Audiences are loving “Native Gardens.”
The Westport Country Playhouse show dramatically — and humorously — captures a culture clash, when 2 sets of well-intentioned neighbors fued in a backyard dispute over property lines.
The play runs through March 8.
(From left): Paula Leggett Chase, Lined Genao, Anthony Michael Martinez and Adam Heller head the cast of performers. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Tryouts are near for the very popular Westport Swim Club.
The WSC provides developmental training for youngsters in grades 2 through 8. They build foundational skills, while preparing them for competitive swimming in all 4 strokes.
Practices take place at the Staples High School pool, in a supportive, growth-oriented environment for swimmers of all levels.
Tryouts are:
- February 28 (7 to 7:30 p.m.)
- March 2 (11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- March 3 (5:30 to 6 p.m.)
- March 5 (6:30 to 7 p.m.).
Click here for more information. Questions? Email swimwestport@gmail.com
Westport Swim Club members
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A reader writes: “Our elderly neighbor’s car was egged last night. I’ve just been there with another neighbor, helping clean it off.”
This would normally not be “06880”-worthy.
However, given the price of eggs recently — and the outsized role they’ve played in the political debate — it’s worth noting.
Apparently, at least one vandal in Westport has — almost literally — money to throw away.
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30-year Westport resident Bob Goldstein died peacefully February 17, with his wife Candy and dachshund Bruno by his side. He was 84, and had battled pancreatic cancer.
He was a magna cum laude graduate of Texas Christian University. Years earlier, at 8 years old, Bob decided he would someday be a bank president. He got his first banking job at TCU, in a mailroom, and quickly advanced to management.
He spent his early years as a banker in various parts of Texas. His career then took him to the Northeast, as a CEO and chair of a series of banks.
Bob’s knowledge of risk management, regulatory requirements and asset quality helped him turn around troubled banks, grow community banks and create value for shareholders. He held leadership roles in 20 financial institutions in 11 states.
Bob also served in the Texas National Guard, and played druns in a rock/jazz/country band at Fort Worth clubs. He loved spending time with his family and dog.
Civic engagement was also important. He served as a director on community boards including the Norwalk Hospital Foundation, the Jewish Home for the Elderly, Honey Hill Care Center, Texas Christian University Association, Hermann Hospital Steering Committee and the Children’s Miracle Network.
He was a member of the New York Real Estate Board of Governors and served as a faculty member of the Graduate School of Business at Southern Methodist University.
His family says “he will always be remembered for his personal integrity, sense of justice, sparkling smile, great sense of humor and love of animals.”
In addition to his wife Candy (Koizim), Bob is survived by his children Sandra Tanner, Robbi Russey Goldstein (Kevin), Griffin Goldstein (Laurie) and Amy Goldstein (Jenn); grandchildren Wesley Holt, Sam Holt (Kelsey), Ben Holt, Daniel Tanner (Ellen), Keith Goldstein, Jake Goldstein, Lexy Campos Goldstein and Coty Campos Goldstein, and great-grandchildren Jane and Mabel Tanner.
The family is grateful to Regional Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. Special thanks go to his wonderful caregivers, especially Jessica Floissac and Adriano Lima.
Funeral services will take place on February 28 (11 a.m., Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service or the TCU General Endowed Scholarship Fund (Office of University Advancement, TCU Box 297044, Fort Worth, TX 76129).
Bob Goldstein
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We haven’t had too much snow. But it’s come regularly. And for days, the temperatures have struggled to get above freezing.
That’s winter in our town, 2025. Howard Edelstein captured the view from Harbor Road, looking toward Longshore, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Howard Edelstein)
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And finally … Johnny Winter was born on this date in 1944. When he died in 2014, I wrote this story about his time in Westport.
(Another day, another Roundup, another reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Native Gardens was a fabulous, fun evening at the Westport Playhouse. It was also a humorous challenge to our changing local population with the fragrance of fresh flowers and the need for smiles. Of course, a special thank you to artistic director Mark Shanahan for curating such a wonderful season of laughter and music to bring the Playhouse back to life!
Johnny and his wife, Susan Winter, lived until their deaths in Easton, CT and are buried there in Union Cemetery.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132927330/johnny-winter
Native Gardens a WINNER!