Chair, FOMZI

Steering Committee

Since this is a special bonus edition of the Herald Independent, going to literally all Fairfield County residents, we’ve been asked to tell the FOMZI story for the benefit of those who may be reading it for the first time. You regular readers know what we’re doing; for those of you who are wondering “What this?”, let us introduce ourselves.

The Friends of Mt. Zion Institute formed in April of this year after the McMaster family stepped in to delay the planned demolition of the Mt. Zion buildings. Though several private initiatives had been tried, this is the first concerted public group effort to save the campus and make it once again work for the good of the whole community. Our aim was (and remains) to responsibly determine the feasibility of renovating the existing campus buildings; to identify potential appropriate uses for them, collectively or individually; to honor the historic nature of the site and surrounding neighborhood; and to provide for renovation costs and ensure that the end result is of sustainable benefit to the town and county.

In four short months, thanks to the work and dedication of a core of 16 to 20 committee members and the help, support and encouragement of countless more, we’ve already achieved several of those goals. The structural feasibility of renovating the buildings has been established through in-depth engineering studies, sponsored by the McMaster family philanthropy, who had already emerged as a primary benefactor for eventual fund-raising. Staying consistent with the 230-year heritage of scholastic use of the Mt. Zion site, talks with Midlands Technical college led to their clear interest in utilizing a portion of the classroom building for a branch campus. The Blair School of Art, already relocating to Fairfield County, also wants a portion of the building, and several museum interests have made overtures about space for specific collections.

To garner support for the project, we’ve built a data base of former students and interested parties, conducted a neighborhood canvass to identify potential concerns of those who live nearby, placed support sign-up sheets in local businesses, developed an inspiring video now on Truvista’s local cable channel and also available for showing to groups and clubs, and set up a website with the Mt. Zion and FOMZI story and interesting pictures and links. Oh, and we’re set up as a non-profit under the Mt. Zion Society’s 401c3 to receive tax-deductible donations.

That’s it, in brief form, but there’s so much more to tell. If this is, indeed, “news to you” and we’ve piqued your interest, there are several ways to get more information. We provide a special report to the Herald Independent at least twice a month and past articles are available through their website archives (www.heraldindependent.com). You can also call 635-9811 to be directed to a committee member who can answer your questions. Or, you can go to our own website at www.mtzioninstitute.com to browse at your leisure and where you can also sign up as a supporter and get on our email list.

Success in this effort can mean much to Fairfield County and its residents - a positive economic impact and increased opportunities with a continued regard for our history, truly a case of a “past with a future”. FOMZI hopes you’ll be with us.