Ron Napoli, Jr

John Billus, a retired French teacher and resident of the Bunker Hill/Robinwood section of Waterbury, can be found walking with his shopping cart and garbage picker scouring city streets daily as part of his “Litter Patrol.”

Recently, Mr. Billus was honored and thanked for his clean-up efforts during a Waterbury Board of Aldermen meeting where State Sen. Joan Hartley and I joined Mayor Neil O'Leary, who surprised him with updated equipment and a new sign for his shopping cart. Mayor O'Leary also had a garbage picker for each Alderman to join Mr. Billus in his efforts in their own neighborhoods.

Mr. Billus said his life has become deeply enriched with friendships and connections to the people he meets along his walks. His neighborhood has certainly been enriched as well by not only by having less trash but through his example to the community.

It is truly amazing the impact that one person can have on a community. Let’s multiply Mr. Billus’ efforts by grabbing a garbage picker and trash bag and taking a walk in our own neighborhoods, too.

For more on Mr. Billus and his community clean-up effort, please check out "Retired French teacher honored for keeping Waterbury clean"  that was published in the Republican-American.