The new chief of the Willimantic Police Department joined my radio show to share his story and to discuss the challenges of community policing. Please keep scrolling to learn more about his plan to improve our police force.
On Friday, our town celebrated as the 129-year-old clock on Windham's Town Hall returned to life! I'll provide a brief history behind the timeless gem overlooking Main Street.
Here are the sections in today's email:
Let's Talk About It: Windham Police
Town Hall's Clock Tower Returns to Life
Celebrating Juneteenth
Poetry in the Park 2025
Let's Talk About It: Windham Police
My co-host Dennis O'Brien and I sat down with Willimantic Chief of Police Fabian Silva, who has been serving in this role since November. Originally from Colombia, Chief Silva attended school to become a military officer before immigrating to the United States. After spending time as a consultant at Pfizer, Silva found his calling in public service and joined the Willimantic Police Department in 2009.
In this week's episode of "Let's Talk About It," Chief Silva broke down how his experience in the military and private sector as well as his education in sociology and cybersecurity have helped in the transition to heading public safety in Willimantic. We also went into detail on some of the most pressing issues in policing including the need for social workers, the need to take a comprehensive look at public safety, and the growing threat of cybercrime. To hear more about his history, his plans for the Willimantic Police Department, and what to do if you've become a victim of cybercrime – listen to the full episode below.
The Willimantic community is buzzing after the historic town clock restarted this morning at Windham Town Hall. The massive timepiece sits within the building’s classical Victorian tower and overlooks Willimantic’s Downtown Business District.
The original clock dates back 129 years to June 22, 1896. At the time, a wealthy businessman, James E. Hayden, purchased the clock to be installed in the town hall tower so the community could enjoy it. He then gave the honor of starting this clock to his wife, Sarah Martin Hayden. She was one of the founders as well as the historian of the Anne Wood Elderkin chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
DAR was instrumental in returning the clock to life through awareness and outreach. DAR's honorary Regent, Lynn Hinckley, tapped the pendulum to officially restart the clock at noon! Thank you to everyone who was involved in the process of bringing new life to this timeless gem.
Celebrating Juneteenth
On Thursday, we celebrated Juneteenth, a day of reflection, resilience, and pride. It marks the moment on June 19, 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is both a solemn and powerful reminder that freedom, while promised in our founding documents, was not granted to all at once. And yet, Juneteenth is also a celebration of resilience and a joyful recognition of Black culture, community, and achievement.
I hope everyone had the opportunity to come together, not only to honor history, but to celebrate the spirit of unity, hope, and freedom that Juneteenth represents.
Poetry in the Park 2025
I am thrilled to unveil a fantastic lineup for Poetry in the Park! It's an annual summer series of poetry readings in the Julia De Burgos Park in Willimantic sponsored by the Curbstone Foundation.
