This week’s charrette about a new public safety headquarters, to be shared by Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, drew public attention to Westport’s 10-year capital forecast.
It includes nearly 70 projects estimated to cost at least $1 million. They range from those well into the planning stages, to others far in the future.
The cost of all $1 million-and plus projects: $431,521,675.
Another 200 or so items are listed for than $1 million each. They bring the total 10-year capital plan to $473,517,178.
Not every project will come to fruition, of course. Those that do may be substantially altered. And the capital forecast changes annually.
Most would be funded by bonds. Private funds would be sought for major recreational improvements like artificial turf on athletic fields, a Longshore clubhouse cart barn, the Inn at Longshore renovations, and a pedestrian bridge across the Saugatuck River. ARPA is funding some previously approved projects. too.
The combined public safety facility is the costliest item. It’s listed at $92.5 million.
Coleytown Elementary School renovation/replacement is projected to cost $85 million, while the Long Lots Elementary replacement — much further along in development — is listed at $80 million.
The next most expensive project — listed for $12.2 million — is for replacement of the Coleytown fire station.
Coleytown Elementary School (center) and the Coleytown fire station (lower left) are both in the new 10-year capital forecast.
Click here, then scroll down to “2024-25” for the first 2 items: “10-Year Consolidated Capital Forecast,” and the forecast over $1 million. Here are the projects listed for at least $1 million:
Central public safety headquarters: $92.5 million
Coleytown Elementary School renovation/replacement: $85 million
Long Lots Elementary School renovation/replacement: $80 million
Coleytown fire station replacement: $12.2 million
Longshore pool area improvements: $8.83 million
Longshore construction fees/clubhouse cart barn parking and surrounds: $8.175 million
Inn at Longshore renovations: $8 million
Longshore parks maintenance facility: $6.695 million
Replacement of the Longshore maintenance shed has caused controversy in town.
Transform Parker Harding Plaze (combine with downtown project): $6 million
Staples High School roof replacement of 2006 addition/other areas not replaced in 2023: $5.275 million
Bedford Middle School roof replacement: $5.225 million
Jesup Road/Taylor Place design and construction: $5.1 million
Kings Highway Elementary School roof replacement: $4.993 million
ARPA projects approved previously (facilities, human services, health, arts, schools): $3.707 million
Saugatuck fire station renovation: $3.6 million
Staples High School Loeffler field and baseball field, artificial turf: $3.5 million
Loeffler Field at Staples High School. Artificial turf here, and on the adjacent baseball diamond, would be funded privately. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Public ssafety radio system subscriber units replacements: $3.25 million
Greens Farms Elementary School roof replacement and replair, exhaust fans replacement: $3.235 million
Longshore golf course irrigation system: $3.095 million
Old Mill walkway reconstruction, rehabilitation of tide gates: $3.082 millionARPA funds, $2.498 million bonding
Saugatuck Elementary School HVAC upgrades (5 years out): $3.072 million
Longshore and Evan Harding renovations: $3.045 million
Longshore pickleball courts: $3.025 million
Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook: $2.5 million
Sidewalk rehabilitation: $2.5 million
Longshore waterline installation: $2.2 million
Pedestrian bridge across Saugatuck River design and construction: $2.15 million
Greens Farms Elementary School retrofit AHUs: $2.132 million
Like all Westport schools, Greens Farms Elementary needs constant attention. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Fire Department replacement of ladder truck: $2.1 million
Deadman Brook at Jesup Road design, permitting and construction: $1.95 million
Longshore Zone 5 parking and enhancements: $1.948 million
Long Lots Road bridge over Muddy Brook design and construction: $1.8 million
Longshore tennis and platform courts renovation: $1.78 million
Town Hall space planning design and renovation for ADA compliance: $1.75 million
Revaluation — assessor: $1.69 million
Hillandale Road culvert replacement at Muddy Brook: $1.675 million
Charles Street, Park Street and Riverside Avenue signal streetscape: $1.675 million
Wakeman E field artificial turf: $1.65 million
Staples High School, replace sports flooring: $1.624 million
Fire Department, replace engine or quint: $1.6 million
Coleytown Middle School artificial turf: $1.6 million
Staples High School, evaluation of stage rigging: $1.576 million
Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street, landscaped roundabout: $1.575 million
Town Hall exterior repairs, painting, chimney replacement: $1.55 million
Town Hall needs upgrading too.
Fire Department, replace engine or quint: $1.5 million
Replace 6 Freightliner plow trucks: $1.5 million
Imperial Avenue parking lot, improve appearance and safety: $1.5 million
Long Lots Elementary School, athletic field renovations artificial turf: $1.5 million
Compo Road South sidewalk replacement: $1.47 million (grant)
Deadman Brook at Myrtle Avenue culvert: $1.4 million
Bedford Middle School, replace millwork: $1.358 million
Replace 5 Freightliner plow trucks: $1.25 million
Compo Beach entrance, walkway, fencing: $1.25 million
Longshore renovation, Cuttings Lane East: $1.215 million
Westport Library, partial roof renovation: $1.2 million
Partial Westport Library roof repair is in the capital forecast.
Greens Farms Elementary School, replace hot water boiler, pumps and valves: $1.186 million
Coleytown Elementary School, casework replacement: $1.143 million
Staples High School, AHU at gym with AC and BMS controls: $1.129 million
Staples High School, AHU at gym: $1.056 million
Staples High School, replace cooling tower filter, pump, water treatment, BMS controls: $1.046 million
Compo Beach retaining wall, north side: $1.025 million
Fire Department, replace rescue truck: $1 million
Staples High School, asphalt repair and replacement: $1 million
Pump station #8 rebuild: $1 million.
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Discussion has begun on a new first responders’ facility. It would house the Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services departments, all at one site.
The police station has been on Jesup Road since the early 1950s. Before that it shared space with government officials, in Town Hall.
That’s the handsome brick building on Post Road East we know today as Don Memo.
The lockup was downstairs, in the basement — where Walrus Alley is now.
The original town hall — and police station.
Before moving to Post Road East at Crescent Road, the main fire station was on Church Street.
Former Fire Department headquarters, on Church Lane. The original YMCA (now Anthropologie) is on the left.
You can still see its bones in the current tenant, Emmy Squared: Those were the 3 fire engine bays.
(Photo/Poppy Harrington, for Inklings)
Our EMS has shared space with the Police Department since its founding, over 40 years ago.
Long before that, the ambulance was operated by a private service. It was parked in a garage at the crest of the Post Road East hill — approximately where the Morgan Stanley office building is now.
You know — right across from fire headquarters.
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A “Unite and Resist” rally is set for 11 a.m., at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.
Organizers say, “we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover. Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed—just show up, bring signs and friends!” Click here for more information.
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If you’re not aware of AWARE: You should be.
The organization — Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — spends an entire year helping one female-focused non-profit, both collaboratively and financially.
Next Thursday (March 6), Studio 45 on Main Street sponsors a special event, with shopping (6 to 8 p.m.) and an integrative yoga and restore session with Menna Olvera (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to AWARE.
To RSVP and for more information, email hello@mennaolvera.com.
Speaking of “aware”: Westport Animal Control hosts an Animal Awareness Night next Wednesday (March 5, Westport police station upstairs classroom, 7 p.m.).
Topics include wildlife (with officer Peter Reid), pet adoption (with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates’ Julie Loparo), and dog licensing guidelines. The event is free.
Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is a featured speaker at Wednesday’s Animal Awareness Night.
On the crowded calendar of springtime fundraisers, one event has always stood out: Taste of Westport.
At the benefit for CLASP, a lineup of great restaurants presents special selections and drinks. There’s music and a silent auction too. 100% of proceeds go directly to the non-profit, which for over 40 years has provided homes and support for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
This year’s event is June 5 (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore). The theme is “A Night at Studio 54.” Tickets go on sale April 14, at tasteofwestport.com.
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“Kids’ Night on Broadway” — a program to spark a love of theater in the next generation — turns into “Kids’ Night at the Playhouse” this Tuesday.
Children and teenagers 18 and under receive free admission to the hit comedy “Native Gardens,” when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
The show — about a dispute over a suburban property line that spirals into a war over taste, class, personal identity (and gardening) has earned great reviews.
To redeem the “Kids’ Night” offer, call the Playhouse box office: 203-227-4177.
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Speaking of kids: Boys and girls in grades K-7 are invited to an instructional clinic, hosted by the Staples baseball program. It’s this Tuesday (March 4, 6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse).
Little Leaguers can dust off their gloves and brush up on their hitting, fielding and base running skills before the first pitch this spring.
High school coaches and players will run drills and games. Youngsters will be separated by skill and grade level. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
The $40 fee ($50 after March 1) includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Questions? Email baseball@staplesdiamondclub.com.
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Speaking still of kids: VFW Post 399 Auxiliary is spreading the word about 2 national art contests for elementary through high school students. There are cash awards, and scholarshps of up to $2,500.
Two- and 3-dimensional art is accepted. Entries will be judged on originality, presentation, and patriotic themes.
Submission deadline is March 31. For complete rules, email Patty Kondub: nortonpk@aol.com
On Wednesday, dozens of Westport boys’ Instagram feeds were flooded with graphically and violent video reels. They included street fights, school shootings, murder, and gory accidents.
They were sent even to users who had enabled “sensitive content” controls.
Though parent company Meta said it fixed the “error,” the reels appeared to be targeted at teenagers and young men.
The mother of a Staples student said that many local parents were not aware of the incident. She added, “the videos were so violent, many of the boys were discussing them. Some kids were really traumatized.”
She hopes that parents who learn of the video can talk with their children about it.
The Mahogany Brass Quintet comes to town Monday (March 3).
After spending the day with Staples students in an immersive chamber music workshop, they’ll give a free concert at 7:30 p.m., in the Bedford Middle School auditorium).
It’s a homecoming for Sam Atlas. The 2018 Staples graduate is in her final year at the Manhattan School of Music’s Orchestra Performance Program.
She has already made a name in the professional world, as a frequent substitute with the New York Philharmonic.
After its founding at the University of Massachusetts, MBQ has grown into an accomplished performing group, dedicated to artistry and music education.
The concert — with selections ranging from Mozart and Bach to Hoagy Carmichael and Leonard Bernstein — is free.
Mahogany Brass Quintet
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Someone had a guilty conscience.
For a long time.
The Merritt Country Store on Main Street recently received this letter, with a Santa Barbara, California postmark:
Enclosed was a $20 bill.
At a quarter each, that’s 80 candy bars. Today, that Jackson would buy about 10.
The letter is now on the front counter, under glass.
It’s an object of interest.
Or a great deterrent. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)
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Birddogs — the mens’ shorts/pants/polo shirts shop that opened in the spring of 2023 in Brooks Corner — has closed.
This was their 3rd brick-and-mortar store. According to their website, only 1 remains, in Paramus, New Jersey.
(Photo/Stacey Henske)
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between February 19 and 26. They issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 12 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Speeding: 5
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
Lots of drivers have not registered or renewed their vehicles.
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No buds yet.
But soon!
You can almost smell the first whiffs of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image of the Saugatuck River, from Grace Salmon Park.
Jamie Greenwald graduated from Staples High School in 1982.
That was over 40 years ago. But he has never forgotten the impact a friend’s mother — Betty Lou Cummings — made on him.
The former Westport 2nd selectwoman, longtime civic volunteer, and ever-smiling presence — died on January 3. Today, Jamie offers this fond remembrance:
As a young person I was admittedly a bit wild, or more than a bit. I experienced life and developed my boundaries by trying all the nutty things a kid could dream up.
Thankfully I survived, and ended up thriving well enough in life, love, with family and friends. The Cummings family was all of these to me, helmed primarily by Betty Lou, which I’m sure Tom will attest to.
All my “friends” in my early years were transient — a single play date at my house or theirs. Their mothers saw the “free spirit” within me, and quickly decided that once was enough for their special son.
So long-term friendships were hard to come by for me. Except for one: Betty Lou’s son Mark — a friendship blessed often by Betty Lou, and her divine gift of light and love which so many in her close circle felt from her. This friendship with Mark continues today, 57 years after our first play date.
For me, Betty Lou’s support was life-altering and inspirational. She saw in me something I did not and could not see in myself. Maybe it was actually there and she could see right through me to some goodness or positivity. Maybe she gave me the benefit of the doubt, or maybe she saw nothing at all but knew Mark enjoyed being with me so she smiled and prayed and hoped I would end up alright and not ruin her dear son.
Betty Lou Cummings and Jamie Greenwald
Betty Lou surely had a way about her. Whatever crazy plot I would dream up with her son, she would give us a slap on the wrist, then hold my wrist for a time and look at me convincingly (through a good long, uncomfortable yet loving stare), telegraphing that we are destined for great things in life. Whenever we messed up, Betty Lou and Tom scolded us, called us knuckleheads, and then hugged us forevermore.
As a child I spent most of my free time at the Cummings homes, soaking up Tom’s creativity and Betty Lou’s love and belief in me. I call her my second mom. But a mom is a mom. And she was one of two. I could not have felt more a part of her pack of monkeys.
Betty Lou’s belief in me, her constant light of love and optimism, her lack of judgment and her ability to make me feel that I would impact the world in a positive way one day, infected me. It saved me. It motivated me. To no small extent it made me who I am today.
Now, I am not anything special to be sure, but I am alive, I have an amazing wife, I have a special family, many friends, and I am surrounded by love. I try every day to do my best to impact the world in positive ways, both big and small, and this drives my thinking daily. Paying it forward, I do my best to help young people find their way in life, both my own kids and their friends, and anyone else who I can support along the way.
Not all young boys have a Betty Lou rooting for them and supporting them, and many don’t get a second chance when they do something stupid. I am one of those fortunate few who did have Betty Lou. And I will always be thankful and filled with gratitude and appreciation for the many gifts she bestowed upon and within me.
She made all the difference to me as a young person, and now as an older person. She may not be with us in the physical form, but a bright and loving energy like Betty Lou’s cannot be turned off. She is well somewhere, and her brightly glowing spirit is helping those who need to be supported and inspired. She will be dearly missed until we all see her again.
In the desperate days of COVID, outdoor dining popped up as a way to help restaurants survive.
What began as a temporary town measure has become a popular permanent feature.
It’s especially institutionalized on Church Lane. The road has been closed every year since 2020. Musicians play, and tables fill the short stretch between Elm Street and Post Road East.
Summertime, on Church Lane.
Not everyone eats up the idea. Some merchants and residents — including nearby neighbors — oppose it. They cite the length of the clousre (mid-May to late October), the spillover effect on downtown traffic, and the loss of 16 parking spots.
This year, before submitting a request to the Board of Selectwomen, the Westport Downtown Association surveyed stakeholders.
An online survey drew 2,204 responses.
Over 2,000 — 92.24% — agreed that the closure of Church Lane is a benefit to the town during the summer, and something they would like to continue.
Responses were closer about closing the street in summer 7 days a week (69.96%) or only Friday 8 a.m. to Monday 8 a.m. (30.04%).
Another question asked for preferences for closure: May 1 to Octoer 15 (74.18%) or Memorial Day to Labor Day (25.82%).
However, after considering issues like the weather, and patronage before and after the traditional start and end of summer holidays, the WDA will request street closing only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Board of Selectwomen will make the final decision, at an upcoming meeting.
(“06880” regularly covers town politics, restaurants and more. If you enjoy our hyper-local stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
It took 62 years. But the Staples High School boys basketball team scored another FCIAC championship.
The Wreckers won the league title last night, pulling away at the end. Seeded #2, they knocked off top-ranked Ridgefield 68-58, before a raucous Fairfield University crowd.
It was the second victory for Staples in 6 days over the Tigers. Last week, on the road, the Westporters denied Ridgefield’s bid for an undefeated FCIAC record, on the last day of the regular season.
It was also the first FCIAC crown, in 3 straight trips to the finals.
Adam Udell — named MVP of the title contest — led the victors with 24 points. Fourteen came in the crucial 4th quarter. Matty Corrigan added 19 more.
Next up: the state tournament. The boys — seeded 4th in the 16-team Division I — host their first game on Tuesday (March 4, 6:30 p.m.). They face #13 Kolbe Cathedral.
The girls basketball team begin their state title quest too, away.
Adam Udell heads to the basket. (Photo/David G. Whitham for The Ruden Report
Wearing championship medals, Wreckers celebrate their first FCIAC title in 62 years. (Photo courtesy of Staples boys basketball)
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Bruce Springsteen is coming to VersoFest!
Well, not exactly.
But pretty close.
On Saturday, April 5 (1 p.m.), a free panel discussion on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” features an all-star cast of The Boss’s collaborators and experts.
They include Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and co-producer of “Born to Run”; former Columbia Records promotions director Michael Pillot, who spearheaded the album’s promotion, plus music historians Robert Santelli and Kenneth Womack.
The panel will be hosted by author and pop culture historian Arlen Schumer. In 1978 he was art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine devoted to Springsteen’s life and music.
Co-host Dick Wingate is a former music industry executive who managed the production of Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” and many other influential albums.
VersoFest highlights also include a conversation between Patti Smith and Westport journalist/rock memoirist Alisyn Camerota; a concert with the Wallflowers; a chat with hardcore punk legend Henry Rollins and Nabil Ayers, president of the record label Beggars Group; interactive art exhibits; a graffiti workshop led by visionary artist 5iveFingaz, and a weekend family kickoff celebration.
Sunday (April 6) caps off the weekend with a VersoFest Oral History Podcast live recording with David Letterman musical director Paul Shaffer, and “Saturday Night Live” tour de force Christine Ohlman.
Click here for the full VersoFest schedule, plus tickets and more information.
Tuesday’s charrette at the Senior Center was an early step in discussions of possible construction of a combined Police/Fire/Emergency Medical Services facility. (Click here to read yesterday’s “06880” story on that meeting.)
Town officials noted the scarcity of available land for the approximately 10 acres needed for the project. The best site, they said, is at the current I-95 Exit 18 commuter parking lot.
One of the posters displayed at the event showed locations of current police and fire stations, schools, and other town-owned property.
Click below to see. Red dots indicate current fire and police facilities; green dots show public schools, and yellow shapes indicate large town-owned properties.
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This is not your kid’s school “show and tell.”
The Westport Prevention Coalition invites parents to a special “hands-on” meeting March 6 (12:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
The topic is “Today’s Emerging Substances & Our Youth.”
Attendees can “browse through today’s substances,” learn about new products being marketed, hear about the risks of gaming and gambling, and pick up free parenting handbooks and resources.
Edibles are an ever-changing part of the cannabis market.
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A reader concerned about “the usurpation of commuter parking spaces at the Westport train station by Avis car rental” writes: “While they have specially reserved spaces, they typically take another 10-15 commuter spots with impunity and without penalty.
“This was fine during COVID. But now that ridership is increasing, especially with the implementation of the congestion tax, commuters need all our convenient spots — particularly at 6 a.m., on cold or rainy days.”
“06880” reached out to the Westport Police Department, which oversees parking at the town’s 2 train stations.
Deputy Chief David Farrell says, “Avis rents 20 designated spaces at the Saugatuck station – and they pay the daily fee for each. If they utilize other spaces, they receive $25 tickets per vehicle. Now that more people are using Metro-North, strict enforcement is underway.”
Avis cars in non-designated train station spots, earlier this month.
On Sunday, 150 people walked from the Westport Country Playhouse to the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
There they placed orange balloons, in memory of the 2 “flame-haired” little boys murdered by Hamas, after being kidnapped on October 7, 2023.
On Tuesday night, co-organizer Jennifer Wolff and her husband went downtown, to remove the deflating balloons.
Two had fallen into the Saugatuck River — in the shape of a heart.
“It felt like an appropriate sendoff,” Jennifer says.
“I hope whomever this balloon heart passes thinks of the Bibas boys, who were put to rest that day with their mama.”
(Photo/Jennifer Wolff)
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The Planning & Zoning Commission took a field trip Tuesday to Baron’s South.
Their tour of the 22-acre property included Golden Shadows, the 1950s-era “mansion” owned by Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff, the perfume mogul. It, and adjacent buildings, are being considered for affordable housing.
Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk took up the invitation to join the tour. He dressed in his trademark colorful outfit.
Inside the house, P&Z member Neil Cohn noticed that Falk’s get-up blended in almost perfectly with the Baron’s wallpaper.
Harris Falk, inside the Baron’s mansion. (Photo/Neil Cohn)
One more special Westport arts figure has been added to next Thursday’s relaunch of the Susan Malloy Celebration of the Arts: Gina Rattan.
The 2004 Staples graduate — a Broadway director and creative consultant — joins artist Miggs Burroughs, arts leader Melody James, and singer/actor Melissa Newman for the March 6 (7 p.m.) evening of conversation and storytelling. All are Westport residents.
Weston actor James Naughton will moderate the panel discussion, focusing on how Westport has become a magnet for artists, performers and creatives for decades; how the town’s artistic spirit has evolved, and continues to thrive in new and exciting ways; and the role of the next generation in carrying forward Westport’s rich cultural heritage.
Jerry Kuyper captured — with a camera, from a safe distance — this Tuesday night visitor on Rayfield Road, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
“The bluestone walkway is just under 2 feet wide, for scale,” he says.
And finally … as soon as you saw the story on the Bruce Springsteen event at VersoFest (above), you knew what today’s featured song would be, right?
After 50 years, it’s still one of the great rock songs of all time.
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Residents know, admire and support our performing arts institutions (Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theater, Staples Players, etc.). They do the same for organizations that train students for the arts, here and everywhere (Triple Threat Academy, Music Theatre of Connecticut, etc.).
We’re justifiably proud of the schools that Staples graduates go to, preparing for performing arts careers. Michigan, Northwestern, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Berklee, Juilliard — we punch above our weight, there and elsewhere.
But how many Westporters know there is an accredited performing arts college in the next town over?
Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts burst on the scene 3 years ago, with 5 campus buildings and 2 dorms, on Wall Street, Isaac Street, and East and West Avenues.
Its 2-year program trains 96 young men and women (ages 18-22) for careers on stage and television. There are 3 tracks: musical theater performance, musical theater dance, and TV/film performance.
NoCo attracts students from high schools with rich arts heritages similar to ours — and underserved ones, who thought Broadway was far beyond their dreams.
NoCo has discovered a trove of talent through TikTok, Instagram and YouTube videos.
It is the first not-for-profit college to gain accreditation in Connecticut in 25 years.Launched in New York City in 2018 by Broadway creatives Ricky Lee Loftus and Danny Loftus George, NoCo moved to Norwalk in 2022.
Dance rehearsal, at Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts.
Westporters are already making their mark there.
Former Board of Finance chair and energy executive Jeffrey Mayer teaches a semester-long entrepreneuship class for second-year students.
“Requirements for an associate degree demand more than dance classes,” he says.
“Most of these kids will become, in essence, independent businesses. They also may need other sources of income. I teach them basic business skills, like contract negotiation and business planning. They are curious, bright, fully engaged, and a pleasure to teach.”
Ruth Winnick — 97 years old, and a 70-year Westport resident who teaches body awareness at the Senior Center — feels so strongly about the school that she joined student dancers at its annual gala.
“I am in awe of what NoCo provides these kids,” Ruth says.
“Not only professional training, but the financial support to do so, and industry mentors to get them going in their careers. Their talent, energy and commitment is phenomenal.”
97-year-old Ruth Winnick, at the NoCo gala.
One of those students, Zalah, grew up in Louisiana. She was on her way to nursing school when NoCo spotted her on Instagram singing “I’m Here,” from her high school production of “The Color Purple.” She was given a full scholarship. (All students receive at least some scholarship money.)
Zalah graduates this year, with a degree in musical theatre performance. She was a recent guest on the Jennifer Hudson show and now has an agent.
This Monday (March 3, 7 p.m.), Westport Arts Advisory Committee co-chair and Short Cuts Film Festival producer Nancy Diamond will joined NoCo co-founder Loftus (and “surprise” student performers) in a conversation at the Westport Library.
They’ll discuss how the school is changing lives — and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Norwalk. Click here for details.
“Westporters know how fortunate we are to have so much at our fingertips,” says Diamond. “And we care about our neighbors.
“NoCo is helping to revitalize Norwalk by opening its arms to so many young people from around the country. It’s beautiful to see them strolling down Wall Street with their lattes, logowear and smiles.”
And — perhaps quite soon — we’ll see them on stage and screen.
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Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts
