Out with the old… and in with the new
January 15, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti 
Readers were asked to describe 2020 using just one word. Here are some of the answers. Illustration by Anna Brundage.
At the close of 2020, Waterbury Roundabout asked readers to fill out a short survey about the year ahead and the year gone by. Just two weeks into the new year, intense headlines of the pandemic and political unrest in the nation’s capital have taken some of the shine off 2021 Nonetheless, here are highlights from the responses to the question:
What are you hoping for most in 2021?
“Enjoy the availability to have in-person everything, for our social emotional wellness.” - Mari Pratt, Duxbury
“That the pandemic is under control and life can begin to resemble some sense of normal.” - MK Monley, Waterbury Center.
“I’m looking forward to people actually doing the work it requires to be nonpartisan! Not just saying it; but actually doing it; even if you have to compromise some of your beliefs. Working together, in a respectful manner; not just when it suits your agenda! Peace of my mind and soul.” - Maryanne Larkin, Duxbury.
“Herd immunity.” Gregg Stuessi, Waterbury.
“Gatherings with friends and families.” Kelley Hackett, Waterbury.
“For the pandemic to be contained.” Ann Zetterstrom, Duxbury.
“Back to normalcy.” - David Myette, Waterbury Center.
“Being able to work 9 hours a day... without a mask on!” Tracey Towne, Waterbury Center.
“A visit from my son and family from Sweden.” - Elaine Beal, Waterbury Center.
“Return to hugs - both actually and as a metaphor for in-person interaction.” - Duane Peterson, Waterbury Center.
“I'm hoping that when COVID-19 is under control, the sense of urgency we found during the pandemic can be redirected to fight climate change, and help us to become less harmful to our planet and each other.” - Laura Hardie, Waterbury.
“A vaccine for everyone!!” - Jane Olesen, Waterbury.
“No more Covid and a politically peaceful 2021.” - Barbara Farr, Waterbury Center.
The answers to this next question resembled the answers to the first.
What did you miss the most in 2020?
“Concerts.” - Heidi Cervantes, Waterbury.
“Spring skiing & attending cultural events.” - Barbara Tomasi, Waterbury Center.
“Dining out with friends.” Gregg Stuessi, Waterbury.
“Being around my office colleagues.” - Laura Lee Peterson, Waterbury Center.
“Being able to be with family and friends. My mom!” - Marcy Pelkey, Waterbury.
“Hugging my aging grandparents who live in Maine.” - Melissa Marcellino, Waterbury.
“Dancing with friends. Impromptu parties. Travelling.” Nancy Perrault, Waterbury Center.
“The ability to interact with friends, go to concerts/festivals and the joy of living in Waterbury, VT.” - Anne Imhoff, Waterbury.