Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.
Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.
They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.
(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)
The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).
Interns work down on the (Wakeman Town) Farm …
But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.
So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?
Do you need a senior (or two, or three) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.
You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.
(NOTE: “06880” has had Staples interns for several years. They’ve done everything from create a photo book, to kick-start our video presence. They’re great!)
… and on the field, for PrepZone.
Internships begin in mid-May. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.
If interested, or to learn more, email program directors Lauren Goldshore and Jessica Larit: shsinternship@westportps.org.
Westport’s “No Kings” rally today was loud. It was wide-ranging.
And it was very well attended.
Over 500 people gathered on Jesup Green for speeches and songs.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Susan Terry started the protest — one of nearly 3,000 nationally, all in opposition to President Trump and his policies — with a stirring rendition of “America.”
Congressman Jim Himes offered a powerful vision for the day. “We are here because we love America,” he said.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
“The song we just heard talks about ‘brotherhood.’ We are all here — Democrats, Republicans and independents — in support of that great American dream of brotherhood.”
“Peaceful actions, consistent with American values, matter,” he continued. “Things may get worse before they get better. But we all have a role to play.”
Congressman Jim Himes
Other speakers included State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg, Dominique Johnson and Matthew Blumenthal.
Dan Bikel — a Westporter, and son of folksinger Theodore Bikel — led a singalong to “We Shall Overcome.”
Another rally, a few yards away, was even larger.
Around 2,000 people lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, from Taylor Place to Post Road West, holding placards and chanting slogans. It was at least as large as a similar “No Kings” event in June.
(Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
The crowd was buoyed by near-constant supportive honking, from vehicles driving slowly past on the Post Road.
There was an especially loud response by the operator of a long flatbed tow truck. On both sides of the bridge, the crowd roared its thanks.
Meanwhile in the river, 2 counter-protesters made their feelings known.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
But they were vastly outnumbered. Out-shouted. Out-flagged.
And out-signed.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
The view from a passing car. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
Rally co-organizer Darcy Hicks, and husband Josh Koskoff.
Back to Bike Westport: Don’t forget their Bridge to Bridge Walk tomorrow (Sunday, 9 a.m.). Residents and all candidates are invited to meet at the Westport Library. Everyone will walk over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, turn left on Riverside Avenue, and head to the other (Cribari) Bridge, in Saugatuck.
There are still a few opportunities between now and November 4 to talk hear candidates for various offices. The schedule is below. NOTE: Registration is required for several events.
Select Board Candidates Debate: October 21, 12 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
A Seat at the Selectman’s Table: October 21, 6 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by Westport Library Common Ground Initiative. Registration required; click here.
A Conversation with Board of Education Candidates: October 22, 7 p.m., Toquet Hall. Co-sponsored by League of Women Voters Westport and “06880.” Register: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
A Conversation with Planning & Zoning Commission Candidates: October 23; 7 p.m. Senior Center. Co-sponsored by League of Women Voters Westport and “06880.” Register: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
Candidates Debates: Board of Education, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Finance: October 27, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
Candidates Debate: 1st Selectman and Planning & Zoning Commission: October 28, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
The next Public Works and Westport Police Traffic and Pedestrian Safety update session is Thursday (October 23, 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
It includes news about the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force’s progress, and input from on traffic safety concerns in area neighborhoods.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force.
=================================================
Speaking of making the town better: The next clean-up — organized by Andrew Colabella, and hosted by Michele Harding and her group — takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 1 p.m.).
Everyone is invited. Meet at 55-57 Greens Farms Road (the office building next to Assumption Cemetery). Bring bags and trash pickers. Gloves are mandatory.
And thank you to all!
A previous trash pick-up, near the Greens Farms office building.
================================================
It’s a delicate dance, combining comedy with homelessness.
But for 18 years, Homes with Hope has done it well. Last night, they did it again — perfectly.
The 18th annual “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” — a gala fundraiser, highlighted by a comedian — raised over $250,000, at Fairfield University’s sold-out Quick Center.
Raucous laughter, thanks to Tom Papa’s on-target show, was balanced with the sobering mission of the non-profit: to address homelessness and hunger, in Westport and surrounding towns.
Tom Papa, on stage.
Before Papa took the (hilarious) stage, HwH CEO and president Helen McAlinden made 2 announcements.
The organization’s mentoring program will now be named in honor of Carol Randel, the longtime and well-loved board member.
And John Walsh — chair emeritus — was recognized for his 30 years of service. He received a commendation from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. Governor Ned Lamont declared yesterday “John Walsh Day” in Connecticut.
A special screening of the documentary “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” was followed by a concert featuring songs from the film.
Legendary bluesman James Montgomery produced the film. His famed James Montgomery Blues Band performed the post-film concert.
They were joined by Saturday Night Live “Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman, saxophonist Crispin Cioe (a Westport resident who has played with the Rolling Stones and J Geils Band), and other guests.
Speaking of music legends: Longtime Westporter Harvey Brooks checks in from Jerusalem, where he and his wife Bonnie Behar Brooks now live.
The legendary bassist — who played with some of the most iconic musicians of the 1960s and ’70s (Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Miles Davis and, perhaps most memorably, Bob Dylan on songs like “Like a Rolling Stone” — is still going strong.
He’s just published a new book: “Lessons: Bass Lines, Sessions, and On the Road Stories.”
In addition to teaching how to play the electric bass, Brooks offers transcriptions (charts) of some of his most outstanding recordings. They’re woven with personal accounts of life as a professional musician.
Now, she’s published a book. She describes “Don’t Tell My Mom That I Love Her” as: “Think Judy Blume’s Margaret meets early Carrie Bradshaw: same inquisitive insight, different shoes. A funny, tender story about mothers, daughters, and the complicated love that connects them as they navigate the messy magical dance of growing up — together.”
The lighthearted story took 10 years to write. Thom Fiffer and Julia Bobkoff of Westport-based Christmas Lake Creative helped Barnett finalize it.
First Folk Sunday has waited a long time to pay tribute to Peter, Paul & Mary.
November 2 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club) is the perfect time, organizers say. It comes 2 days before Election Day. The timing “reminds everyone that democracy is pro-active and participatory, just like the music gifted to us by Peter, Paul & Mary.”
Suzanne Sheridan and Matt Livigni take on the multiple PP&M identities, in this special show.
Audience members are encouraged to sing along with well-known songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “If I Had a Hammer,” “Puff the Magic Dragon” and more.
In addition to the $20 ticket, Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu. Doors open at noon; music begins at 12:30. Click here for tickes, and more information. For more information call 203-984-7562.
=================================================
The final United Methodist Church Jazz Vespers of the year takes place on Sunday (October 19, 4 p.m.; free will offering).
Pianist Jen Allen joins bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber, for an uplifting service of music and word. Fellowship will follow the service.
Music director John Hoddinott — a young, talented classical and jazz guitarist—continues to bring dynamic music to the church and community. As the photo below shows: All are welcome.
There’s always something going on at the Senior Center.
And always something to see.
Right now, it’s Peter Gold’s woodturning exhibit.
The co-chair of the Westport Transit District (and Representative Town Meeting member) is also an accomplished artisan.
He began only 7 years ago. Peter works primarily with found wood, mostly from Westport, gathered when people take down trees or they come down in storms.
He cuts the logs on a bandsaw to create turning blanks — blocks of wood prepared for shaping on a lathe. Once dried — which can take several years — he turns the blanks into compelling objects.
“Sometimes my vision prevails,” Peter says. “Sometimes the wood wins. Each piece is a unique creation.”
Peter Gold’s Senior Center exhibit. (Photo/Dick Lowenstein)
Club203 had a “spook-tacular” time Thursday evening, at Earthplace.
Members of Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities enjoyed “tree trunks full” of candy (courtesy of the New York Yankeees), pumpkin decorating with MoCA CT, and dancing to thrillers with Marca.
Earthplace volunteers were the “magic potion,” ensuring the event’s success.
Smiles (and costumes) tell the Club203 story. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
And finally … Ace Frehley — the original lead guitarist of Kiss — died Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey. of complications from a recent fall. He was 74.
(You can rock and roll all night. You can party every day. But every once in a while, you really should support “06880.” Please click here to show us some love. Thank you all!)
Comments Off on Roundup: RTM District Map, Meet The Candidates, Traffic & Trash …
An alabaster piece by new-to-“06880” artist Alan Goldberg — celebrating the release of Israeli hostages — leads this week’s online art gallery.
And although our gallery is seldom “political,” it includes another work, by Duane Cohen, that seems particularly relevant today.
They’re 2 more examples of the wide, eclectic, interesting and inspiring nature of this series. It began in the early days of COVID, and — due to popular demand, and always welcome weekly submissions — it has continued every Saturday since.
No matter how young (or old) you are; what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Bring Them Home” — alabaster (Alan Goldberg)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“On the Way Down to Cove Marina, Cold Rain” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)
“Nantucket Surf” — acrylic painting (Eric Bosch)
“After the Storm” — acrylic pouring, 24 x 18 (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase — click here)
“Leggy” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Horse Head Study” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah — Available for purchase; click here)
“Leapin’ Lizards” (Martin Ripchick)
“Happy Perfect Beautiful” (Mike Hibbard)
“Once Upon a Time in China: Circa Pearl Buck’s ‘The Good Earth'” (Steve Stein)
“Piggyback” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Beauty > Darkness” (Celia Campbell-Mohn)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
“Students Speak” — a special “06880” feature — gives Westport students a voice on any issue important to their lives.
Gunnar Eklund is a senior at Staples High School. He is very involved in the debate team, and Service League of Boys. Outside of school he participates in the Pequot Runners Club. He has worked as a Camp Mahackeno counselor, and a legal intern for the North Carolina 4th Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office. Gunnar writes:
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
Roosevelt’s words feel especially relevant today, in a time when so much about our future, from climate policy to education, is shaped without enough youth voices at the table.
As students we’re often told by parents, teachers and mentors that the future belongs to us — or, better yet, that we are the future.
However, we’re rarely asked to help shape it. After all, the average member of Congress is 59 years old.
Despite this generational gap, young people are far from apathetic. We care about the issues that matter. We hope to be heard, trusted, and taken seriously.
We may be students, but we are also voters-in-training. What we learn about civic engagement now will shape how we participate for the rest of our lives.
Gunnar Eklund
For me, civic engagement has taken many forms. Over the past 4 years I’ve attended monthly Connecticut Debate Association tournaments.
Through these experiences I’ve developed skills every citizen should have: the ability to research and take an informed position, the capacity to understand multiple perspectives, and above all, the willingness to engage in respectful community dialogue.
Currently, as the Staples debate team president, I work to create an environment where every teammate feels confident expressing their ideas.
As a junior, I participated in the national “We The People” competition. My team and I analyzed the Constitution, and learned to apply its principles to current issues.
The process went beyond memorizing facts; it taught me to reconsider the way I viewed government.
After months of revising drafts and rehearsing questioning sessions, our class placed 8th in the national finals in Washington, the first Top 10 finish in school history.
Beyond the ranking, this experience taught me that civic engagement thrives when people come together.
Staples’ 2025 We the People team. Gunnar Eklund is 3rd from the right, in the back row. The flag hangs in Staples’ We the People teacher Suzanne Kammerman’s classroom.
Civic engagement has also been a cornerstone of my life outside the classroom. Observing my younger brother prepare for and become the only freshman in the country to win the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute’s Annual Civics Challenge last year showed me the value of encouraging other young individuals to engage.
Although I am not old enough to vote yet, that doesn’t mean I’m powerless to contribute. Handing out “I Voted” stickers on Election Day proved that even small actions help strengthen our country.
I’ve also had the opportunity to help Addison Moore, a Staples 2023 graduate and possibly the youngest candidate to ever run for Westport RTM, with his campaign.
Gunnar Eklund rocks his debate team logowear.
Civic engagement is far more than casting a ballot; it’s about learning, participating, and supporting others in the process. While I look forward to the day I can vote, I’m equally excited by the opportunities I have now to become an active, informed citizen.
Every student has the ability to make a difference. Whether it’s joining a debate team, volunteering, mentoring younger students or participating in local campaigns, each action prepares us to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
Engaging in these activities teaches more than just facts about government. Leadership, empathy, and the importance of working together toward common goals are all components of civic virtue that can be learned.
If I were to give one piece of advice, it would be to say “yes” to opportunities. Saying “yes” opens the door to new experiences, allowing you to challenge yourself and to connect with others who are also contributing to our community.
One specific way students can say “yes” is by choosing to read. Reading can look like just about anything. Surfing the web for articles about current issues, opening up a history textbook, or just flipping through a book that explores a different point of view are all fantastic ways to partake in this habit. The point is to engage with ideas beyond your immediate experience, and to ask questions that inspire you to learn more.
As FDR recognized, preparing young people today is essential to building a stronger, more thoughtful future. Every action we take now, no matter how small it seems, contributes to the communities we live in and prepares us to shape the future we hope to inherit.
(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.)
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Every day, we bring you news, events, opinions, photos and much more. But we can’t do it without the support of our readers. Please click here to contribute. Thanks!)
Gunnar Eklund (right), with his younger brother Tucker at the Liberty Bell.
In the past couple of decades, adults have adopted it too.
But the gang at the Brook was ahead of the curve.
This was Halloween 1980, at Westport’s famous gay bar. (Before its demolition in 2010, it was the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country.)
(Photo courtesy of Jill Turner Odice)
Today, the Cedar Brook Café has been replaced by Patio.com.
And these Halloween revelers of yore are now AARP age.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Yesterday’s “06880” story about who becomes 2nd and 3rd selectperson if David Rosenwaks — running without a running mate — wins, clarified that uncertain situation.
But Westport voters are asking another question.
There are 3 Democrats running for the Board of Education: incumbent Abby Tolan, and petitioning candidates Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
However, because the Town Charter limits any political party to just a bare BOE majority — 4 seats on the 7-member board — and there are 2 Democrats in the middle of their own 4-year terms: What happens if someone votes for all 3 Dems?
Some voters fear that a ballot with 3 Democrats selected will be rejected.
Not true, says town clerk Jeff Dunkerton.
He tells “06880”: “If a voter selects all 3 Democratic candidates, their ballot will not be rejected, and all 3 votes will count.
“While it’s true that only 2 Democratic candidates can ultimately be seated on the board due to minority representation rules, voters still have the right to vote for up to 4 candidates, as stated on the ballot. Only if voters select more than 4 candidates will their ballot be considered an over-vote for the BOE race.”
To be clear: Votes for 3 Democratic candidates will be counted. However, only the top 2 vote-getters in that party would be seated.
On the Republican side, 4 candidates are running: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Andy Frankel, Michelle Hopson and Kaitlin Zucaro.
If all GOP candidates are the top 4 vote-getters, all would be seated, and no Democrats. Republicans would then have 4 BOE seats, with the 3 currently serving members in the middle of their terms: Democrats Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips, and unaffiliated Jill Dillon.
===============================================
Last night’s 1st selectman’s debate drew a large crowd to Greens Farms Academy.
After nearly 70 years of service to the town, the Westport Young Woman’s League is starting a new chapter — literally.
The longtime community organization has officially changed its name to the Women’s League of Westport.
Officers say the new name better reflects the League’s evolving membership, and its mission to welcome women in all stages of life who want to give back, connect, and make a difference in their community.
(It also removes the pesky confusion about whether it’s “Woman’s” or “Women’s.” The plural is much more embracing too.)
The group is not wasting any time celebrating. To kick off the new League year, they’ll host their first-ever Friendsgiving Bash — a “girls’ night out” dance party to benefit the Westport Warm-Up Fund.
The event is November 19 (7 to 10 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
The dance party began several years ago. Past president Julie Whamond started what she thought would be a simple holiday get-together with friends. It quickly grew into a beloved annual tradition. Now it’s an official League event.
Tickets (minimum $30 donation) are available at the door, or via Venmo: @Athina-Meehan-1.
=================================================
Last week, Sustainable Westport and Earthplace hosted a discussion on sustainability issues with all 3 first selectman candidates.
A large Branson Hall crowd heard Kevin Christie, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks discuss their perspectives, and environmental plans for the future. Topics ranged from flood resilience to transportation, and more.
If you weren’t there — or were, and want to hear it again — click here.
There’s been a change in tomorrow’s “No Kings” protest.
The event still starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Jesup Green. But instead of marching to Veterans Green, the speakers and musicians will all take place entirely at Jesup Green.
Organizers say, “We expect a large crowd, and want to ensure safety for all. We are a community of families. Respect and kindness toward our neighbors is expected, as we exercise our right to free assembly and free speech.”
Renovation of the Imperial Avenue parking lot — including a bathroom, storage shed and access to Deadman Brook — may or may not happen.
After many months of debate, a decision has not yet been made.
But there has been one improvement. Four new handicap parking spots were recently painted, and signs installed.
The move — part of Westport’s push to become ADA-compliant — will benefit Westport Farmers’ Market shoppers, and people going to nearby Levitt Pavilion.
Westport is one step closer to joining the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority.
The state agency has $60 million in bonding authority. They help communities navigate state bureaucracy. and advocate for and advise on infrastructure improvements.
A petition has been submitted to the town clerk’s office. The next step is for approval by the Representative Town Meeting.
The move coincides with David Kooris’ talk yesterday, at the Westport Library.
But David Kooris might provide some ideas. The executive director of the CMDA discussed development, community concerns, traffic issues, and how to create a more walkable Westport.
The crowd included a number of candidates and town officials — including RTM members, who will be asked to approve the petition.
CMDA’s David Kooris, with moderator Dave Briggs and RTM member Kristin Mott Purcell, at yesterday’s event.
Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Westport Uncorked” fundraiser was a corking good time.
The sold-out 34th annual event included everything: curated wines and crat spirits, courtesy of the Fine Wine Company; great food — and fundraising for the many projects supported by Sunrise Rotary, locally and around the globe.
The Inn at Longshore hosted with its usual warmth and attention to detail. We’ll drink to that!
One of the many tasting stations at Westport Uncorked. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Staples High School’s Class of 1975 had their “can you believe it’s happening?!” 50th reunion last weekend.
Half a decade ago, there were 619 graduates. They had 80 for Friday night’s gathering at the Black Duck, 150 at the Westport Woman’s Club on Saturday (photo below), and 70 at Tom Capasse’s Bluff Point home for Sunday brunch.
Other highlights included a tour of the “new” Staples by Laddie Lawrence (who in 1975 was in his second year as Wreckers’ track coach), and check-ins by a bunch of current Staples juniors. Their 50th reunion will be held in 2077.
Congrats to the entire class — especially Reunion Committee members Larry Perlstein, Nancy Kondub, Alison Clarke and Tom Capasse.
Lisa Hayes stands by the sign near Connemara. (It’s a bit easier to say than the Gaelic written above it.
“A stunningly beautiful area on Ireland’s west coast,” Arthur says.
=================================================
Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between October 8 and 14.
Four New York City men — ages 26, 24, 21 and 19 — were charged with larceny or conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty.
A 47-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, threatening with a firearm and reckless endangerment, following an investigation into an incident several months earlier, involving an argument at a Westport residence. He posted a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Disorderly conduct: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Unlawful restraint: 2
Violation of rear-facing seat regulation: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission signals: 1
Failure to stop on the right side of the road: 1
Rear-facing car seats
=============================================
We love “Westport … Naturally” photos are larger than life. A shot like this, from Judith Katz, allows us to see the wonders all around, up close and very personal.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
=================================================
And finally … Jeanne-Paule Marie (“The Singing Nun,” or Sœur Sourire (“Sister Smile”) was born on this day in 1933. Her song “Dominique” was a surprise hit in the US in 1963 — just weeks before Beatlemania changed music forever.
Owing partially to confusion over the terms of the recording contract, she was eventually reduced to poverty. She also experienced a crisis of faith, leaving her order though still remaining a Catholic. She died by suicide in 1985 with her life partner, Annie Pécher.
(From the Women’s League of Westport to the Singing Nun — with a bit of Ireland thrown in — you get it all on “06880.” We hope we get your support too. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
Kimberly Paris is one of many Westporters for whom it carries deep meaning.
Since March of 2024, she’s been going through treatment for the disease. As happens often, her diagnosis was a complete surprise. It turned her world upside down.
Kimberly Paris
You may not know Kimberly personally. But if you’ve ever been on Pumpkin Hill Road — and who hasn’t, using the shortcut between Staples High/Bedford Middle School, and Roseville Road — you’ve seen her work.
Early in COVID, she launched a yard sign company. “Signs of Happiness” offers enormous, fun lawn decorations. Each one is personally designed and hand cut.
Father’s Day. Graduation. Anniversaries. Retirements. Bar and bat mitzvahs, and communions.
If there is an occasion, Kimberly creates a sign for it. For 5 years Westporters have enjoyed her ever-changing displays, just a few yards from Colony Road.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
One of the hardest parts of her illness was having to pause her business.
Kimberly did not have the energy to deliver and install signs herself. Nor was she comfortable outsourcing the job to someone who might not offer the same care, detail and personalization that her clients love.
She missed it. And she was disappointed not to be part of families’ celebrations that she’d helped with, year after year.
That’s why “Pink-tober” feels so meaningful. Kimberly is back!
Though a few surgeries still loom, she has finished the hardest parts of treatment.
Most importantly, she says, she has the energy and excitement to return to what she loves most: “delivering happiness.”
To honor the month — and the amazing breast cancer community — she has placed a special sign on Pumpkin Hill.
It invites survivors, fighters, and anyone who has lost someone to breast cancer to add their names. (It’s simple — just click here!)
“While there is nothing ‘happy’ about cancer,” Kimberly says, “I hope my sign reminds anyone fighting their own battles that they are seen, loved, and never alone.”
She also created a new sign. “Cancer Picked the Wrong Girl” is designed for families and friends to send to a loved one going through treatment.
It’s filled with motivating and comforting images, bringing a smile and a little lightness to a tough time.
Twenty percent of every rental and sale will be donated to the renter’s choice: Pink Aid, Sharsheret or Swim Across the Sound. All 3 non-profits supported Kimberly through her own journey.
Now she is back. And her Signs of Happiness bring her — and us — more joy than ever.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
