#MiddleburyCT #OLLI #WaterburyCT #GoodNeighbor
WATERBURY, Conn. – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UConn and For All Ages will host Connecticut Good Neighbor Day 2026: Good Neighbors, Great Communities on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the UConn Waterbury campus at 99 E. Main St. in Waterbury. There is no free parking for this event. Parking options can be found at waterburyparking.com/find-parking.
The free community-wide event will bring together residents, students, nonprofit organizations, and civic leaders to explore how stronger connections and acts of service can create healthier, more vibrant communities. It will feature a keynote address by Dr. Kathy Taylor, president and CEO of the Connecticut Community Foundation, along with panel discussions, community networking opportunities, and hands-on volunteer activities designed to strengthen connections across generations.
Through panel discussions on “Building Community Across Generations” and “Volunteerism & Civic Engagement.” participants will explore how meaningful relationships, civic engagement, and neighborly action can help address social isolation while fostering a greater sense of belonging. The morning program will include conversations with community leaders and local changemakers with a feature by Mental Health Connecticut’s Independence Center, followed by a community lunch and volunteer service opportunities throughout Waterbury.
“Strong communities begin with strong relationships,” said Fiona de Merell, director of OLLI at UConn. “Good Neighbor Day is an opportunity to bring people together across generations, backgrounds, and experiences to learn from one another, strengthen civic ties, and discover how small acts of kindness and service can have a lasting impact on the well-being of our communities.”
The event is being presented in partnership with For All Ages, the Connecticut nonprofit organization empowering people to build real connections that transform health and life outcomes. The initiative is also supported by members of The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness statewide collective impact alliance, United Way of Greater Waterbury, the Connecticut Community Foundation, and other community partners committed to promoting healthy aging, inclusion, civic engagement, and community well-being.
“Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities,” said Deb Bibbins, founder and CEO of For All Ages. “Good Neighbor Day is about recognizing that building stronger communities starts with each of us showing up for one another, creating connections, and taking action to make a difference.”
Good Neighbor Day is open to community members of all ages. Organizers hope the event will inspire new volunteerism, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and highlight the role that social connection plays in improving health, well-being, and quality of life.
Participation is free, but advance registration is required. Lunch will be provided. To register, visit endlonelinessct.org/good-neighbor-day.
