Category Archives: Media

Roundup: IRS, MLK, WCP, More

Posted on February 13, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: IRS, MLK, WCP, More

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Congressman Jim Himes reminds residents of free tax filing resource,

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers federal and state tax help to people earning under $56,000 a year. VITA is largely virtual this year, but there are also some drop-off locations. Click here to learn more.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services provides free tax help over by phone. Call 860-297-5770 to schedule an online appointment.

The University of Connecticut School of Law offers federal and state tax assistance for low-income Connecticut residence by phone. Call 860-570-5165 to learn more or book an appointment.

Click here for links to more tax assistance.

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“King in the Wilderness” is an Emmy-winning HBO documentary about the last 3 days of Martin Luther King’s life. At the end of the 1960s, the Black Power movement saw the civil rights leader’s focus on nonviolence as a weakness, while President Lyndon Johnson believe his antiwar activism was dangerous. King himself was tormented by doubts about his philosophy and future.

The executive producer was Westporter Trey Ellis. He’s an award-winning novelist, Emmy and Peabody-winning filmmaker, playwright, professor of screenwriting in the Graduate School of Film at Columbia University, and contributor to The New Yorker, New York Times, Washington Post and NPR.

On Thursday, February 25 (7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts a conversation between Ellis and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey. Registrants can view the film for one week prior to the event. There is no charge; click here to register.

The program is part of Westport READS. This year’s them is “Towards a More Perfect Union: Confronting Racism.”

Trey Ellis

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The popular Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” play-reading series returns Monday, February 22 (7 p.m.).

This time, audiences can hear the scripts in their own homes. The virtual performance is also available on demand any time, from noon February 23 through February 28.

This reading — “A Sherlock Carol” — should be particularly fun. It’s about a grown-up Tiny Tim, who asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Six actors take on the famed characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. Click here for more information, and tickets.

In addition, the Playhouse presents a free virtual conversation about Thornton Wilder’s timeless “Our Town” — particularly as it applies to the 21st century.

It’s this Sunday (February 14, 3 p.m.), on the Playhouse website and YouTube channel (Westport Playhouse).

Participants include Howard Sherman, author of a new book about “Our Town”; Anne Keefe, associate artistic director with Joanne Woodward for the Playhouse’s 2002 production of “Our Town,” and Jake Robards, who appeared in that show. The host is Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos.

In other WCP news, the Playhouse has announced the 13 members of its inaugural Youth Council. They include Staples High School students Henry Carson, Kate Davitt and Sophia Vellotti, plus Cessa Lewis, a Westporter who attends St. Luke’s School.

“A Sherlock Carol”

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Suzuki Music Schools’ Connecticut Guitar Festival returns for a 4th year on March 5 to 7 — virtually, of course. It’s all part of the Westport-based organization’s mission to make international artists accessible to everyone — for free.

For a list of events, click here. For an overview of the entire festival and artists, click here.

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And finally … pioneering jazz pianist Chick Corea died Tuesday in Florida, of cancer. He was 79.

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Children, Economy, History, Library, Media, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Recycling, GFA Graduation, Chocolate, More

Posted on February 12, 2021 | 3 comments

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Business travel is way down. So we don’t see lines of drivers waiting with signs at airports, picking up executives.

Instead we’ve got lines of parents waiting at elementary schools, picking up children. All they need are signs.

This was the scene the other day at Saugatuck. The line of cars extended beyond Assumption Church.

(Photo/Felicia Sale)

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Leigh Gage writes: “Has anyone else noticed trash and recycling trucks at the transfer center backing up to dump trash mixed with recycling into the dumpster?

“The sound of glass breaking drew my attention to several trucks dumping everything into the closest dumpster. An attendant said that whatever people leave out for pickup gets dumped together.

“Residents: {lease don’t put both garbage and recycling out on the same day.

“And refuse companies: Please instruct your drivers to not pick up recycling except on the day it’s supposed to be picked up.

“I wonder if residents sign up for once a week service to save money, then put recycling out with the garbage.”

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It’s mid-February, so at Greens Farms Academy they’re getting ready for … graduation.

The private school on Beachside Avenue has announced its speakers. Wes Moore will deliver the commencement address on June 10. The night before, Mike Greenberg keynotes GFA’s first-ever baccalaureate.

Moore is the CEO of the the poverty-fighting foundation Robin Hood, best-selling author, combat veteran, White House fellow and social entrepreneur. His story is uplifting and inspiring.

Westport resident Mike Greenberg is the host of ESPN’s morning show “Get Up!,” a GFA trustee and (most importantly) the father graduating senior Stephen and alumna Nikki. A member of 2 Halls of Fame and an author of 5 best-sellers, he and his wife Stacy donate all proceeds to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

GFA’s graduation should be one for the books.

And for the public. After the event, the school will post Moore’s speech on their website.

Mike Greenberg

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This Valentine’s weekend — actually, all month — Le Rouge by Aarti’s “Give a Little Love” campaign continues.

10% of all February sales will be donated to local food banks. It’s one more way Westport’s favorite chocolatier helps those in need.

Stop by the 190 Main Street store — or browse online, and request curbside pickup, delivery or shipping. Sweeeeeet!

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Adam Stolpen reminds us that yesterday was Tina Louise’s 87th birthday.

Ginger — the last surviving member of the “Gilligan’s Island” castaways — lived with her mother, Betty Meyers, at 19 Bluewater Hill.

Adam knows that factoid because his family moved in there in 1959, when Tina’s family moved out. 

But that still doesn’t answer the question: Why did all the castaways have so many different clothes, when all they were planning was go on a 3-hour tour?

Tina Louise, then and now.

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And finally … Americans used to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, and George Washington’s 10 days later. Now, both have been rolled into “Presidents Day.” The 2 giants share the day with the likes of William Henry Harrison, Warren Harding and Donald Trump. Ah, progress!

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Elementary School Singers Stand By Us

Posted on February 12, 2021 | 12 comments

Around the world, the coronavirus has robbed choruses and choirs of live performances.

Staples High School brought joy during the holidays, with a virtual Candlelight Concert.

Inspired and excited, Westport’s elementary school music staff decided to produce a song of their own.

It was quite an undertaking. Fourth and 5th graders from all 5 elementary schools attended “virtual chorus” before school.

They took “virtual lessons” from Backtrack Vocals — a company that Greens Farms teacher Suzanne Sherman Propp found through Staples grad Danielle Merlis.

Each youngster then recorded videos in their own home.

“Most kids join chorus to sing in a group with harmony — not by themselves,” Propp notes. “But we got some amazing footage of wonderful singing.”

She’s not kidding.

The instructors chose “Stand By Me,” to fit the “America’s Voices” theme of this year’s Westport Youth Arts Collaborative — formerly called the Youth Concert — run by Staples grad and current band teacher Candi Innaco.

The Candlelight Concert is the Staples music department’s gift to the town. Here — just in time for Valentine’s Day — is the elementary school musicians’ gift of love. Click here to enjoy. (The older folks are Backtrack Vocals backup singers.)

(Teachers include Colleen Cooney, Ellen Hardy, Kerry Kohlun, Amy Laurino, Barbara Maisonpierre, Brian Muller, Suzanne Sherman Propp and Jacqueline Sugrue-Tait. The townwide music supervisor is Steve Zimmerman. Funding came from First County Bank and the 5 Westport elementary school PTAs.)

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Roundup: Light Up Westport, Shoveling, “We The People,” More

Posted on February 11, 2021 | 3 comments

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First Selectman Jim Marpe and 2nd Selectman Jen Tooker helped “Light up Westport” yesterday at Town Hall (photo below).

They were not alone.

Dozens of others bought luminaries to send a message of hope and resilience — and raise money for Filling in the Blanks, the non-profit that provides weekend meals to needy area residents.

The event was sponsored by WestportMoms and Purpose 2 Purchase.

(Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)

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At the end of yesterday’s Roundup item reminding commercial property owners that they are responsible for all snow and ice removal from their sidewalks, I noted that residential homeowners must do the same.

That’s true in Westport, Wisconsin — but not Westport, Connecticut. Homeowners only are off the hook.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt.

And don’t forget to shovel your hydrants!

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Boat purchases have risen during the pandemic. There’s a wait list of more than 1,000 people — and they’re waiting up to 11 years for a slip at a town marina.

And those slip fees will rise in 2022.

Yesterday, the Board of Selectmen approved increases for boats in 4 categories. For examples, owners of boats 22 to 26 feet will pay $1,580, up from $1,505; boat owners of slips 35 to 40 feet will pay $3,099, up from $2,695.

There is no increase for slips less than 21 feet.

Ned Dimes Marina, at Compo Beach (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Congratulations to Staples High School’s “We the People” team.

For the 2nd year in a row, teacher/advisor/coach Suzanne Kammerman and her crew took 1st place in the state competition.

For the 2nd year in a row, they knocked out longtime powerhouse Trumbull High.

For the 2nd year in a row, their championship earns them a place in the national contest, this April.

And for the 2nd year in a row, they don’t get a traditional trip to Washington for nationals. Once again, this year’s event will be virtual.

Last year, the team placed 5th in the US. This time around, they’re gunning this year for the top spot.

State champs!

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From today through Saturday (February 13), Winged Monkey will donate 15% of all proceeds to CLASP Homes, the great non-profit that supports adults with developmental disabilities.

Can’t make it in, but want to help? Text Valentines to 44-321 to make a donation.

Basso restaurant is also participating. Show a Winged Monkey receipt; they’ll give you a free glass of prosecco.

And more on Winged Monkey: The popular Post Road East shop celebrates its 25th anniversary on March 1. That’s appropriate: March is Women’s History Month.

Winged Monkey has a great history in town. It’s always been woman-owned. Jenny Vogel has now taken over from her mother, who founded the business and ran it all this time.  

Here’s to the next 25 years, for one of the coolest — and best named — stores anywhere!

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“When Caged Birds Sing” — a human rights teaching exhibition created by Westport artist Ann Weiner — has been acquired by MoCA Westport for its permanent collection. It is thte museum’s first such acquisition.

Weiner’s work features 8 life-size sculptures. They represent women’s rights activists who suffered and survived abuse because of their gender, and continue to advocate for the rights of others at risk.

The exhibition will be on view at MoCA Westport every 3 to 5 years. In between it will be loaned to other museums.

Click here to learn more about “When Caged Birds Sing.”

Ann Weiner, with one element of “When Caged Birds Sing.”

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Roberta Seret is a United Nations NGO director and NYU film professor. Now the Westporter adds another title: author.

Her book “Gift of Diamonds” will be published February 23. She’s turned government secrets and stories from Romania into fiction, for a journey of self-discovery.

The history of Bucharest Jews forms the center of the story, which begins in 1960s Transylvania. “Gift of Diamons” reveals hidden secrets of how fascism led to communism — which formed the seeds of modern-day terrorism. Click here for more information.

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And finally … on this day in 1534, Henry VIII was recognized as supreme head of the Church of England. You know what’s coming …

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Roundup: Super Bowl Sounds, PAL, Minute Man, More

Posted on February 8, 2021 | 4 comments

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I’m not a fan of the fake crowd noise that’s pumped into sports broadcasts, ever since the pandemic slashed — or eliminated — crowds.

But I’ve always wondered how they did it.

Yesterday, on his regular “CBS Sunday Morning” gig, David Pogue explained.

He took a trip from his Westport home — where some of the segment was filmed — and headed to Met Life Stadium for a chat with (among others) Harry Carson. I guess the actual Giants team was unavailable, although there is some doubt as to whether they have an actual team.

At any rate, it’s an intriguing piece. Click below to watch:

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Westport PAL president Ned Batlin is stepping down.

The Westport police officer — a former 3-sport athlete at Staples High School (football, wrestling, lacrosse) — has led the organization for 5 years. PAL serves thousands of youngsters through football, lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, rugby, track and cheerleading programs.

PAL also runs a robust scholarship program — and Westport’s annual Independence Day fireworks.

Batlin — who will remain on the Westport Police Department force — will be succeeded by PAL vice president and veteran police officer Craig Bergamo.

Officer Ned Batlin, at Westport PAL’s 2015 July 4th celebration.

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Love is in the air. And the Westport Downtown Merchants Association want you to feel it, by using an eGift Card.

Or giving a gift card, as a gift.

The card can be used at many locations downtown, including retailers, restaurants and service providers. Click here to purchase. Click here for a list of participating businesses.

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They’re not called Friends of Sherwood Island for nothing.

On Friday, the group’s garden team kept Connecticut’s first state park looking good — and healthy. They pruned suckers from the base of several 200-year-old trees on the west beach. Many are from Westport.

It’s all part of their year-round effort to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat.

From left: From left to right: Barrie Holmes, Michele Sorensen, Chris Swan, Jackson and Johannes Cregan, Lavinia Larsson and Pamela Nobomuto.

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A certain segment of Westporters loves decorating our Minute Man. They decorate him with Santa Claus hats, Easter bunny ears, and (last spring) a COVID mask. It’s all part of humanizing our town’s most recognizable symbol.

Another segment thinks that’s disrespectful. He’s a patriot, they say; don’t make light of what he symbolizes.

Whichever side of the memorial’s wrought-iron gate you’re on, you must agree: Yesterday’s decoration was certainly different.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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The Fire Department responded to a potentially dangerous blaze yesterday, on Bayberry Lane.

First arriving units found a 2-story, 2-family home with fire on both floors, and the attic.

Second floor residents were alerted to the fire by a carbon monoxide detector. They notified residents of the first floor to evacuate. There were no injuries, but 3 residents were displaced by the fire.

Wilton and Fairfield Fire Departments assisted on scene, and with station coverage during the fire.

The Westport Fire Department reminds residents to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all floors of their homes.

Aftermath of the Bayberry Lane fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Anne Lowrie’s snowman looks suspiciously like her father, Tom — right down to the Sunrise Rotary cap.

(Photo/Anne Lowrie)

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And finally … James Dean was born on this day, in 1931. He died in a car crash in 1955, age 24. Had he lived, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause” would be celebrating his 90th birthday.

 

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The Big Screen, Hidden In Plain Sight

Posted on February 8, 2021 | 5 comments

Size matters.

But when you’re not watching your 110-inch in-home theater screen, it looks a little — well, big.

You love that screen for your on-demand movies. If only you had an on-demand screen.

Vivid-Tek is a brilliant, elegant solution. It’s an immersive theater whose components hide in a credenza or bench — which the buyer helps customize.

Just pop the lid, press a button and a 110-inch screen rises up.

Vivd-Tek’s credenza opens up into a wide-screen TV.

This is not some Hollywood mogul’s fantasy. It was created here in Westport, by Westporter Mark Motyl and his partners. You can see it right here too, in a striking new showroom.

Motyl knows big screens, and houses. A former bond trader, he pivoted to home building.

Mark Motyl

The pandemic helped inspire Vivid-Tek. With plenty of time to watch TV shows and movies, Motyl wondered how people’s entertainment needs had changed.

From his home building, he knew that basement theaters are not perfect. They are downstairs, out of the way. The equipment can be complex. Theater seating is inflexible.

Motyl realized that people wanted something accessible. It had to fit in with existing decor. And it could not ruin a wall.

Motyl partnered with well-known Bridgeport cabinet maker Christopoulos Designs and leading tech firms to meld form and function.

Each Vivid-Tek houses a motorized retractable screen, and a top-of-the-line short throw projector. The 4K picture is crisp and clear. Great sound comes from Dolby Atmos speakers.

Vivid-Tek’s screen and controls can also be hidden in a bench.

An Apple 4K TV controls the system. Anything on your phone (or other devices) can be projected onto the screen.

Vivid-Tek turns out to be great for Zoom and other calls too. Families don’t have to crowd around a laptop to talk to Grandma; kids can relax and see everyone on the big screen during distance learning. Motyl’s neighbors’ daughter even had her first piano lesson via Vivid-Tek.

Big-screen TVs are not just for movies. One of the Motyls’ neighbors takes piano lessons via Vivid-Tek technology and design.

Yet the idea would never have happened if Motyl’s bond desk hadn’t moved from midtown Manhattan to Stamford in 2002. That led him to Westport — and eventually, building spec homes.

Just before the transfer, he and his wife Sarah Green — a former professional ballerina who was attending Columbia University — had built a weekend home on Long Island. The project solidified his love for real estate, architecture and design.

The couple, with a young son, looked for a new-build home here, but they all seemed identical. Then they found a teardown on Woody Lane, with a great lot.

Mark continued trading bonds. They had 2 more children. The couple designed their new home to be unique and fun. Mark contracted the work himself.

He enjoyed the work so much, he followed with new construction on Cross Highway and Beachside Avenue.

Mark’s homes are different and handsome. And now — thanks to Vivid-Tek — their owners can enjoy big-screen home entertainment centers on the main floor, hidden in plain sight.

The flagship showroom is at 1252 Post Road East (the former Splatterbox, near Fortuna’s). Customers can reserve a time slot. Virtual presentations are also available. For an appointment or more information, click here, call 203-800-9951 or email info@vivid-tek.com.

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Roundup: Christopher Plummer, Staples Players, Avi Kaner, More

Posted on February 7, 2021 | 6 comments

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In 1987 — its bicentennial — Weston produced a history of the town.

Lots of communities do something similar.

But not many get to have theirs produced and narrated by one the most famous actors in the world.

This video — courtesy of Cristina Negrin — says all you need to know about the deep feeling Christopher Plummer had for his adopted hometown.

And Weston loved him right back.

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Due to snow, Staples Players’ 1st radio play of 2nd semester — the thriller “Sorry, Wrong Number,” broadcast live from the Black Box Theater — has been postponed. The new date is Wednesday, February 10 (7 p.m.).

The production will be streamed live (and free) at wwwptfm.org.

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Westporters know Avi Kaner as our former 2nd selectman and Board of Finance chair.

But he also co-owns Morton Williams, the noted New York City supermarket chain. It’s a 75-year-old family company, but it’s never faced a challenge like today’s pandemic and its many side effects.

The other day, Kaner spoke to NTD Business about the state of his business, and New York — including the flight to the suburbs. Click below for the fascinating interview.

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“06880 readers” can’t get enough of the “new” view of I-95 and the Beachside Avenue overpass, now that it’s been removed for reconstruction. Here’s one more shot:

(Photo/John Richers)

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This guy hung out at the Lansdowne condos yesterday. No telling what he’ll look like today.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Westport Town Clerk Patty Strauss retired in December. Last month, she and her husband Ed moved to North Carolina.

Yesterday, their Juniper Road was torn down. Real estate moves fast around here.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Numerous fire trucks raced to Bayberry Lane this morning, to put out a fire at Belta’s farm.

The blaze was confined to an outbuilding, rented to tenants.

Belta’s farm, with fire apparatus on hand.

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And finally … Jim Weatherly died Wednesday near Nashville, of natural causes. He was 77.

He wrote hit songs for Ray Price, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers and many others. His biggest was originally called “Midnight Plane to Houston.” Gladys Knight and the Pips turned it into the much more memorable “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

 

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Roundup: The Porch At Christie’s, Kids’ Food, Vaccinations, More

Posted on February 5, 2021 | 18 comments

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Renovations are coming along well at The Porch at Christie’s — the new  breakfast/lunch/dinner-to-go (plus brunch, coffee, smoothies, baked goods and ice cream) spot that will build) upon a Cross Highway tradition dating back to 1926.

Owners Andrea and Bill Pecoriello — “proud Westporters since 1994” — already own Sweet P Bakery in Norwalk, providing job training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sweet P will supply most of the baked treats for The Porch. Graduates of its programs will bake there, with 2 amazing pastry chefs. Additional Sweet P staff will work in front-of-house operations.

As the sign below notes, The Porch will open this spring — offering “local food, community and purpose.” Follow online, or on Facebook and Instagram (theporchatchristies; @sweetpbakeryct). For more information, email info@theporchatchristies.com.

(Photo/Wendy Cusick)

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Carrie Kerner and her husband moved to Westport in September.

She owns a PR firm (CG Social Inc.) and is a social media influencer (@CarrieGeorgette). Her husband Brian is an anesthesiologist at Yale Hospital.

They are foodies, and conscious of what they feed their 1-year-old daughter Chloe — mostly homemade, organic, healthy meals.

Yesterday morning, “CBS This Morning” featured the family in a story on a government report that baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.

It’s not something she’s thought about before. Now she will. Click here for the full, frightening story.

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There’s a new COVID vaccination site, not far away.

Harry Evans reports it opened this week at 110 High Ridge Road in Stamford (the Lord & Taylor parking lot). He called Wednesday to schedule an appointment, and I got one for the next day.

He was in and out yesterday in 20 minutes — including the 15-minute waiting time after the shot itself.

“Everything was easy and very efficiently run, and extremely easy to reach from Exit 35 on the Merritt,” he reports.

“When the word gets out it may be mobbed. But right now it is the only drive-through facility in Fairfield County.” Harry called Connecticut’s COVID assistance hotline: 877-918-2224.

Though Connecticut is one of the leading states in the nation in terms of percentages of vaccines administered, it is still available only to people over 75, healthcare personnel, medical first responders, and residents of long-term care facilities. The next phase will include people 65 to 74.

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In 2005, Deborah Dohme got a parking ticket in New Canaan.

Six years ago she moved from Westport to Tucson.

Yesterday she got a letter, demanding $30. It was the first notice she’d gotten as a scofflaw.

“Is New Canaan that desperate for money, that they hired a debt collector for $30 after 16 years?!” she wonders.

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Overheard at the library, by Michael Catarevas: “Excuse me, but there is no sitting allowed in the library.”

“That sums up the pandemic perfectly,” he says.

The Westport Library Forum, way back a year ago.

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Today’s New York Times includes a story on Samuel Fisher — aka Brad Holiday — the 2007 Weston High School graduate/misogynistic dating coach arrested last month for his involvement in the January 6 insurrection at the US Captiol.

Investigators found a shotgun, machetes and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in his Chevy Tahoe

Despite plenty of information about Fisher/Holiday’s social media posts celebrating his role on the storming of the building — along with other videos “denigrating women (and guides on) how to defeat Communists, expose what he claimed were government pedophilia cabals, and properly wield a Glock.”

However, the Times story does not mention Weston. It says simply that he “grew up in New Jersey.” Click here for the full story.

Samuel Fisher in Washington on January 6.

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And finally … happy 77th birthday to the multi-talented Al Kooper.

He wrote hits like Gary Lewis & the Playboys’ “This Diamond Ring” …

… played organ on Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking “Like a Rolling Stone” …

… was the Blues Project’s keyboardist …

… and discovered, produced and performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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What’s New In The Romance Department?

Posted on February 5, 2021 | Comments Off on What’s New In The Romance Department?

Susan Wexler’s mother, Anna Turner, lived to 103. In her later years she eagerly asked extended family members: “What’s new in the romance department?”

Hearing the latest news, the spark of love was rekindled. Her face glowed. Her spirits lifted.

Susan realizes that everyone can benefit from the power of “the romance department” to raise spirits. That’s especially important in these difficult times.

She created “What’s New in the Romance Department?,” a multimedia celebration of true stories of love and romance. It’s a platform for sharing real stories from all stages of life, in multiple genres including animated videos (illustrated and produced by Poppy Livingstone, a talented Staples High School senior).

Stories are written by people willing and generous enough to share them.

Susan will also post “intriguing romantic tales in the news” on the site.

The blog launches with a Senior Center virtual event on February 10 (7 p.m.). Members of the Center’s Writers Workshop will share real-life stories of love and romantic relationships.

Everyone — of every age, with every romantic story past and present — is welcome to join. The evening (just before Valentine’s Day!) “promises to enrich and renew your spirits,” Susan says.

Just as it did for her 103-year-old mom.

(“What’s New in the Romance Department?” is free, but pre-registration is required. Email susan@whatsnewinromance.com, or call 203-341-5099.)

Susan Wexler

 

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Renowned Westport Art Collection Finds New Home

Posted on February 4, 2021 | 5 comments

Quietly, creatively, and very efficiently, Bob and Anne Levine built one of the world’s most extensive collections of American folk art.

Through flea markets, antique shows, auctions and eBay, they amassed over 600 wood carvings — of everyone from Pocahontas and Knute Rockne to Charles Lindbergh and Hillary Clinton.

Remarkably, it was stored not in a museum, but in their Westport home. Every room — and 2 former garages — overflowed with American historical figures, events and icons.

A visitor to the Levines’ home is greeted by an array of Uncle Sams.

It was was their own personal museum.

Now — fittingly — they’ve donated their collection to an actual museum.

And not just any one. It’s Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, known for its collection of works by self-taught artists.

Anne and Bob married in 1987. She’s a 1964 Staples graduate; he’s a Brooklyn native who’s lived here since 1969.

A month after their wedding, they went to a Westport Arts Center exhibit on folk art. They knew  nothing about the subject. But Bob — who in addition to being a neurologist, Yale professor, author, former owner of Anacapri restaurant and marathon runner, was a woodcarver in his youth — and his wife were intrigued.

They bought a couple of inexpensive pieces. Then they added a few more items. Soon — without even realizing it – they had a world-class collection.

Bob Levine with a wood carving of General Custer.

Now, Bob says, “We’re old.” (He’s 81 — and as active as ever.) “If one of us dies, the other would have a major task getting rid of this.”

Hartford’s Wadsworth Atheneum would be a natural choice. But even though Bob and Anne were giving their collection away, the oldest continually operating public art museum in the US could not afford the insurance and transportation.  A friend of a friend introduced them to The High.

The museum will keep 114 pieces. They’ll sell the rest — and use the proceeds to build up the rest of the collection.

The couple is keeping 15 or so pieces (including 3 whirligigs) for their children to inherit. Regretfully, one of those works is not the fantastically detailed diorama of Franklin Roosevelt’s cabinet, bought at a Christie’s auction. Each member is individually carved. An electric chandelier shines overhead.

It takes up one entire room in the Levines’ house.

President Roosevelt — and each cabinet member including Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, the first-ever female — is carved in exquisite detail.

“Auctioneers and other people we bought from have never seen anything like this collection,” Bob says. “It’s all wood. And it’s all dedicated to American history.”

As the couple scoured the country for items — learning plenty along the way — Bob says, “we got a lot of bargains. And we paid excessively for others.”

It was a wonderful experience, made better by sharing it together. Now, they’re sharing it with the High Museum — and the world.

Anne Levine stands with a life-size carving of Uncle Sam.

But that’s not all the Levines’ news. After cutting down on his medical practice, Bob began writing. He just published his 6th book.

“The Uninformed Voter” examines how that cohort is responsible for the decline of American democracy. Bob also offers suggestions for improvement (for instance, ranked-choice voting and the revamping of primaries).

It’s earned great reviews, including Kirkus, Booklife and Sybil Steinberg, the former Publishers Weekly book review editor whose reading list is followed avidly by Westport Library patrons.

Bob is hardly slowing down. He’s finishing his next book — “An Epidemic of Privilege” — and then begins work on another (on “the joy and heartbreak of collecting”).

Robert Levine

Previous books include “Aging With Attitude: Growing Older With Dignity and Vitality” and “Aging Wisely: Strategies for Baby Boomers and Seniors.”

So how is Bob Levine aging?

During COVID, he stopped working with Americares. He no longer runs marathons (he’s done 9). His “jump shot is not what it used to be.”

But besides writing and overseeing the donation of his and his wife’s collection, he still sculpts wood. He’s always lookin for new projects.

“You can’t sit around waiting to die,” he says. “That kind of life is not much fun.”

The Levines will keep some of their whirligigs — movable wind toys.

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