Acts of Kindness awards salute favorite Waterbury people
December 22, 2023 | By Karen Nevin 
Nicole Grenier (center) and Nammu Reddy (right) of Stowe Street Café both received Acts of Kindness nominations. Pictured here with RW board member and Bridgeside Books owner Katya d'Angelo. Photo courtesy of RW
After putting out a call last month, Revitalizing Waterbury received 75 nominations for its Waterbury Acts of Kindness program, celebrating the people in our community for their many and varied acts of kindness.
This was the largest number ever received to honor people who have made a positive impact on Waterbury. Nominees were recognized for providing great service at a business, going above and beyond as a volunteer, doing an otherwise thankless task, or helping to make our town a better place. These are people who live, work, or positively impact the Waterbury community and could be of any age.
In their own act of kindness, the people at Ivy Computer have once again generously donated the funds for each nominee to received $25 in Waterbury Bucks to use at local businesses. Waterbury Bucks, Waterbury’s community currency, were enclosed in a personal thank you card written by the members of the RW Board of Directors.
The submissions speak volumes about the kindness that can be found around every corner in Waterbury. The breadth of nominations is incredible and goes to show that people can make a huge difference with some of the smallest acts, or simply by doing what they do anyways!
One nomination was simply, “She is a blessing to have in our community and in our lives.” Another person nominated her friend “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 clerks at stores were nominated for their stellar service and kind smiles. One person wrote, “I see him every day when I go to the Mobil for coffee. He is a shining light, working hard to make sure all of us have everything we need to enjoy our beverage.”
Another nomination came from a mother, noting that her daughter “is a wonderful and kind person. During Halloween she never eats all her candy, but makes sure that kids all have some extra in their buckets.” Many nominees volunteer throughout our community at the senior center, public library, Rotary Club, and as coaches of our children’s sports teams.
Bridgeside Books owner Katya D’Angelo nominated mail carrier Jon Whitley for always being friendly. Photo courtesy of RW
People were nominated for being a ray of sunshine, always having a smile on their face, lending a listening ear, “for showing up and showing up from the heart,”or “giving so much of his time and energy helping our community recover from the summer flooding.” One particular nomination described her neighbor: “She tirelessly helped her neighbor move after living in her lovely vintage home for almost 40 years. We should all be so lucky to have a neighbor like her!”
While we could continue with countless more stories, 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 executive director of Revitalizing Waterbury, a nonprofit community and economic development organization.