“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
How prescient and timely is Westport Community Theatre’s “The Matchmaker,” a comedy about an egotistic wealthy businessman who is outmaneuvered by those over which he assumes superiority?
Written by Thornton Wilder in 1954, “The Matchmaker” inspired the beloved musical “Hello, Dolly!.” Aside from knocking out a few ancillary characters and throwing in a brilliant score, the musical adheres closely to his original script (itself a rewrite of his earlier work, “The Merchant of Yonkers,” 1938).
Set in 1880 Yonkers and New York City, the story follows Dolly Levi, a widowed matchmaker hired by shop owner and curmudgeon Horace Vandergelder to find him a young wife. Instead, she decides to marry him herself (and put his money to good use), then tricks him into thinking it was his idea.
Lucy Babbitt as Dolly Levi.
First, a word about WCT.
Community theater is different from other theaters. It exists purely for the love of theater and for those devoted to creating and sustaining it. There’s no paycheck, and little glory beyond the applause of an audience that adores theater as much as they do.
Sometimes a show is great; sometimes not so much. But for $30 you can support Westport, see a culturally significant show, and become a thread in the fabric of what makes this town exceptional.
As well, you can witness the hidden talents of neighbors such as commercial real estate investor Ari Benmosche as Malachi Stack, who delivers a delicious soliloquy eulogizing the merits of enjoying only one vice at a time.
WCT’s production is crisp and energetic and, though written more than 70 years ago, sounds fresh and modern. In fact, some of Vandergelder’s lines elicited shocked gasps from the audience: “Marriage is a bribe to make a housekeeper think she’s a householder.” It is a testament to a brilliant character, when one who asserts a smattering of offensive quips and we still like him.
Emily Roberson-Dos Santos and Henry Durham.
Standout performances by Lucy Babbit (Dolly Gallagher Levi) and Patrick Spaulding (Horace Vandergelder), along with their deft handling of Wilder’s sharp dialogue, create a briskly paced show despite several lengthy set changes.
Rick Stewart (Joe Scanlon and Joe the Cabman) delights as Vandergelder’s exasperated barber.
The only thing … perhaps our dear Thornton wasn’t subjected to many tantrums in his life, which may explain why he made Ermengarde (Vandergelder’s lovestruck niece) so whiny. The first time was amusing; then, well, not so much.
You’re welcome to disagree.
(“06880” covers every aspect of Westport’s cultural landscape, from community theater and music to a weekly online art gallery. Like many arts groups, we rely on your support. Please click here. Thx!”
Their owners may not have loved the somewhat grotty water fountain — serving canines and humans — that stood for years near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.
It’s gone. And everyone is lapping up its replacement.
Yesterday, a new one was installed.
There are 2 bowls for people, one for dogs, and a spigot to fill water bottles. They all rest on a concrete pad — so goodbye to muddy paws.
The new fountain is a welcome gift from Sustainable Westport. A plaque says it honors Sherry Jagerson — “a champion for the environment.”
Teaching an old dog new tricks. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
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Congratulations to the Westport Library!
On Tuesday, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County presented director Bill Harmer with the Mark Award. It’s given annually to groups and individuals who create and support the arts.
The Library was honored for VersoFest. For 5 years, the event has entertained the state with 4 days of immersive music, multimedia, panels, workshops and more. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Bill Harmer, accepting the Mark Award from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. With him on the screen is David J of Bauhaus, a keynote speaker and performer at this spring’s VersoFest.
Speaking of the Library: The Board of Finance holds office hours there today (10 a.m.).
Residents can stop in, and ask a member town finance-related questions.
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Kerri Kenney-Silver — the actress (now appearing in Netflix’s “Four Seasons”), comedian, writer, singer, musician, and 1988 Staples High School graduate — was a recent guest on Seth Meyers and his brother’s “Family Trips” podcast.
Speaking of performing: Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internships are among the most prestigious in the theater world.
Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at the historic stage (long before the program was named for the longtime Playhouse friend, and former artistic director). Joining him that year: future director Frank Perry, and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary.
This year, 4 theater career aspirants will enhance their skills and gain experience working with Playhouse senior staff this month and next. They were selected from 79 applicants.
The 2026 group includes Nick Bates, production intern, arts administration major at Wagner College; Rebecca Brown, marketing intern, advertising and public relations major at Marist University; Leah Fosbrook, development intern, theatre administration major at Ithaca College; and Julia Orr, artistic/education intern, theatre directing and public advocacy double major at Belmont University.
In addition to work in their departments, interns attend seminars with guest speakers. They receive a stipend and nearby housing.
From left: Rebecca Brown, Leah Fosbrook, Julia Orr, Nick Bates. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
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Comedy Night returns to VFW Post 399 tomorrow (Friday; doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8).
The lineup of 4 comedians includes David Beckles, Jr., Autumn Harvest, Dan Altano, and regular residency comic Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako hosts.
Once the kids are gone, construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School can move ahead full throttle.
But — at the northernmost edge of the property — work has already begun.
Here’s what the old lower soccer fields looked like on Monday:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
This is the new site for the school’s geothermal system.
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The Westport Rotary Club got a “healthy” bit of info at Tuesday’s meeting.
Dawn Myles, vice president for community health of Northwell Health described her organization: the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast. With 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians, Northwell cares for more than 3 million people annually in the New York area.
Dawn Myles at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 10 and 16.
A 37-year-old Danbury man was charged with harassment and threatening, following a complaint by the owner of a cleaning service. After firing an employee for stealing from a client’s home, the victim received calls and texts from someone presumed to be the former employee’s husband. Among other statements, he threatened to kill the victim’s daughter if his demands were not met. He was released on a $51,000 bond.
A 37-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and defective stop lamp, after an officer observed a vehicle swerving on the Post Road. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
School zone violation: 9 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Distracted driving: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 1
Unreadable license plates: 1
Ten drivers were charged last week with school zone violations.
In other Westport Police news, a promotion ceremony will be held today (Thursday, 10 a.m., Police headquarters) for 3 officers.
Detective Scott Alberti has been with the Westport force since 2018. A Sacred Heart University business management graduate, he spent many years working in the private sector, where he also became an emergency medical technician. He has been recognized in Westport for superior performance, particularly in the area of mental health emergencies.
Sergeant Rachel Hall joined the Westport Police Department in 2016, from Ridgefield. She is a University of Connecticut graduate, with a degree in allied health science (pre-medicine). She has served Westport in the motorcycle and drone units, the Marine Division, school security, and as a dive rescuer.
Sergeant Casey Mezerewski has many relatives who served on the Westport force, include fallen officer William Frawley, his great-grandfather. Sgt. Mezerewski has been with the Westport Police since 2008. He is a Tae Kwon Do back belt, and has worked with the dive team, Marine Division and Honor Guard. He received a Life Saving Award in 2014.
From left: Det. Scott Aliberti, Sgt. Rachel Hall, Sgt. Casey Mezerewski
And finally … the item that mentioned Stephen Sondheim’s long-ago internship at the Westport Country Playhouse (above) got us thinking about his music.
We also thought about the Playhouse — and remembered that when Judy Collins gave a memorable performance there last year, she sang this signature song:
(Send in the clowns. And send in the checks. Or online donations. “06880” relies on readers to support our work. If you appreciate us — or want to honor Sondheim or anyone else — click here. Thanks!)
On the front is a photo of the handsome stone building that is now Massi Co.
The back shows Westport’s classic Town Hall.
If you’ve been here a while, you know the relationship. The Post Road restaurant on the front is our original Town Hall. (The current one is the repurposed Bedford Elementary School.)
Westport’s original Town Hall.
The images are from “Westport Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts.”
Bob Weingarten’s 234-page book — plus 4 appendices, and an exhaustive index — is the first history of this place since Woody Klein’s “Westport Connecticut: The Story of a New England Town’s Rise to Prominence” in 2000.
Heavy on Greens Farms (the author’s neighborhood since 2002) and on historic homes (his passion), it also features stories about Longshore, the Minute Man Monument, road names (spoiler alert: Cross Highway comes from its “crossing” of the Eleven O’Clock Roads) and more.
“Stories” is the right term. The book includes 37 “articles,” many of them originally written by Weingarten for Greens Farms Living magazine, and other publications like Westport Magazine. (He is a frequent contributor to “06880,” too.)
Weingarten is not an architectural historian by training. He has a master’s degree in electrical engineering, and spent 30 years in software development.
But after moving more than 2 decades ago into an 1805 barn, he devotes hours each day to research.
Old homes are of particular interest. Weingarten has obtained 359 historic plaques; curated 5 exhibits for the Westport Historical Society; served as house historian for the WHS (and now the Westport Museum for History & Culture), and spent 10 years on the Historic District Commission.
Bob Weingarten, with one of his historic home plaques. The Simon Couch Chaise House is on Morningside Drive.
This book grew out of all that. It’s an important complement to Klein’s work, and George Penfield Jennings’ exhaustive “Green’s Farms, Connecticut: The Old West Parish of Fairfield,” published in 1933.
(About that apostrophe: Weingarten addresses the centuries-old debate about the proper punctuation of Greens/Green’s Farms in depth. Spoiler alert: He prefers “Green’s,” but concludes, “Your call!”)
His exhaustive look at historic homes — illustrated with plenty of photos — ranges into areas like barn conversions (“there were a lot more than you’d imagine,” he says), and the Underground Railroad. (Spoiler alert: Though Westporters helped enslaved people on their journey north, no Westport homes have been “officially certified” as stops on the network of secret routes.)
Have you wondered about Westport’s oldest houses? Weingarten writes about them (and includes photos): 187 Long Lots Road (circa 1683), 46 Kings Highway South, 28 Compo Road North, 81 Clapboard Hill Road and 41 Kings Highway North.
(Speaking of Long Lots, spoiler alert: The term comes from land grants that were just 50 to 875 feet wide, but 10 miles long.)
The oldest home in Westport is on Long Lots Road, near the Fairfield line. (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)
Weingarten also discusses well-known Greens Farms residents, like Rodney Dangerfield, Gene Tierney and Robert Ludlum; modern topics like solar panels, and the “changing streetscape” of structures that have been moved, like the Kemper Gunn House (from Church Lane across Elm Street, to its current incarnation as Serena & Lily), and nearby Spotted Horse Tavern.
He also mentions the Red Barn restaurant, a historic structure on the other side of town from Greens Farms. It was in the news recently (after the book was published) because its owner, the Westport Weston Family YMCA, plans to build an ice skating rink on the site.
So is our historic architectural character — of homes, the Red Barn and more — in jeopardy?
Despite his deep love for old homes, Weingarten takes a measured tone: “We need to carefully study any proposal (for change) from both a preservation point of view and a property owner’s point of view. Not an easy task.”
“Westport Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts” will launch officially with an event at the Westport Book Shop on July 8 (6 p.m.). There will also be a signing at MoCA\CT, at a date to be announced. For more information, and to purchase, email rwmailbox@aol.com.
Andrew Goldberg is a journalist, an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer and director, and a Westport resident. Writing today as “a concerned parent and community member, not a journalist,” and stressing that “any opinions here are my own,” he says:
In 2023, I wrote an article for Newsweek about how the Westport schools tried to pay my family for silence about antisemitic bullying directed at my son. We felt the administration’s “offer” went far beyond reasonable, even requiring our 12-year-old to stay silent about the antisemitism he’d experienced.
The story was covered by MSNBC, ABC Eyewitness News, News 12 and many other outlets. The head of the Anti-Defamation League called Westport school’s actions “disgusting.” The experience was traumatic.
To make matters the worse, the administration and Board of Education responded to the visibility with political spin, defensive articles and posts, and personal attacks. Their effort was petulant and transparent. It was yet another painful chapter in a school system that harmed a child.
Andrew Goldberg
I am writing now because I want to draw attention to something happening that I believe represents yet another failure by our school leadership. I am talking about the treatment of too many of our most vulnerable students.
A rapidly growing community of parents of children with special education needs is being pushed to their breaking point by how Westport schools treat their kids. You may have seen articles about this. Listening to these parents describe their experiences with our administrators is heartbreaking.
The parents have eyebrow-raising concerns: questionable use of funds, inadequate training, and children’s needs being ignored, dismissed or minimized.
What’s worse are the claims of children being treated in ways that strike me — and others — as willfully cruel, if not outright abusive.
That this is happening in Westport of all places is bewildering. But these parents have hit a breaking point and are organizing. A petition has surpassed 700 signatures.
A few weeks ago, an estimated 100 parents packed a BOE meeting. At that and many other Board meetings they share the most painful and maddening stories. This has reached a critical mass.
Then there’s the seemingly endless litigation. Board of Ed budgets show that in 2019, the year before Tom Scarice started, Westport spent roughly $903,000 on special education legal fees, litigation and settlements.
Since then, that number has ballooned to $1,828,007 for 2024–2025. That’s more than a 100% increase in 6 years. This should concern everyone.
Many know from experience that confidentiality requirements and this school system go hand in hand, meaning many parents are unable to even discuss what they went through if they settled a claim with the Westport schools.
Still, you can see it in their eyes as they reflect on their children’s struggles, and how the administration provided them no relief.
Others tell us they’re terrified of retaliation by the school system – and I’d argue they should be.
I know from experience how vindictive certain people in this system can be. I was bad-mouthed by leadership when I spoke up about my son’s bullying, and at one point even spoke to an attorney about it.
If there’s one consistent message I hear from parents, it’s that they feel Westport school leadership – in particular Lee Goldstein, Tom Scarice and Mike Rizzo– act in a way they consider to be cold, non-responsive, combative and even cruel.
To be clear, this is not about the hardworking teachers who commit so much to our kids. They are to be applauded. And this is not to say some students have not benefitted from our SpEd programs – they have.
But the mere success of some doesn’t excuse the failure others. Rather, this is about our leadership, and what many consider a moral breach with our children.
A group of parents have proposed a path forward. But so far, much of what they’ve asked for has been rebuked.
Specifically, they’d like Westport’s special education department to be reviewed and audited by a legitimate third party firm, with parents actively involved in selecting that firm and helping determine the scope and details of the review.
This is not an uncommon practice for SpEd departments. Many schools, including Greenwich, have involved parents in such audits.
I asked superintendent Scarice if parents could be involved. He replied: “Parents are not participating in the selection of the consultant/vendor who will conduct the review.”
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
I find this decision to be reckless and dismissive, and believe it will set a dangerous precedent.
Let me state clearly: There are far too many deeply concerning allegations for this audit to go on without active parental involvement. The need for not just transparency but shared decision making is paramount.
And to remove parents from the equation is a classic case of the fox guarding the henhouse. While I cannot read minds, my sense is this decision is because leadership fears what skeletons a thorough audit might reveal.
I recently saw a video of Lee Goldstein from 2018, when she addressed the school board about sexual assault (roughly the 46-48 minute mark).
She argued that some residents she spoke to felt the school board was only responding to problems with “lip service rather than addressing them,” and that the “district cares more about its image than about what was really happening.”
The next year, during her successful run for the Board of Education, she said, “Transparency and accountability are the most important values I share.” Unfortunately, many feel the same issues she raised have simply not improved on her watch.
We simply cannot stay on our current path. I am hopeful the BOE and school leadership allow for the transparency and involvement that parents are requesting –not the self-policing option it has put forward — and realize it is here to serve the students, not the other way around.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
During the severe winds of Saturday morning, May 30, I had just started to drive. Within 500 feet I heard a large crash, which stopped my car on Hillandale Road. Looking out y windshield, I saw nothing but green.
A large part of a tree had fallen on my hood, just missing the windshield.
The tree and car …
I got out of the car and called the police. That’s when Skip Fazio stopped his car and came up to me.
He asked how I was, and suggested we try to remove the fallen tree limbs from the car. He said if the town did this, it would take probably hours.
Within 15 minutes, most of the debris was eliminated.
Skip then told me that his daughter-in-law and her baby were in his car. He would drive them home, 5 minutes away.
After 10 minutes, Skip was back. He waited with me until the police came. Both Skip and the officer thought I could drive the car, since nothing appeared to be underneath the wheels.
,,, and Skip Fazio. (Photos/Bob Weingarten)
Although Skip lived just a few minutes away, and has been there for 20 years, we had never met.
His act of kindness and assistance was amazing, and greatly appreciated.
I consider myself very lucky. The large tree limb fell only on the hood; it missed the windshield and myself.
And Skip Fazio just happened to be driving behind me and offered considerable help in clearing the tree limb from the car, when there was a chance that another part of the same tree could fall.
Thanks, Skip. for being such a very good and helpful neighbor!
The annual rite of early summer (and century-old tradition) comes to the Westport Woman’s Club Imperial Avenue grounds and parking lot tomorrow (Thursday). It kicks off from 6 to 10 p.m.
The 4-day show — a huge fundraiser for the WWC’s many charitable programs and scholarships continues Friday (6 to 10 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) , and end Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.).
New this year: A Sensory Hour (Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.), for people in the neurodiverse and special education communities. It’s an opportunity for reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere, with their families, caregivers and support networks.
Before all the rides and games begin though, a ton of set-up work takes place. Lauri Weiser stopped by yesterday, and caught some of the action (below).
The style advisor — who filled countless other roles — retired last week, after 37 years on the floor of the legendary Post Road store.
On June 20, customers and friends are invited to stop by, and hug and shake the hand of the man who co-CEO emeritus Bill Mitchell calls “the nicest, most loyal and caring” employee of all.
Tom Maleri, who worked with him for 30 years — 13 fewer than the 43 years Bruce spent at Mitchells — adds, “He was unbelievable. He’s dedicated, loyal, always willing to help out.
“He made a lot of friends. And he was the most well-liked person in the entire store — upstairs and downstairs. There were never any conflicts. He always took the high road.”
Bruce was also the “bow tie aficionado.” He taught everyone in the store how to tie one. He was on call too — “24 hours a day” for weddings, special events and “emergencies.”
“He’d go anywhere, any time to tie a bow tie for anyone,” Tom marvels.
Screenshot of a video of Bruce Lagerfeldt tying a bow tie — in 15 seconds.
The Westport Public Schools will soon have a new supervisor of health services.
Jill Grego as the district’s new Supervisor of Health Services, effective July 1. She currently serves as supervisor of school health services in West Haven, overseeing health services in 11 schools serving 6,500 students.
She earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Georgetown University, and a BS in business administration and accounting from Fordham University.
Grego replaces Suzanne Levasseur. She retired last year, but stayed on in a consulting role this year. She will help with the transition as well.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market garden donation program is back for a third season. And it’s bigger and “fresher” than ever.
In partnership with Food Rescue US – Fairfield County and Homes with Hope, the endeavor has a new name and identity: Sprout & Share.
Launching tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), it builds on the success of the former Grow-a-Row program, which inspired gardeners to turn their backyards into community impact.
The refreshed name reflects the heart of the initiative: encouraging residents to grow a little extra. and share the harvest with neighbors facing food insecurity.
Each Thursday, gardeners can bring freshly harvested fruits, vegetables and herbs to the Sprout & Share collection station at the Farmers Market on Imperial Avenue.
Donations will be delivered by Food Rescue US – Fairfield County volunteers to the Gillespie Center of Homes with Hope, ensuring fresh, locally grown produce reaches people across Fairfield County.
Haley Schulman, market manager, says, “Whether you have one tomato plant or a thriving vegetable garden, everyone can play a role in helping provide fresh, nutritious food to our community.”
The Westport Farmers’ Market Grow a Row program has a new name.
Westport’s bus shelters are a recent important addition to the town.
But when officials approved them, they were clear: No advertisements.
To make them look a little less bus shelter-y, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Artists Collective of Westport are installing artwork in 10 newly built structures.
They’ve just completed the first.
Funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which supported arts groups during COVID.
The Collective solicited submissions from members. Carmela Kaufman’s “Chip and Dale” was chosen to beautify the shelter in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital on Post Road West.
As the photo below shows, it is a very appropriate work.
Christian Benyei, Schulhof Animal Hospital partner (2nd from left) thanks artist Carmela Kaufman. Artists Collective founding member Miggs Burroughs (kneeling), and Arts Advisory Committee and Schulhof team members look on.
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MoCA\CT invites residents to celebrate summer — and Dad — through music, community and creativity.
This Sunday (June 21) is both the 1st day of summer, and Father’s Day. It’s also “Make Music Day” — a global, free celebration, for everyone from rappers to orchestras, on stages and sidewalks around the world.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MoCA\CT presents On the Count of Two (with more than 2 members). It’s outdoors, so bring a blanket or chairs.
On the Count of Two.
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Anyone for tennis?
The Parks & Recreation Department is offering several camps this summer.
There are 7 sessions for ages 6-12, each 4 days long (Monday through Thursday), from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Longshore courts. Players are divided by age and skill level.
There are other camps, for ages 3-5, and grades 1-3, 2-4, and 3-6, at various times (starting at 11 a.m., ending t 5 p.m.) weekdays.
Speaking of sports: Congratulations to the Staples High School boys lacrosse program.
Charlie Clark, Max Hill, Nate Maurillo and Eric Skolnick are 4 of the 17 Connecticut players named All-Americans this spring.
Hill joins Henry Dodge, Charlie Howard, Josh Marcus and Adam Udell as the only players in Wrecker history to earn All America status twice.
And captain Justin Halky earned Academic All America honors. He’s one of 17 seniors in the state cited for his play on the field, his achievements in the classroom, and his impact on his community.
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The Residence at Westport hosts their annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser tomorrow (Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.). The community is invited.
There is no charge; food and drinks are free. There’s live entertainment (hula dancers), along with raffles and a wine pull.
Well-known Westporter Joseph Floto died peacefully on Saturday. He was 55, and had been diagnosed with cancer.
The Washington, D.C. native and lacrosse player earned an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, and an MBA from Fordham University.
Joe owned Floto Imports. He turned his passion for design and quality into a thriving brand. He was seen frequently on QVC.
He was a fixture in the Memorial Day parade, driving his Jeep packed with children, laughing and waving to the community. His obituary says Joe was “fun-loving, generous, and always creating beautiful memories for others.”
He was particularly proud of his role as a husband and father. He was a constant fixture on the sports sidelines.
Yet of all the roles he held throughout his life, none mattered more to him than being a doting husband to Jeannette and a proud father to Alexandra (16), Andrew (14), and Theodore (11). His greatest happiness came from spending time with his wife and kids, creating a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love. Joe was a constant fixture on the sports sidelines, attending countless games to cheer on his children.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeannette; children Alexandra, Andrew and Theodore; father Peter and brother Matthew. He was preceded by his mother Mary Ann.
A visitation is set for tomorrow (Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Roa, Fairfield). A funeral service will be held Friday (June 19, 11 a.m., Assumption Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education trust for Joe’s children. Checks, with “Education Trust for the Floto Children” in the memo line, may be sent to Koether Legal Services, Trustee, 10 Saugatuck Ave, Suite 102, Westport, CT 06880.
Joe Floto
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It’s been a while since we’ve featured a turtle in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
Michelle Vitulich spotted this fellow swimming contentedly in Sherwood Mill Pond.
And finally … in honor of the new art gracing Westport’s bus shelters:
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you appreciate this regular feature — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
It’s been 50 years since Martha Moxley was murdered.
The crime transfixed the nation. The 15-year-old was bludgeoned and stabbed with a golf club the night before Halloween in her back yard, in Greenwich’s Belle Haven section.
She was last seen alive with Thomas and Michael Skakel — nephews of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. They were the prime suspects.
Michael — who was 15 at the time of the murder — was convicted 27 years later, and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was granted a new trial 11 years later, on the grounds of inadequate counsel, and released.
In 2020 — 45 years to the day after the crime — the state of Connecticut announced he would not be retried. Too many witnesses had died.
Many people believed — long before Michael Skakel’s first trial — that he was guilty. So did Andrew Goldman.
Andrew Goldman
But a few years ago, when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the Westporter — a writer for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times Magazine, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Wired and more — to ghostwrite a book about his cousins’ involvement in the case, he agreed to meet some of those involved.
Michael Skakel was eager. He let Goldman pore through the entire case file: 50 boxes of police reports, evidence and more.
Eventually, Goldman came to doubt that Michael was the killer.
RFK Jr. — then an environmental lawyer, several years away from becoming President Trump’s Health & Human Services secretary — believed, on word from a tipster, that the murderers were 2 teenagers from New York. One was sexually obsessed with Martha.
Robert F. Kenney Jr.’s name is on the book. But Andrew Goldman was the ghostwriter.
But his involvement with the case did not end there.
By that time, Goldman believed Michael Skakel was miles away when Moxley was clubbed to death. And he wanted to counteract 2 influential books — Dominick Dunne’s fictional-but-close-resemblance 1993 “A Season in Purgatory,” and Mark Fuhrman’s 1998 “Murder in Greenwich” — that convinced many of Skakel’s guilt.
The result — after extensive research and numerous interviews, including Michael and Thomas Skakel — was a 12-part NBC News Studios podcast. It premiered late last year.
“Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder” spent several weeks as Apple’s #1 podcast series.
“I spent the better part of a decade immersed in the case,” Goldman says. “It was a story people thought they knew, but didn’t.
“I documented how and why the state of Connecticut tried and convicted a man with virtually no evidence against him. The whole case was built on a foundation of lies. In my 30 years in journalism, no case has ever gripped me like this story.”
It still grips him. Certain elements were not included in the podcast, at NBC’s insistence. Since it aired, more tips have come in.
Martha Moxley
So at 7 p.m. on June 24, Goldman presents a special show at the Westport Library.
The “live podcast” event will include accompaniment by 2 New York musicians, and a song by Jack Donahue — a former assistant to Dunne, who has a unique connection to the case.
The evening includes a panel discussion with friends of Martha Moxley, and people who worked on the case.
“It will be quite unlike anything Westport has ever seen,” Goldman promises.
The potential audience is vast: people who have long been fascinated by the Martha Moxley story; those who listened to the podcast, but want more, and “true crime” aficionados.
And people who (like me) remember the case when it first happened, have not thought about it in years, but are now — with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the headlines, and a Westport author who worked with him convinced of the truth — ready for a deep, deep dive.
(For more information on the June 24 multimedia Westport Library event, click here.)
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, and our wide-ranging stories about people, news, trends and more, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Michael Skakel, in a screenshot from Andrew Goldman’s podcast.
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Many know from experience that confidentiality requirements and this school system go hand in hand, meaning many parents are unable to even discuss what they went through if they settled a claim with the Westport schools.
