again — thanks to him, Janet Miller and so many others — we already are.
(Want to see the ceremony? Click here. It starts 6 minutes, 15 seconds in.)
A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MILL VALLEY HONORING JANET MILLER AS A VOLUNTEER ALL-STAR
WHEREAS, since moving to Mill Valley in November 1996 with her husband Dan, Janet Miller has been a visionary community leader, business executive, and disability advocate who, while raising their two sons, Connor and Tyler, in the community, channeled her family’s personal experiences into a lifelong mission to build a more inclusive, accessible town; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, Janet founded It Takes a Village (ITAV), a Special Education PTA dedicated to supporting students with disabilities and their families, serving as President for five years, building vital advocacy programs, and earning the Golden Bell Award from the Mill Valley School District for her outstanding leadership; and
WHEREAS, Janet championed inclusive education, expanded support services, and worked tirelessly to ensure every student had access to opportunities for success while serving on the Mill Valley School District Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2011; and
WHEREAS, inspired by her family and co-founding Project Awareness and Special Sports (PAASS) with her younger son, Tyler, Janet continues to serve as Executive Director, providing transformative sports, recreation, arts, social, and community programs that foster belonging, independence, and meaningful connections; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the essential role of creative expression, Janet established Artists without Boundaries as an offshoot of PAASS to support participants facing language barriers, sharing a deep artistic passion and common language through photography with her older son, Connor; and
WHEREAS, Janet spearheaded inclusive recreational programming in close partnership with Mill Valley Recreation and expanded the Challenger Baseball League into Ross, San Rafael, and Novato, enabling hundreds of children and young adults with disabilities to experience the joy of team sports; and
WHEREAS, her dedicated leadership extended to Integrated Community Services (ICS), where she served as President for nine years and continues as a Director, advancing critical programs, advocacy, and community partnerships to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Janet brought stories of inclusion to the screen by producing the impact documentary The Art of Belonging, in partnership with Splicer Films, celebrating the talents of neurodiverse individuals and highlighting the indispensable role of community volunteers; and
WHEREAS, in her professional role as Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Strategy at Republic Indemnity, Janet advocates for neurodiversity in the workplace, championing inclusive hiring practices and demonstrating that diverse perspectives drive innovation, creativity, and stronger teams; and
WHEREAS, her widespread volunteer work includes supporting the Tam High Boosters, Tamalpais Community Services District (TCSD) events, and local initiatives, earning her the Jefferson Award, the Mill Valley Volunteer Award, and recognition as a Helix Gala Honoree; and
WHEREAS, Janet’s life work is guided by the powerful belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to be seen, valued, and belong, proving that when communities embrace the strengths of every individual, everyone benefits, and demonstrating that community is everything;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, on this 21st day of September 2026, that the City Council of the City of Mill Valley honors Janet Miller for her extraordinary volunteerism, advocacy, and devotion to Mill Valley. We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for her lifelong contributions, recognizing her as a driving force in making our community more welcoming, inclusive, and compassionate for generations to come.
For months, rumors have circulated that Douglas Ouellette’s name as the Republican candidate for Westport’s 136th District state House of Representatives seat was a placeholder.
His name was filed with Secretary of the State on May 28.
On July 31, “06880” reported, “There’s been no sign of activity, online or in real life. Ouellette has not run for office before. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as CEO of Westport-based Home Choice Senior Care.
“No official announcement has been made. Westport Republican Town Committee chair Patrizia Zucaro did not respond to an email request for comment.”
Tuesday was the deadline for the Westport RTC to replace him with a different candidate, according to Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and Registrar of Voters Deb Greenberg.
So it appears Democrat Lee Goldstein is running against Douglas Ouellette.
But there has still been no press release or other announcement from the Republicans.
And no one has heard from Ouellette himself.
Screenshot of Ballotpedia courtesy of, and hat tip to, Tom Price.
“06880” has reported on recent weekend parties, attended by large groups at the beach. The Westport Police Department says:
“Through both formal and informal complaints received from Westport Parks & Recreation staff as well as neighbors, the WPD has recently observed multiple instances of extremely large gatherings of predominantly high school aged youths at Compo Beach. In most cases these incidents have been reported on weekends. and after the 10 p.m. closing time of the beach.
“Complaints have included allegations of disturbances, underage drinking, marijuana usage, littering and damage to property, with numbers of youth observed by the responding officers estimated to be in the 200 to 300 person range or greater.”
Last Friday and Saturday “officers encountered, and subsequently needed to disperse, gatherings of this size at Compo Beach. These gatherings have been comprised of both area youth as well as groups from out of state.
“The Westport Police Department in partnership with the Westport Prevention Coalition and the Office of the 1st Selectman would like to again take this opportunity to remind both youth and their parents of the town’s zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking and cannabis use.
“Additionally, crimes against persons and property perpetrated by youth will not be tolerated. Area patrols have been increased to monitor this situation going forward, and officers will issue citations for observed violations.
“Despite that, these are not the outcomes we wish to see, so we ask parents to closely monitor their children’s activity and please help to do their part to discourage participation in these gatherings.”
The story said that meeting materials had not yet been posted on the town website.
Town engineer Ted Gill responded quickly. He said:
“All WPLO applications that come in front of the F&ECB also need to go to the Conservation Commission. So there is only 1 set of documents for the one application, which then goes to both bodies.
“The documents for all F&ECB WPLO applications are on the Town website, attached to the Conservation Commission meeting link for the corresponding application.”
All the materials — and we do mean all — are available here. After clicking on, scroll down.
Thank you, Ted!
This building would be torn down, and replaced by a larger one.
A reader writes: “We’re expecting another storm this weekend. In the past, the town of Westport provided sand and sandbags for downtown businesses, particularly those of us who are vulnerable to flooding during high-tide storms.
“I just got off the phone with Public Works, and was told the town no longer provides either the bags or the sand. We can certainly order the bags ourselves, but obtaining and transporting sand individually may be more challenging for small businesses.
“From my experience, sandbags can make a real difference in helping minimize water damage. I wanted to see whether there may be any way for the town to assist downtown businesses with access to sand, even if we are responsible for purchasing our own bags.”
“06880” contacted Public Works director Larry Roberts. He responded promptly: “Until about 8 years ago, the town provided sand and bags to residents. Residents could drive up to the highway garage and fill bags themselves, and our staff helped those who were unable to. Downtown businesses could participate as well.
“The program was discontinued mainly because of the logistics involved: storing clean sand and staffing the site to fill bags on demand.
“At the same time, as buildings on Main Street were renovated, many owners installed flood gate systems in place of sandbags. These gates offer better protection and are easier to store when not in use. Since those renovations, commercial demand for sandbags has been negligible.”
Sandbags on Main Street during Hurricane Sandy, 2012.
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Families, friends, neighbors and individuals are invited to “Give Back Together” — and help Homes with Hope.
This Saturday (September 26, 8 to 11 a.m., 10 Church Lane), volunteers will pack essential item bags — filled with household items, snacks and personal hygiene products — for people served by Westport’s supportive housing non-profit.
A $25 contribution covers the cost of 2 bags. All items will be provided. Click here to register. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, FLB Law, David Adam Realty and Willo.
Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between September 16 and 22.
A 38-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to yield right of way, following a Sunday accident at Saugatuck Avenue and Ferry Lane, with injuries. She was released on a $500 bond.
A 25-year-old Manhattan man and 24-year-old Bronx man were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into the February theft of a car from Volvo of Westport. Both were held on $150,000 bonds.
A 55-yar-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, following the theft of a Jeep from the Saugatuck train station. The key had been hidden within the exterior mounted spare tire. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, charging greater than $500 on a revoked payment card, conspiracy to commit that crime, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit identity theft, following an investigation into the theft of a woman’s wallet at HomeGoods. She was released on a $10,000 bond.
A 36-year-old woman was charged with failure to appear. She was released on a $5,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 10 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
Distracted driving: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Texting while driving: 2
Speeding: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
School zone violation: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to carry registration: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper passing: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Articles obstructing view: 1
Unreadable plates: 1
All license plates must be readable!
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Sometimes you look at one of nature’s creatures and say, “Wow!”
Sometimes you see one, and you just laugh.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo elicits both responses.
(So: Do you enjoy “06880”? If so, great! And now: Please click here, to support our work; we’d really appreciate it. PS — Do you like the way this paragraph is supporting Punctuation Day?)
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce officials announced this morning that the 14th annual event will be postponed.
The new date is Saturday, October 3 (2 to 5 p.m.).
The Chamber says, “After consultations with the Fire Department and the National Weather Service, the potential for rain, high winds and flooding has made it clear that postponing the event is the safest and most responsible decision for our attendees, vendors, performers, and volunteers.
“After 10 straight Slice events without rain, this is the 4th year in a row the festival will be rescheduled.
The family friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, face painter, antique fire truck as well 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price will again be $15 per adult, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Only credit card or electronic payment will be accepted. All tickets are sold on site.
The Chamber has donated $60,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry from proceeds from the prior events. This year will push towards the $65,000 mark.
It’s late September. Can “Nutcracker” season be far behind?
Tchaikovsky’s ballet is a staple of dance companies across America. Young girls (and a few young boys) spend weeks rehearsing their roles as mice, bunnies, horses and snowflakes.
Often though, the main roles — like Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara – are danced by professionals.
Those roles are demanding and complex — perhaps beyond the capabilities of a local child.
But when Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s “Nutcracker” takes the Westport Country Playhouse stage on December 5 (1 and 6 p.m.), every role will be danced by a student.
Alissa Zimon portrays Clara. The Greens Farms Elementary School 5th grader will perform on her hometown stage.
Alissa Zimon will dance as Clara. (Photo/Mark Smith)
It’s a fine moment for NMYB (and their milestone 10th “Nutcracker”).
The company may not be as well known as the larger ballet academies in the area.
But they’re making a mark, And it starts with the culture that artistic director Adam Holms has created.
There is a genuine sense that — even in the pressure-filled world of dance — everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone is celebrated.
He’s a local boy, from Fairfield. Walking to Tomlinson Middle School, he’d pass Joe Vilane’s studio, and wonder what went on inside. At 15 years old — just a few years after he started dancing — he left Fairfield High to dance professionally, with the Joffrey Ballet.
At Butler University — where he studied ballet pedagogy – Holms realized he also loved history. He taught middle school for 4 years in Decatur, Indiana, gaining confidence that he could handle just about any situation with young people.
After earning a master’s at New York University Holms opened a one-room studio on Norwalk’s Main Street. “It was ‘Little House on the Prairie,'” he recalls. “All the grades were mixed together.
Now, in a bigger space on the same street, NMYB is thriving.
Quietly.
Getting ready to rehearse. (Photo/Mark Smith)
Fifteen percent of his 100 or so students are male, Holms notes with pride. They come from different towns and backgrounds — and different levels of experience — but he welcomes them all, whoever and whatever they are.
Holms understands the allure of professionals in “The Nutcracker.” “They increase ticket sales, and give kids someone to look to,” he says.
Yet that’s not the way he rolls.
“I want to showcase you,” the artistic director says. “Most kids here won’t go on to be professional dancers. I want them to wear tiaras and tutus for every role, and hear the applause.”
He’s an unlikely role model himself. “I have a beard and tattoos,” he says. (One is of “The Nutcracker.”)
“But I’ll dancers how to skip, partner and wear pointe shoes. Once people buy into that, they love it.” Training includes ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, acro and pas de deux.
Adam Holms (Photo/Mark Smith)
While remaining local, students get global exposure and meaningful artistic opportunities. Norwalk Metropolitan has twice been named an Outstanding School by Youth America Grand Prix.
NMYB welcomes students from 4 years old through high school graduates. Most are between 9 and 13.
“That’s the most magical time,” Holms says. “In the beginning, ballet is rough. There’s a lot of repetition and muscle memory. But once they start soaring, it’s so exciting.
“There is no fast route to ballet. You have to be committed for a decade. But every time I see them doing what major ballet companies do, it’s incredible.”
Holms’ studio is a “parent-free zone.” There’s no watching through windows.
:I want kids to feel that this is their house — their safe area,” the director says. “I want them to learn to be autonomous, through ballet.”
Adam Holms, with members of his Ensemble Etoile. (Photos/Andrea Carson)
“Nutcracker” is not the only production. There’s a mid-winter contemporary showcase, and a full-length dance (this year it’s “Don Quixote” — also at the Playhouse.)
The historic theater costs more to rent than a school auditorium. But it’s important, Holms says, for young dancers to have dressing rooms, stage lights, a stage manager — and learn to respect it all.
Annabelle Gorski and Isaac Bailey are NMYB alums who have danced principal roles in “The Nutcracker.” (Annabelle had a great offer from the Kansas City Ballet, but chose to return to her home studio.)
Now Alissa Zimon will follow them. She has been encouraged not only by her ballet school mentors and fellow dancers, but by GFS educators Stacy Fowle, Suzanne Propp and Angela Belta.
From now through December 5, it’s “crunch time,” Holms says. The dancers are rehearsing regularly, for every role from mice, bunnies, horses and snowflakes, to Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara.
And — except for the staff of 6 — there will not be a professional in sight.
(For more information on Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet, click here.)
(“06880” regularly features news of the arts, and of young people — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Kevin Rodman kayaks at sunrise from Compo Beach many mornings. He says, “It’s glorious out there! We’re so fortunate to have the islands lighthouses and the water!” (Photo/Kevin Rodman)
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