Tag Archives: Polar Bear Plunge

For the second year in a row, our friends in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine have enjoyed a better Christmas, thanks to the generosity of our friends in our other sister city: Marigny-Le-Lozon, France.

In the years following World War II, Westporters sent hundreds of holiday gifts to the boys and girls of the small Normandy town. They never forgot Westport. (The name lives on, in a plaza, pharmacy and Town Hall meeting room.)

Two years ago, our Marigny amis suggested we both help another war-torn town, 80 years later.

Since then, Lyman — in the Donetsk region, not far from invading Russian troops — has received much-needed support from Westport and Marigny.

The most recent gifts were to 500 youngsters, many of whom have been forced from their homes. Thanks to Marigny, they will still have Christmas.

Plans are underway for the children of Lyman to correspond with their counterparts in France.

Of course, the need for help in Lyman remains great. Westporters are now raising funds to send students there to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. They’ll reunite with friends, while teachers and counselors help them feel like kids again.

To donate, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

Christmas in Ukraine.

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The long-range forecast predicts a temperature of 47 on New Year’s Day.

And rain.

The warm temperature is good news for Polar Plungers. The rain — hey, when you jump in Long Island Sound on January 1, you’ll get wet anyway.

The Polar Plunge — set for 11 a.m. New Year’s Day, at Compo Beach — is Abilis’ annual fundraiser.

For 74 years, the non-profit has provided programs and services for children and adults of all abilities from birth throughout their lives, with day, transition, employment and residential programs.

The “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge will raise funds for Abilis’ Gardens & Gifts Shop. Located in Greenwich, it provides retail job skills training and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

For more information about Abilis’ Compo Beach Polar Plunge, and to register, click here.

Freezin’ for a reason, on January 1, 2024.

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Another great organization is Catch a Lift. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.

For the past decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift. Residents have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club.

The vets give plenty back in return — as role models, and  serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.

Catch a Lift has completed another successful, important year. Whether you’ve been involved with them or not, you’ll find the video of this year’s 10th annual event — held on the September 11 weekend at the Patterson Club — very inspiring.

Then click below, for the 2024 Catch a Lift highlight reel:

To learn more about Catch a Lift — including how to donate — click here. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)

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Getting back to cold weather sports:

Bob Weingartens spotted this scene during yesterday morning’s brief snowfall, on Hillandale Road:

He writes: “Teens are never cold. But I was.”

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often includes beach scenes and/or dogs. One canine in particular — Patricia McMahon’s Levon — is a regular subject.

Reindeer: never.

Of course, there’s a first time for everything …

(Photo collage/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … if it’s Christmas, it’s time for the Greatest Christmas Song Ever.

Of course, it comes courtesy of our good friend and neighbor José Feliciano.

It’s unclear in the video below who is having more fun: the audience or José.

But who cares? Feliz Navidad indeed!