Column: ‘We Love Paso’ signs spreading positivity in community
Vickie Werling’s signs bring much-needed grace
–Vickie Werling, owner of Fluid Screen Printing, has transformed her business into a venture that is now creating positivity; a message that our interwoven community needs and rightly deserves now and going forward through a difficult time.
“The ‘We Love Paso’ yard and window signs took off last March as the pandemic hit and downtown was shut down,” Werling said. “I was contacted by the Paso Wine Alliance and Heather Gray of Bodegas Winery to make them when the pandemic hit. They wanted a way to draw people to businesses in a positive way. Once I completed the initial order and the signs went up, other businesses and people began contacting me to buy them personally. So many of the people who love our town want to show that they love it and be a part of the positive message that living here is so special.”
The white signs show “We Paso” in blue around the shape of a large red heart that represents the “Love.” This positive phrase created the buzz for the shirts, hats, and window decals that match. As far as the We Love Templeton items, people asked Werling for a spin-off. She said, “Why not! Isn’t it great that we live in this wonderful community!”
Vickie Werling with her sons Justin and Tyler.
I think the best way to bring a community together is to give everyone a little grace. I wholeheartedly believe that each person’s feelings are valid in our current situation. In my opinion, our biggest challenge as a community right now is judgment. Each and every one of us needs to be mindful that we do not know where the person next to us is coming from. Let us not pass judgment.
Let us offer each person room to make decisions for themselves. As a society, we are so worried about what everyone else is doing. We should be working hard on being kind and looking at ourselves first. We can only control our own personal decisions and our reaction to others. If we choose to react with more love. We can then start healing as a community.
She has been screen printing full time from home for 15 years to care for her now 16- and 18-year-old sons. She operates eight screen presses, two embroidery machines, a large format printer, three heat presses, and a large-format machine that cuts heat transfer material. All orders are processed, and screens are made on site.
Werling makes personalized products for birthdays and special occasions as well as for large companies. “I love making Bearcat items. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!” Let Werling keep your favorite sports or company team spirit going with branded images or create a unique look for friends, family with bling rhinestones and glitter! To order a yard or window sign to show your love and respect for your wonderful town, contact Vickie for delivery or pick up in Paso within approximately 48 hours. Follow Werling on Facebook under Fluid Screen Printing. She welcomes email at ajtluna@yahoo.com.
About the columnist
Millie Drum
Millie Drum has been involved with the local retail, sales promotion, and media industry for 30 years including corporate store management, owning a business in downtown Paso Robles, and volunteering with the Main Street Association and Chamber of Commerce. In 1998, she joined the Country News-Press as a writer and advertising consultant. She continued her interest in journalism with the Paso Robles Magazine for the next 15 years.
Drum is currently a freelance writer/editor as independent owner of Straight For/Word Marketing and Media. Her goal for her column in Paso Robles Daily News is to share uplifting stories about people, places, and events from the past to our present. Her new column will be called Pages from the Pass of the Oaks. Email her here: mildrum@sbcglobal.net
