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.
Posted onOctober 3, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Masquerade, Psycho, Lynsey …
“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — has officially opened.
It certainly is different.
When audiences enter the fully transformed Opera House (formerly Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street), they trace the steps of the Opera Ghost, who has terrorized performers and management.
It’s quite an experience. Making it extra special for Westporters is Clay Singer. The Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate is one of 6 actors playing the Phantom.
He’s also the youngest performer to play the role fulltime in New York.
Clay’s portrayal is deeply influenced by Kevin Gray’s renowned interpretation — a favorite of his, for more than just its artistic brilliance. Kevin was a 1976 Staples (and Players alum). He died in 2013 — the year Clay graduated — of a heart attack. He was just 55.
Speaking of spooky: Westport Country Playhouse’s classic film series presents “Psycho” — Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1960 horror film — Friday (October 10, 7 p.m.)
Mark Shanahan — the Playhouse artistic director, who taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 20 years — will offer pre- and post-show insights, from details to watch for to hidden moments you may have missed.
Shanahan taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 20 years.
Vanity Fair says: “New York Times photographer [and 1991 Staples High raduate] Lynsey Addario has captured some of the most powerful images from conflict zones around the world. But in the new documentary ‘Love+War,’ it’s her turn to step in front of the camera.
Oscar-winning directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin capture her journey as she travels to some of the most dangerous places in the world — from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Ukraine — to photograph the stark realities of war. In the new trailer for the National Geographic Documentary Films project ,,, Addario is seen running from danger and explosions in Ukraine as her husband and 2 young sons wait back home in London.
“The film explores the central tension of Addario’s life. ‘I’m a conflict photographer,” she says. ‘Very few people understand why we do what we do.’” (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)
Lynsey Addario on assignment at a refugee camp in Chad. (Photo/Caitlin Kelly for Vanity Fair)
All “Warriors, supporters, caregivers, medical heroes and friends” are invited to Jesup Green on Monday (October 6, 11 a.m.), to raise the Pink Aid flag.
The ceremony will raise something else: awareness of breast cancer, during this special month.
And After a decade away, Jane Pimentel returned to competitive sailing last weekend — in a big way.
Representing Longshore Sailing School, she and partner Jessica Koenig earned a silver medal, at the US Para Sailing Championship in the Martin 16 class, at Coronado Yacht Club in California.
It was the team’s first time sailing together — and their first time in the Martin 16 — with only one day of practice ahead of the event.
Pimentel will continue to compete, nationally and internationally. She will launch a fundraising campaign to cover travel expenses and entry fees.
Longtime Westport resident Martha Lucci died peacefully in April, in Norwalk. She was 76.
She worked for many years at Burndy Corporation. She met her husband, native Westporter Sal Lucci, there in 1969.
Later, she brought her artistic talents to the studios of her father-in-law Patrick Lucci, working as a creative artist in New York and Westport.
Martha was a familiar presence at Compo Beach and Longshore. For over 35 years, took early morning walks with friends Sharon Smith and Susan Goldman. She often stopped to help injured birds and lost dogs.
Martha took pride in cultivating flower and vegetable gardens. Her home was filled with hand-knitted pieces, shelves of books, homemade Christmas cards and the bustle of holiday gatherings.
She and Sal hosted an Independence Day party for over 20 years.
Martha is survived by her husband of 49 years, Sal; brothers Cary Muenzen of Danbury and Mark Muenzen (Theresa) of Fairfield; several nieces and nephews, and her cats Cinnamon and Penny. She was predeceased by her brother Bryant Muenzen, and felines Lassie, Peach and Simon.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society, ASPCA, Wildlife in Crisis, or Peaceful Valley Donkey Reserve.
And finally … in honor of Jay Walshon’s wonderful image above:
(Just as elusive as a butterfly: helping people understand that “06880” relies on the support of its readers. We need you. Please take a moment to click here, and show us some love. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Masquerade, Psycho, Lynsey …
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink is its symbol — and the color of roses. What better way, Diana asks, to commemorate all of the warriors, past and present, who have been impacted by breast cancer than to turn our river pink?
And at the same time, raise money for charity.
Saugatuck Rowing Club Survive-OARS work out, on a beautiful day.
The 1st annual River of Roses Soiree is set for Saturday, October 5 (4 to 8 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club). Proceeds benefit the Saugatuck Survive-OARS program, in partnership with the Smilow Family Breast Health Center at Norwalk Hospital.
The sun sets at 6:30. Right before then, anyone who has purchased a rose petal will be invited to the dock, to help scatter hundreds. The high tide will carry them — biodegradable and freeze-dried — out to Long Island Sound.
The Survive-OARS team will read the names of everyone being honored.
That’s an important ceremony. But the event is also a celebration. Hummock Island will provide oysters — which they’ll shuck right there — plus champagne (sparkling rosé, very fitting) thanks to Chandon California. Cocktails are courtesy of TUCK Gini (named after the SaugaTUCK River), and Blue Ice Vodka.
The rowing club will serve clam chowder, lobster bisque and seasonal soup. Dessert includes apple strudel, and a huge wall donated by Donut Crazy.
Live music is courtesy of Fake ID, while Design Within Reach is loaning patio furniture. Le Boudoir Blow Dry Bar has offered to do ladies’ hair before thee vent.
A few of the rose petals, during a test run in the Saugatuck River.
Diana made sure to get approval for the petals from conservation director Alicia Mozian. A short time after that enthusiastic okay, the Saugatuck River suffered back-to-back sewage leaks.
“Now more than ever,” Diana says, “Westport will appreciate a river filled with beautiful rose petals, packed with powerful antioxidants and antiseptic properties!’
Not to mention, a great cause backed by some wonderful, very courageous women.
(To purchase tickets to the event, and/or rose petals — including those in honor of someone, even if you can’t attend — click here. To volunteer, email Dkuen@saugatuckrowing.com)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and to raise awareness, the entire Westport PAL 8th grade football team is wearing pink socks, (Photo/Miki Scarfo)
The beer flows at Westport’s Biergarten on the Green.
The group is gearing up for tomorrow’s 2nd annual Biergarten on the Green (Saturday, October 19). Last year’s event was a great one, though it drew about 100 out-of- towners for every 1 beer-drinker (and sausage-eater) from Westport.
Abbey has donated an enormous tent, covering most of Veterans Green across from Town Hall. Cathy Colgan — the WDMA’s event-planning genius — realized it would sit empty on Sunday, before being dismantled and picked up on Monday.
A cancer survivor, Cathy was already figuring out how to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Coincidentally, Norwalk Hospital’s Smilow Family Breast Health Center was searching for a way to raise awareness in Westport.
So — with help from Lululemon, coordinating local yoga studios — Yoga on the Green was born.
From 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Sunday (October 20), instructors from M3 Yoga, Saugatuck Studios, the Westport Weston Family Y, Oxygen Fitness, Yoga for Everybody, Venture Yoga and Yogapata will conduct yoga and meditation sessions.
They’re suitable for every age and level of experience. Just bring your own mats or towels.
The idea is to raise awareness that both yoga and traditional medical treatment can promote healing, relaxation and well-being.
Yoga on the Green is free, but a suggested $25 donation will help pay for holistic therapies that can ease pain and anxiety for Smilow Center patients.
Of course, the day before, Biergarten-goers can ease pain and anxiety their own way. In the same tent as yoga practitioners.
There’s a great story rocketing around the interwebs. A little boy broke his wrist, and the doctor pointed to various kids’ casts. What color did the little boy want?
“Pink,” he said.
The doctor laughed. “Boys don’t wear pink!” he explained.
The boy looked him in the eye. “There’s no boy colors or girl colors!” he said. “I want pink. It’s for breast cancer awareness!”
I thought of that story Friday, when I was in Learning Express. I’d just bought a gift (teething giraffe, indeterminate color) for Ned Batlin’s 3-week-old son Teddy.
Is there anything wrong with this…
An older man — I assume the owner — was waiting on a little boy in front of me. He asked what color something the boy wanted. “Pink?” the man chuckled. “Or maybe blue?”
The boy chose green. I chose to shut my mouth.
But I was upset, and a couple of hours later I went back. I quietly said to the man, “I heard something today you might not even be aware of. I’m telling you because it’s about your business.”
I explained what I’d heard. “It was a joke,” the owner replied.
“What’s the joke?” I asked. “That boys can never like pink?”
He could not explain the hilarity. But he was pretty serious about not wanting to hear what I said.
I told him the “pink cast” story. He said it had nothing to do with him.
…or this?
I said that I help run a youth group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. One topic that comes up often is gender stereotyping. From a very early age, kids feel pressured to conform to “social norms.” Pink-for-girls-and-blue-for-boys is only one of many.
Things are changing, of course. Male sports teams at all levels — from pros and college down through Staples — proudly wear pink. The reason is to raise awareness (and funds) for breast cancer awareness, but a side effect is demolishing the notion that “pink is for girls” (or, in jock-talk, “sissies”).
Fortunately these days, most adults realize the dangers of stereotyping children — whether by colors, toys, activities or anything else.
The Learning Express man is not one of them. In fact, he was adamant. “I’m not going to stop making jokes just because of what you say,” he declared.
That’s his right.
Just as it’s my right to buy my toys somewhere else. Someplace that exhibits not only toys on a shelf, but also awareness of the importance of helping children feel comfortably un-stereotyped in a big, wide, wonderful world.
Staples soccer players Ethan Bradeen (left) and Noah Schwaeber support breast cancer awareness — and proudly sport pink.
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