Marshall Mayer, Ukrainian Aid International, and Frontline Ukrainian Leaders
The Westport Sunrise Rotary will host a rare public presentation by three senior Ukrainian leaders responsible for governing communities on the front lines of Russia’s full-scale invasion. They will be with Marshall Mayer, co-founder of Ukraine Aid International The public has been invited and we expect a large turnout.
The delegation is being brought to the United States by Ukrainian Aid International, a Connecticut based non-profit that works directly with frontline Ukrainian officials and their local governments to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. The visit reflects the growing relationship between Connecticut and Donetsk Oblast, which became Sister State partners in 2025.
“Most Americans experience this war through headlines. This is a rare opportunity to meet the people making the important decisions and to hear firsthand what is happening on the ground and better understand what is at stake for Ukraine and the world,” according to Marshall Mayer, Executive Director of Ukraine Aid International.
Information regarding the Ukrainian Leaders:
Governor Filashkin was appointed Governor of Donetsk Oblast in December 2023 after serving for nearly five years as Deputy Governor. He has played a central role in coordinating civilian evacuations, maintaining critical infrastructure, and working with Ukraine’s security and emergency services. Before joining the regional administration, he held leadership positions in Ukraine’s military, law enforcement, and National Police. He holds a Ph.D. in Legal Sciences.
Sergii Kaliian has led the Bakhmut District Administration since 2022. Bakhmut has become internationally known as the site of some of the war’s fiercest fighting. Kaliian oversees emergency response, evacuation, humanitarian coordination, and the continuity of government services throughout the district. He previously served in senior positions in the Bakhmut and Kostiantynivka district administration and holds degrees in Law and Public Administration.
Oleksii Vorobiov has led the Siversk City Administration since 2022, overseeing humanitarian assistance and essential services for a community located only miles from active combat. A native of Donetsk Oblast, he previously served as Deputy Head of the Mariupol District State Administration. Under his leadership, Siversk established a Sister City partnership with Weston, Connecticut.
The Club Calendar is at the end of this newsletter. Please refer to it to see the meeting schedule, social events and more. It will be updated when speakers and events are added.
The updated Greeters and Openers schedule is also near the end of the newsletter, so please check to see if you are on there!
Friday Meeting - September 4
Corporal James Loomer
Westport Police Department
Officer James Loomer shared the process of selection, training, certification, and impact of K9 in the Westport Police Department.
Alma Sarelli was formally inducted by Katie as a member of the WSR Board of Directors.
Some of the Sunrise Rotarians who were part of the “Day in the Life of Westport“ photo shoot at the Gillespie Center on Sunday Sep 6th
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GUESTS LAST MEETING: Theresa Green - newly approved member
David Keeton - prospective new member Corporal James Loomer - Speaker, Westport Police Dept.
GILLESPIE CENTER COOKING / SERVING SCHEDULE
One of our club’s ongoing and rewarding commitments to community service is our commitment to serving dinner meals on the first Saturday of each month at the Gillespie Center here in Westport.
We are back to serving meals at the newly renovated Gillespie Center. We have the option to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM or to bring meals to serve in person at 4:40 PM (allow extra time if the meals need to be reheated). Meal service should include a main dish, side dish, vegetable, and dessert (no nuts or shellfish please). The number of meals to provide, currently 25, will be confirmed to you to in advance when it is your turn to serve.
If you choose to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM you have the option to prepare homemade meals, purchase prepared meals at the store/restaurant of your choice, or you can contact Fresh Market on the Post Road in Westport where you can purchase prepared meals (protein, two sides and cookies for $7 - $10 per meal). If you choose the Fresh Market option call Tory at 203 227-2910 on the Monday prior to your meal service to place your order. You can pay for the meals when you pick them up.
If you are unable to work on your assigned Saturday you will be responsible to call other Rotarians on the list to switch dates.
