John Elsesser retires after
35 years of service.

Town Manager's Message:

It has been an honor to serve as your Town Manager since May, 1988. Coventry has changed dramatically, but the citizens remain steadfast in trying to make this town great and continuously succeed in making progress toward this goal. July 1 is my last day as an employee, but I have agreed to stay on for a bit to allow the Town Council to complete the selection process for a replacement.

There are great things coming over the next few years, with major infrastructure projects funded by grants, including: reconfiguring and reconstructing a section of South Street, including the intersection of Swamp and the nearby curves; all of Daly Road; and replacing Depot Road and Brigham Road Bridges over the Willimantic River.

Additionally, the Road Bond is underway, with work planned to finish up Waterfront Manor, Silver Street, and Talcott Hill Road over the next several months.

The Library is on track for completion in early July. Both new softball fields will be completed at Miller Richardson Park (and waiting for the grass to grow).

We are welcoming Julie Chapman as our new Finance Director; coming to us from the Town of Groton's Finance Department. We said goodbye to Jim McLoughlin, Fire Administrator, who retired.

I have enjoyed making Coventry my home and working with great staff and wonderful volunteers, both endeavoring to make this town great.

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

Mon, 7/3: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM
Mon, 7/10: Planning & Zoning Commission,
7 PM
Mon, 7/17: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM
Mon, 7/24: Planning & Zoning Commission,
7 PM
Thurs, 7/27: Board of Education, 7:00 PM

For a complete monthly calendar of other Board & Commission events, click here.

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:

Tues 7/4: Independence Day. Town offices closed. Trash pick-up on holiday schedule for remainder of the week.

Retirement party for John Elsesser: July 27, 5-8 PM. See details below.

COMING EVENTS:

Sun 7/2: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Continuing the tradition of being one of the largest farmers’ markets in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products around at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Today's theme: Picnics and Campfires. Website.

Fri 7/7 & 7/21: BINGO Night, first and third Fridays of the month, doors open at 5 PM, BINGO starts at 6 PM. First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. Presented by the American Legion Post 52. 50¢ entry fee, must be 18 or older to play. Raffles, prizes and refreshments available. Email for info.

Weds 7/5: 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 7/8: Appraisal Event, 1-4 PM, Strong Porter House Museum, 2382 South Street. Hosted by the Coventry Historical Society. Are you a fan of Antiques Roadshow? Wonder if that dusty old thing in your attic has any value, or even what it is used for? Join auctioneer RJ Weston to find out, and while you are there you can see what your neighbors are bringing. Maximum 3 appraisals per person, cost is $5 for each verbal appraisal. First come, first served, rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Coventry Historical Society.

Sun 7/9: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Continuing the tradition of being one of the largest farmers’ markets in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products around at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Today's theme: Self-Care Sunday/Wellness Market. Website.

Fri 7/14: Food Truck Fest, 11 AM - 3 PM, Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School, 1776 Main Street. Sponsored by Coventry CT Cares.

Fri 7/14: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. Featuring baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, Italian bread and beverage. $15 per plate, takeout available. Hosted by First Congregational Church & American Legion Post 52. Info: 860-742-8487 or email.

Sun 7/16 Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Continuing the tradition of being one of the largest farmers’ markets in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products around at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Today's theme: Easy Go-To Summer Meals. Website.

Weds 7/19: 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.

Sun 7/23: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Continuing the tradition of being one of the largest farmers’ markets in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products around at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Today's theme: Cleaning Made Easy. Website.

Weds 7/26: Council Chair's office hours, 5-6:30 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Ask questions and share feedback with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas during this monthly session.

Thurs 7/27: Retirement Party for John Elsesser, 5-8 PM, Four Dads Lakeview, 50 Lake Street. Bid farewell to John as he retires after 35 years of service as Coventry's Town Manager. $25 suggested donation. RSVP by 7/20. Details and RSVP form.

Sun 7/30: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Continuing the tradition of being one of the largest farmers’ markets in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products around at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Today's theme: International Food Tour. Website.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

Resident Beach Stickers: Available for purchase at Lisicke Beach during operating hours. Exact change or check accepted. $25 first vehicle and $12 each additional. Vehicle registration required

Lisicke Beach Pavilion and Creaser Park pavilion available for rent! $12/hour for Coventry residents. Call Parks and Rec to book your event. 860-742-4068.

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

Summer Reading season is upon us! The Library is offering Summer Reading Programs for children birth to pre-school, grades K-5, teens, and adults. Each age group has the opportunity to complete activities, win prizes, and of course do lots of reading! To learn more and sign up for the program, visit https://www.coventrypl.org/summer.html

Check out our July children's programming, which includes new offerings like our Bubble Party, and fan favorites such as Messy Munchkins!

July Take & Make available starting July 5th

Sing, Stomp, Story - July 6th at 11:00AM

Bubble Party - July 13th at 11:00AM

Nature Painting - July 19th at 3:00PM

Saturday Drawing with Miss Rachel - July 22nd at 1:00PM

Sweet Dreams Story Time - July 25th at 6:30PM

Mess Munchkins - July 28th at 11:00AM

Library staff will have a booth at the July 30th Farmers' Market, so stop by and see us there!

Keep an eye on our website or Facebook page for any additional programs we may add on!

Happy Summer!

Booth & Dimock Memorial Library
1134 Main Street
860-742-7606
www.coventrypl.org

Facebook @BDLibrary

Join the Senior Center for a trip to the David Hayes Sculpture Fields.

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER:

FITNESS CLASSES:

Cardio Drumming – 7/14 & 7/28, 9:30-10:30 AM, Fee: $3.00. Signup is required.
Chair Yoga with Carol – 7/7 & 7/21, 9:30-10:30 AM, Fee: $5.00

TRIPS:

Tues 7/11: David Hayes Sculpture Field Tour, 10 AM. Depart from Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. FREE. Two-hour duration. Rain date 7/13.

Weds 7/19: Out to Lunch Bunch, The Flour Girl Café, 14 Main Street, Hebron. Departure time: 11:30 AM or meet at restaurant at noon.

WORKSHOP:

Theft & fraud prevention by M&T Bank Manager Wendy Stowell, 7/20, 10:30 AM. Sign up appreciated.

JUST FOR FUN!

Book Club, 7/11, 1pm ~ The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn

Tech Tuesday with Kayla, FREE, 7/25 by appointment, beginning at 2pm, sign up is required

Jewelry Group, FREE, 11 AM-12:30 PM, sign up is required

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Fitness Room
Open Daily and *FREE*
Schedule your workout time at the front desk

Podiatric Foot Clinic with Dr. Morgan, 7/6, 9:30 - 11 am. Sign up is required.

NEW... Massages with Michelle, 7/10 & 7/24 11 AM - 3 PM. Appointment required. $40 for 1/2 hour, $60/hour.

For more information on any of these events go to the Coventry Senior Center website page or call 860-742-3525.

Sign up to receive the Senior Center's monthly newsletter electronically by emailing: bbennett@coventryct.org.

COVER PHOTO:

The statue of Capt. Nathan Hale, a patriot who gave his life for our country, was installed on Coventry's Memorial Green in 2012 o commemorate the Town's 300th anniversary. Photo by Laura Stone.

To list your non-profit organization's event in this bulletin, contact Laura Stone by email by the 15th of the previous month.