August Primary Reminder & Exciting Plans for Windham Inn

August 4, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • August Primary Reminder
  • Let's Talk About It:
    Windham Inn
  • The State of Our Vote
  • Farmers' Market Week
  • Poetry in the Park
 

August Primary Reminder

Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, in municipalities where more than one candidate from the same political party has qualified for a particular office.

The primary will be preceded by seven days of early voting, from now through August 9. Please look at the graphic below for voting hours during that time frame.

The early voting location in Windham is at:

  • Bellingham Auditorium At The Windham Town Hall, 979 Main Street

In Connecticut, only registered members of a political party may vote in that party's primary. Voters who wish to participate in a different party's primary must first update their party affiliation. Under Connecticut law, voters who change their party affiliation must wait three months before they are eligible to vote in their new party's primary.

For additional election information and resources, click here to visit the Secretary of the State's election webpage.

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you no longer need to provide a specific reason to request one for any primary or election.

Connecticut has a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on the day before the primary (August 10), provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months.
Click here to update your party affiliation
 

Let's Talk About It: Windham Inn

We learned about the exciting plans to preserve the historic Windham Inn on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It.” Gwen George-Bruno, CEO of Windham Preservation Inc., joined me for a conversation about saving the brick building, which was built in 1825.

Windham Preservation Inc. is transforming the inn into four apartments while carefully preserving its historic character. The renovation will include upgrades to the heating, insulation, plumbing, electrical, and septic systems.
The local community has played a role in the preservation process. Residents, local businesses, and skilled tradespeople have all stepped up to help, from repairing the roof and cleaning up the property to donating time and offering discounted services.

George-Bruno also shared that her passion for preserving the Windham Inn started years ago when she learned of a plan to tear down the building. She researched its historical significance and advocated for its preservation. Her efforts led town officials to seek her leadership in protecting and restoring this important piece of Windham’s history.

Click on the video below to learn more about the history of the Windham Inn and to hear the entire conversation.
New plans to transform the Windham Inn into residential property.
 

The State of Our Vote

You are invited to learn about the obstacles and progress we are making concerning voting rights. Policy experts, advocates, and lawmakers will hold a panel discussion offering a variety of perspectives on the ways voting rights have changed due to Supreme Court cases, federal and state laws, and public engagement.

The State of Our Vote program will explore key topics including: 

  • The SAVE America Act and its implications for elections
  • Recent redistricting efforts and how district boundaries affect representation
  • Updates to mail-in voting policies and voter access

The free, hybrid event will take place on Wednesday, August 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in room 2C of the Legislative Office Building. For those attending in person, food and refreshments will be served.
Click here to reserve your spot!
 

Farmers' Market Week

It's Connecticut Farmers' Market Week, a great time to celebrate the farmers, vendors, and volunteers who make our local farmers' markets such an important part of our communities.

Farmers' markets do more than provide fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other products. They strengthen our local economy, support family farms, improve access to healthy food, and create welcoming gathering places where neighbors can connect.

The Connecticut Farmers' Market Association plays a vital role in supporting these markets through education, advocacy, and resources that help them thrive.

If you're looking to shop local, here is the farmers' market in our area:

  • Willimantic Farmers' Market
    28 Bridge Street
    Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), helping ensure that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to more Connecticut families.
 

Poetry in the Park

Join the community for an evening of outdoor poetry, readings, and open mics at Poetry in the Park. The Curbstone Foundation will welcome Wayne Karlin, a talented writer who’s published nine novels, a collection of short stories, three non-fiction books, and a new chapbook of poems. His work analyzes the aftermath and trauma of war.
📅 Thursday, August 27
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 Poet's Corner, 
     Julia De Burgos Park,
     Willimantic
Click here for more information