weston high supports ukrainian sister city
Westport was the first town in the US to form a sister city relationship with one in war-torn Ukraine. Since 2022 we’ve send gifts, medical and communication supplies, wood-burning stoves and much more to our new friends in Lyman.
Thanks too Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — Weston has a sister city too.
During a recent video call, students there connected with their peers in Siversk.
The Ukrainian youngsters have been displaced by the war. They are now scattered in different parts of the country.
All have enjoyed time at UAI Camp in the Carpathian Mountains. They spend time outdoors, play board games with friends, and find a place to breathe.
One girl said she met her best friend at camp. They return together every year.
Inspired by the call, Weston High School launched a student-led fundraising campaign: the WHS Camp Days Challenge.
Students organized events, invited their community to participate, and raised funds for children affected by the war. The 12th grade was recognized as the campaign’s top fundraising class.
Donations will help address urgent winter needs during prolonged power outages, including power banks and rechargeable lights.
They will also help UAI continue its camp program for children displaced from Siversk.
Each camp session costs $10,000. It provides children with a safe space to rest, reconnect, and simply be kids.
The campaign is ongoing. For more information and to donate, click here.
Weston High students, on a video call with Siversk, Ukraine.
HOLIDAY HOMES: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Last year, this Compo Road South home was the first in town with Christmas decorations.
They’ve done it again.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
Santa has taken note, and will be sure not to miss them.
“home for the holidays” heads to playhouse
You can’t go home again.
But you can go to “Home for the Holidays,” at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole joins Grammy Award-winning pianist Billy Stritch on December 3 (8 p.m.).
Ebersole starred in “Grey Gardens,” “42nd Street” and “War Paint” on Broadway, and also works in film and television. Stritch is a music director, singer and composer, best known for his 25 years musical director and pianist for Liza Minnelli.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
BUY A WREATH; SUPPORT THE SCOUTS
Speaking of the holidays: Your decorating plans just got easier.
The 4th annual Scout Troop 36 holiday wreath sale is underway.
They offer handmade 22-inch wreaths, decorated with a bow and pine cones.
The cost is $40. Proceeds help fund camping trips, outdoor adventures, programs and equipment.
Click here to order. The deadline is November 18. Pickup is November 22 at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PRISONERS’ ART SHINES AT MOCA
Bread. Toothpaste. Dental floss. Thread pulled from bedsheets.
Artists in Connecticut prisons have turned those materials into art
On December 5, the Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut opens the Community Partners in Action Prison Arts Annual Show. It includes over 700 works by more than 150 artists incarcerated in state prisons, with an audio and video installation featuring formerly incarcerated artists’ work and voices.
An opening reception is set for December 5 (4 to 6 p.m.).
“The Golden Opportunity” (Antoney Drummond)
PADEL FOR A CAMEROONIAN CAUSE
Joseph Oyebog died last year.
But the popular local tennis instructor, whose tennis academy in his native Cameroon changed the lives of thousands of youngsters, and was aided by his many friends in the Westport area, lives on.
“Padel for a Purpose” — a fundraiser this Sunday (November 15, 2 p.m., The Sports Haus, 129 Woodward Avenue, Norwalk) brings 2 racquet sports together.
Attendees will play padel, to help children in Cameroon build brighter futures through tennis.
It’s already sold out for play. But everyone is invite to watch, cheer, and learn more about the Oyebog Tennis Academy. The event includes a pro exhibition, light bites and beverages. Click here for tickets ($35), and more information.
water main progress on evergreen parkway
After weeks of construction, Aquarion is testing the new water main on a section of Evergreen Parkway.
Meanwhile, another section of the street just received delivery of main sections. They’re waiting for installation.
Waiting for next steps, on Evergreen Parkway. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE DAY
There were few visitors to Compo Beach yesterday, during a cold, driving rain.
But Nicola Sharian and his dog were there. They paused long enough — and dried off the lens — to take this striking “Westport … Naturally” image.
(Photo/Nicola Sharian)
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And finally … happy Friday the 13th!
Fun “Friday the 13th” fact: Westport teenager Ari Lehman was the first actor to play Jason in the movie of the same name.
(Did you know it’s bad luck to not donate to “06880” on Friday the 13th — or any other day? Well, we don’t now either. But it can’t hurt. Click here to support your hyper-local blog. Jason thanks you!)
A house across from the entrance to the beach has a tree set up and lit already too!