What the Floods! gathering to connect, celebrate after the floods

February 3, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

Event poster design by Sarah-Lee Terrat

Twice in 2023, local residents and businesses had their homes and stores slammed with floodwaters followed by a second wave – of help and support from neighbors and community members pitching in to lend a hand with cleanup and everything that follows what is becoming what all agree is a too-frequent occurrence. 

With much of the immediate work from the mid-December flooding addressed, organizers of Waterbury’s volunteer responders and town officials are putting together a celebration. 

Called What the Floods! the gathering and volunteer appreciation event is set for next Saturday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion at 16 Stowe St. 

Billed as an opportunity to connect with neighbors, volunteers and flood-impacted folks, the idea is to “celebrate the work thus far and get ready for the work to come,” according to the announcement.

The free event will include food, music and a cash bar. 

Anyone who was flooded, helped those who were flooded and who wants to support the ongoing effort to assist with long-term recovery and flood-related issues is invited. 

Organizers include the Waterbury Recreation Department, Waterbury Rotary Club, town of Waterbury staff and Select Board, and the new long-term flood-recovery group called CReW (short for Community Resilience for the Greater Waterbury Area).

Replies are not necessary but an RSVP would help organizers with planning. Respond online to the Facebook event page here. Information is also on the Waterbury Recreation Department website here for those who may not be on Facebook. Both spots will be updated with any new information before Saturday as well. 

There is no charge for admission but anyone interested in assisting with flood-recovery support for rebuilding may consider contributing to the Waterbury Relief Fund organized by Revitalizing Waterbury or to the Good Neighbor Fund which has assisted many individuals with emergency expenses in the aftermath of the July and December floods last year.