From RW: Volunteer of the Year honors and Wrap It Up and Win is on
November 27, 2024 | By Lisa Scagliotti 
Revitalizing Waterbury's 2024 Volunteer of the Year is Cathy Clark, here with RW's Economic Development Director Owen Sette-Ducati (left) and Marketing and Communications Manager Denis Palic. Courtesy photo
Revitalizing Waterbury recently held its annual celebration to thank volunteers and once again has rallied local businesses to take part in the annual Wrap it Up and Win holiday local shopping promo.
The economic and community development nonprofit saluted its volunteers at its annual Volunteer Appreciations Party, where the Board of Directors awarded the 2024 Volunteer of the Year honor to Cathy Clark. This award recognizes a volunteer whose exceptional contributions over the past year have significantly supported RW’s mission and impact.
Clark has been part of the Waterbury Arts Fest team, handling tasks such as notifying neighbors about road closures and soliciting and collecting raffle items. She also volunteers for the Wrap it Up and Win program, helping to distribute materials to participating businesses, according to the award announcement.
One of Clark’s significant contributions this year involved tackling the group’s long-overlooked archive project. Over six months, she sorted old files including items from the collection of longtime RW member Jack Carter who passed away in 2021. Clark reorganized and created a filing system so the materials can be a resource for the community and the organization.
“Cathy is an extraordinary volunteer and a true champion for Revitalizing Waterbury,” said Karen Nevin, the former executive director who stepped down in August. “Her dedication, organizational skills, and enthusiasm have made a lasting difference.”
Such volunteers are key to the organization, noted board President Julie Frailey. “Our goal is to grow our volunteer community with committees and programs, and ensure their efforts are celebrated. We say it often—we couldn’t do it without them,” Frailey said.
In 2024, more than 70 people volunteered for RW, donating approximately 2,000 hours, according to staff. Volunteers serve on the organization’s board and committees which include Design, the Waterbury Train Station (which Revitalizing Waterbury owns), Marketing & Tourism, Waterbury Area Development Committee, and Waterbury Arts Fest. Volunteers also help with projects such as planting flowers, putting up holiday decorations, and more. To learn more visit RevitalizingWaterbury.org or call 802-793-6029.
Holiday shopping comes with prizes
The annual Wrap It Up and Win holiday shopping promotion to support local merchants and restaurants is under way.
Now through Dec. 18, participants can get their Wrap It Up cards stamped at participating businesses. Get five stamps and drop the cards off by Tuesday each week at Bridgeside Books, The Tiny Acorn or Woodstock Farmers Market to be included in the prize drawings to be held on Dec. 4, 11 and 18. There’s no limit to the number of entries someone can make. Local shops, restaurants and pubs donate prizes such as merchandise and gift certificates.
More information is online including a list of participating businesses. Winners also will be posted on this site.
Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday
Revitalizing Waterbury reminds the community that the Saturday after Thanksgiving -- Nov. 30 this year -- is Small Business Saturday when many small businesses offer special holiday shopping specials. RW supports the buy-local effort and encourages local shoppers to shop close to home.