Tag Archives: Ukraine Aid International

Roundup: Easter Eggs, Easter Pig, Israeli Food …

Posted on April 8, 2023 | 2 comments

If it’s Easter, it’s time for the Easter Egg Tree.

Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Jalna Jaeger has once again decorated her Norwalk property with hundreds of colorful eggs.

She invites everyone to drive by and enjoy her work. It’s at #3 East Avenue. Head past Stew Leonard’s; go down the hill, then take a right at the first light.

Jalna Jaeger’s Easter Egg Tree.

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Speaking of Easter: Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all dressed up for the (bunny-themed) holiday.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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The Manna Toast logo still hangs over 29 Church Lane.

But a new restaurant is coming soon — “spring/summer,” the sign says — offering “Authentic Israeli” food.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

I wish I could tell you more. But I followed the links on the sign for The Blondinit. There are no posts on either Facebook or Instagram.

And the website brings up a “Get this Domain” message, from GoDaddy.

Hey, Blondinit: Get your domain now.

Before someone from Layla’s Falafel does.

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Westport was first. Easton followed.

Now Stamford has a Ukrainian sister city too.

In a ceremony Thursday, bonds were formalized with Kramatorsk. Of similar size, both are commercial and transportation centers. Fittingly, the ceremony was held at the Stamford train station. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes were there.

The connection was made by Brian Mayer. The Westport native — who founded Ukraine Aid International, the non-profit that coordinates donations and support — was interviewed by News12. Click here for that video, which includes a mention of our town’s relationship with Lyman.

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Suniya Luthar — who died in February at 64, after 2 years of health difficulties — was not a Westporter.

But the Columbia University professor emerita of psychology and education had an important impact on our community.

For a number of years, she led a longitudinal study on youth and resilience here. She chose Westport because of its high number of high-achieving professionals, and the emphasis on status and achievement.

One of her first discoveries was that “substance use, depression and anxiety, particularly among the (affluent) girls, were much higher than among inner-city kids.”

Dr. Luthar’s research led her to conclude that children of privilege are an “at-risk” group. “What we are finding again and again, in upper-middle-class school districts, is the proportion who are struggling are significantly higher than in normative samples,” Luthar said.

“It is an endless cycle, starting from kindergarten. The difficulty is that you have these enrichment activities. It is almost as if, if you have the opportunity, you must avail yourself of it. The pressure is enormous.”

Luthar was a distinguished developmental and clinical psychologist and internationally renowned scholar in resilience research. Her Westport work was part of a career focused on understanding resilience among diverse at-risk groups, and applying insights in prevention.

Click here for a full obituary.

Suniya Luthar

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Hotel Marcel New Haven — the former Pirelli building seen on the left, approaching the city eastbound on I-95 — has gone green.

So green, in fact, that the boutique hotel just earned a LEED Platinum plauqe from the US Green Building Council. That certifies that it meets the highest standards of energy and environment design.

It’s powered by more than 1,000 solar panels, and uses no fossil fuels.

It’s also the first hotel to earn LEED Platinum status in 10 years, and only the 10th ever.

Hotel Marcel

US Representatives Jim Himes and Rosa DeLauro attended yesterday’s ceremony.

Congratulations to architect Bruce Becker — a Westporter who has long championed green causes.

Click here for the full CT Mirror story. Click here for a 2018 “06880” story on Becker.

Bruce Becker outside his home, with a “Westport Green Building Award.” 

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VersoFest 2023 is in the books.

If you were among the thousands of attendees, you know it rocked the Westport Library last weekend.

If you weren’t — or you missed part of it — you can “check out” (weak library reference) the 9 panels, workshops and lectures. They ranged from beats and grooves, to the business of music, rock photography, and style. Click here for full videos of all.

And for a quick rap — er, “wrap” — video, see below:

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Earth Day is April 22.

But Aspetuck Land Trust — the conservator of open space, and steward of 45 preserves in lower Fairfield County — celebrates all month. Among the activities:

  • Vernal Pool Walk with wetland scientist Edward Pawlak (April 15, 10 a.m.-noon, Trout Brook Valley Jump Hill Preserve)
  • Spring Hawk Migration with raptor specialist Larry Fischer (April 16, 1-3 p.m., Blueberry Patch, Easton)
  • Ephemeral Wildflower Walk with LandTech environmental analyst Anthony Zemba (April 22, 10 a.m.-noon, Trout Brook Valley Preserve)
  • Invasive Species Removal Work Day (April 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Trout Brook Valley Preserve)
  • Exploring the Trails with Aspetuck Land Trust land protection specialist Adam Goodman (April 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Trout Brook Valley Preserve)
  • Little Legs in Wildlife Kids Walk (April 29, 10 a.m.-noon, Trout Brook Valley Preserve)

Click here for details of all events.

There’s also a spring native plant sale. Online ordering begins April 11 for ALT members, April 18 for the general public. Click here for a list of available plants, and more details.

Pick-up is June 9-11, at Haskins Preserve in Westport.

Among the Aspetuck Land Trust Earth Day offerings: “Explore the Trails,” with Adam Goodman.

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“It’s Easter. Where’s my flock?” wonders this Burying Hill Beach guy, the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Lucy Zeko)

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And finally … on this date in 1820, the Venus de Milo was discovered on the Aegean island of Milos. She’s over 2,100 years old, but she still lives on, musically:

(All you need is one arm to click here, and support “06880.” I gotta hand it to you: thanks!)

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Report From Lyman: The Washington Post

Posted on April 2, 2023 | Comments Off on Report From Lyman: The Washington Post

Conditions continue to be grim in Lyman, Ukraine.

Residents of our sister city spend nights in apartment basements. Electricity and water are scarce.

Even chickens are too stressed out to lay eggs.

A Washington Post story on the city begins:

Before this city was occupied by Russian soldiers and the buildings had crumbled to rubble and ash under a rain of steel and fire, life was good for residents in the medley of apartment buildings known as the Triangle.

Grannies sat on benches and admired their grandchildren on the courtyard playground, and residents hauled vegetables from the small but bountiful community garden, even as the Russians drew near to this small city in the eastern Donetsk region.

This life splintered apart last spring, on April 25, when a missile or bomb fell from the sky and landed by the jungle gym, blowing out apartment windows and leaving a massive crater. A 7-year-old girl whose family had fled another part of the city to live with her grandmother was just getting to the bomb shelter when the strike occurred. The girl and a small black dog she held in her hands were crushed when a wall collapsed, residents said. She died on the way to a hospital.

An enormous crater bears witness to last spring’s bombing of Lyman by Russian forces. (Photo/Heidi Levine for the Washington Post)

That moment and other shelling triggered a mass instinctual decision: Residents would spend their nights and some of their days in the narrow, stuffy apartment basements on Pryvokzalna Street, where the next bomb could probably not reach them. Nearly a year later, and months after Russian forces were pushed out of Lyman last fall, life continues underground at the Triangle.

Click here for the full Washington Post article.

Westport will embark soon on a new round of assistance for our friends in the embattled town. For now, click here to contribute (under “Designation,” select “Westport – Lyman” from the dropdown menu). (Hat tip: Jane Nordli Jessep)

Lyubov Surzhon converted her basement storage unit into a bedroom. (Photo/Heidi Levine for the Washington Post)

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Roundup: Lyman Video, Julia Marino, Touch Football …

Posted on March 27, 2023 | 7 comments

Westport’s fundraising for our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine continues to pay dividends.

The latest video from Ukraine Aid International shows one of 7 apartment complexes that have been saved, thanks to generous donations from Westporters.

An older resident describes conditions there. They have electricity and water, for which he is grateful.

It’s easy for us here to focus on things that, in the grand scheme of life, are truly minor. Click below, for a reality check.

Aid for our friends in Ukraine is still needed. Click here; under “Designation,” select “Westport – Lyman sister city.” Thank you!

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The last time we checked in with Julia Marino, the Olympic snowboarding silver medalist was featured on a new Miggs Burroughs lightbox greeting arrivals at the Westport train station.

She just competed in her final events of the winter, last week in Austria and yesterday in Switzerland.

The Westport native won the FIS Crystal Globe for slopestyle, making her the top rider in this discipline for the entire season.

On Saturday she took gold at the World Cup in Corvatsch. Her winning video is below.

 

Julia also earned an FIS silver medal as best “Park and Pipe” rider, just 7 points behind the leader. The award includes snowboard athletes from 3 disciplines; slopestyle, big air and half-pipe.

Click here for a story on her Swiss run, and an interview with Julia.

Her mother Elaine was there this weekend, to cheer her on:

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Speaking of sports: A familiar scene returned to Compo Beach yesterday morning.

I have no idea how long this touch football game has been going on at Compo. But it’s been a long time.

The players may change. But this image is timeless.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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Following on the heels — or wings — of the Fresh Market osprey, another raptor has returned to Longshore.

Alert “06880” reader Clarence Hayes reports: “They don’t start sitting on the nests until the females arrive and eggs are laid. There should be at least another 5 soon, to fill out the 3 permanent nests around the golf course.”

Osprey at Longshore (Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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This is not the first wild turkey to be featured on “Westport … Naturally.”

But it sure may be the biggest.

Susan Garment spotted the bird on Partrick Road.

Say what you will: They were here first.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … in celebration of National Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day (you can’t make this stuff up):

(Yee haw! Another great start to the week. To make it even better, please click here to help support “06880.” Thank y’all.)

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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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Roundup: Lyman Delivery, Sherwood Island Plantings, Psychic Show …

Posted on February 22, 2023 | 1 comment

It’s much colder in Lyman, Ukraine than Westport, Connecticut.

But hearts in our sister city have been warmed by gifts this winter. The latest delivery is good news for hundreds of freezing bodies.

A 20-ton truck headed out yesterday to the town in the Donbas. It was filled with construction material, to shore up 6 apartment blocks devastated during 5 months of Russian occupation.

Residents have been living in basements. Soon, the rebuilding of those apartments can begin.

Ukraine Aid International and Alex21 — Westport’s partners on the ground — also delivered armored vests for utility workers. That will enable them to work more safely, restoring power in areas still under attack by the invaders.

The construction material and armored vests were paid for by Westporters. During the holiday season, our town raised $252,000 to aid our sister city. More projects are in the works.

Click below for a video showing delivery of the building materials and armored gear.

Tax-deductible donations can still be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit co-founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall 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). 

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Tomorrow (Thursday, February 23) is Fairfield County Giving Day.

Friends of Sherwood Island State Park is raising funds for their garden team. They’ll plant natives in their Pollinator Garden, and the East Beach dunes. Among them: seaside goldenrod, switchgrass, rose mallow, maritime marsh elder, Virginia rose, blue-flowered spiderwort, yarrow, white heath aster, pink-flowered showy tick-trefoil (pea family), thin-leaved sunflower, boneset, New England blazing star and marsh fleabane.

The dune restoration will be extended with 150 feet of American beach grass, 12 feet wide. They’ll add 12 red maple, white oak and pitch pine trees in the picnic area.

The goal is $1,700. To donate, click here, or send a check to: Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, PO Box 544, Westport, CT 06881. Memo line: “Giving Day 0- Garden Team.”

Westporters Orna Stern and Debbie Ritter — members of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park garden team — planting a red maple tree. It will one day shade East Beach picnic areas.

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This event happens on April Fools’ Day.

But I am not making this up. I’m just paraphrasing (and quoting) a press release.

“Celebrity psychic medium Karyn Reece” comes to Child’s Pose Yoga (8 Church Street, April 1 7:30 p.m.) for “the most coveted event this spring that has everyone talking.”

During the “intimate VIP evening (guests will) be given the opportunity to connect with their past loved ones and hear about their future through live audience-style readings with Reece. She will allow ‘the other side’ to guide her around the room as she gives inspiring and specifically detailed personalized messages of healing and hope to some lucky winners in attendance.”

But wait! There’s more! Attendees will enjoy “exceptional food and spirits” (ho ho), “delectable desserts,” and gift bags too.

Reece “has been featured on TLC, Discovery, Lifetime, The CW, FYI, Travel Channel and A&E. She is also the go-to psychic medium for celebrities on Bravo. She has worked with some of the world’s most A-list celebrities and brands including Deux Moi, Reebok, Kyle Richards, Leah Remini, Margaret Josephs, entrepreneurs, and media who featured her as one of the most accurate psychics with over 98% accuracy per reading (average psychics being only 50%).”

Tickets are just $200 per person (non-refundable or transferable). For reservations, call 716-580-2520 or email karyn@karynreece.com.

The press release concludes: “Reece is ready, spirit is ready, but the real question is, are you ready for a spring night like none other?”

No foolin’!

Karyn Reece

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Noya — the fine jewelry design store on Riverside Avenue, just off Post Road West — is helping victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

100% of proceeds of their “friendship bracelet” will aid those devastated by the disaster. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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If you’ve never been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up exhibit: What a shame.

If you have, you’ll know to mark March 1 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn) for hors d’oeuvres, wine, great conversation, and of course a diverse array of art by talented Collective members.

Then on March 5 (5 p.m.), several artists will talk about their process and answer questions about their work and careers.

The show runs March 2-5 (2 to 6 p.m.). Artists exhibiting include Nina Bentley, Suzanne Benton, Eric Chiang, Lynne Knobel, Joanie Landau, Susan Murray, Dale Najarian, Judy Noel, Julie O’Connor, Eileen Panepinto, Gay Schempp, Renee Santhouse, Joan Wheeler and Marc Zaref.

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Choral Chameleon’s previous 2 appearances at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport were great success.

The New York-based group returns this Saturday (February 25, 7:30 p.m.). Their “Music for Chameleons” concert — part of their 15th anniversary tour — is a “thought-provoking narrative on the ever-changing landscape for the world, and the power of human beings to have meaningful discourse and invoke transformation.”

They’ll include music by di Lasso, Pulenc, Nobuaki, Rimmer, Trmbore, Jamiroquai and Janet Jackson, plus premiers from Choral Chameleon Institute composers inspired by a Truman Capote short story.

Tickets are available online and at the door ($20 each). To learn more about Choral Chameleon, click here.

Choral Chameleons

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Dr. Arthur Brovender, a longtime Westporter, died peacefully at his Boca Raton, Florida home on Saturday. He was 92 years old.

The Bronx native earned a BA with Phi Beta Kappa honors from New York University in 1952. He received a medical degree with distinction from L’Université Libre de Bruxelles 6 years later.

He completed his internship in general surgery at Norwalk Hospital. Arthur then specialized in orthopedic surgery, finishing his surgical residency in New York.

In 1962, during his children’s surgical residency at The House of St. Giles the Cripple in Brooklyn, he met his future wife, Paula on a blind date. They were married for 59 years.

Throughout his medical career, he held many memberships as a Fellow in medical societies (International College of Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, New York Academy of Medicine, American College of Surgeons and the American Geriatrics Society) and was a Charter Member of the Eastern Orthopaedic Association. He was a regent in the State of Connecticut International College of Surgeons, and president of the Norwalk Medical Society. He taught at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the Police and Fire Departments in Westport and Norwalk.

In 1963 Arthur opened a private practice and joined the medical staff at Norwalk Hospital. At the same time proudly served in the Army Reserves, rising to captain. He served as the chief of orthopaedics at Norwalk Hospital from 1981-1985.

He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, skiing, hunting and fishing. He was an avid photographer and history buff, and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Arthur took classes throughout his life.

His religious observance was important. Heserved as president of Temple Shalom in Norwalk from 1976-1979.

After retiring from his private practice of 37 years in 2000, he continued to provide medical service to the Social Security Administration as an independent medical expert on orthopedic cases throughout the United States.

For the last 20 years he enjoyed retirement at Boca West Country Club, where he served on the Board of Governors and numerous committees. He made many wonderful new friends in Florida.

Arthur was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Stanley (Patricia) Brovender. In addition to his wife, Arthur is survived by his children Leslie Serena and Lisa (Arthur) Hayes; grandchildren and step-grandchildren Max, Malisia, Rebecca, Olivia, William and James; niece, Dana Parillo, and nephews Matthew and David Brovender.

Funeral services will be held this Friday (February 24, 1 p.m., Temple Shalom, Norwalk). Burial will follow at the Temple Israel Cemetery behind Beth Israel Cemetery in Norwalk. The family will sit shiva on Saturday (6 to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.)

Donations in Arthur’s name can be made to Temple Shalom or the Anti-Defamation League.

Dr. Arthur Brovender

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A flock of turkeys lives in the woods behind St Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services on Long Lots Road.

They’re a relatively new addition to local wildlife — and an interesting subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of celebrity medium Karyn Reece’s April 1 appearance here:

(You don’t need a crystal ball to know that a non-profit like “06880” relies on support from readers. Please click here to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

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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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It’s Official: Westport And Lyman Are Sister Cities

Posted on January 11, 2023 | 2 comments

In the first international meeting in Westport Board of Selectwoman history, Jen Tooker affirmed this morning something that residents have known since the holidays: We have a new sister city.

With the mayor of Lyman, Ukraine joining by telephone, Tooker read a proclamation formalizing ties between the two towns.

The language was both official and warm.

Tooker — flanked by Selectwomen Andrea Moore and Candice Savin, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Fire Chief Michael Kronick — described the links forged through the great work of Westport natives Brian and Marshall Mayer (founders of Ukraine Aid International) and Liz Olegov of the Alex21 group (which delivers goods and materials to war-torn communities). All 3 were on the Zoom call.

Among those on today’s Zoom call: Top row: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Fire Chief Michael Kronick, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin; middle row: Brian and Marshall Mayer of Ukraine Aid International, in Kharkiv; bottom row:Liz Olegov of Alex21, also in Ukraine.

Tooker described Westport’s long history of giving back to communities in need, including our other sister city: Marigny, France. They join us in this effort with Lyman.

Tooker noted that with the sister city relationship, residents of Westport and Lyman will learn about each other.

“Through mutual, interwoven bonds, we will foster our ties,” Tooker said. “We are partners in friendship and recovery, now and always.”

Mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov responded, in remarks translated by Olegov.

“We give great thanks to all who are ready to restore Lyman,” he said.

“We no longer feel that we are not alone.”

In the 3 weeks since Westport’s relationship with Lyman was announced, residents and their friends have donated over $252,000.

The Mayers have sourced building materials and vehicles, which are on their way to Lyman. The Westport Fire and Police Departments are also contributing to the effort. (Full details are being withheld, due to security concerns.)

“Brian, Marshall, Liz and their group figure out exactly what is needed, and how to get it there,” Tooker said. “That’s a game changer — and a morale-booster.”

In honoring the citizens of our new sister city, Tooker cited their “courage and bravery. We are proud to support you and your mayor, now and in the future.”

The 1st Selectwoman said that the Westport-Lyman relationship is believed to be the first of its kind for towns in the US and Ukraine.

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Roundup: 2023 — In Westport And Lyman

Posted on January 1, 2023 | 4 comments

Levon celebrates at Compo Beach (Photo montage/Patricia McMahon)

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As the New Year begins with bang here, we think of our friends in Westport’s sister city of Lyman.

They greet 2023 in homes without heat — in some cases, even roofs and walls.

They lack electricity and running water. Their police and fire departments have no vehicles.

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of “06880” readers, they’ve gotten some help. They had homemade meals on Christmas, and all 491 children left in Lyman got gifts.

They need much more. We set an audacious goal of $250,000. In just 13 days, we’ve raised $227,700.

How’s this for our New Year’s resolution: We’ll raise that final $22,300 today.

If every Westport resident gave $1, that would get us over the top. That’s right: With just $1 from every Westporter, we’d reach and pass our target for Lyman.

Come on, Westport! Take 2 minutes from watching football, getting ready for a party or beach walk, or whatever else makes life here so good.

There’s no better way to ring in 2023 than with $1 for our sister city.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International. 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: Our partners on the ground, Ukraine Aid International — co-founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — are purchasing building supplies right now for Lyman. They will be shipped soon to the town.

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Barbara Walters — the pioneering newscaster and interviewer who died Friday at 93 — inspired countless aspiring journalists. Many were girls.

Alisyn Camerota was one. The author, “CNN Newsroom” anchor and Westport resident described Walters’ early influence, in an opinion pieces posted on CNN+ yesterday.

“Whenever people ask me about the moment I decided to become a broadcast journalist, I explain that it happened in utero,” Camerota begins.

How did that happen? Click here to read the full piece.

Alisyn Camerota

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Howard Simon, a longtime resident of Weston, died Friday after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 90 years old.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Howard studied business administration at the University of Minnesota, and was a member of Phi Epsilon fraternity.

He joined his family’s manufacturing business, Simon and Mogilner, in Birmingham, Alabama where he directed sales and marketing before becoming CEO. Howard then worked as an early pioneer in financing for cellular communications and independent TV stations, before representing Major League Baseball players as an agent.

Howard was an avid tennis player and sports fan, and loved his monthly poker game. He followed politics and current events with keen interest. He was a mentor and advisor who was always happy to provide advice and business guidance. Above all, his family says, “he was known for his affable personality, engaging everyone he met with Midwestern charm.”

He is survived by his wife Amy Simon; daughters Katherine McCarty (Matthew) and Lisa Simon Bailey (Jeff); sons Matthew, David (Andrea) and James, and grandchildren Ross and Evan Simon, Marshall Bailey, and Reed and Kira McCarty. Howard was predeceased by his brothers Jerrold and Ronald, and his son Bruce.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday (January 4, 11 a.m., Abraham Green & Son, Fairfield). Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Howard’s family is grateful to the staff at Jewish Senior Services of Bridgeport, who cared for him with great compassion and kindness.

Howard Simon

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Sure, it was New Year’s Eve.

But Bob Weingarten wondered about a utility pole.

He sent a photo from Turkey Hill South …

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

… and wrote: “For all the money we pay to Eversource, you would think they would not include a 5-6-foot extra pole about 2/3 up an existing one pole.”

I’ve learned not to fire first and ask questions later. So I forwarded this to my utility “source” — er, expert.

He replied:

Poles in Westport are 95+% owned and installed by Eversource as the custodian utility. Across Connecticut the ratio is 50/50. Eversource has half and Frontier half, as owners and custodians.

There is no joint agreement on attaching or shifting wires and equipment on and off of poles. The company that owns them installs, maintains and removes the attachments’to each overhead wood pole.

Now comes the tricky/frustrating part. When a pole is damaged or replaced, the custodian does the pole setting/replacement, but each “owner” of the attachments (wires, transformers, streetlights, etc.) does the work to shift their equipment onto the new pole,

In this photo, the top primary voltage electric wire (sitting on the gray transformer) belongs to Eversource, so they set them onto the new pole. The bottom of the transformer has secondary (120 volt) wires running to the left and right from the transformer — owned and installed by Eversource as well.

The next wire down just below is a telecom (Optimum’s?) wire with a roundish spreader (left side of pole), but attached to the new pole. Now come the last 2 wires going down the photo, both telecom wires, likely owned by Frontier … and still attached to that 3-foot long piece of the old pole, dangling in the air!

From my experience it’s likely to remain like that for months, because it’s low (very low!) priority for the company that owns those telecom wires.

So advise your reader that it’s not Eversource’s problem!

Then he added a PS:

Look at every pole you pass by just in this town alone.  Count how many “double” poles there are — not just a piece of a pole dangling 15 feet up, but the entire old pole, from the ground up to the top telecom wires.

I’d guess something around 1 in 20 or 30 poles will have one of these hideous double poles. And some lean out from the new straight (and usually sturdier pole), looking a bit precarious.

Take a look. You’ll be amazed!

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Westporters don’t always get along.

Nor do other animals.

Perhaps — as the new year begins — we should take a page from today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

Well, at least for a day …

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And finally … in the spirit of the photo above, as we welcome 2023:

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Posted in Media, Obituaries, Politics

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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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Posted in Children, Politics

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