Gobsmacked! Waltham Resident Blown Away by Winning Civic Award

“Gobsmacked.”

That’s how Waltham resident Jennifer Patton said she felt after finding out she won the Civic Recognition Award, which was announced on the Civic Recognition site this week.

The awards are given each year to inspire others to help their own communities. Recipients are chosen from all 50 states, and “come from all walks of life.

Patton has lived in Waltham for about 20 years, and calls Waltham’s people “generous.” She’s seen it in times of tragedy, such as after a family losing a home to fire. For Patton, she wants to see this display of attitude every day.

“I think it’s an incredible place with a history of innovation,” Patton told Patch. “We should continue that tradition into a bright future. I think we are stewards of the wonderful natural and civic resources we have here. Only through care can they survive and thrive in the future.”

Patton is involved with the Waltham Community Web, First Parish Universalist Unitarian Church, Green Rows of Waltham, the Farmers’ Market and the Waltham Land Trust. She has been involved in various planning issues, such as the campaign to stop the drive-thru at Panera Bread on Weston Street.

“It is hoped the Civic Recognition Award will encourage people in Waltham and across Massachusetts to live their lives around ten values than enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities,” said the release. “Those ten values are compassion, courage, forgiveness, generosity, humility, inclusiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and service.”

Related Stories on Patch:

• Proposed Panera Bread Draws Concerns from Waltham Residents, Councilors: Panera Bread is proposing a second location in Waltham.
• Waltham Residents Angry With Work At Polaroid Site: Also, developers named a new tenant for the site.

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