For over 30 years, Matt Storch has been one of this area’s best known, and most respected, chefs and restaurant owners.
Match in SoNo recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Match Burger Lobster is a Westport favorite for its classic New England menu, while Saugatuck Provisions next door — his newest project — is a whole-animal butcher shop and market.
Matt is also involved in the Copps Island Oyster Shacks, is a “Chopped” champion, and appeared on “Beat Bobby Flay.”
The other day he ducked out of the kitchen, for a chat on the “06880” podcast. Click below for our delicious conversation.
150 people met at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot yesterday, for a special RunForTheirLives walk.
The “Orange Balloon Memorial March” honored the Bibas family, along with Oded Lifshitz, a founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz. All lived there, before being kidnapped on October 7, 2023.
RunForTheirLives-Westport founder Melinda Wasserman opened the march with moving words about how the Bibas boys had come to feel like “our own children,” followed by similarly grief-imbued comments by Jennifer Wolff.
Gathering in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot …
Temple Israel’s Rabbi Elena Nemitoff-Bressler led the crowd in the Mourner’s Kaddish.
The group then carried orange balloons, most of them donated by Party Hardy owner Jackie Marshal.
… beginning the march downtown …
The balloons were tied onto both sides of the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge. They blew in the winter wind the rest of the day, a reminder of the flame-haired children Hamas had executed.
Event organizers called it “a stunningly moving event. Our grief-stricken community united in both mourning for those we have lost, and celebration of those who have been returned to their families and loved ones, and, of course, to Israel.”
… and leaving balloons on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
And on March 10 (6 to 8 p.m.), 2 weeks before the curtain rises on the Westport Country Playhouse production of the backstage comedy “Theatre People,” the 94-year-old institution salutes itself, its legacy, and the people who bring its shows to life.
“Get Ready for Theatre People! An Evening of Cocktails, Fun Tales and Backstage Tours” features an “alumni panel,” with actors Mia Dillon, Keir Dullea, Joe Delafield and Michael McCormick, former co-artistic director Anne Keefe, and more. Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is the moderator.
The pre-show evening also includes behind-the-scenes tours led by WCP archivist and historian Bruce Miller, and a cocktail party.
Discount ticket offers will be available at the event for performances of “Theatre People.” The comedy is set in 1948 in a Newport mansion populated with characters in love with theater. They try to write a Broadway hit, but create as much drama among themselves as on paper.
Tickets for “Get Ready for Theatre People!” are $25; $15 for Encore Club members; click here to order. Click here for more details on “Theatre People” (March 25 through April 12).
Westport Country Playhouse historian Bruce Miller, with some of the 500 head shots near the dressing rooms underneath the stage. They’ll be part of the “Theatre People” tour.
This year’s 5th annual event is set for this Friday (February 28, 7 p.m., Westport Library). Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.
The show features the latest styles, from the town’s mot sophisticated and fashion-forward retailers.
Models are all local friends and celebrities. The emcee and runway director are neighbors too: Dave Briggs and Carey Price, respectively.
There’s a silent auction too, with categories like art, beauty, business, entertainment, food and wine, health and wellness, sports and travel.
Plus (of course!) fashion.
Bidding begins this Thursday (February 27, 6 p.m.). Click here to see all items.
=================================================
We’re 3 weeks away from the 5th anniversary of the week COVID rolled into Westport.
Within 24 hours, downtown was deserted. It took months for life to return.
But even in 2025, Main Street is still quiet early on Sunday mornings. William Weiss captured this “Last Picture Show” (Westport-style) image yesterday:
(Photo/William Weiss)
=================================================
Mary Brewster comes from an artistic family.
Her father, Howard Munce, was one of Westport’s most noted and beloved artists. He died in 2016, at 100.
She’s been knitting baby hats for quite a while. Now she has created a business: Hat Cakes. (The design looks like a little cake.)
She staged one on a plate, with miniature animals and fake snow. Images posted on social media have received positive feedback. Mothers (and grandmotherss) especially love them.
Contact marybrewste@gmail.com for more information. We hope Hat Cakes sell like hot cakes.
And finally … Jerry Butler — “The Iceman,” who as the first leader of the Impressions, as a duet with Betty Everett and as a solo artist had a long and successful career — died Thursday in Chicago.
He was 85, and suffered from Parkinson’s.
Among his many hits:
(Welcome to another week — and, each day, another Roundup bringing you news of events, people and sights all around Westport. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
He teaches and writes about the American presidency.
In 2025, that’s like being someone who studied ocean liners and icebergs in 1912.
That’s my analogy, not his.
Marc Selverstone
Selverstone — a 1980 graduate of Staples High School — is the University of Virginia Miller Center’s director of presidential studies, and co-chair of its Presidential Recordings Program.
The Miller Center is non-partisan. When we spoke on Friday, Selverstone chose his words carefully and judiciously.
But still …
In the 50 years since its founding the Center has examined tapes, conducted oral histories, convened panels, and embarked on many other projects. It gauges the trajectory of the presidency as an institution, and make recommendations to ensure its effectiveness in American life.
Neither Selverstone nor his colleagues have ever seen a presidency like the current one.
They are not journalists, writing about executive orders, negotiations and norms-breaking as they occur.
They are not pundits or talking heads, explaining it all on TV or podcasts.
Presidential scholars wait. They need access to documents, records, memoirs and other historical information, to examine and assess the success or failure of any particular administion.
But still …
In his first term, President Trump showed an unprecedented disregard for the Presidential Records Act. In many ways, his second administration is even less bound by tradition (and laws) than the first.
It’s clear, Selverstone says, that — unlike in 2017 — the Trump administration was ready to govern from Day One.
“They had a very clear sense of what they wanted to do in terms of policy and execution, and who they wanted to have involved,” he notes.
“That’s especialy true with their use of executive orders. There have been dozens already.
Since January 20, President Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders.
“it’s so hard to get things done through Congress. So presidents reach for executive power. Most presidents of a different party come in and reverse some orders of the previous president, and add some of their own. But this expands greatly on what other presidents have done in the first 100 days.”
Because Republicans control the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the White House, Trump can “flex his executive might as much as possible,” Selverstone says.
“His followers like that — even though, by and large, many Americans are concerned about too much executive power.”
Selverstone adds, “We’d be hard pressed int he modern era to identify another president who tiptoes to the line, to suggest that laws or courts might not matter.
While Congress is a co-equal branch of government, right now members are “not really holding the president’s feet to the fire, in areas like personnel and policy.”
In recent years, Selverstone says, the balance of power has shifted more to the executive branch. The Trump presidency had accelerated that trend.
In fact, he adds, “as Trump asserts authority over ndependent agencies in a way that makes some people uncomfortable, he seems to invite court challenges. Favorable rulings could expand his power even more. That to me is a very different presidency.”
Recent Supreme Court rulings have widened presidential power.
Meanwhile, the Federal Election Commission is, like other independent agencies, in Trump’s crosshairs. Its independence is no longer assured.
The norms being overturned now date back to the post-Watergate era, after Richard Nixon sowed fears about an “imperial presidency.” Selverstone is very familiar with that period, through his work with the Miller Center’s Recordings Program. He helped transcribe and analyze White House tapes that Nixon — among other presidents — made in secret.
“Whistleblower protection, inspectors general, the FBI — they’re all being neutered now. Not even Nixon would have done that,” Selverstone says.
President Nixon tested many presidential norms.
What does all this mean for Selverstone, and the Miller Center?
“We pride ourselves on being a non-partisan institution,” he says.
“We look at an array of challenges, and explore how the presidency addresses them in national life. As trust in government plummets, that’s of great concern to us at the center.
“We engage citizens from all walks of life, in both parties. We run programs that look at uses of presidential power, with people from both sides of the aisle.
“We convene scholars to think throught how we got here, what it means for us now, what might be done, and ask, will it stand the test of time?”
An important conference is set for the fall. Major figures from past administrations — Republican and Democratic — who “believe in good government” will offer insights into the past, present and future.
Based on the first 5 weeks of the administration of the 47th president of the United States, they’ll have plenty to talk about.
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” This story — about a Staples grad who studies national politics — is one small example of what we do. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
After a decade at the helm, Tony McDowell is stepping down as executive director of the vibrant non-profit environmental and educational center.
He’ll transition into a volunteer role on the capital campaign committee, and work on improvement projects. Until a successor is chosen, he’ll stay on — and then work with the new director, to ensure a smooth handover.
Tony McDowell
McDowell’s leadership has “brought Earthplace into an exciting new chapter, leaving the organization in an incredibly strong position,” says board chair Mo Tooker.
“Under his guidance, Earthplace has experienced tremendous growth, both in financial health and programming.”
Among McDowell’s accomplishments:
The preschool and summer camp now accommodate working parents, with full-time programs for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
Nature-based school programs include over 4,000 youngsters from Norwalk and Bridgeport.
Earthplace campers enjoy a downpour. (Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)
Harbor Watch has come under the Earthplace umbrella. Environmental scientists expand their reach with water quality monitoring from Stamford to Milford, and lead the Long Island Sound Pathogen Monitoring Network with a testing lab and research teams stationed at Earthplace.
Facility upgrades include a new amphitheater, Harbor Watch lab and research vessel, pond teaching platform, and interpretive signs for visitors to 84 acres of walking trails.
Operating revenue has more than doubled in 10 years. Cash reserves have more than quadrupled.
McDowell’s new focus will be on fundraising, donor stewardship, and program and exhibit development for a new environmental science center.
“I am proud of all we’ve accomplished over the past ten years, and I am confident that Earthplace is in a strong position for continued success,” he says.
“I look forward to supporting the organization’s next chapter, focusing on the capital projects and fundraising that will help us continue to thrive.”
For more information about Earthplace, click here. For more information about the executive director search, and to nominate candidates, email s.pollmann@earthplace.org.
A small section of Earthplace’s 82 acres. (Photos/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
The Westport Library is one of the most popular spots in town.
And the Library Café is one of the most popular spots inside that very versatile building.
So it was no surprise that nearly 2 dozen readers quickly guessed last week’s Photo Challenge.
Pam Docters’ image showed a once-well-used card catalog, now repurposed to hold utensils, condiments and sugar, for patrons sandwich eaters and coffee drinkers.
Click here to see the photo. And kids: If you have no idea what a “card catalog” is, ask your parents. (Or grandparents.)
Congratulations to Dick Lowenstein,, Susan Israel, Joyce Barnhart, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Sal Liccione, Nina Marino, Molly Alger, Alison Wachstein, Seth Schachter, Andrew Colabella, Ed Simek, Beth Berkowitz, Rachel Sara Halperin, Karen Como, Scott Brodie, Jonathan McClure, Jack Backiel, Peter Gold, Janice Strizever, Susan Garment and Karen Kim.
For correctly guessing last week’s Photo Challenge, you all win a free library card!
This week’s challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” underneath.
(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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!)
Bob and Doree Levy are avid Westport Weston Family YMCA members.
They spend much of their time in the pool. But 3 years ago, he saw a woman teaching someone how to box.
She was Brenda Waldron, the instructor for a class of people with Parkinson’s.
Brenda Waldron, at the Westport Y.
Bob had never hit anyone — or been hit — in nearly 8 decades of life.
But he told Brenda he’d love to help.
Ever since, Bob has taught boxing to individuals with the disease.
The volunteers and 30 people with Parkinson’s meet Mondays and Thursdays, at 12:30 p.m.
Bob is not an expert on the disease. But he has seen the positive impact the class has on everyone involved.
“Boxing provides numerous benefits,” he notes. “It enhances strength, improves balance, and aids in memory retention. The coordination required to remember the sequence of numbers corresponding to each punch is particularly beneficial.”
In addition, he says, “the group fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and unity, embracing the ‘all for one and one for all; spirit of The Three Musketeers. This bond has made this group one big family.”
The group has also made an impact on Bob’s life.
“I am an old man now,” he says. “Since my youth, I have always believed that helping others is the reward.
“It does not cost anything to open a door for someone, greet them with a smile, or spread positivity.”
And it cost Bob just a few dollars to give his boxing class a gift.
The other day, for the third year in a row, Bob handed “Knock Parkinsons Out” t- shirts to members of the class.
The boxing class.
“Thank you Parkinson’s group,” Bob says. “I truly have been blessed.”
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — a daily source for stories about our town you won’t read anywhere else. We rely on reader support. If you enjoy our work, please click here to help. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
They are not journalists, writing about executive orders, negotiations and norms-breaking as they occur.
McDowell’s new focus will be on fundraising, donor stewardship, and program and exhibit development for a new environmental science center.
