It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mill Hill Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Norwalk, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Oyster Shell Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Washington Prime or visit Battle of the Rocks Monument, Norwalk, CT 06851, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Norwalk, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Norwalk, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Norwalk, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Authentic Italian gelateria Oggi Gelato opens its second Connecticut location — and second location in the U.S. — on Saturday.The gelato spot will hold a grand opening party for its new Fairfield loca...
Authentic Italian gelateria Oggi Gelato opens its second Connecticut location — and second location in the U.S. — on Saturday.
The gelato spot will hold a grand opening party for its new Fairfield location at 5 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature free gelato and free pizza from Italian restaurant Romanacci. There will also be live music at the event.
Oggi Gelato announced in April that it would take over the former Chico's outlet at 1499 Post Road. The gelateria has international locations in Rome, Milan, Udine, Trieste and Pordenone in Italy; Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; and Santiago, Chile, and Norwalk at 250 Westport Ave.
The shop boasts 47 flavors on its website in addition to 17 lactose-free options and vegan sorbet. The Fairfield location will also house a bakery with cornetti, or Italian croissants, brioche buns that can sandwich the gelato, biscotti and an espresso bar, Oggi Gelato co-owner Maurizio Ricci told CT Insider in April.
Maurizio and Graziano Ricci, owners of Romanacci, met Oggi Gelato founder Carmelo Chiaramida at a food show in Italy over two years ago and partnered with him to bring the gelato brand to the U.S.
Oggi Gelato's Fairfield opening comes roughly a year after its Norwalk location opened. Maurizio Ricci told CT Insider in April that the business plans to open a New Jersey location next and is looking to New York before reaching states like California, Texas and Florida.
Contains previous reporting by Jarrod Wardwell.
Signs up at the national retailer's sole Norwalk location have announced the store will soon be closing and the "entire store [is] on sale."NORWALK, CT — Norwalk's only Rite Aid location is set to close soon, and the entire store is now on sale, according to signs posted at the store this week.On Monday, "store closing" signs could be seen posted to the doors and windows of the Rite Aid store and pharmacy, located at 190 East Avenue in the East Norwalk area of the city.Additional signs could b...
NORWALK, CT — Norwalk's only Rite Aid location is set to close soon, and the entire store is now on sale, according to signs posted at the store this week.
On Monday, "store closing" signs could be seen posted to the doors and windows of the Rite Aid store and pharmacy, located at 190 East Avenue in the East Norwalk area of the city.
Additional signs could be seen on the windows announcing "everything must go" and "up to 60 [percent] off."
Another sign posted to the window noted the "entire store" is now on sale.
Lawn signs have also been placed just outside the entrance to the store that note it is "this location only" that will be closing.
Earlier this month, staffers told Patch the pharmacy at the East Avenue store is expected to close June 29 while the rest of the store will likely be shuttered sometime in July.
At the time the Norwalk store's closure was announced, Rite Aid staffers additionally confirmed the pharmacy at another location in Milford is slated to go dark on July 30, while the front of the store will close roughly two weeks later.
See also:
In May, the once-mighty pharmacy chain filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years.
Rite-Aid operated about 2,000 pharmacies as recently as 2023.
NORWALK, CT — One of the city's two Staples locations is set to close later this summer, according to signs posted at the store this week.On Monday, signs could be seen both outside and posted inside the store, located at 654 Main Avenue, announcing "this store is closing on [Aug. 8, 2025]."The Staples store is located in a shopping plaza that also houses a Walmart, as well as other businesses such as Ulta Beauty and Panera Bread.A sign posted near the exit of the store noted Staples was "still here ...
NORWALK, CT — One of the city's two Staples locations is set to close later this summer, according to signs posted at the store this week.
On Monday, signs could be seen both outside and posted inside the store, located at 654 Main Avenue, announcing "this store is closing on [Aug. 8, 2025]."
The Staples store is located in a shopping plaza that also houses a Walmart, as well as other businesses such as Ulta Beauty and Panera Bread.
A sign posted near the exit of the store noted Staples was "still here for" Norwalk customers and encouraged them to visit their other location in the city at 420-440 Westport Avenue.
The signs did not provide any further information as to why the Main Avenue store was closing.
A request for comment from Staples was not immediately returned Monday.
The Main Avenue store is currently open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the company's website.
Norwalk Business Closings In 2025
The iconic office supply and print services chain is not the first business to close its doors in Norwalk this year.
Last month, popular restaurant Sedona Taphouse confirmed it will permanently closes its doors at 515 West Avenue in Norwalk on June 30.
In early May, popular sports bar chain Yard House suddenly closed its location at 100 North Water Street in Norwalk. A sign for the restaurant was also quickly removed from the building.
In February, a note was spotted in the window of Connecticut Surgical Supplies, a longtime business in the city's Wall Street area, that said the store had "closed permanently" after more than 50 years in business.
New York Bakery, an iconic establishment in the city's Wall Street area with a history that dates back to the 1950's, also permanently closed its doors at 52 Main Street just before Thanksgiving.
View All JobsMusic Theatre of Connecticut | Norwalk, CTNorwalk, CTDESCRIPTIONNotice: Audition Call Type: EPAAUDITION DATEWednesday, July 2, 202510:00 AM - 6:00 PM (E)Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PMAPPOINTMENTSTo schedule an audition appointment, please contact Alex at: 203-454-3883 OR email [email protected] .Auditions by appoint...
Music Theatre of Connecticut | Norwalk, CTNorwalk, CT
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
AUDITION DATE
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (E)
Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
APPOINTMENTS
To schedule an audition appointment, please contact Alex at: 203-454-3883 OR email [email protected] .
Auditions by appointment only. If you have any questions, you may use the same contact information.
CONTRACT
SPT
$538 weekly minimum (SPT 5)
SEEKING
Equity actors for roles in RENT (See breakdown).
Actors from underserved communities are encouraged to audition.
Local Connecticut and Westchester talent a plus.
PREPARATION
Please prepare song in the style of the show.
Also, bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
LOCATION
Music Theatre of Connecticut
509 Westport Ave
Norwalk, CT 06851
Free on-site parking, train station is a 5-minute
UBER ride to/from theatre
PERSONNEL
Music, book and Lyrics by Jonathan Larsen
Chris McNiff: Director/Choreographer
Expected to attend:
Kevin Connors: Executive Artistic Director
David Wolfson: Musical Director
OTHER DATES
First Rehearsal 9/9/25
First Preview 9/26/25
Opening date 9/27/25
Closes 10/12/25
Performance schedule: Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm, Sun 2pm
OTHER
www.musictheatreofct.com
All rehearsals at MTC in Norwalk CT (one hour via Metro North from NYC)
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.
Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
BREAKDOWN
RENT
Music Theatre of Connecticut will be beginning its 39th season. MTC is located in a beautiful theatre center in Norwalk, CT, and the company has won numerous "Best" awards both BroadwayWorld and Connecticut Critics' Circle Awards, including the prestigious Killen Award for Outstanding Contribution to Professional Theatre, joining Long Wharf, Hartford Stage and the Westport Playhouse.
SEEKING:
Roger Davis, 20-25, tenor, A struggling musician and former drug addict. He is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain. Roommates with Mark in the loft and battles with being HIV-positive.
Mark Cohen, 20-30, tenor, Filmmaker and video artist. Knee deep in his own soul-searching, Mark is the typical young artist. He and Roger are roommates in the loft. A bit of a nerd.
Tom Collins, 25-35, bari/tenor, A computer genius and liberal professor. He is a nurturer with a smooth and relaxed disposition. Used to be a roommate in the loft and is HIV-positive.
Benjamin Coffin III, 25-35, baritone, The landlord of Mark and Roger's apartment building. A former roommate in the loft, Benny traded in his personal morals for power and wealth.
Joanne Jefferson, 25-40, strong high belt, A public interest lawyer and headstrong lesbian. She is smart and purposeful in all her decisions. Carries on a tumultuous relationship with Maureen.
Angel Dumott Schunard, 20-30, tenor, The eccentric HIV-positive street drummer. A drag queen with an incredible gift of dance and a magnetic personality. He becomes Tom's lover.
Mimi Marquez, 18-21, sop/belt, An HIV-positive stripper with drug addictions. Slender and sickly, she conceals it all at her job in the local strip club. She lives in the same building as the loft.
Maureen Johnson, 20-25, strong belt, An unpredictably zany performance artist. Maureen oozes sexuality and used to live in the loft. She has recently dumped Mark for Joanne.
Male Ensemble, 20-35, Homeless Man, Junkie, Parents, moves well
Female Ensemble, 20-35, Homeless Woman, Junkie, Parents, moves well
SPT $538 weekly minimum (SPT 5)
The Board of Education for Norwalk Public Schools tabled a budget reconciliation vote at its meeting Tuesday after a contentious public comment section lasted four hours.The board was set to vote on cuts for the district’s upcoming fiscal year budget, after Mayor Harry Rilling recommended a smaller budget but with an additional four percent in city funding.According to information shared on the district's website, the request for a higher budget partly stem from higher special education and health care costs.But an...
The Board of Education for Norwalk Public Schools tabled a budget reconciliation vote at its meeting Tuesday after a contentious public comment section lasted four hours.
The board was set to vote on cuts for the district’s upcoming fiscal year budget, after Mayor Harry Rilling recommended a smaller budget but with an additional four percent in city funding.
According to information shared on the district's website, the request for a higher budget partly stem from higher special education and health care costs.
But another factor, is the end of federal aid in the form of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.
The fund provided federal aid for local school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic. That's according to former Greenwich Public Schools teacher Aron Boxer, a former special education teacher who now owns a private tutoring company.
While recently increased state aid will help, Boxer said the end of the grants has led to budget shortfalls not only in Norwalk, but across the state.
“When you take away that funding, what winds up happening is kids get left behind, and that's what we're seeing now,” Boxer said.
Parents in Norwalk are upset at the potential impacts of the cuts, especially to music education.
According to school officials, the upcoming budget would lead to a shortfall of over $13 million. As a result, the board would have deliberated over approving a budget reconciliation which would lead to staff layoffs effecting most elementary school music teachers.
Among some of the positions which may be cut are all band and string instrument teachers at the elementary school level, except for those at Concord Magnet School and Wolfpit Integrated Arts School.
Rilling said in a statement the city is still working on additional funding resources.
“Norwalk Public School’s finance team and my finance team have been meeting on a regular basis and are doing everything we can to keep those vital programs in place and I’m optimistic that we will achieve that result,” Rilling said. “The city will continue working with the superintendent to address student and family concerns.”
According to the school’s budget meeting documents, the original budget proposal for over $255 million was reduced to $242 million per the mayor’s recommendation earlier this year.
Hundreds of parents crowded an auditorium at Norwalk City Hall on Tuesday evening, voicing frustration at the board. Many praised school music teachers, and said they were crucial to education.
Nicole Jean, the band director at West Rocks Middle School, attended the meeting and voiced concerns over potential cuts to arts education.
“I heard multiple people stand up here and talk about art teacher Jeff Smith,” Jean said. “I spoke about him at convocation, because he really changed my life and set me on a path where I felt like I could make music in my career.”
A dance teacher and staff at the central office would also face cuts.
Mary Yordon, president of Norwalk Federation of Teachers, criticized the potential cuts and said added city aid factored into the budget could prevent many layoffs.
“Cuts are being made to music education that has always been a priority here and visual arts, interventions, counselors, and much more,” Yordon said. We have consistently asked that student-facing positions be prioritized, and are disappointed that our students will be impacted by severe cuts at the building level.”
The school superintendent’s media spokesperson did not respond to Connecticut Public's request for comment.
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