Celebrating Waterbury’s many Acts of Kindness
Nov. 30, 2022 | By Karen Nevin 
Waterbury Municipal Manager Bill Shepeluk and Administrative Assistant Pamela Pratt (right) receive their Acts of Kindness thank you gifts from Revitalizing Waterbury Board President Judy Frailey and Executive Director Karen Nevin (center). Photo courtesy Revitalizing Waterbury
At the beginning of November, Revitalizing Waterbury launched the second annual Waterbury Acts of Kindness, seeking nominations to celebrate people in our community for their acts of kindness.
We received 58 nominations of individuals and three nominations of organizations -- all acknowledging those who make a positive impact on Waterbury. Nominations for Waterbury Acts of Kindness could be someone who provided great service at a business, went above and beyond as a volunteer, did an otherwise thankless task, or did something else to help make our town a better place. Nominees are people who live, work, or positively impact the Waterbury community and could be of any age.
In their own act of kindness, Ivy Computer generously donated the funds so that each nominee would receive $25 in Waterbury Bucks to support local businesses. The Waterbury community currency, redeemable at many shops, restaurants, etc., was sent to recipients tucked inside a thank you note written by members of the Revitalizing Waterbury Board of Directors.
Jenna Danyew at Bridgeside Books receives a Waterbury Acts of Kindness thank you from Karen Nevin of Revitalizing Waterbury. Photo courtesy Revitalizing Waterbury
The submissions speak volumes about the kindness that can be found around every corner in Waterbury. The breadth of nominations was incredible and shows that people can make a huge difference with some of the smallest acts, or simply by doing what they do anyway!
One nomination said simply: “She is one of the kindest, gentlest people on earth.” Another person nominated her friend writing: “If you have ever crossed paths with her, you have a memory for a lifetime. She is my friend and I nominate her, for her kindness, wit, generosity, forgiveness and passion for life.”
Waitstaff at restaurants and store clerks were nominated for their stellar service and kind smiles. Many nominees volunteer throughout our community at the senior center, public library, garden club, and as coaches of our children’s sports teams.
WCAX reporter Elissa Borden films at the Waterbury Post Office where Revitalizing Waterbury Executive Director Karen Nevin presents post office staffer Cathy Knittles with an Acts of Kindness thank you. Photo courtesy Revitalizing Waterbury
A number of nominations came from the school community, celebrating wonderful teachers and staff. A child nominated her teacher, saying: “Ms. G has really taught me more about kindness and how to get along and has been kind to me no matter what even if I make a mistake.”
People were nominated for always having a smile on their face, lending a listening ear, “helping whoever they cross paths with,” or “supporting a local family when they needed it most.”
One particular nomination described a daily interaction describing how their nominee walks a lot and whenever he walks by someone he asks, "How's your day going?" no matter who they are. If someone asks him the same question, he usually answers something like, "Ah, so good. This day is just beautiful." What a wonderful way to share your joy as you go about your day!
There are many more stories from the nominations but one line stood out as words that can be applied to all of these amazing individuals: “they take the time to remember what’s truly important: kindness.”
We are so grateful to have all of these kind and caring folks in our community.
Karen Nevin is the executive director of Revitalizing Waterbury, a nonprofit community development organization. WCAX Channel 3 News reported on Waterbury Acts of Kindness as RW representatives delivered some of the awards.