December Town Manager's Message:

Start humming, "It's the Holiday Season" as you read this month's e-blast. Christmas in the Village, letters to Santa, Wreaths Across America, breakfast with Santa, Christmas movies, and so much more are taking place around town this month. Take a few minutes to participate in your community and enjoy Christmastime in Coventry. We thank you for donations already received for holiday meals, and urge consideration of donations to the Clergy Fuel Fund to help your neighbors. See the Human Services webpage for more information.

The newly-elected Town Council is up and running, and working on establishing goals before we enter into budget planning. If you wish to reach out to them, email addresses are available through the Town website. Lisa Thomas, Chair, will also be holding drop-in office hours on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in Conference Room B at Town Hall, starting on January 6th. Stop by if you have concerns or suggestions to share.

A quick update on several large projects. We finally received approval to bid the remainder of the Orchard Hills senior housing and landfill methane venting grant projects. The Rt. 44 and Swamp Road intersection project has been awarded, with winter utility work and some off-road work planned to allow a quick start in spring. The current schedule calls for bidding the Transfer Station relocation, softball fields, school roofs at Coventry High School and G.H. Robertson School, and the South Street pedestrian improvement projects in February for summer work. 

We plan a groundbreaking soon for a 30'x30' pavilion at Laidlaw Park, funded by State LOCIP grants, Coventry Youth Soccer, and supplemental funds kicked in by the Town Council. It will be ready for the spring season.

With the end of the year, we also will say goodbye to two long-term department heads who are retiring from Town employment. Linda Greenbacker, Collector of Revenue, for 28 years, and Joseph Callahan, Building Official, for 22 years. We will miss them.

Wishing you all the best of holiday cheer from the Town of Coventry.

COMING EVENTS: 

Weds 12/1: 5-Minute Chair Massages with Christine Storms, 10-11:30 AM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Free. Call 860-742-3525 to schedule an appointment.

Thurs 12/2: American Red Cross Blood Drive, 11 AM - 3 PM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Register here.

Thurs 12/2: Blue Christmas Worship Service, 7-8 PM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. Info: 860-742-8487. Website.

Fri 12/3: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 8-11 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. Intro session at 7:245 PM. Live music by the Wild Notes, called by Don Heinold. Partner not required; all dances taught. COVID restrictions apply - see website for details. $12 adults, $6 students. Email for Info or call 860-742-9498.

Sat 12/4: Baby equipment, 50% off, 9 AM - 1 PM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet welcomes donations of winter clothes on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The shop will be closed on Saturday, December 25 and January 1. Info: 860-742-1616.

Sat 12/4: Stuff-a-Truck/Cruiser/Ambulance, 10 AM - 2 PM, North Coventry Fire Station, 3427 Main Street. Seeking donations of toys for children in our community. Details here.

Sun 12/5: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street (new location). The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, handmade crafts and services. Website.

Sun 12/5: Christmas in Coventry Village, 12 noon - 4 PM, followed by tree lighting at 4:30 PM. Main Street in the Village and Patriots Park. Santa Claus, pony rides, Lions Club Christmas Tree Festival, crafters, vendors, Arts Guild Youth Art Show, photo ops and children's activities, food, music, dance, specials at local businesses and more. Shuttle bus provided. Fire truck torch light parade down Main Street, followed by the annual tree lighting at First Congregational Church at 4:30 PM. See Lions Club Facebook page for updates, or call 860-918-5957 for more information.

Mon 12/6: Movie Day Monday featuring Christmas in Connecticut, 11 AM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Call 860-742-3525 to RSVP.

Tues 12/7: Holiday items, games, books, puzzles & toys, 50% off, 9 AM - 1 PM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet welcomes donations of winter clothes on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The shop will be closed on Saturday, December 25 and January 1. Info: 860-742-1616.

Weds 12/8: Mobile Foodshare, 10-10:30 AM, First Congregational Church @ St. Mary's, 1600 Main Street. An outdoor food distribution service for persons of low income. Text FOODSHARE to 85511 to receive the mobile schedule and cancellations directly on your phone. More info.

Sat 12/11: Drive-thru/take-out Dinner, Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Menu: Pork roast, potatoes, gravy, carrots, apple sauce & dessert. $13 adults, $6 child. Place orders at 860-742-1616, or email and indicate pick-up time of 5, 5:30, or 6 PM. Correct amount of cash or check is required. Drive down from church parking lot to the Community House located across from Highland Park.

Sun 12/12: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, handmade crafts and services. Website.

Mon 12/13: Manicures by Shelly, 10 AM - noon, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Call 860-742-3525 to schedule an appointment.

Tues 12/14: Holiday items, games, books, puzzles & toys, 50% off, 9 AM - 1 PM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet welcomes donations of winter clothes on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The shop will be closed on Saturday, December 25 and January 1. Info: 860-742-1616.

Thurs 12/16: Podiatric Foot Care Clinic with Dr. Morgan, 9:30-11:30 AM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Call 860-742-3525 to schedule an appointment.

Thurs 12/16: Sentimental Journey Featuring Bruce John, 11 AM - noon, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Free. Face mask required. Call 860-742-3525 to RSVP.

Sat 12/18: Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa, 8 - 11:30 AM, Coventry High School old gym (auditorium entrance), 78 Ripley Hill Road. Admission: $10 adults and children 10 and older, $7 for seniors, $5 for children ages 2-9, children under 2 are free. Information: Joanne McHugo, 860-742-8689 or Sandy Loalbo, 860-212-5358.

Sat 12/18: Wreaths Across America, 12 noon, Coventry Cemetery, 392 Main Street. A ceremonial wreath presentation honoring all seven services: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Maries, MIA's and POW's will take place. Local dignitaries will speak, and the Coventry High School Band will perform. Closing ceremonies will be conducted by the American Legion Post 52 and V.F.W. Post 10539. All are welcome. Please note there is no parking in Coventry Cemetery. M&J Bus will provide bus service  from Miller-Richardson Field, 240 Main Street, starting at 11 AM in a continuous loop. For more information, contact Claudine Vieten, 860-742-6750 or 860-324-7956. Website.

Sun 12/19: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, NOTE: NO MARKET 12/26 or 1/2.  handmade crafts and services. Website.

Mon 12/20: Haircuts by Lynn, 9 - 11:30 AM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Call 860-742-3525 to schedule an appointment.

Weds 12/22: Mobile Foodshare, 10-10:30 AM, First Congregational Church @ St. Mary's, 1600 Main Street. An outdoor food distribution service for persons of low income. Text FOODSHARE to 85511 to receive the mobile schedule and cancellations directly on your phone. More info.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ON RACE:

if you live or work in Coventry, please consider becoming part of the Community Conversations Planning Team to help plan 4-5 structured conversations surrounding race issues in our community and beyond. Learn more on December 8 from 6-7 PM. RSVP to Annemarie Sundgren, 8690-742-5324, or email asundgren@coventryct.org to receive a Zoom meeting link.

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT - HOLIDAY DONATIONS & ENERGY ASSISTANCE:

Holiday Donations ~ As we begin to plan for the upcoming holiday season, please take a moment to consider how your family or business can make a difference by adopting a family in need this holiday season.  If you would like to hear more about the many opportunities available, please contact our office at 860-742-5324 or access the “donor form” on the Human Services page of the Town website. If you are in need this holiday season, please reach out to our office for assistance.
 
We welcome frozen turkeys, hams, and all the “fixings” to provide a holiday meal for families in need for the December holiday.  Please give the office a call to let us know what you may be willing to donate or drop off.  We are accepting donations at the Human Services office in Town Hall.  Freezer space is limited so please call in advance if you plan to make a large donation to ensure room in our freezers.   
 
Clergy Fuel Fund ~ The Clergy Fuel Fund has begun the gift of caring for the 2021-2022 winter season.  The fund has been very successful over the years due to the tremendous generosity of our community.  The fund assists Coventry residents in need of emergency heating assistance, and 100% of the dollars raised remains in town.  Our goal is to help our clients utilize all other resources available that provides emergency heating assistance in order to ensure that our funds are available during the coldest winter months.

Energy Program ~ We are accepting energy applications for winter heating on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only.  Please call the office for more information about the Access Fuel Assistance Program and income guidelines.

AT THE SENIOR CENTER:

CHOICES Medicare Benefits Counseling is available with a certified CHOICES Counselor. Schedule at the front desk, or call 860-742-3525. Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7!  

The Senior Center is happy to welcome back the AARP Tax-Aide volunteers for 2022. Dates to be determined.  More information at the front desk, or call 860-742-3525.

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY:

The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-8, Friday from 10-6, and Saturday from 10-3. The Library will be closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. We ask that all visitors to the Library please wear masks.

The Library will be open on Sunday, December 5 from 12pm-4pm for Christmas in the Village. Stop by for fun activities or to view our Gingerbread House contest. If you would like to participate in the Gingerbread House contest, please drop off your submission between December 1 and 4.

The following programs for children will be offered in-person at the library!
Science Explorers – Lego Bridge Building – December 3 at 11AM
Imagination Station – Story and Free Art Time – December 7 at 11AM
Music and Movement – Nutcracker Edition – December 17 at 11AM
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for Take & Make programs, all which are available to pick up in our vestibule. If you would like information about our programs and offerings sent directly to your email, call or visit the library, or go to https://forms.gle/p87w3zoYPwWzDiFQ7  to sign up.

The Library is hiring a Substitute and Saturday Assistant to work substitute hours as needed, rotating Saturdays, and additional hours as may be assigned. For the full job description please visit www.ctlibrarians.org/page/jobs. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to bdsearch@coventrypl.org.
 
Booth & Dimock Memorial Library
1134 Main St
860-742-7606
www.coventrypl.org