Tag Archives: Kami Evans

Roundup: Dogs, Deer, Teenagers …

Posted on June 3, 2021 | 2 comments

=======================================================

Yesterday’s rally against antisemitism drew Westporters of all faiths and ages.

Bedford Middle School 8th grader was there too. He took this compelling photo, capturing some of the sentiment at the scene.

(Photo/Preston Siroka)

=======================================================

Staples Tuition Grants’ annual awards ceremony is one of the high school’s premier events.

Last year’s was particularly impressive. The organization — founded in 1943, with a $100 grant from the PTA — awarded $350,000 in need-based scholarships, to 129 students. Nearly half are seniors who graduate this month; the rest are Staples grads, currently in college.

The grants — ranging from $500 to $5,000 — will help them attend a total of 77 institutions, in 24 states.

Guest speakers included longtime STG donor Dick Fincher, and past recipient/current educator, EMT and Westport Local Press publisher Jaime Bairaktaris.

But — as always — the “stars” were the students. To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants, and donate, click here.

Staples Tuition Grants honorees. (Photo/Pamela Einarsen)

=======================================================

As your dog enjoys the great outdoors, remember: June is dog license renewal month.

All dogs over 6 months old must be licensed. Fees are $8 for neutered male or spayed female, $19 for others. Additional fees apply for online applications.

A $75 infraction will be issued for any non-licensed dog, and any dog not wearing a current dog tag.

Click here for everything you need to know about dog licenses.

Can I see your dog’s license?

======================================================

Kami Evans is all about connections.

Usually she connects Westport shoppers and merchants, and businesses with businesses. Now she’s working with teenagers, through a Teen Job Fair.

ConneCTalent owners Jasmine Silver and Runa Knapp will talk about interviewing and follow-up skills, and conduct mock interviews.

It’s set for June 13 (10 to 11:30 a.m., MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike).  Click here to register. The Teacher Marketplace is sponsoring the event.

How can teenagers get jobs? The Teen Job Fair can help.

===================================================

Speaking of teenagers: Westport Farmers’ Market‘s 5th annual Young Shoots Photography Contest opens soon. And you can be even younger than 13 to enter.

There are 3 age categories: 8-10 years old, 11-14 and 15-18. Any photo taken at one of the Thursday Farmers’ Markets is eligible. Judging is by a panel of local artists, and the public.

The contest runs from a week from today (June 10) through July 18. Winners — who earn cash prizes, special swag and membership to local art organizations — will be celebrated at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, with catering by Sugar & Olives. Click here to submit photos.

“Starstem” by Calista Finkelstein placed 1st in the 2016 contest, in the 8-10 category.

======================================================

What does it mean to be Asian American? That’s the title of a conversation next Thursday (June 10, 7 p.m.) Presented by the Westport Library, TEAM Westport and AAPI Westport, there’s limited seating at the library. But everyone around the world can tune in virtually.

Professors Erika Lee and Jason Chang are the guests. The discussion will be moderated by Westporter Heather Lee. They’ll explore Asian American life through a wide historic lens, as well as the current wave of anti-Asian discrimination and physical attacks, and AAPI communities uniting with others to create an inclusive and equitable society.

To register for in-person seating at the Westport Library, click here. To register for the Zoom link, click here.

A scene from Westport’s Asian-American rally, outside the Library.

=======================================================

An event last night at Mancini Salon honored owner Carla Morales. The staff surprised her with a party, thanking her for all she did to get them through the pandemic year. She kept all her employees on, under difficult circumstances — and kept them and their patrons safe. The salon reopened exactly a year ago.

Congratulations, Carla. Here’s wishing you and Mancini a great summer! (Hat tip: Patti Brill)

Cheers at Mancini Salon.

======================================================

Sustainable Westport’s Zero Food Waste Challenge matching grant has a month left to meet its $7,500 goal. The deadline is July 2.

The aim is to double our town’s food scrap recycling participation in the next 6 months. Funds raised will educate and inspire residents about the project. Click here to donate.

Food scrap recycling – it’s easy!

=======================================================

Tired of bears? For today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, let’s go back to our old favorites: deer. Lauri Weiser spotted this cute one (in between nibbles) at her Lansdowne condo complex.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

=======================================================

Speaking of deer: At least one baby was born yesterday, at Willowbrook Cemetery. May it rest — and romp — in peace.

(Photo/Danny Amoruccio)

=======================================================

Westport Country Playhouse’s popular Script in Hand play reading series continues with “The Savannah Disputation.” The comedy — filmed on the Playhouse stage — will be broadcast virtually. It premieres June 14 at 7 p.m., and streams on demand from June 15 through 20.

In “Savannah Disputation,” Mary and Margaret are feisty Catholic sisters living in Georgia, who forget about Southern hospitality when a young Pentecostal missionary knocks at their front door to shake up their beliefs. The women call in their local priest for backup, in this entertaining examination of what it means to truly believe.

Click here for tickets and more information.

=======================================================

And finally … in honor of Kami Evans’ initiative to prepare teenagers for the job market:

2 Comments

Posted in Environment, Library, Local business, Staples HS, Teenagers, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Kami Evans, Turkey Hill, Food Survey …

Posted on May 2, 2021 | 2 comments

====================================================

Before moving to England, Kami Evans was an influencer and video blogger working with local businesses. She grew “Kami’s Kloud” from 1 Facebook group to over 69 social media platforms and 8 shows.

She was thrilled to return to Westport last August. Very quickly, she got re-engaged.

Kami’s team (Kameleon Publicity) is helping businesses and organizations that give back to the community. Organic Krush, for example, raised money for Filling in the Blanks (which provides weekend meals to needy children), while Choice Pet helps rescues like PAWS.

These days, Kami says, “we focus more on impact, and building up the community in a difficult time. Local bloggers have an important job, sharing what’s good and new. I try to add impact and community engagement to that.”

For more information, click here or email info@kameleonpublicity.com.

Kami Evans

====================================================

The latest historic plaque has been hung at 35 Turkey Hill Road North.

The Sealove family bought the house last August. It was built by Anne Selleck in 1912, on land bought from the Banks family.

The historic house program is run by Bob Weingarten, for the Westport Museum for History & Culture. It celebrates homeowners who honor the heritage of their property.

The Sealove family, at 35 Turkey Hill North.

======================================================

Streetmarc Advertising and Marketing — a Westport-based food marketing agency — is gauging interest for a new retail food concept. To answer their survey, click here.

======================================================

At Staples High School, Gus Cardello was involved with the Service League of Boys and WWPT-FM. He was a counselor at RECing Crew and Camp Compo, and started a window washing business with friends.

In 2018, during his sophomore year at Providence College, Gus died. A scholarship fund to help students who could not otherwise afford PC honors his life, and generous heart.

A group of friends — including Staples and Providence classmate Griff O’Neill — is selling phone wallets. It’s a fundraiser — and a way to keeping Gus’s name and memory alive. Click here for more information, and to purchase phone wallets.

=====================================================

You’re never too old to stop learning.

David Stalling graduated from Staples in 1979. He earned a degree in forestry at Paul Smiths College in 1981, and — after serving in a Marine Force Recon unit — got his journalism degree from the University of Montana in 1990.

Now — 31 years later — he has been awarded an MFA in Creative Writing from Montana.

That’s the good news.

Unfortunately, his student job ended yesterday. He starts a good, new job at the end of May. But between now and then he needs help paying rent, university fees and other bills.

Here’s a “Graduation-Fundraiser Sale.” David is also an excellent photographer. So anyone who contributes $50 can choose a beautiful 16 x 20 canvas print of  his wildlife or wild landscape photos. The donation includes printing, shipping and handling.

Click here to see his images. To order, email Stallingd@gmail.com. Include your choice of photo, full name and mailing address. For more information, click here.

One of David Stalling’s wildlife photos.

===================================================

To donate and purchase a 16 X 20 Canvas Print, click here: gf.me/u/zrzsft

Vanity Fair‘s May issue includes a feature on Lourdes Leon. Madonna’s oldest daughter talks about Instagram, her dream dinner with Rasputin, and her first boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet.

The author is VF‘s senior West Coast editor Britt Hennemuth. The 2008 Staples High School graduate knows something about acting: He’s a former Players star. (Hat tip: Lynn Flaster)

Lourdes Leon (Photo by Adrienne Raquel, courtesy of Vanity Fair)

================================================

And finally … Lesley Gore was born today in 1946. Though she recorded some of the most famous teen girl-lamenting-teen boy songs of the 1960s, all while a teenager herself — her partner for 33 years was jewelry designer Lois Sasson.

Lesley Gore died of lung cancer in 2015, at 68.

2 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Media, Real estate, Staples HS

Tagged , , ,

Kami Evans Helps Sustain Westport

Posted on April 25, 2021 | Comments Off on Kami Evans Helps Sustain Westport

Quietly — but powerfully — Westport has become a beehive of sustainability.

Between composting, our Net Zero 2050 commitment, the Home Energy Challenge, our embrace of electric vehicles, and organizations like Sustainable Westport, Wakeman Town Farm and Earthplace, many residents, businesses and groups are trying to do what we can to save our planet.

It’s not always easy. many areas need improvement. But awareness of the urgent need to act — and concrete steps to do so — seem high.

One small but important step took place Thursday night. Social media/ networking whiz Kami Evans gathered a group at Wakeman Town Farm. All have a product or concept in the sustainable space. Each spoke briefly about what they do, including what’s going well, and what they need.

Connections were made. Conversations were sparked. Community was formed.

There were established businesses like Savannah Bee, whose products and educational programs raise awareness of bees’ crucial role in our ecosystem, and BD Provisions, which sells healthy food in bulk (and sustainable containers).

Savannah Bee manager Julie Cook talked about her company’s mission — and the importance of bees on our planet.

Westport entrepreneurs described their inventions, like Lustir‘s carbon fiber straws, and those they sold, like SKP hair and body care.

Service providers spoke too: Curbside Compost, which picks up your food scraps and drops off a clean pail, and Staples High School graduate Rachel Precious, whose Precious Oysters offers “tide to table” shucking services.

The Eco Dude shared his vision of a space that will include non-plastic retail products, an artisan cooperative, all-compostable coffee shop, and workshops. (He’s still in the funding phase.)

Organic Krush catered, providing delicious, healthy, and pesticide-, GMO- and hormone-free food.

It would have been compostable, of course. Except it was too good. Not a scrap was left at the end.

Comments Off on Kami Evans Helps Sustain Westport

Posted in Environment, Local business

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Kami’s Kloud Krosses The Ocean

Posted on April 6, 2019 | Comments Off on Kami’s Kloud Krosses The Ocean

Everyone in Westport, it seemed, knew Kami Evans.

In 6 years here, she made quite a mark. She started several community Facebook pages, and became an “influence marketer.”

Two of her most popular pages were Westport and Fairfield Parents, and Fairfield County Friends and Family. Readers asked about — and recommended — the best local places to shop, upcoming events, and other resources.

Then came “Kami’s Kloud.” She connected businesses with non-profits and charities, helping build community. Soon, she launched web-based Kloud9TV.

Last July, Kami and her family moved to England. Her husband is British; they always knew they’d go back.

Kami Evans, in her new digs.

In her new town — Trentham — she noticed the same desire for community engagement she’d found here. Once again, she began developing Facebook pages and a video presence.

At the same time, her Westport friends stayed connected with emails and calls. She tried to connect the two towns across the pond, but realized social media was not the best way to do it.

But an app might be.

The other day, on a visit here, Kami talked about her new Kami’s Kloud app.

The goal is to bring “hyperlocal communities” — Westport, Trentham — together. There are 2 ways: by posting information on little shops, interesting events, and the like.

And by having users in one community share information, ideas and insights with those in others.

(From left): Kami Evans, Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs and Natalie Toraty of Noya Fine Jewelry. The local merchants look forward to having their events featured on Kami’s Kloud.

Kami is all about community. Westport still feels like home. She wants the best for it. And she wants people here to get to know people in Trentham, and vice versa.

Kami’s Kloud launched softly on March 22. By April 15 she hopes to add Google Maps, push notifications about nearby events, and more. She’s partnered with Waze too, so when you’re stuck in traffic, you can check out nearby events.

It’s available for both iPhones and Androids. On both sides of the Atlantic.

Comments Off on Kami’s Kloud Krosses The Ocean

Posted in Local business, Media, People, technology

Tagged ,

Kami Evans: “Thank You, Westport”

Posted on September 8, 2018 | 6 comments

In her 6 years in Westport and Fairfield, Kami Evans made quite a mark.

She started several community Facebook pages, and became an “influence marketer.”

Two of her most popular pages were Westport and Fairfield Parents, and Fairfield County Friends and Family. Readers asked about — and recommended — the best local places to shop, upcoming events, and other resources.

Then came “Kami’s Kloud.” She connected businesses with non-profits and charities, helping build community. 

Now she’s off on a new adventure. Kami writes:

We moved to Westport in 2012 from New York — like many of our neighbors. We wanted to be near the city, as well as a beach, amazing schools and like-minded people. It fit the bill for sure. Summers on Compo are irreplaceable.

Kami Evans

So people ask me: Why did you move? The short answer: We found a magical home in Fairfield that we wanted to be in forever. It was just over the Westport line, so we felt it wasn’t a stretch.

We still went to Compo ($750 a season was worth it for our family), and we did most of our activities in Westport.

I know I was lucky when I began doing social media outreach. I got my share of passionate moments from members and beyond, but it never took me away from wanting to help the community. It was a gift to help as much as I could. So with honor and pleasure, the brand Kami’s Kloud and Kloud9TV started.

Tony and I always knew we would move back, but an opportunity to move to England came up earlier than we expected.

We have Westport Lake, Weston Road, and a home near us called The Fairfield House. We can’t quit you Westport, even if we try. It’s a lovely reminder seeing all of these familiar names.

Kami Evans lives half a mile from Westport Lake. It’s in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, 45 minutes south of Manchester.

As an “American” in the village, people stop and talk to us frequently. I hear “you have a cute accent” — imagine that.

Life here is at a much calmer pace. I wish I took time to enjoy our life back in America as much as we do now. Having people pop over for a cuppa is a daily event, and it’s so sweet. I just need to remember: Don’t put an electric kettle on the hob (stove).

With a quick move comes with many challenges. As we started to work with a Fairfield County realtor we got very lucky to have Inna Agujen help with the transition.

She offered the usual above and beyond support so many local realtors are known for, like taking care of the last documents. But she also showed me other ways to help the community we love as we leave.

Inna contacted Families in Need, Big Brothers, Salvation Army, Veterans of America and Habitat for Humanity. In such a rush, I would never have connected with so many resources myself. It warms my heart knowing nothing went to the dump.

Kami Evans, in her new digs.

Now we are in Blighty, but I cannot share enough how much I miss our friends back in America. We will always hold a special place in our heart for Westport.

Thank you all, and please continue to look out for neighbors who can benefit from a kind word. And oh: The mean ones are only lions with thorns in their paws. Help them remove it. 😘

6 Comments

Posted in Media, People

Tagged , ,

Local Facebook Resource Sites Are Back

Posted on March 10, 2018 | 1 comment

In 2009 — when Cyd Hamer was considering moving from Greenwich to Westport — she met Kami Evans.

Cyd had worked in marketing and sales. Kami’s business — and hobby — was connecting businesses and non-profits with community members.

They became great friends.

Cyd moved here. She got her real estate license. And she became a huge Westport booster.

Cyd Hamer

“It’s got great schools. There’s a cosmopolitan mix. New people are welcomed. The arts are great. The river is right downtown. The beach is a real gathering place. The Levitt brings people together too. It’s a town of action. Things get done,” Cyd says.

Kami, meanwhile, started several community Facebook pages. She became an “influence marketer.”

Two of her most popular pages were Westport and Fairfield Parents, and Fairfield County Friends and Family. Both invited readers to ask about — and recommend — the best local places to shop, upcoming events, and other resources.

But when Kami decided to archive the pages, readers felt lost.

Now Cyd’s resurrected them.

Once again, the 2 pages are buzzing. Readers recently posted:

  • I need a good nanny for my 10-month-old.
  • What’s the best place to park at LaGuardia?
  • Anyone know a nail salon that comes to your home?

Feel free to respond on Cyd’s Facebook pages.

Not here!

 

1 Comment

Posted in Children, Media, People, Westport life

Tagged , , ,

Kami Evans Empowers Women

Posted on February 15, 2017 | 4 comments

If you’re a Westport woman on Facebook, you know Kami Evans.

A local mom, she’s created “Kami’s Kloud.” Thousands of followers — okay, not all of them women — check in frequently. She connects businesses with non-profits and charities, helping build community. (She also creates many separate social media groups and pages, again connecting people with good causes.)

Kami — who could be called a “mom-cierge” — does not favor one event over another. But this one is definitely close to her heart.

Kami Evans

Kami Evans

On March 29, she presents a Women’s Empowerment Forum. Focusing on love and money, it features guest speaker Siggy Flicker (author of “Write Your Own Fairy Tale: The New Rules for Dating, Relationships and Finding Love on Your Own Terms”).

In addition, financial expert Jennifer Scheffer will share tips and tricks about managing finances and personal assets.

“More than ever, it’s important for women to come together to benefit humankind, their families and themselves,” Kami says. “You’ll leave with knowledge and inspiration, to balance your hearts and wallets.”

You’ll also aid a good cause. A portion of the proceeds go to Person-to-Person, a longtime, low-key local helping organization.

(Reservation deadline for the March 29 Women’s Empowerment Forum [10 am to noon, Delamar Hotel, Southport] is March 1. Click here for tickets.)

4 Comments

Posted in Economy, Education, Media, People

Tagged , , , ,