Tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, July 6, 2 p.m), the Westport Library hosts 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas. They’ll describe the sights, sounds and smells of their recent trip to our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.
There’s a lot to talk about. And the discussion will be led by a true pro: CNN’s Alisyn Camerota.
She looks forward to the event — called “A Bridge to Ukraine” — as both a journalist and a Westporter.
“We cover the war in Ukraine every week on my program, ‘CNN Tonight,’ with our stellar team of international correspondents who are often in the danger zones,” Alisyn says.
“I also interview generals about war strategy and politicians about funding for Ukraine. But I don’t often get a chance to talk to regular Americans, our neighbors, about their impressions of the war after seeing it with their own eyes. There’s no substitute for the perspective Jen and Foti can share with us.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, CNN’s Alisyn Camerota.
The CNN anchor will ask about life in Lyman. Are people working? Do kids go to school?
And, Alisyn wonders, “how can we explain the Herculean strength and determination of the Ukrainian people? What does that look like up close?”
Doing this interview in Westport “makes it more intimate and relatable for all of us,” Alisyn says.
“There’s something wonderful about having a conversation without worrying about satellites going down, or being up against a commercial break. I also love moderating discussions that include a Q & A portion for our audience. Those are often the best questions.”
The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
(For more information on “Bridge to Ukraine,” click here.)