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Yesterday’s storm was tough on Westport. Power was out. It was cold. Our lives and routines were disrupted.

Now think of the 13,000 people in Lyman, Ukraine. When the Russians fled in October, after nearly 5 months of occupation, they left behind utter devastation. Over 150 of the 240 homes lacked roofs, windows, even walls. There was no electricity, water or heat.

That’s our new sister city. And we can help.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 — by tomorrow. Within 3 days, our partners on the ground — Ukraine Aid International (founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer) and Alex 21 can supply building materials to repair all those homes — plus a generator for each. And a water filtration system for the entire town.

Right now, we are near  $160,000 — 60% of the way to our goal. There are 2 days left.

Sure, we’re in tough shape. A major storm, followed by frigid temperatures, right before Christmas is not fun.

But our sister city of Lyman has endured far more, for far longer. They need our help.

As Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston tells her congregation: “This is a great opportunity to put our prayers into action!”

Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here). 

PS: Don’t forget our fundraising auction. Our friends in Marigny, France — our other sister city — have provided an oil painting of their town. The highest bidder wins it. with all funds going to Lyman.

Click “Comments” with your bid (starting at $1,000). You do not have to use your real name — but be sure to include your email when prompted. The auction ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight.

This Marigny scene by Roger Potier is being auctioned to the highest bidder.

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It was a great year for Club 203

Now Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities gears up for an even bigger and better 2023.

Next up: a January 7 (7 to 8:30 p.m.) event at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

It’s an evening of fun and fitness. “Dress for the gym!” the organizers say.

For more information click here, and follow on Instagram: @club203_ct.

Fun at the Club 203 holiday party. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Nature is beautiful.

Even when it’s freezing.

Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” view of Molly Alger’s window, earlier this morning:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … on this day in 1914, the World War I “Christmas truce” began.

According to Wikipedia:

 In the week leading up to 25 December, French, German and British soldiers crossed trenches to exchange seasonal greetings and talk. In some areas, men from both sides ventured into no man’s land on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to mingle and exchange food and souvenirs. There were joint burial ceremonies and prisoner swaps, while several meetings ended in carol-singing. Men played games of football with one another, creating one of the most memorable images of the truce. Hostilities continued in some sectors, while in others the sides settled on little more than arrangements to recover bodies.

The following year, a few units arranged ceasefires but the truces were not nearly as widespread as in 1914; this was, in part, due to strongly worded orders from commanders, prohibiting truces. Soldiers were no longer amenable to truce by 1916; the war had become increasingly bitter after the human losses suffered during the battles of 1915.