CT Realtors Are Honoring a Life of Kindness

#NiceWork! Connecticut Realtors is a realty trade association based in East Hartford, CT that unites realtors all across the State. They have a long established culture of kindness, a legacy of the incredible life of former Executive Vice President, Harry “Bud” Wenz. A WWII veteran, State Representative, and compassionate human being, Mr. Wenz exemplified kindness.  His friends and colleagues described him as warm, caring, and sincere with a great sense of humor. He truly cared about his impact in the world. Not only was he in the leadership of CAR (Connecticut Association of Realtors), he was also very politically involved. During his time on the General Assembly, Bud originating a bill that raised licensing standards for real estate brokers along with requirements for both prerequisite exams and continued education. Since his passing in 2008, CT realtors have worked to honor his memory. What originally started as the “Good Neighbor Awards” has since transformed into CT REALTORS Random Acts of Kindness Day on September 21st, Bud’s birthday.  It has become an annual event since 2016.

During Random Acts of Kindness Day, members of CT Realtors are encouraged to perform at least one random act of kindness. This year, Lisa Governale of CT Realtors told Envision that, “CTR staff painted ‘kindness rocks’ with uplifting messages.  We distributed the rocks in a little garden at Nevers Road Park in South Windsor with a sign encouraging anyone who needs a little lift to take a rock.” The rock initiative has been hugely successful. Lisa Governale told Envision that “when a CT realtor staff member went the following week to take a walk through the park all of the rocks were gone.”

Along with Kindness Rocks, staff members have posted messages honoring Mr. Wenz and have contributed to CT Realtors Care. The foundation was established by CT Realtors as a way to formalize their philanthropic efforts and respond to natural disasters. Since its foundation in 2009, the nonprofit has donated generously to help those in the community and beyond. Initiatives they have undertaken include “Dog Days of Summer” where members collect items for animal shelters as well as various donation drives to give children in Connecticut’s homeless shelters a Paddington Bear. Most recently, they’ve matched 100% of donations to help hurricane Harvey victims, raising $10,290 and donating a total of $20,290.

Community members and all those aware of CT Realtors Act of Kindness Day are encouraged to live a life promoting kindness. On the CT realtor’s website, there is a list of kindness ideas, facts, and quotes so anyone can become an agent of kindness. “Smile at someone on the street, just because,” number 16 reads. Like a simple smile, CT Realtors spread kindness throughout their community.

To learn more about CT Realtors Random Acts of Kindness Day or if you’re in need of kindness inspiration, visit their website. One kind act can change a life. I challenge you to perform a random act of Kindness right now and share it with Envision. Together, we can show the world how abundant kindness is.

Bennett’s Books: A Bookstore by the Community, for the Community

#NiceWork! When you enter Bennett’s Books in Deep River, CT, you’ll find nothing but cozy. Between narrow corridors and massive columns of books, you’ll meet the warm and welcoming owner, Colin Bennett. These days, it can be difficult to find independent bookstores like Bennett’s. With e-readers and large chains, it’s almost impossible for small stores to compete. Luckily, Bennett found a creative (and compassionate) solution— he involved the community. He operates the store as a CSB, a Community Supported Bookstore.

“Our…program is the only such program in Connecticut, in fact, as far as we know, it is one of only three in the entire country,” said Bennett in an interview with Zip06.com. Most of the books in the store are donated from community members, and Bennett works tirelessly to return the favor.  In fact, this entire bookstore is centered around one thing: the community. Bennett is on a mission to promote affordable literacy. Everything in the store sells for $10 or less (though most books are $5 or under). He also has a laundry list of promotions, from a free book on your birthday to encouraging the exchange of a canned good for 10% off your purchase. All donations go to Shoreline Soup Kitchen.

Bennett is involved in a number of community-focused causes. Not only does he donate much of his proceeds, he also encourages customers to donate whatever they can. He’ll encourage different items during different times of the year, from hats and gloves to boxtops. One of his Facebook posts even calls on community members to collect acorns for the town’s squirrels because of limited access to natural resources.

When you meet Bennett, you’ll realize that he is not only fascinating, he’s fascinated. He tries to read a book a week. In fact, the idea for this bookstore started back in 2000, when Bennett started selling books from the trunk of his car to finance a road trip across the country. He estimates 40% of all stock comes from his own personal collection.

Bennett is also passionate about the environment, peace, and love. His bookstore might be most well-known in Deep River for their infamous Vigils for Kindness. Every Friday from 5:00-6:00, dedicated community members gather with peace and love signs in the town center. They do it to remind everyone of the importance of kindness, compassion, and community. Brandy Richards, Killingworth resident, explains that there is something magical about the smiles you see in the cars driving by during the Vigil. Bennett has been involved in a number of environmental organizations, including his role as the founder and director of  the Great Land Conservation Trust. He also hosts a “green” drinks get-together, where interested people come to discuss environmental issues while enjoying eco-friendly refreshments.

Moving forward, Bennett says he’d like to support more member-voted initiatives. “I would like to get to a point where profits over what are needed to keep the bookstore running can be given to social justice organizations or to community organizations—I would love to sponsor a little league team,” (Zip06.com).

In the Deep River area? Come stop by the store! Inspired by this story? Look around you. What can you do to get more involved in your community? Kindness is connection and community.

Photo Credits: Thanks to Brandy Richards (Envision Kindness), Bennett Books, and Catherine Avalone (New Haven Register)

Knits of Kindness in East Lyme, Connecticut

Act of Kindness in Niantic CT

The town of East Lyme, Connecticut was touched by the most beautiful holiday gesture at the end of 2016. A customer of Twist Yarn Shoppe in Niantic, CT  decked the local town green with knit mittens, scarfs, and hats for those who may need a little extra warmth this holiday season.

In the spirit of the season, a loyal and sweet customer of Twist Yarn Shoppe worked hard to knit mittens, scarfs, and hats this past year. This customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, then put out all of these gorgeous knits on the East Lyme town green for those in need of warmth. This beautiful gesture sparked what will be an even bigger event this coming holiday season. Twist Yarn Shoppe is in the middle of planning a year long project to “scarf bomb” the town. Knits will be made and placed around town for those in need.

Jen and Lisa, at Twist Yarn Shoppe, are a mother-daughter team who have a passion for knitting. Their recently opened shop seeks to embrace knitting being trendy again.  What the owners really hope to do is offer a hobby, a lifestyle, and a sense of community. In addition to yarns and knit products, the shop regularly hosts events that they hope “will bring people together, forge new friendships and provide an environment for all to flourish at knitting!”

If you or someone you know enjoys knitting, or would like to learn, the more the merrier for this year’s town “scarf bomb” event. Visit Twist Yarn Shoppe or contact Jen and Lisa at 860.451.8213.

To learn more about other organizations that create acts of kindness based around knitting you can visit Knit-a-Square and Warm Up America. These great organizations accept donations to help spread warmth to those in need.

It takes a lot of forks and spoons….

It is really hard to imagine that every day around the world millions of people don’t have enough food. Statistics are important but don’t really show the stories of people who need help and the people who are trying to help.  Sometimes, it is best reflected in a single place like the New London Meal Center in New London, CT pictured here.  The New London Meal Center serves more than 73,000 meals in a year and is run by dedicated people with a large roster of volunteers, these organizations are critical to prevent starvation.  For a single meal, about 200 forks, knives, and spoons, lots of cucumbers for the salad, and so much more are needed.  Along with 6-8 happy volunteers (pictured here from Congregation Beth El) working as a team to help the dedicated Center staff.  Beyond the food, however, they provide an easy and natural welcoming to patrons, emphasizing the importance of the human gift of a smile and warm, non-judgmental welcome beyond the nutritional gift to people who are struggling.    Click here to learn more about the New London Meal center or here about hunger in America.