Tag Archives: Brian Mayer

Westport’s Ukrainian Sister City Under Siege

Posted on September 22, 2025 | 3 comments

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world reacted with horror.

Westport reacted with donations: money, vital goods, help for children, and much more.

Spurred by brothers Brian Mayer and Marshall — Westport natives who founded Ukraine Aid International, a boots-on-the-ground non-profit that delivered needed supplies quickly and efficiently, in the most affected parts of the country — we became the first town in Connecticut to form a sister city relationship with Ukraine.

We were joined by Marigny-le-Lozon, our French sister city for 80 years, since the end of World War II.

In less than a month at Christmastime 2022, Westport raised over $250,000. Our friends in Lyman received (literally) tons of desperately needed goods.

Ukraine Aid International delivered communication equipment, police and trash vehicles, bulletproof vests for utility workers, and portable heaters. Funds from “06880” readers also paid for repairs to hundreds of apartments, plus meals, children’s gifts and more.

Holiday meals in Lyman, 2022.

A second effort brought in over $60,000, for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provided heat all winter long, to 1,000 Lyman residents.

Last year’s holiday drive helped send children from the town to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. Scattered around the country after evacuations, they reunited with friends and teachers.

For 10 days in winter and summer they hiked, played sports, did crafts and art therapy, enjoyed music, watchd movies, and had game nights.

They also took classes, and studied. Through Starlink, they talked to their parents online.

More than three years in, the war in Ukraine has faded from the headlines. But conditions in our sister city are more dire than ever.

Last week, UAI officials spoke with Lyman mayor Oleksander Zhuravliov. His update was both sobering and inspiring.

The town — in the Donetsk region — remains on the front line.

Drones, artillery and glide bombs strike daily. Civilians — elderly families, cars on the road, even mobile shops — are constantly targeted. Six fire trucks and a water carrier have been destroyed.

One scene of recent damage in Lyman …

Yet against all odds, 6,000 residents remain.

Children have been evacuated. Emergency crews and ordinary citizens hold the line.

It’s difficult. Just days ago, during the distribution of pensions in a nearby village, Russian shelling killed 24 elderly residents, and wounded 19 more.

… and another.

To keep Lyman’s community together, a new sister city partnership with Kremenchuk is underway.

The city has set aside 3 large buildings. They’ll be repurposed as housing for displaced families and the elderly; a rehabilitation hub for veterans, and a  medical and social center for children

The project ensures that Lyman’s people remain connected and cared for, until they can return home.

Westport’s donated trash trucks helped restore life after de-occupation, and have been pulled away further from the front lines.

The UAI pellet production line that keeps residents warm in winter may need to be moved again, so it continues to provide heat for the people of Lyman and Donetsk Oblast.

Grateful for a portable stove.

UAI is in constant contact with Lyman leadership, offering aid and support after every devastating attack.

Lyman feels emptier with its children spread across safer regions of Ukraine. But even in exile, they continue their studies online. They proudly report they have already earned 13 national medals.

For the past 3 Christmases, UAI has brought presents to the children of Lyman, in partnership with Westport and Marigny.

This year the tradition will continue, with gifts distributed across Ukraine.

Contributions made now will help immeasurably. Click here to donate online, and for information on checks, Venmo, Patreon and wire transfer.

Under the “Support for” dropdown menu. choose “Lyman.”

Ukraine Aid International — and our friends in our sister city of Lyman — thank you!

 

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Success! Westporters Provide Winter Heat To 2,000 Lyman Residents

Posted on December 20, 2023 | 9 comments

Yesterday morning, the “06880” Roundup asked:

Can we get $3,348?

That’s all that’s needed for Westport to reach its goal of $60,000. With just $3,348 more, we can fund two wood pellet machines — and provide heat, all winter long, to 2,000 residents of our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.

Within minutes, we got it.

A generous and swift gift from a Westport couple — of exactly $3,348 — ensured that both wood pellet machines will be delivered almost immediately to the war-torn town.

Each machine provides wood for 1,000 people, living in badly damaged apartments after nearly 2 years of Russian attacks.

One of the wood pellet machines helping to heat Lyman.

With other donations that followed, Westport’s holiday fund drive has raised $62,672.14.

That’s on top of last winter’s $252,000, and a summertime “thank you” party that brought in nearly $50,000. Those funds have paid for an enormous variety of much-needed aid: emergency communication equipment, police and trash vehicles, meals, bulletproof vests for utility workers, children’s gifts, repairs to hundreds of apartments, portable heaters and more.

The sister city relationship between Westport and Lyman grew out of a similar project with Westport and Marigny-le-Lozon, France. That one began nearly 80 years ago, in the aftermath of World War II.

For 2 decades, Westporters helped our French friends rebuild. Youngsters who received Christmas gifts never forgot our town’s generosity. In 2022, when officials named a room in their Town Hall after Charlotte MacLear — the Staples High School French teacher who was an instrumental bridge — they suggested that Westport and Marigny join together to help a Ukrainian town. Russia had invaded that nation less than 3 months earlier.

Brian and Marshall Mayer — Westporters who founded Ukraine Aid International, a non-profit that ensures goods and supplies are delivered where they are needed most — identified Lyman, in the Donetsk region, as a place in desperate need of help.

Westport is proud of its relationship with Lyman. In addition to 3 separate fundraising drives, Bedford Middle School students sent artwork and letters. They were delivered by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas, who last spring became the first American officials to travel east of Kiev, when they visited their counterparts in Lyman.

Marigny too has been very generous. Beginning this summer, they collected 500 toys.

Thanks to Ukraine Aid International, they’re being delivered in time for Christmas.

For the second year in a row, Lyman residents are spending the holidays under siege.

But — thanks to Westport and Marigny — for the second year in a row, they know they are not alone.

Aid to Lyman is always welcome. To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!

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Sister City Ties Tighten In Marigny, Lyman

Posted on October 5, 2023 | 8 comments

Soon after D-Day in 1944, Westporter Bob Loomis — a gun sergeant — was In Marigny-le-Louzon. The Normandy town is just 25 miles from Utah Beach.

A couple of weeks later another Westporter — heavy machine gunner Clay Chalfant — moved through Marigny with his company on their way to Belgium.

When the war ended, Charlotte MacLear — head of the French department at Staples High School, and a graduate of prestigious Sorbonne Université — sparked a campaign to “officially adopt Marigny” and help its recovery.

Our town sent clothes, money and Christmas gifts, thanks to fundraising that included selling toys and buckets with designs painted by Westport artists.

In return, Marigny created the “Westport School Canteen,” and named the town’s largest square “Place Westport.” MacLear visited our sister town 3 times. Each time, she was honored and adored.

Pharmacie Westport. As the blue plaque notes, it is located at Place Westport.

We forgot the relationship. Marigny never did.

In June 1994 — as part of the 50th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy — town officials invited 3 Westport middle school students and 2 Westport veterans to stay in the homes of residents. They visited “Westport Gift Shop” and “Pharmacie Westport.”

Pharmacie Westport. As the plaque on the side notes, it is on “Place Westport.” Charlotte MacLear was asked where she wanted it to be. She chose the main square, in front of Town Hall.

The 2 veterans were, of course,  Loomis and Chalfant.

Once again, Westport’s memory faded. But a couple of years ago, Marigny residents — some of whom had been the recipients, three-quarters of a century ago, of Westporters’ Christmas gifts — honored the founder of that on-again, off-again sister city relationship.

In May of 2022, a meeting room in their town hall was renamed “Salle Charlotte MacLear.”

The “Charlotte MacLear Room,” in Marigny’s town hall.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and I took part in that Zoom ceremony, early on a Sunday morning here. After the formalities, as we prepared to say adieu, one of our French friends remarked, almost off-handedly, that both Westport and Marigny should both do the same thing that our down had once done for theirs — this time, in Ukraine.

At that time, the Soviet invasion was less than 3 months old.

Coincidentally, a pair of Westport brothers — Brian and Marshall Mayer — had recently founded Ukraine Aid International. It was a boots-on-the-ground, get-things-done non-profit.

Thanks to the Mayers’ problem-solving skills, organizational know-how and  energy, UAI ensured that supplies, goods, food and more was actually reaching Ukrainians in need — not sitting in warehouses, or diverted elsewhere.

When Tooker met Brian Mayer, she mentioned the sister city idea. He had had the exact same thought.

Brian went looking for a town around our size. He found Lyman. Located in the Donetsk region, and an important rail center, it had suffered greatly from Russian attacks. Apartments, schools, the police station — all were in bad shape.

In just 3 weeks around the holidays, Westporters raised $252,000 for our new sister city. In July, we added $50,000 more (thanks in part to raffle items sent from Marigny).

Funds paid for building supplies, communications equipment, bulletproof vests for utility workers, generators, police and sanitation vehicles, meals, holiday gifts for children, and more.

Westport students sent cards and letters.

Meanwhile, Marigny has begun collecting gifts for Lyman’s children for the upcoming holiday — just as Westport did, from 1947 to 1965.

The presents include sister city sweatshirts, toys, and French candies, sweets and chocolates.

The men and women Marshall spoke to who received gifts from Westport said they remember the candy the most.

Marigny’s gifts will be shipped soon.

A local newspaper covers Marigny’s upcoming holiday gift shipment to Lyman.

The Westport-Marigny-Lyman sister cities connection means a lot to all 3 towns.

Now, Marshall Mayer has tightened the bonds even further.

The Ukraine Aid International co-founder and his wife Ebru just returned from overseas. They made an important side trip, to Marigny.

Marshall Mayer (front, 2nd from left), with the Marigny Welcoming Committee.

“This town is Lyman, 80 years from now,” Marshall reports.

“Descendants of a people attacked, they rebuilt a town that had been 70% destroyed.

“They understand what Lyman is going through. It’s part of their history too.”

Westport churches raised money to pay for stained glass, in a destroyed Marigny church.

“It’s hard to understand the impact that Westport has had on the residents of Marigny,” Marshall says. “We gave gifts and money. But they impacted real people, whose entire lives have been shaped by these acts of kindness.”

Marshall and Ebru met the daughter and granddaughter of an original committee member.

The granddaughter — just 6 weeks old — is named Charlotte. Her name honors the founder of the Westport-Marigny relationship.

Marigny officials show Marshall Mayer (2nd from left) a book about the relationship between their town and Westport. René Gautier, president of the Marigny-Westport association, is at the far right.

Marshall looks forward to a big victory party in Lyman — with representative from Westport and Marigny — when victory is finally achieved.

Meanwhile, a woman in Marigny is planning a trip to New York this spring. She hopes to include Westport on her visit.

(Marigny — a town of less than 3,000 — has raised enough funds for gifts for 300 Lyman children. There are now about 700 kids there. The cost to cover those 400 gifts is about $12,000. Westport: Let’s help! Click here to contribute, through Ukraine Aid International.. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)

Marshall Mayer’s Marigny hosts points to themselves, in a photo of themselves as children receiving gifts from Westport. (All photos courtesy of Marshall Mayer)

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Roundup: Carjacking Forum, Car Theft Podcast, Lyman Apartments …

Posted on September 20, 2023 | 3 comments

Tonight’s special forum on car thefts, vehicle break-ins and Sunday’s carjacking (Wednesday, September 20, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will also be livestreamed. Click here to access that page, on the town’s website.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion on safety concerns voiced by residents. He and members of his command staff will describe the work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, formed in response to increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.

The discussion will also include police practices utilized to combat vehicle thefts.

Yesterday, Koskinas and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker taped a special edition of “What’s Happening … Westport.” They discussed the escalation in incidents, and what residents can do. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston podcast.

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Meanwhile, Westport Police made one custodial arrest between September 13 nd 20. A woman was charged with disorderly conduct, following a domestic dispute.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations 6 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signs: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Distracted driving (2nd offense): 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle using a handheld phone: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Improper use of license plates: 1

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As winter nears, Westport’s sister city of Lyman is in a race against time.

52 apartment buildings need repairs, so they can survive the cold weather and be fully restored in the spring.

Ukraine Aid International co-founder Brian Mayer — the Westporter who helped create the sister city relationship, and has made many trips to Lyman on our behalf — sends a video that shows how much our town has helped.

And how much remains to be done.

(Donations through Ukrainian Aid International will help rebuild the many heavily damaged apartments. Click here to help. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)

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This Friday’s Westport Country Playhouse show is called “I’ll Drink to That! A Broadway Cocktail Party.”

Fittingly, it will feature Broadway stars.

Joe Delafield, Kristen Hahn and Maggie Lacey will perform cocktail-themed tunes and scenes from Broadway productions, while author Laurence Maslon recounts tales of actors, shows, and cocktail concoctions from his recently published book, “I’ll Drink to That!”

The event (September 22, 6 p.m., Playhouse courtyard and barn) begins with cocktails that pay homage to Broadway. The 70-minute program concludes with a second cocktail and book signing. Cocktails are included with $50 ticket.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

From left: Joe Delafield, Kristen Hahn, Maggie Lacy.

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STAR Inc. and Voices Center for Resilience present a special program: “A 22-Year Journey from 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies” (October 18, 7 p.m., Westport Library).

Mary Fetchet — founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience — lives in New Canaan. Her son Brad died in the September 11 attacks.

She will share her personal experience and perspective on preparing communities in advance of a tragedy. The presentations also includes representatives of local and state emergency management, highlighting their efforts to prepare communities.

For more information and to register,  click here.

Mary Fetchet, with a photo of her son Brad.

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When kids go to the doctor, they may be nervous.

Like many offices, Village Pediatrics provides distractions to calm their nerves.

Their latest surprise, for patients big and small: an outer space room.

Huck (in the rocket control center) and Lola Shipman, with their mother.

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Speaking of doctors: BD²: Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder today announced an $18 million first round of grants, focusing on research in bipolar disorder.

Among the recipients: Westport resident Dr. Hilary Blumberg. She will lead a Yale University team in an investigation of mitochondrial-related genes, metabolic changes, and the central importance of energy- and activity-related symptoms at the onset of bipolar-related episodes. These studies w may translate that into pharmacological therapeutics and behavioral interventions. (Hat tip: Sherri Peyser)

Dr. Hilary Blumberg

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The bar for “06880” Entitled Parking photos has been set incredibly high.

Drivers must now show breathtaking acts of selfishness to be featured here.

This one does:

(Photo/David Meth)

That’s not one, but two handicap spots taken up at Stop & Shop.

Plus, the car is taking up space in the drivers’ part of the lot too.

And — of course! — there is no handicap placard inside the car.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi reports for “Westport … Naturally” from Sherwood Island State Park:

“There were lots of monarch butterflies yesterday, all around the milkweeds and bees. Unfortunately, lanternflies were everywhere too.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Roger Whittaker — described by the New York Times as “a British singer whose easy-listening ballads and folk songs caught the sentiments of perfect summer days and last farewells, touching the hearts of mainly older fans across Europe and America for four decades” — died last week in France. He was 87.

Click here for a full obituary.

(By contributing to”06880,” you support local news coverage. Please click here to help your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Tooker, Koskinas Reflect On Historic Ukraine Trip

Posted on June 6, 2023 | 6 comments

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas will long remember many of the sights, sounds and smells of their recent trip to Westport’s sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.

Bombed-out buildings, charred tanks, artillery fire, an app alerting them to incoming missiles — those are seared in the memories of the first Americans to travel to the Donetsk Oblast since the Russian invasion more than a year ago.

But even more meaningful are their encounters with the Ukrainian people: the governor and head of the national police force, who traveled for hours to meet them. The mayor and police chief, finally in person after countless Zoom calls.

Most of all, the residents of Lyman: the people who put on the best clothes they could find, to greet the Westporters. The few children in the lone classroom still open.

And the man who skirted land mines to hike to a lake, bring back three fish, smoke them, and proudly present them as a traditional gesture of thanks.

Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov presents 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker with a smoked fish: a Ukrainian gesture of friendship.

Tooker and Koskinas are still processing all that they saw and did, on their 4-day journey from the Polish border to far east of Kyiv. They took a circuitous route on pock-marked roads and over pontoon bridges, doubling back around destroyed bridges and other obstacles.

In armored vehicles and with a police escort, they sped through every traffic light and stop sign. “It’s harder to hit a moving target,” Koskinas explains.

Yet the tight security was comforting. Tooker always felt safe, under the watchful eyes of the police and military.

US and Connecticut flags, at the Donetsk Oblast border. From left: Brian Mayer of Ukraine Aid International; Police Chief Foti Koskinas; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; Easton 1st Selectman David Bindelglass; a police officer, and Liz Olegov of UAI.

Still, it was not until they crossed — on foot — into Poland for the return leg that they felt out of complete danger.

The trip — privately financed, with no town funds — was a chance for the 2 officials to see how the $252,000 raised by residents over the holidays for our sister city had been spent.

Police chief Foti Koskinas, with 1 of 2 trash trucks bought by Ukraine Aid International, with funds donated by Westporers. When all such vehicles were destroyed by Russians, there was no way too remove tons of debris. 

Ukraine Aid International — the organization founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — handled ground arrangements. Tooker and Koskinas got an up close look at their personnel and logistics.

“Their model is unbelievably effective,” the 1st selectwoman reports. “They go where no other group goes. They even deliver goods for other groups.”

“They’ve developed incredible relationships. When they drive in, the military recognizes their vehicles and waves them through roadblocks.”

Westpor donors have funded an array of initiatives: building materials for apartments; water purification systems; home heating devices; police and trash vehicles; communication equipment; bulletproof vests for utility workers; vegetable and fruit seeds, and more.

Tooker and Koskinas saw that all those goods and materials had been delivered efficiently. “That’s not always the case with humanitarian aid,” Tooker notes. “But Ukraine Aid International gets the job done.”

Utility workers repair equipment near the front lines. Westporters’ contributions paid for protective and other equipment.

A second reason for the trip was to cement personal relationships. Since the holidays, Koskinas has spoken almost daily to his counterpart, Police Chief Igor Ugnevenko. Tooker has been in frequent contact with Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov.

Spending time with those officials underlined the importance of Westport’s sister city relationship. “Foti and I are more committed than ever to do everything we can to help,” Tooker says.

They’re spurred by a cascade of images. In the one functioning classroom, in the only school left standing. students of all ages come on a rotating schedule. Despite the challenges, “it’s as warm and welcoming as our classrooms here,” Tooker says.

There is no running water or electricity in the building. But in a makeshift cafeteria, educators proudly set out a lunch of homemade food for their guests.

The school is like the rest of Lyman. As they toured the town, Tooker and Koskinas were allowed to walk in only a few areas — and only on asphalt. Land mines are buried everywhere.

“Picture the most graphic World War II documentary,” Koskinas says. “We saw it. There’s a ‘graveyard’ of Russian military artifacts. You can still smell the burning flesh.”

The perseverance and warmth of the Lyman people was “astonishing,” says Tooker. They found the best clothes they could, ironed them, and greeted the Westporters with smiles and hugs.

A Lyman resident hugs 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, as thanks for Westport’s help rebuilding her apartment.

A ceremony for the signing of the official sister city relationship was held in a remote area. The governor, and the heads of the national police (the equivalent of our FBI) and patrol police traveled for hours to be there. It was important for them to see the Americans who had traveled so far, Tooker says.

“They kept calling us ‘heroes.’ It was embarrassing. We were horrified,” she adds.

The chasm between the US and Ukraine was brought home in sharp relief minutes after their arrival at Newark Airport.

“People were fighting over taxis. I mean, really?” Koskinas says.

They came home a few days before Memorial Day. This year’s holiday “had a whole new meaning for me,” the police chief says. “You know the saying: ‘Freedom is not free.’ That’s so true. They’re giving up all they have to be free.”

“My respect for the armed services was always high. Now it’s higher than ever,” Tooker adds.

The officials are eager to share all that they saw, felt and did. They are filled with respect for the Ukrainian people — and for the help that Ukrainian Aid International delivers.

Discussing clean-up operations, amid the remains of Russian tanks.

“Brian and Marshall Mayer told us that going there would make a difference to Lyman,” Koskinas says. “It did. That’s my biggest takeaway.

“Foti and I made a professional and personal commitment to our counterparts,” Tooker says.

“We will communicate regularly. They face a generation of rebuilding. We will be there for them.”

(The second round of donations for Lyman has begun. Click here, then select “Westport” from the “Where it is needed most” dropdown menu. And mark your calendar for July 9: A town-wide “Lyman-AID”  celebration with food, music and more. It’s free — but there are also many ways to contribute to help our sister city. Click here for details.)

Connecticut and Ukrainian officials, after a meeting in Sviatohirsk .

 

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Tooker, Koskinas Return From Historic Visit To Ukraine

Posted on May 23, 2023 | 24 comments

Westport 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas have just left Poland, after a historic trip to Ukraine.

The officials were part of the first-ever delegation of US officials or politicians to the liberated territories of Donetsk, since the Russian invasion began.

Their visit launched a new era of cross-cultural collaboration and friendship.

Tooker and Koskinas met with their sister city counterparts, Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov and Police Chief Igor Ugnevenko of Lyman, Ukraine.

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (far left and middle), Easton 1st Selectman David Bindelglass (far right) and Ukrainian officials, entering Lyman. Their bulletproof vests and helmets were not for show. Fighting still rages nearby.

Westport and Lyman formed the first sister city partnership in the US, last winter. Ukraine Aid International — founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — facilitated the program.

Other Connecticut communities including Easton, Fairfield, Stamford and Greenwich have also formed sister city relationships, through UAI. Easton 1st Selectman David Bindelglass joined Tooker and Koskinas, and met his counterparts from Sviatohirsk. The Governor of Donetsk was also involved.

The delegation’s tours of Lyman and Sviatohirsk were very emotional. Both towns have suffered greatly from Russian attacks.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov, at one of Lyman’s many ravaged apartments.

“Walking through our beautiful sister city that has faced unprecedented devastation, I am humbled by the resilience and spirit of its people,” Tooker said earlier today.

“Witnessing the devastation first hand has only deepened my commitment to this partnership. Together we will help rebuild, restore and breathe life back into these unjustly shattered communities.”

Tooker and Koskinas were accompanied by the Mayers, and Liz Olegov of UAI. The group saw firsthand the destruction of schools and municipal buildings, the bombing of railways, and the ecological disaster caused by the accumulation of trash and debris in Lyman,

The trip — which did not involve any municipal funds, and was not announced previously due to security concerns — ended with a summit in Sviatohirsk. Against a backdrop of ruins surrounded by greenery, an official memorandum cementing the sister city partnership was signed by Tooker and Zhuravlov.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov, with their signed sister city partnership.

Several high-ranking Ukrainian officials were also present. They expressed deep respect and gratitude for the Americans’ visit, in a high-risk area amid an ongoing war.

Fighting continues to rage not far from Lyman and Sviatohirsk.

Throughout the visit, the American delegation was protected by the National Police and the Patrol Police of Ukraine.

Ruslan Goriachenko, head of the Department of General Inspection and Human Rights of the National Police of Ukraine, played a pivotal role.

“We were so fortunate to meet our fellow officers in Donetsk Oblast,” said Koskinas.

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas with his Lyman counterpart, Igor Ugnevenko.

“Their bravery and leadership in protecting the people of this region and keeping order is incredible. We look forward to working more closely with our Ukrainian friends, and helping with anything they need.”

Officials discussed how to strengthen communication between Westport and Lyman, deepen governmental-level ties, and foster enduring partnerships based on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

From left: Foti Koskinas, David Bindelglass, Jen Tooker, Alexander Zhuravlov, Igor Ugnevenko, Brian Mayer and Liz Olegov, with Westport and Lyman flags.

In just 3 weeks over the holiday season, Westport raised $252,000 for Lyman. The funds have helped rebuild housing, and paid for police and garbage vehicles, communications equipment, bulletproof vests for frontline utility workers, thousands of seeds for planting, and more.

In addition, holidays meals were delivered to residents. Each child still in Lyman received a Christmas gift.

Bedford Middle School and other Westport youngsters have sent cards and posters to their new friends in Lyman.

A new round of fundraising will be announced soon. To contribute now to Westport’s sister city of Lyman, click here. Under “Designation,” click on the dropdown menu to find “Lyman.”

Connecticut and Ukrainian officials, at the Sviatohirsk meeting.

Presenting the Connecticut flag.

Affirmation, on a Donetsk sign.

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Ukraine — And Westport — Mark Grim Anniversary

Posted on February 25, 2023 | Comments Off on Ukraine — And Westport — Mark Grim Anniversary

One year ago yesterday, Brian Mayer was working at a tech job in New York.

That day, the Russian army matched across the border to Ukraine. The largest war in Europe since World War II began.

Mayer and his brother Marshall — Westporters, who grew up here — quickly pivoted. They headed to Ukraine, and put their organizational skills to work.

Addressing 2 of the greatest challenges — fundraising, then ensuring that goods and materials reached their intended targets — the Mayers formed Ukraine Aid International.

In one year, the non-profit has achieved astonishing success.

They and their partners on the ground have delivered over 1 million pounds of aid directly to civilians on the front line.

They’ve supported more than 100 communities in liberated areas, and driven over 100,000 miles to provide aid to the hardest-to-reach towns, and most-impacted villages.

Every day, they provide over 125,000 Ukrainians with infrastructural support (electricity, heat and cleaning water).

That’s the big picture. Equally remarkable, Ukraine Aid International has been instrumental in helping Westport partner with Lyman, a town in the Donbas.

The Mayers and Liz Olegov, their COO, worked with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Lyman mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov to develop an initiative. “06880” helped lead a fundraising effort that, in just 3 weeks during the holiday season, brought in over $252,000.

UAI has put the money to extraordinary use.

The first delivery — at Christmas — was 400 meals, 2,000 loaves of bread, and 491 gifts (one for every child remaining in town).

Christmas in Lyman.

In January they delivered 2 police patrol cars and 2 trash vehicles to Lyman (the Russians had taken them all when they fled), plus printers, laptops, tablets, Starlink communication devices, socks, shoes and sweaters.

This month, a 20-ton truck carried repair materials for 6 apartment buildings, and bulletproof vests and helmets for utility workers near the front lines.
Local contractors are already lined up, to ensure that 2,000 Lyman residents now living in basements and elsewhere can return to their homes this spring.

An apartment building in Lyman.

The Westport town flag now hangs in the Lyman office, and on the sides of the donated vehicles. Lyman’s flag, meanwhile, has been donated to Westport.

Holding the Westport flag (from left): Lyman’s police chief and mayor. With the Lyman flag: Marshall Mayer, Brian Mayer, Liz Olegov.

Much more is on the way — for Lyman, and other devastated areas in Ukraine. 

It’s been a brutal year for the war-torn nation.

But it’s also been a very productive one for 2 Westport brothers who saw a need. They thought they could help.

They moved mountains — in the form of countless tons of building material, communication equipment, clothes and more — to make a difference.

The war continues. It’s now in its second year.

So, fortunately, is Ukraine Aid International.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2ZKTW0l174U

Ukraine Aid International continues to raise funds for Lyman, and the rest of the country. To make a tax-deductible contribution, 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).

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Sister City Aid: Police Cars, Trash Trucks Arrive In Lyman

Posted on January 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Sister City Aid: Police Cars, Trash Trucks Arrive In Lyman

Four desperately needed vehicles — 2 police cars and 2 trash trucks — were delivered today to Lyman, Ukraine.

The used vehicles are part of the fundraising effort by Westport, to help our new sister city. They were sourced and paid for in Europe by Brian and Marshall Mayer — the Westporters who founded Ukraine Aid International — and Liz Olegov of Alex21, UAI’s on-the-ground partner.

New (though used) police cars (foreground) and trash trucks were delivered to Lyman, Ukraine earlier today.

The Russians destroyed or took every police car and trash truck during their 5-month occupation of the town, in the Dombas region.

Police are the first responders during missile attacks — which still continue — and all other emergencies.

Enormous amounts of debris litter Lyman, after apartment buildings, homes, schools, hospitals, police and fire headquarters and other sites were attacked. Before the arrival of the vehicles, there was no way to remove it.

The trucks bear the Westport flag, the UAI and Alex21 logos, and a “Westport ♥ Lyman” banner. At a brief meeting, Mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov, Lyman’s police chief and the regional police chief thanked Westport for their continuing relief efforts.

Brian Mayer, Mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov and Liz Olegov, the trash truck and the Westport signs.

That’s not all.

Brian and Liz also delivered 1,000 loaves of freshly baked bread. For the cold and hungry residents of our sister city, it was another warm gesture of friendship and support.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit co-founded by Westporter Brian Mayer. 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). 

Brian Mayer and Liz Olegov (left) join Mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov (2nd from right) and other officials for a quick meal, earlier today. (Photos courtesy of Brian Mayer)

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Westport Flag Flies In Lyman

Posted on January 12, 2023 | 6 comments

A day after 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker formalized Westport’s sister city relationship with Lyman, our town flag was delivered to the war-torn Ukrainian town.

Soon, the Lyman flag will be sent here.

Brian and Marshall Mayer — the Westport natives who founded Ukraine Aid International, and helped forge the sister city partnership — met today in Lyman with Mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov and the chief of police.

‘The Westporters, and Liz Olegov of the on-the-ground organization Alex21 — provided a report of the goods and materials on the way to Lyman. They also presented the flag, which Tooker had given them in Westport.

The flag was designed for Westport’s 150th anniversary, in 1985, by native Westporter and renowned artist Miggs Burroughs. He is of Ukrainian descent.

The mayor handed them the Lyman flag, and thanked Westport for its help. In 3 weeks, the town raised $252,000 for Lyman.

Holding the Westport flag (from left): Lyman’s police chief and mayor. With the Lyman flag: Marshall Mayer, Brian Mayer, Liz Olegov.

“I am excited to build ties with America and the West — especially Westport,” he said.

“Spending time with you Americans, I realize the only way we differ is our language.”

Mayor Zuravlov then gave the Mayers and Liz a tour of the town. Among the sites: a school, recently destroyed in a missile strike.

The most recent casualty in Lyman: a school, destroyed by a Russian missile.

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Westport’s Christmas Miracle In Lyman

Posted on December 26, 2022 | 3 comments

Tons of building supplies, dozens of generators and a water filtration system are ready to be trucked to Lyman — a devastated town in Ukraine — thanks to the generosity of more than 575 Westporters and their friends. We’ve raised nearly $250,000, in less than a week.

But first came Christmas.

And — with help from all those “06880” folks — our new sister city had a Christmas too.

At 7 a.m. yesterday in Kharkiv, Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — picked up 400 fresh holiday meals, all homemade and bagged.

Then he added 491 gifts, donated by children in Hamburg, Germany.

He got in a van. He arrived in Lyman at 12:30 p.m.

Dressed as Santa, he helped deliver all those meals to the elderly and infirm, at the central square.

Then he went door to door, handing out all those presents, to every child left in Lyman.

Residents were stunned. They’d heard that Westport was sending aid. But this immediate, impactful Christmas Day surprise was extra special.

Brian sent photos and videos, throughout the planning process, the ride from Kharkiv to Lyman, and the distribution.

He asked for no publicity yesterday, though. He did not want to jeopardize the safety of residents.

Even — especially — on Christmas Day.

Our drive to help our sister city was set to end yesterday. We set a goal of $250,000.

We’re close. But we’re not there yet.

Now that you see a small bit of what we can do, please help us hit that $250,000 mark.

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).

Now click here, for this great video, shot by Brian Mayer and Liz Olegov. It was compiled and created by Clyde and Katya Wauchope, who have worked tirelessly to make our sister city project a success.

PS: Though the Christmas gifts came from German children, they were reminiscent of Westport’s connection with our sister city of Marigny-le-Louzon, France. In the years after World War II, we — well, the men, women and children living here then — sent presents to children there. Each bore the name of an individual recipient.

The citizens of Marigny never forgot us. Now — three-quarters of a century later — they join us in our efforts to help Lyman. Next month, when the French mayor gives his annual new year’s address to the town, he’ll describe our partnership, and ask for their help. Merci, Marigny!

 

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