Other Names for
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WNC: Recent SnapshotFounded in 1994, the Waterbury Neighborhood Council (WNC) served, among other things, to coordinate the efforts, communication, and resources of member neighborhood associations. Although the WNC was once a strong and vital activist organization, with over 30 distinct and organized neighborhood associations as members, internal strife and personal and malicious acts have plagued the WNC since at least 2008.
After it's startup years, the Anna Avenue / Murray Park Neighborhood Association (AAMPNA), the Alexander Avenue Neighborhood Association (AANA), and the Long Hill Community Club (LHCC) dropped out of the WNC through dissolution. Around 2008, the WNC elected Joshua Angelus as their president. Under Angelus, several factions, internal and external to the WNC, pro-actively worked against the WNC in a concerted effort for the WNC to fail. This malicious behavior by the few, despite endless efforts by Angelus to grow the WNC, damaged the WNC at the cost of the many. Angelus re-structured the WNC and volunteered an estimated 40 hours per week for 6 years. Although some neighborhood associations themselves became defunct (devoid of any effective action on the part of the WNC), several neighborhood associations seceded from the WNC circa 2009. Citing several reasons, mainly that the WNC was "too political", those seven associations which seceded en masse include:
Angelus' impact on the WNC during his six-year stent was immensely beneficial to the WNC and to the City. The undermining forces of malicious egotists on the WNC Board of Directors proved to be carcinogenic and too exhausting for Angelus to bid for a 7th (annual) term. The next president of the WNC, David Therault, worked tirelessly as well, focussing on mending the internal wounds which were caused by the self-centered shallow malcontents. Therault also worked endlessly to mend the relationship scars between the WNC and other entities, such as the City of Waterbury, her Mayor, her department heads, and several other non-profit organizations in the City. Therault was largely successful, strengthening many inter-relationships and forging new ones. His time was short though, and, as he had originally planned, he was president for merely a year. Therault expended much effort in re-engaging the seven deserting associations. The next President, Vincent E. Martinelli, continued Therault's efforts and expended much energy on re-centering the WNC. Again working tirelessly, putting in full-time hours as his 2 predecessors, Martinelli further strengthened many of the aforementioned relationships, developed many more new relationships, and generated much interest by many other non-profit organizations within the City. A key difference with Martinelli is that, rather than focusing on the re-entry of the seven associations which abandoned the WNC, Martinelli advised the WNC, as akin to a slogan, "We need to work on ourselves. When our house is in order, all associations will be inspired to join the WNC again." This position resulted in animosity within the WNC since EECC, EMNA, and BHCC are long-contended to be essential to the mission of neighborhood associations and to the WNC. Martinelli defended his position, stating that the WNC has always benefited from mutual participation with those associations when they were members as well as when they were not members of the WNC. The WNC awarded then president of HOCC, the WNC participates with EMNA in purchasing United States flags annually, several non-member associations support the WNC in their annual fundraiser banquet, and the joint effort with the Palace Theater's CONNfection, various community causes across the city, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Green, and many other events and causes. Without abandoning his position, Martinelli also offered support to causes in the East Mountain, Bucks Hill, and Bristol neighborhoods. Martinelli contacted various non-member organizations whenever an issue arose in those neighborhoods. In late 2016 and early 2017, Martinelli was approached by a local advocate and tenured producer to have member associations participate in various neighborhood-centric stage plays and productions, and separately by an accomplished local author and historian to write a book depicting neighborhood struggles and triumphs city wide. Early in his reign, many of the troubled individual forces within the WNC left the WNC of their own volition. Still, for the focus of lime light and illusion of power, the remaining dissidents enlisted new subscribers to their selfish factions. These dissenters were the same gang which pushed to oust the duly-elected Angelus and Therault. Before the end of Martinelli's first term, the Waterbury Neighborhood Council Member Associations all voted unanimously to double Martinelli's term from the prescribed 1-year term to an additional 2-year term, requiring a change in by-laws. Martinelli endured for nearly 3 years, creating new and valid interest among 4 of the previous 6 associations which defected under Angelus. Additionally, he generated interest in several new neighborhoods, including:
Martinelli played an impactful and important roll in the formation of the new Bunker Hill North Neighborhood Association (BHNNA) and the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association (AHNA). Of them, one joined the WNC and later left, quoting, "selfish and egotistical acts of many members of the WNC". The other opted not to become a member, for the same reasons. Martinelli continued to solicit support for the remaining neighborhoods, but the infighting took too much energy from the WNC members. In addition to BHNNA and AHNA, the Fairmont neighborhood came closes to re-forming; Martinelli discovered three very interested individuals there, and former president Therault discovered an additional eight. Despite working together, Martinelli and Therault were unable to generate support from the WNC. The main fundraiser for the WNC is their annual awards banquet. Under Martinelli, the WNC had 2 of the 3 best years in terms of actual funds raised and banquet attendance. The highest attendance came under Angelus, and, in a separate year, the highest fundraising year also came under Angelus. Also, two of the highest-attended banquets occurred post election, debunking the theory that politicians will attend in great numbers only if the banquet precedes elections. In May of 2017, Martinelli announced his resignation, appointing Lisa Velez as acting president, despite her involvement in two past coup attempts (against Angelus and Therault), and her participation in the coup against Martinelli himself. Advising the above mentioned advocate, producer, and author of the changes within WNC leadership, all sources retracted their offer. According to documents scribed by Velez later in year 2017:
have left the WNC within months of her becoming President. In a private interview, the President of one of the associations, who required anonymity, said that the recently-elected leadership of the WNC is, "inconsistent with the philanthropic causes of neighborhood associations". Additionally, Velez announced that 3 of the 6 associations which left the council years ago were rejoining. In conversations with the leadership of each of those associations, all of them stated that they had no interest in becoming a member of the WNC in it's current state of infighting and dysfunction. Two of the remaining three also indicated that they have no intention of joining or participating with the WNC for any reason, under any circumstances. All but defunct under Velez, the WNC struggled on with only 4 neighborhood associations and 2 clubs:
Velez had challenges, and she was widely criticized privately as being only interested in self-gain, and that her administration includes a known trouble-making bully and racist. Three neighborhood associations immediately considered leaving the WNC; such action may have been the final blow to the existence of the WNC, and a not-so-ironic karmic blow to the reputation of Velez. Unfortunate circumstances sadly ended in the all-too-early death of Velez in late 2018. Forcing WNC into a change of leadership, the death of Velez caused WNC vice-president Art Denze to become acting president. Denze currently reigns over fewer WNC member associations than any of his predecessors. After loosing the Lakewood Neighbrohood Association (LNA) as a result of two LNA executives having moved out-of-town, and without any oversight of the WNC, the WNC is yet weaker than ever. In late 2018 through early 2019, the Scoville Homes Neighborhood Association (SHNA) collapsed - with no support by the WNC. This further weakened the WNC. Shortly thereafter, again without any WNC support, the Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Association (WOW) also failed. The WNC is now more desperate than ever, and at a time when most of the remaining neighborhood associations, WNC members or not, are struggling to stay formed. Even the once-prominent Town Plot Neighborhood Association, which Martinelli himself built into a 169-member organization, has shrunk to about 35 members under Denze. As of October 16th, 2019, none of the 7 associations that left the WNC have any intention on re-joining the WNC, according to high-ranking officials in three of the associations. Other representatives from member associations state that the Western Hills Neighborhood Association (WHNA) and the North End of Waterbury Political Action Committee (NEWPAC) no longer exist. In recent conversations with the leadership of BHCC, EMNA, HOCC, and others, each association, at this time, is in talks with the WNC - yet none intend to become members of the WNC. One stated, "We left for a reason. That reason hasn't changed." Another cited, "We seem to be doing just fine on our own. Why would we want to change something that's working so well for us?" One association president said, "We're just going to listen to what they have to say, but we're not going to join." |
2017 Member and Non-member Lists
PARTICIPATING MEMBERS
Former Members
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NON-PARTICIPATING MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
At-Large, unorganized, and defunct
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Brief Background and Recent History of the WNC
At one time, there were over 30 neighborhood associations, community clubs, and political action committees actively involved with the Waterbury Neighborhood Council.
In 2009, under the rule of former president Joshua Angelus, the following groups dropped out of the WNC: MSW, BHCC, BHNA, EECC, EMNA, MNA, and HOCC. Angelus is largely responsible for the current form and style of government of the WNC, and reigned over the WNC during it's most influential period, until his tactics and board conspiracies resulted in his ouster.
Over the next few years, the following groups, which were active members of the WNC, became defunct, with little or no effort on the part of the WNC to support or revive them: ANA, BHNA, CCCNA, FNA, and MPNA.
Under the leadership of former president David Therault, negotiations with several former members were in the works, and the Fairmont neighborhood expressed an interest in rebuilding, but there was no support from WNC board members. Therault worked hard to mend the wounds between the WNC and BHCC, BHNA, EECC, EMNA, HOCC, and MCC, to no avail.
Under the leadership of former President Vincent E. Martinelli, several neighborhoods expressed an interest in forming, including: Arlington Heights, Fairmont, Meriline Avenue, Wolcott Road, and Wolcott Street. Two former association members, both in the east end section of Waterbury, approached Martinelli to discuss renewed involvement in the WNC. In all cases, there was no support from WNC board members. Martinelli, however, was instrumental in forming the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association(AHNA); that association intended to join the WNC until Martinelli's resignation. AHNA is not a member of the WNC. Martinelli also strengthened existing relationships with other non-profit organizations in Waterbury, and also forged several new relationships with several other Waterbury non-profit organizations.
In 2017, under the leadership of appointed president Lisa Velez, the following neighborhoods dropped out of the SENA, WNA, and WHNA.
Also in 2017 under the appointed Velez, the following neighborhood associations stressed an interest in creating or reorganizing their associations, but had no support from the WNC: Arlington Heights, Fairmont, Meriline Avenue, Wolcott Road, and Woodtick.
In 2009, under the rule of former president Joshua Angelus, the following groups dropped out of the WNC: MSW, BHCC, BHNA, EECC, EMNA, MNA, and HOCC. Angelus is largely responsible for the current form and style of government of the WNC, and reigned over the WNC during it's most influential period, until his tactics and board conspiracies resulted in his ouster.
Over the next few years, the following groups, which were active members of the WNC, became defunct, with little or no effort on the part of the WNC to support or revive them: ANA, BHNA, CCCNA, FNA, and MPNA.
Under the leadership of former president David Therault, negotiations with several former members were in the works, and the Fairmont neighborhood expressed an interest in rebuilding, but there was no support from WNC board members. Therault worked hard to mend the wounds between the WNC and BHCC, BHNA, EECC, EMNA, HOCC, and MCC, to no avail.
Under the leadership of former President Vincent E. Martinelli, several neighborhoods expressed an interest in forming, including: Arlington Heights, Fairmont, Meriline Avenue, Wolcott Road, and Wolcott Street. Two former association members, both in the east end section of Waterbury, approached Martinelli to discuss renewed involvement in the WNC. In all cases, there was no support from WNC board members. Martinelli, however, was instrumental in forming the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association(AHNA); that association intended to join the WNC until Martinelli's resignation. AHNA is not a member of the WNC. Martinelli also strengthened existing relationships with other non-profit organizations in Waterbury, and also forged several new relationships with several other Waterbury non-profit organizations.
In 2017, under the leadership of appointed president Lisa Velez, the following neighborhoods dropped out of the SENA, WNA, and WHNA.
Also in 2017 under the appointed Velez, the following neighborhood associations stressed an interest in creating or reorganizing their associations, but had no support from the WNC: Arlington Heights, Fairmont, Meriline Avenue, Wolcott Road, and Woodtick.
Waterbury Neighborhood Council Attendance Record
11/4/17 National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons Annual Awards Dinner, ABSENT
11/2/17 WNC Awards Dinner, PRESENT
11/1/17 National Congress of Black Women Aldermanic Forum, ABSENT
10/30/17 Project Clearwater Aldermanic Forum, ABSENT
9/2/17 Scoville Homes Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
9/2/17 Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
8/5/17 Willow-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
8/5/17 Scoville Homes Association Meeting, ABSENT
7/11/17 Waterville Community Club, ABSENT
7/24/17 Lakewood Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
7/19/17 Waterville Community Club, ABSENT
6/26/17 Lakewood Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
11/2/17 WNC Awards Dinner, PRESENT
11/1/17 National Congress of Black Women Aldermanic Forum, ABSENT
10/30/17 Project Clearwater Aldermanic Forum, ABSENT
9/2/17 Scoville Homes Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
9/2/17 Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
8/5/17 Willow-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
8/5/17 Scoville Homes Association Meeting, ABSENT
7/11/17 Waterville Community Club, ABSENT
7/24/17 Lakewood Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
7/19/17 Waterville Community Club, ABSENT
6/26/17 Lakewood Neighborhood Association Meeting, ABSENT
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"Most Presigious Event of the Year"
22 Years of Involvement Continues
Waterbury Neighborhood Council Hosting 17th Annual Awards Event
Largely touted as Waterbury's "most prestigious event of the year" for the past couple of decades, the Waterbury Neighborhood Council's annual Awards Dinner honors some of Waterbury's most philanthropic community-minded people and organizations.
According to Waterbury Neighborhood Council President Vincent E. Martinelli, the Awards Dinner typically attracts very high-ranking City, State, and Corporate leaders. Martinelli adds, "The Awards Dinner offers a rare opportunity to meet some of the hundreds of volunteers who work typically all year round to improve the quality of life for the people and businesses of the great Brass City of America".
The Awards Dinner is the Waterbury Neighborhood Council's primary fundraiser for the year, and the proceeds fund member neighborhood associations. "The associations generally use the money to build their membership" Martinelli continues, and to "host community events, and assist their neighborhoods in other meaningful ways".
The Awards Dinner is a full-course fine dining experience with table wine, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The attire approaches black-tie, and people of many backgrounds and ages immerse themselves in a village of some of the most caring and giving citizens of our great city - also known as the Brass Capital of the World, the Time Capital of America, and the City of Neighborhoods.
Like many other cities, Waterbury has many separate and distinct neighborhoods. Unlike many cities, these neighborhoods maintain strong identity bonds internally, and they are camaraderous with all other neighborhoods. Most of these neighborhoods formed associations or clubs, which host meetings and events that support and advocate for their people. Most of these associations and clubs came together to form a coalition called the Waterbury Neighborhood Council.
Sneak Peek at our City Wide Awardees
Gil Morea Larry Rifkin City of Waterbury Police Department Holy Land Committee Alan and Janet Hertzmark
According to Waterbury Neighborhood Council President Vincent E. Martinelli, the Awards Dinner typically attracts very high-ranking City, State, and Corporate leaders. Martinelli adds, "The Awards Dinner offers a rare opportunity to meet some of the hundreds of volunteers who work typically all year round to improve the quality of life for the people and businesses of the great Brass City of America".
The Awards Dinner is the Waterbury Neighborhood Council's primary fundraiser for the year, and the proceeds fund member neighborhood associations. "The associations generally use the money to build their membership" Martinelli continues, and to "host community events, and assist their neighborhoods in other meaningful ways".
The Awards Dinner is a full-course fine dining experience with table wine, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The attire approaches black-tie, and people of many backgrounds and ages immerse themselves in a village of some of the most caring and giving citizens of our great city - also known as the Brass Capital of the World, the Time Capital of America, and the City of Neighborhoods.
Like many other cities, Waterbury has many separate and distinct neighborhoods. Unlike many cities, these neighborhoods maintain strong identity bonds internally, and they are camaraderous with all other neighborhoods. Most of these neighborhoods formed associations or clubs, which host meetings and events that support and advocate for their people. Most of these associations and clubs came together to form a coalition called the Waterbury Neighborhood Council.
Sneak Peek at our City Wide Awardees
Gil Morea Larry Rifkin City of Waterbury Police Department Holy Land Committee Alan and Janet Hertzmark
Council President Praises Contributors
"As President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, I have the privilege and pleasure of working with some of the City’s best people. These are the people who best resemble the character of our great city. Numbering in the hundreds, there are too many to mention here. However, a few of these people have had and amazing impact on the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, their neighborhoods, and our community at large." - Vincent E. Martinelli
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Charlie Coretto, former Vice-President and Current President of the Bouley Manor Neighborhood Association, and our current Chairperson of our Public Service Committee, catalyzed the revitalization of our Adopt-a-Spot location at the intersection of North, South, East, West, and Bank Streets. Through his leadership and motivational talents, he and other members of this committee brought new life and lite to the highly-visible, pedestrian-heavy, and well-traveled location. For this, we honor him.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT and COUNSEL
Dave Therault, former President of the Upper Fulton Park Neighborhood Association, current Media & Marketing Committee, Chair, our liaison to several other Boards, and former President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, has provided technical expertise, layout design technique, generous volunteerism, and general advice and counsel.
"As President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, I have the privilege and pleasure of working with some of the City’s best people. These are the people who best resemble the character of our great city. Numbering in the hundreds, there are too many to mention here. However, a few of these people have had and amazing impact on the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, their neighborhoods, and our community at large." - Vincent E. Martinelli
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Charlie Coretto, former Vice-President and Current President of the Bouley Manor Neighborhood Association, and our current Chairperson of our Public Service Committee, catalyzed the revitalization of our Adopt-a-Spot location at the intersection of North, South, East, West, and Bank Streets. Through his leadership and motivational talents, he and other members of this committee brought new life and lite to the highly-visible, pedestrian-heavy, and well-traveled location. For this, we honor him.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT and COUNSEL
Dave Therault, former President of the Upper Fulton Park Neighborhood Association, current Media & Marketing Committee, Chair, our liaison to several other Boards, and former President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, has provided technical expertise, layout design technique, generous volunteerism, and general advice and counsel.
The Waterbury Neighborhood Council is comprised of the representatives from Neighborhood Associations throughout Waterbury. The Waterbury Neighborhood Council strives to encourage citizen involvement in both neighborhood and citywide issues, to strengthen existing neighborhood organizations, and to foster the creation of new ones. The Waterbury Neighborhood Council understands that active citizen participation and involvement in the issues which affect the quality of life in Waterbury is an essential requirement for both the preservation of our neighborhoods and the revitalization of the City of Waterbury.
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WNC Purpose
The purposes of the Corporation, as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, shall be to collectively work to address city and neighborhood issues, develop and/or strengthen neighborhood associations, collaborate with public and private entities for effective problem solving, and strive for municipal accountability to the City and neighborly accountability to our neighborhoods. Participating neighborhoods associations during 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 under President Vincent E. Martinelli include:
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WNC Mission
The nature of the activities conducted and the purposes promoted or carried out by the Corporation are exclusively charitable, including educational, entitling the Corporation to exemption under the provisions of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or such corresponding section or sections as may from time to time be in force. Specifically, WNC is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, including the making of distributions to organizations which qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or a similar code. WNCVision
In our vision, the W.N.C. is comprised of community leaders from the neighborhoods of Waterbury. The W.N.C. encourages citizen participation, in local democracy by being involved in neighborhood issues, city issues, and the economic development of Waterbury. We focus on strengthening existing neighborhood organizations and assist in the creation of new ones. We will work to maintain the character of our neighborhoods while striving to enhance their quality of life. 2016 Major Events
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Waterbury Neighborhood Council Neighborhood Associations, Clubs, and Committees
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Vincent E. Martinelli vincentemartinelli@gmail.com P.O. Box 9310 Waterbury, CT 06724 (203) 759-5675
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Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association
Arlanda Brantley, President Bouley Manor Neighborhood Association Charles Coretto, President c.coretto@comcast.net 73 Altyre St. 06705 (203) 759-7176 www.bouleymanor.com Brooklyn Neighborhood Association President, vacant as of 7/4/2017 Country Club Community (non-association, non-organized, no officers, no directors, no members, no paid dues as of 7/5/2017) Crownbrook Neighborhood Association Dave Clay daveyclay@gmail.com 54 Summer St. 06708 (203) 574-8352 |
Gilmartin Community Club
Steve Schrag stevenschrag@comcast.net 14 Quentin St. 06706 (203) 574-7966 Hillside Historic District Neighborhood Association Michael Battista, President Hopeville Neighborhood Association Ted Derouin 34 Piedmont St. 06706 (203) 754-3789 Lakewood Neighborhood Association Charles Bosse LakewoodNAWaterbury@gmail.com 394 Lakewood Rd. 06704 (203) 597-1274 |
North End of Waterbury Political Action Committee (NEWPAC)
Inactive as of 7/5/2017 South End Neighborhood Association Victoria Encarnacion (203) 706-4082 southendneighborhood.webs.com Saint Margaret/Willow Plaza Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Raphael Herrera (203) 754-7763 Town Plot Neighborhood Association Arthur Denze, Sr. aldenzez@aol.com 56 Phyllis Ave. 06708 (203) 755-5761 Upper Fulton Park Neighborhood Association Marie Ciarlo mariaricc65@sbcglobal.net (203) 574-1626 |
Washington Park Neighborhood Association
Stephen Rice stephenwrice@att.net 11 Madison Ave. 06706 (203) 982-8878 www.washingtonparkna@yahoo.com Waterville Community Club Steve Colon stevecolon1@gmail.com 308 Dwight St. 06704 (203) 754-7769 Western Hills Neighborhood Association Tom Harman tomh444@aol.com 351 Park Rd. 06708 (203) 757-6581 www.westernhillsna.org Walnut Orange Walsh Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Belinda Weaver belinda.weaver@sbcglobal.net 308 Walnut St. 06704 (203) 206-1803 |
A W A R D E E A R C H I V E S
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2015 Awardees
CITY AWARDEES O’Rourke and Birch Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury Waterbury Tulip and Flower Festival Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Mark Lombardo Rafael Herrera Jahana Hayes Tom Chute NEIGHBORHOOD AWARDEES
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2016 Awardees
CITY AWARDEES
NEIGHBORHOOD AWARDEES
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BELOW: Long-time radio show host Larry Rifkin, left; Joseph & Virginia diPiazza, center; John Carmine Lombardi, right.
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8th Annual 5-Alarm Chili Fest
Council Embraces District Hope
In the special meeting to discuss the new aldermen-by-district plan in Waterbury, a couple dozen speakers gave voice to their concerns. In his first public speech as President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, Vincent E. Martinelli addressed nearly 100 concerned residents in the Chambers named after the Board of Aldermen.
"The aldermen-by-district plan is something that the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, it's members, and their members, along with other organizations and individuals, have been fighting to achieve for over 20 years. The purpose of the districts is to allow residents to have a stronger and more relevant voice in their communities, and to our government. As we draw these district lines in the sands of our great Brass City, it is vital that we do so with great care. No plan can be perfect, and it is our job, as community leaders, elected officials, and trusted neighbors, to create the best possible districts.
These districts must not alienate any segment of our population nor any group of voters. Most importantly, however, is that the invisible divisions on our maps do not create actual divisions, tensions, segregations, or negative implications within, or to, our society nor to the precious, and many, cultures upon which the heritage of Waterbury has grown.
Our people are a strong and tolerant bunch, but they are evolving to become more interested, interactive, vested, and vocal in their beloved village of neighborhoods. Mistakes in judgment may have been overlooked in the past, but they will now be looked over - under the proverbial microscope, and with a fine-toothed comb. Our leaders will continue to be scrutinized, and they will be held accountable.
If we choose the best possible district layouts, then Waterbury will enjoy great benefit from this truly historic endeavor. These district lines must not cater to nor be influenced by current, nor future potential, elected officials, nor their geographic location of residence.
We have, before us, a task of great value, and we must exercise extreme care, and caution, in the development of our new governing system. The Waterbury Neighborhood Council has great trust in the deciding individuals, and faith in our system of government, and our members fully know, and expect, that the responsibility of serving the greater good of the people is one which is taken very seriously.
Waterbury is, and has been, a great City - forever. Together, we will continue our legacy - a legacy of hope and ambition, compassion and success, challenges and setbacks, neighbors and friends."
In the special meeting to discuss the new aldermen-by-district plan in Waterbury, a couple dozen speakers gave voice to their concerns. In his first public speech as President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, Vincent E. Martinelli addressed nearly 100 concerned residents in the Chambers named after the Board of Aldermen.
"The aldermen-by-district plan is something that the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, it's members, and their members, along with other organizations and individuals, have been fighting to achieve for over 20 years. The purpose of the districts is to allow residents to have a stronger and more relevant voice in their communities, and to our government. As we draw these district lines in the sands of our great Brass City, it is vital that we do so with great care. No plan can be perfect, and it is our job, as community leaders, elected officials, and trusted neighbors, to create the best possible districts.
These districts must not alienate any segment of our population nor any group of voters. Most importantly, however, is that the invisible divisions on our maps do not create actual divisions, tensions, segregations, or negative implications within, or to, our society nor to the precious, and many, cultures upon which the heritage of Waterbury has grown.
Our people are a strong and tolerant bunch, but they are evolving to become more interested, interactive, vested, and vocal in their beloved village of neighborhoods. Mistakes in judgment may have been overlooked in the past, but they will now be looked over - under the proverbial microscope, and with a fine-toothed comb. Our leaders will continue to be scrutinized, and they will be held accountable.
If we choose the best possible district layouts, then Waterbury will enjoy great benefit from this truly historic endeavor. These district lines must not cater to nor be influenced by current, nor future potential, elected officials, nor their geographic location of residence.
We have, before us, a task of great value, and we must exercise extreme care, and caution, in the development of our new governing system. The Waterbury Neighborhood Council has great trust in the deciding individuals, and faith in our system of government, and our members fully know, and expect, that the responsibility of serving the greater good of the people is one which is taken very seriously.
Waterbury is, and has been, a great City - forever. Together, we will continue our legacy - a legacy of hope and ambition, compassion and success, challenges and setbacks, neighbors and friends."
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7th Annual Chili Fest Attracts a Steady Crowd
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The 7th Annual Chili Fest, a product of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council and other sponsors, attracted a steady crowd of people from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Many Waterbury Neighborhood Council |
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members, including the Presidents of Lakewood, Bouley Manor, Upper Fulton Park, Town Plot, Hillside, and other neighborhood associations, helped to make the 7th Annual Chili Fest another great success. Kimberly Sidotti, Chair of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council's FUNdraising Committee, managed the hours-long event.
Waterbury Neighborhood Council President David Therault played harmonica as a special guest performer for one of the two bands which performed at the Fest (shown above left), and he shared ideas and issues in a conversation with Senator Joan Hartley (shown above right). Ole friends with similar issues (as evidenced below left) shared more than just chili. Former Mayor Michael Jarjura and Alderman Christopher Orsini joined the celebration. Alderman Jerry Padula, former Waterbury Neighborhood Council President Joshua Angelis, and Scoville Neighborhood Association President James Monroe (shown below right) were also on hand to taste and evaluate the many versions of chili.
Waterbury Neighborhood Council President David Therault played harmonica as a special guest performer for one of the two bands which performed at the Fest (shown above left), and he shared ideas and issues in a conversation with Senator Joan Hartley (shown above right). Ole friends with similar issues (as evidenced below left) shared more than just chili. Former Mayor Michael Jarjura and Alderman Christopher Orsini joined the celebration. Alderman Jerry Padula, former Waterbury Neighborhood Council President Joshua Angelis, and Scoville Neighborhood Association President James Monroe (shown below right) were also on hand to taste and evaluate the many versions of chili.
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Adopt-A-Spot Cleanup
Gail Christofano, Waterbury Neighborhood Council Public Service Committee Chairperson, announced that there will be cleaning up the Adopt-a-Spot this Saturday August 9th, 2014, for just a couple of hours.
Activities include basic cleanup, weeding, uprooting of large saplings, eradication of bittersweet vines, and bush trimming. Following the cleanup, Waterbury Neighborhood Council volunteers will continue to beautify the Adopt-A-Spot location by planting new perennials to provide fresh color blooms each month.
Please come by and lend a hand if you can to help out even for only 30 minutes. Every little bit of support matters. The Adopt-A-Spot location is at the intersection of Bank and South Main Streets, just south of East Main Street - a few yards from the southeast corner of The Green. Cleanup begins on Saturday, August 12th, 9:00 a.m. through noon.
Gail Christofano, Waterbury Neighborhood Council Public Service Committee Chairperson, announced that there will be cleaning up the Adopt-a-Spot this Saturday August 9th, 2014, for just a couple of hours.
Activities include basic cleanup, weeding, uprooting of large saplings, eradication of bittersweet vines, and bush trimming. Following the cleanup, Waterbury Neighborhood Council volunteers will continue to beautify the Adopt-A-Spot location by planting new perennials to provide fresh color blooms each month.
Please come by and lend a hand if you can to help out even for only 30 minutes. Every little bit of support matters. The Adopt-A-Spot location is at the intersection of Bank and South Main Streets, just south of East Main Street - a few yards from the southeast corner of The Green. Cleanup begins on Saturday, August 12th, 9:00 a.m. through noon.
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Waterbury Neighborhood Council Officers
President- David Edward Therault Vice President - Steve Colon 1st Vice-President James Monroe Recording Secretary - Vincent E Martinelli Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Venditti Treasurer Kimberly Quinnan Sidoti Deputy Treasurer - Martin Spring Dozens of Artisans Color City HallThe City of Waterbury is proud to be part of a statewide showcase of artists and artisans this weekend, starting right now, Black Friday, and continuing into tomorrow.
This is an incredible opportunity to shop in a boutique setting for some of the finest jewelry, clothing, soaps, food products, home accessories, art work, kitchenware and decorative gifts that you can find in the state of Connecticut. The dynamic event will provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience while highlighting our state’s diverse group of artists and artisans, and showcasing the magnificent Waterbury City Hall. The weekend-long affair kicks off with the special Black Friday Preview Party (Shopper’s Night Out) on Friday, November 29th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The opening evening of the event will be a holiday stunner with a light projection show on the building, live music, signature cocktails, food, vendor demonstrations and promotions. Tickets to this event are $25, and can be purchased through the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury; telephone: 203-346-2000. November Meeting AnnouncementThe Board of Directors of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council met on Monday, November 25th, 2013, at the Cass Gilbert Room (on the first floor) of the City's Town Hall on 235 Grand Street.
Each month, the Board discusses some of the City's most pressing issues as they are related to the neighborhoods and each of the member neighborhood associations. Discussions often include issues of the Waterbury Development Corporation, Main Street Waterbury, Waterbury Environment Health Fund, Brass City Harvest, and Open Space. The By-Laws and a list of Committee members will be forwarded to each Board Member prior to the election of Officers next month. Increased Activity, Co-operation,
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Waterbury
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Contact Information
P.O. Box 9310
Waterbury, CT 06724
President Joshua Angelus
staff@waterburyneighborhoodcouncil.com
president@waterburyneighborhoodcouncil.com
Waterbury, CT 06724
President Joshua Angelus
staff@waterburyneighborhoodcouncil.com
president@waterburyneighborhoodcouncil.com