Revitalizing Waterbury kicks off annual holiday projects, hosts business forum
November 13, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Mike LoSchiavo of Vermont Greenscapes works on garland installation on Stowe Street. Courtesy photo
Several annual holiday efforts in Waterbury happen each year through the work of staff and volunteers with Revitalizing Waterbury as November and December are two of the busiest months of the year for the community and economic development nonprofit.
Last weekend, RW ushered in the holiday season by switching out fall harvest decorations in the downtown for festive evergreen garlands strung up on storefronts on Stowe Street and Main Street, expanding this year to spots on Bidwell Lane and Foundry Street.
Design Committee Chair Julie Frailey said more than 20 community volunteers helped prepare the garlands that were installed with the help of contractor Vermont Gardenscapes.
Two annual programs begin in November – one promoting shopping and dining in local stores and restaurants during the busy holiday season, and another asking community members to acknowledge individuals who make a difference for others.
Acts of Kindness
Revitalizing Waterbury and Ivy Computer are again putting out a call for nominations in the annual Acts of Kindness recognition effort. “Last year, 74 people — teachers, parents, children, neighbors, and even strangers — were recognized for making a difference in our town, whether seen or unseen,” said Matt Larson, vice president of RW’s Board of Directors. “It’s a wonderful way to highlight those whose action—big or small—make Waterbury such a caring community.”
Ivy Computer contributes to the program so that the first 100 nominees receive $25 each in Waterbury Bucks, which are gift certificates redeemable as cash at many local businesses. Nominations are limited to one per person. People can make nominations now through Dec. 1. More details and the online form are on the RW website here.
New name, same holiday shop-local promo
Revitalizing Waterbury’s annual holiday shop-local promotion is back with a new name this year. Now called Very Merry Waterbury, the goal is to encourage shoppers and diners to support local businesses.
Formerly known as Wrap It Up and Win!, the program has shoppers collect stamps from participating retailers and restaurants, turning in stamped cards to enter into weekly prize drawings. More than 40 local businesses are participating by offering the stamps and contributing prizes such as merchandise and gift certificates.
The promo and its drawings run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 15. More details, including a list of participating merchants, are online here.
Business Roundtable Nov. 18
Stowe Street Emporium owners Larry and Kathy Murphy help prep holiday garlands. Courtesy photo
In addition to holiday programs, Revitalizing Waterbury’s business as usual includes hosting a Waterbury Business Roundtable along with the Waterbury Area Business Development Committee.
The event will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Steele Community Room at the town offices.
Topics the session will cover include an update on local demographics, marketing opportunities, and input from area lenders about business development.
Revitalizing Waterbury staff will share details about upcoming community and economic development efforts. Participants will be asked to help shape the organization’s priorities for 2026—from workforce housing and Route 100 connectivity to emerging technology in small-town business.
The event is free. Reserve a seat with an email to RW Executive Director Roger Clapp at roger@revitalizingwaterbury.org.