National Random Acts of Kindness Day, February 17, is barely behind us. So it seems sadly ironic that while people worldwide connected through anonymous acts of goodwill, others pondered random acts of unkindness.

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, formed by family and friends in the wake of 6-year-old Catherine Hubbard's death, 12/14, has set a goal of creating the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

This educational animal rescue sanctuary that is envisioned will rise from a hill overlooking meadowlands and farmland at the end of Old Farm Road. The 30-plus-acre property where the CVH Animal Sanctuary will be situated was given to the foundation a year-and-a-half ago, by the state. Since then, the Hubbard family has slowly considered how best to create this living memorial to Catherine.

As they move toward that goal, the property has remained open to residents to enjoy the natural beauty and to pause for reflection within the footprint of an open sculpture that marks what they hope will one day be the entrance to the main sanctuary building.

Crossing over Deep Brook from the parking area at the end of Old Farm Road, a small sign about 50 feet along the path greets visitors. The sign asks only that visitors respect the space, and notes that it is property of the CVH Foundation. Or rather, if you could read the sign clearly, that is what it would say.

Sometime between last Friday afternoon and Saturday, vandals spray painted the greeting sign, obscuring Catherine's name and the CVH logo. Blue paint bleeds down into the brief list of visitor rules. The marring of their daughter's name, in particular, said Jennifer Hubbard, struck a chord with the family. The randomness of the act - an asphalt road and parked storage trailer nearby whose broad expanses practically beg for graffiti were spared - suggests this was antagonistic destruction aimed specifically at the foundation.

It is not the first time that the property has encountered vandalism, said Ms Hubbard. The foundation has more than once had to replace boards placed over windows of the unoccupied house and barn on the edge of the property, and clean up profanities spray painted on the buildings. The costs, both to the heart and wallet, are mounting.

Vandalism anywhere, at any time is discouraging. It speaks of wanton disregard for others' property and feelings. It expresses an attitude that discounts respect and… kindness.

A splotch or two of spray paint may not seem much in the grand scheme of things, but when directed at an organization devoted to turning a horrible act of violence into something positive, this vandalism speaks of a disturbing disconnect of some within the soul of our community.

Whether on a large or small scale, destructive actions anywhere must not be tolerated. Be observant. Report suspicious behavior, identify those who need a better outlet for their alienation or anger, and send the message: Newtown is not the place for random acts of unkindness.