I would like to wish everyone in Windham and beyond a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and community. As we reflect on the year behind us, thank you for all you do to make our town such a special place to live! Below, I will share the surprising place where I met Santa!
Speaking of the holiday season, you want to make sure everyone is safe during the festivities. Please read below for some valuable fire safety tips to prevent accidents while you enjoy time with loved ones.
I joined town leaders in advocating to keep Windham Technical High School in our community. Keep scrolling to learn about the plan to save this educational gem!
Here are the sections in today's email:
- Let's Talk About It: Fire Safety
- Advocating to Keep Windham Tech in Town
- Access Health Enrollment
- Happy Holidays
| Let's Talk About It: Fire Safety |
|
|
As we move through the holiday season, it's important to keep your loved ones safe. Willimantic Fire Department Chief Ron Palmer and Deputy Chief Peter Bruscato recently joined my weekly show "Let's Talk About It" to share critical fire tips to help families enjoy a safe and happy holiday.
They offered important guidance on space heaters, heating equipment, Christmas trees, and more. Here are some key takeaways:
Space heater safety:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable
- Don't leave them unattended, including around young children and pets
- Do not plug space heaters into extension cords
Heating equipment safety:
- Schedule annual maintenance for your furnace
- Have your chimney cleaned each year
- Use fireplace screens to block sparks
- Dispose of ashes in a metal container outside the home, and ensure they are cool
Electrical safety:
- Avoid overloading outlets with holiday lights or additional appliances
- Inspect cords for damage and fraying
- Buy products that meet safety standards including approved charging cords
Christmas tree safety:
- Keep trees at least three feet from heat sources
- Make sure the tree does not block any exits
- Keep the tree base filled with water to prevent drying
- Replace older lights with LED lights, which do not emit heat
Chief Palmer and Deputy Chief Bruscato also shared guidance on where to keep a fire extinguisher in your home, how to safely exit during a house fire, and why working carbon monoxide detectors are essential.
In addition, Chief Palmer discussed Windham's ambulance service, which is fully funded by all taxpayers in the Town of Windham, including Windham Town residents who live in Willimantic.
Our highly trained firefighters are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with additional training and equipment to provide advanced care. They can check blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes, administer aspirin for chest pain, deliver epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions and other medical emergencies, and much more.
Windham's ambulance service is fully licensed, allowing crews to transport patients to medical facilities such as Hartford Hospital when Life Star Medical Helicopter is unable to fly due to bad weather.
CLICK HERE to listen to our entire conversation and learn more about our ambulance services and the fire safety tips that can help your family safe this holiday season. |
|
|
| Advocating to Keep Windham Tech in Town |
|
|
Windham is making every effort to ensure Windham Technical High School remains a vital part of our community. I joined town leaders and staff at the Legislative Office Building to meet with Governor Ned Lamont and share our vision for rebuilding the school at a new site in Windham.
The proposal includes donating 46 acres to the state for the construction of a state-of-the-art facility. The location is well suited for geothermal heating and cooling and offers promising hydroelectric potential due to its proximity to our local rivers – creating an opportunity for Windham Tech to become leaders in sustainable, green-focused education across Connecticut.
 |
| Director of Windham Taxing District Board Dennis O'Brien, Town Manager Rob Zarnetske, Rep. Susan Johnson, Council Member Suzanne Blancaflor, Town Planner Matt Vertefeuille, Council Member Joshua Holman |
|
Thank you to everyone advocating for this effort. Keeping Windham Tech in Windham will give students the chance to stay close to home and provide hands-on experience in clean energy fields that will prepare them for the workforce.
You still have time to enroll for health and dental insurance with Access Health CT. Anyone who registers now will have coverage beginning on February 1, 2026.
CLICK HERE to shop and compare plans. If you would like further assistance, you can contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325.
I had a wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit when I met Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. It was wonderful to be surrounded by a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and festive décor. Wishing everyone a happy and joyful holiday season!
