Conservatory dances all summer long

TORRINGTON — Ever wonder how the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts enjoys summer vacation? Simple: by not taking one!

While its academic students are taking the summer off, summer intensive sessions continue and fundraising is ongoing.

A recent grant from Eversource for $1,000 will be applied to Nutmeg’s scholarship fund, enabling some students to take advantage of programs that might otherwise be out of reach.

“We like to give back to the community,” said Stephen Silver, community relations specialist for the Franklin Street, Torrington-based offices of Eversource. “Our Community Impact Grants – we call them CIG’s – are something that we do through our Eversource Foundation, a charitable foundation. We kind of feel it out and see where the need is.”

CIG’s impact the community in positive ways, by allowing nonprofits to allow more community members to take advantage of their programs.

“It benefits everybody. It benefits Eversource, it benefits the organization, and it benefits the community. That’s what we do,” Silver said.

CIG’s from Eversource have also benefited the Warner Theatre, KidsPlay Museum, Camp Mohawk and other local nonprofits, he said.

A major fund-raising event was held July 20 in Litchfield, when “Ballet & Broadway” raised more than $13,000 for the Nutmeg Conservatory and the Warner Theatre. The event was held on the spacious grounds at the home of Adrian and Maggie Selby.

Individual and corporate sponsors make a huge difference for Nutmeg, sometimes going beyond monetary contributions. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, a major sponsor, also supports the Nutmeg through its services. Donna Mattiello, Nutmeg’s dean of academics, said, “Besides providing medical care for our students when needed, it's also been a great resource for nutrition and counseling services. We’ve had hospital staff serve as guest lecturers to our students on various matters relating to health.”

Nutmeg is honoring Charlotte Hungerford Hospital as sponsor of the month for July.

Because of fund-raising events, services and grants like these, the dance beat goes on. The third summer intensive session at the Nutmeg is under way, with students from around the country preparing to showcase what they’ve learned.

Students from the Summer Apprentice program will perform in Nutmeg’s premiere studio Aug. 11 at noon. Call the Nutmeg for details at 860-482-4413.

Kim Fazzino / Contributed photo Stephen Silver, community relations specialist from Eversource, presents a check for $1,000 to Victoria Mazzarelli, Nutmeg’s artistic director; and Tim Melady, principal ballet master, before a group of young students from Nutmeg’s first summer intensive workshop of 2018.