Windham's Sustainable Future & National Night Out

July 30, 2025


 
 

We had a delightful conversation about Windham's efforts to build a sustainable future on my weekly radio show. Please keep scrolling to learn how our community is trying to go green while saving money. 

You have an opportunity this weekend to help feed those in need. Read below to see where and when you can donate non-perishable food and stock the shelves of a local shelter.

I hope you attend National Night Out next week. It's an opportunity to meet local first responders in a fun environment. I will share more details below.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Sustainability
  • Donate To Food Drive This Weekend
  • Meet Police & Fire at National Night Out!
  • Family & Community Expo
 

Let's Talk About It: Sustainability

We had the pleasure of speaking with our good friend Dawn Niles, the Chair of the Windham Town Council and Windham Sustainable Energy Committee on "Let's Talk About It." We discussed what the committee does and how the Town Council is trying to deliver the best for the town.
 
Niles provided a deep dive into the work of the Sustainable Energy Committee, which tackles issues of transparency, quality of life, water, recycling, and so much more. She mentioned that transparency is key to keep people informed and pointed out that Windham's town budget is now available online for anyone to look at.
We also focused on recycling and Niles highlighted the recent state funding our community received to develop waste management infrastructure to divert valuable and recyclable compost. The investment includes a 40-foot composter and collection truck. CLICK HERE to learn more. 

Niles also shared the town's goals to expand our geothermal network. She will travel to other communities to see how their existing infrastructure works. Once we tap into our geothermal potential, our community will save money on electricity while taking a major step toward a more sustainable energy future.

 

We also talked about the town council's decisions to hire a new town manager, police chief, and fire chief. Click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
Dawn Niles discusses Windham's work on sustainability.
 

Donate To Food Drive This Weekend

I invite you to join me in supporting our neighbors by helping stock the shelves of the Covenant Soup Kitchen. The facility is in urgent need of supplies and is accepting unexpired, non-perishable food donations.
 
You can drop off your contributions on Sunday, August 3 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Bob's IGA at 422 Windham Road in Willimantic.

Some of the most-needed items include:

  • Cereal
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned tuna
  • Canned veggies

  • Oatmeal
  • Pasta
  • Peanut Butter
  • Spaghetti sauce

Every item helps, and every donation makes a difference. Thank you for stepping up to support families in need in our community.
 

Meet Police & Fire at National Night Out!

I encourage you to meet local police and firefighters at a free, family friendly event called National Night Out from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5 at Jillson Square. This is an opportunity for the community to meet with members of the Willimantic Police and Fire Departments and develop new bonds in a stress-free environment.

This free event is packed with exciting activities including:

  • Law enforcement vehicles & technology displays
  • K-9 demonstrations
  • Drone presentations
  • Firetrucks & gear from Willimantic and Windham Fire Departments
  • FREE food served by your local first responders
  • Family-friendly games and activities for all ages

National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer. The event provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
 

Family & Community Expo

Windham Public Schools and Town of Windham present the Family & Community Expo at Jillson Square on Saturday, August 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

You can get food, trucks, music, vendors, and much more, including free haircuts for kids! There will also be a FREE backpack giveaway for students on a first come-first serve basis. Child must be present to receive a backpack.