By Beth David, Editor
West Island Gear, which, as you might expect, includes all kinds of useful summer stuff like t-shirts and baseball caps, has also traditionally included a few good sweatshirts for those cool summer nights at the fire, and other items with the West Island moniker on them.
But in the last few years, West Island Gear, that was only available from a fold-out table at the West Island Improvement Association breakfasts, and one or two other events, has evolved thanks to a concerted effort to get creative, with designs, items, and venue.
Taken over by Marianne Brodo (with the blessing of her husband Matt and her two young’uns Chloe and Oliver), the variety of items has expanded, the number of graphic designs to choose from has expanded, and the single fold-out table has expanded into a full-fledged mini-boutique. Ms. Brodo, with the help of her contractor husband and other WIIA volunteers, transformed a closet into a light-filled, airy space that can permanently house the items for sale.
L-R: Oliver, Marianne, and Chloe Brodo take charge of Up the Hill Boutique at the West Island Improvement Association community house on West Island in Fairhaven on 7/22/18. Photo by Beth David.
It means that items can be sold at all WIIA events at the community center, which is situated up the hill, at 40 Causeway Road. Hence, “Up the Hill Boutique” was born.
The layout is that of a high-fashion store, albeit on a small footprint. It is, however, rather amazing how much merchandise fits into the small space. And, naturally, Up The Hill Boutique accepts credit/debit cards.
In typical fashion, Ms. Brodo solicited ideas for the name from other West Islanders, just as she does for new designs on shirts and other items, and as she does for introducing new items.
“This project has really taken on a life of its own,” said Ms. Brodo. “I’ve had great support from the WIIA board and West island Residents.”
All proceeds go to the WIIA. It is a purely volunteer effort by Ms. Brodo.
Items that have been introduced in just the last few years include a sweatshirt with a koozie built in (and a bottle opener, of course); lap tech t’s, blankets, key chains, bags, mugs and more. Most items have the West Island name and a nautical theme.
So the next time you head out to a West Island Improvement Association event, be sure to budget a few extra dollars for your West Island Gear, so you can remember the summer season all year long.
The next breakfast is on Sunday, 8/7, and the WIIA hosting a pig roast this Sunday, 7/29 (see page 5 for details).
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