Three Ukrainian officials — including the deputy governor of Donetsk oblast, Connecticut sister state — visited Westport yesterday.
Guests of Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit co-founded by Westporters Marshall and Brian Mayer, which since 2022 has provided on-the-ground aid to stricken areas — they gave an update on conditions in their war-torn country, to a small group at La Plage.
The gathering included Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Both have made numerous trips to Ukraine.
The officials — and Marshall Mayer — painted a picture of both devastation and hope.
Ukraine Aid International initiated the sister city and sister state programs. Westport was the first, linked with Lyman. Last night included a first-hand report of the fighting — and resistance — in that town.
Ukrainian and Ukraine Aid Internaitonal officials, including co-founder Marshall Mayer (6th from left), flanked by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, last night at La Plage. (Photo/Dan Woog)
On Wednesday, the Ukrainians and Marshall Mayer were in Hartford. They met with Governor Lamont, and other state officials.
The Ukrainian delegation then joined Governor Ned Lamont for his visit to Connecticut’s 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park, for the 25th anniversary ceremony honoring victims of that terrorist attack.
This morning, the Ukrainian guests spoke to the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Ukrainian officials and translator (far right) this morning, at the Sunrise Rotary Club. (Photo/Marshall Mayer)
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(To donate to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
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As noted above, Connecticut’s official 9/11 ceremony was held Wednesday. That’s to give families and friends the chance to attend the New York event too, held every year on September 11.
This was the scene yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park. Officials and loved ones gathered the day before. Now the site — looking out toward New York — was once again beautiful and serene.
And sad.
(Photo/Chris Swan)
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Eight Staples High School seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Congratulations to Cora Barrett, Joseph Carpenter, Tyler Little, Anwara Olasewere, Charlotte Roberts, Ayush Rudra, Sahil Vora and Gabriella White.
Nationwide, fewer than 1% of the over 1.2 million students who took the 2026 qualifying exam will compete for 7,320 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $29 million.
Principal Stafford Thomas (2nd from left) with National Merit semifinalists: (from left): Gabriella White, Charlotte Roberts, Cora Barrett, Tyler Little, Joseph Carpenter, Ayush Rudra and Sahil Vora. Not pictured: Anwara Olasewere.
Also at Staples: Azita Vazhayil, Natalie Hartano and Tucker Eklund will join students from 18 nations in November’s Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit, in Le Havre, France.
The selected delegates — high-performing students with a strong interest in world affairs — will work collaboratively to develop a plan addressing an issue affecting their community and the world.
From left: Azita Vazhayil, Natalie Hartano, Tucker Eklund.
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Every Thursday, there’s something special at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Yesterday, it was Richard Blumenthal.
Connecticut’s senior senator presented director Lori Cochran-Dougall with a proclamation, honoring the market’s 20th anniversary.
Then — accompanied by 1st Selectman Kevin Christie — he did what hundreds of others do each week: shopped for the freshest, most healthful and delicious food around.
Senator Richard Blumenthal at the Badass Bagels booth. (Photo/Lisa Lewin)
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Yesterday, Westport firefighters and police responded to the Hillspoint Road, after a heavy-duty pickup truck rammed through a fence and front yard, and struck a house.
A stone wall helped reduce the force of the impact, and limited damage.
The accident …
Westport’s Building Department and fire marshal’s office checked the structure for safety.
A special wrecker from Bud’s Towing in Bridgeport was called to remove the vehicle, minimizing the potential for additions damage. No serious injuries were reported.
… and the aftermath. (Photos/Westport Fire Department)
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DNR — Westport’s favorite (almost) all-doctor band — rocked the Levitt Pavilion last night.
Every year, the group pays tribute to Westport Emergency Medical Services, and first responders. It’s an important, welcome event — and if anyone knows how important those men and women are, it’s doctors.
DNR. with Westport Volunteer Emergency Services president Jaime Baraiktaris (3rd from right) and Levitt Pavilion’s Carleigh Welsh (far right), before the show. (Photo/Sean Bernand)
Five shows — all free — highlight the coming week, at the outdoor theater.
- Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.: The always popular Sweet Remains.
- Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m. Brian López Electric Trio
- Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
- Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
- Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.
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Westport’s Minute Man is now a Christmas ornament.
Merlin Classics is a Greens Farms company. They create original designs with a retro and vintage feel, customized by city and state.
For this holiday season, they put our town’s iconic statue on a crystal glass ornament.
Our hero — who is often decked out in seasonal attire — wears a Santa cap.
Merlin is a volunteer operation. They regularly donate profits to hunger relief organizations.
The Minutemen Christmas ornament is $24. Click here to order. For the full website with all town (including Westport), click here.
Minutemen Christmas ornament.
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Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg offers today’s glorious “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And this explanation: “Pollinators never stopped working. This one is a cabbage butterfly.
“How about those eyes? Nature wins!”
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
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And finally … in the mournful days following September 11, 2001, Americans found solace in music.
Certain songs will always bring those of us who were alive then right back to that time.
Two will always resonate with me. One is “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” A few days after the attack, when Staples High School held a memorial service, director Alice Lipson’s Orphenians sang a stirring version of Simon & Garfunkel’s soaring song.
Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” was all over the radio. Its message was clear: We all needed someone to lean on.
Twenty-five years later, we still do.
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