Sister City Connection Continues: Huge “Thank You” Event Set For July 9

A recent visit to Lyman, Ukraine gave Westport officials an up-close-and-personal look at the impact our town has made on our sister city.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas saw how Westporters’ contributions of $252,000 helped rebuild apartments, kept police operations functioning, enabled electricity restoration, and assisted with garden planting.

They understood too the depth of gratitude in Lyman for strangers, who have now become friends.

Earlier this week, Westport 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov formalized our sister city partnership.

Now, the next phase in the Westport/Lyman sister city relationship begins.

Organizers of last winter’s fundraising have planned a special day of gratitude and celebration for Westport’s support and generosity.

Everyone in town: Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 9 (1 p.m. to dusk).

Ukraine Aid International hosts a unique (and free!) event. LymanAID (pronounced LEE-mon-aid, almost like the drink) is a day for food, fun and music; for showcasing the impact Westport has made — and to raise funds for more help.

Everyone is invited. It’s at the Ukrainian American Club, on the Post Road in Southport at the I-95 Exit 19 on-ramp.

Admission is free. But there will be plenty of opportunities to give, from VIP admission to a treasure sale, raffle, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen.

Free admission includes light snacks, drinks and entertainment.

VIP tickets ($350) include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.

VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all benefits above, plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Zhuravlov.

Sponsorship opportunities are available too. For information, email  connievonzwehl@gmail.com.

To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here. To make a direction directly now, click here; under “”Designation,” click on “Westport-Lyman Sister City” in the dropdown menu.

NOTE: The entire event has been privately underwritten. No Ukrainian Aid International funds will be used. All money raised will go directly to Westport’s sister city. 

A much-needed trash truck sports the Westport flag.

Ukrainian officials hold the Westport flag; Ukraine Aid International’s Marshall and Brian Mayer, and Liz Olegov, hoist the Lyman banner.

PS: Want an idea of how to help?

Seed packs ($140): Enable 10 families to replant their crops or gardens.

Electric generator ($450): Sponsor a 2.8kw electric generator to power a house or small business in Lyman.

Hydraulic jack ($1,900): Help construction crews by donating a hydraulic jack.

Radio units ($6,000): Supply 20 radio units for police and first responders.

Water filtration system ($15,000): Provide clean drinking water with a water filtration system for contaminated water sources.

Mobile children’s hospital ($22,000): Fund a mobile children’s hospital/medical truck to bring vital healthcare to Lyman’s youngest residents.

Bedford Middle School students sent 200 cards, letters and drawings to their Lyman counterparts.