James Drumm has been hired as Coventry’s Town Manager, effective August 21, 2023..

James Drumm has been hired as the Town of Coventry’s Town Manager, effective August 21, 2023.

NEW TOWN MANAGER HIRED:

the Town of Coventry, announced the appointment of James (Jim) Drumm as Coventry’s new Town Manager, replacing John Elsesser who retired on July 1. Mr. Drumm will start his employment with the Town on August 21, 2023. A meet and greet event to welcome him to Coventry will be announced.

Currently residing in Lancaster, PA, Mr. Drumm will be relocating to Connecticut with his wife Dawne and teenage son Kiernan. With over 25 years of professional management experience, Drumm brings a breadth of expertise to Coventry, including proficiency in budgeting, financial management, grant writing, capital project management, policy development, inter-government relations, emergency and disaster response, collective bargaining, community planning, and economic development. He began his career in the State of Florida in 1988, holding increasingly progressively responsible positions there including as City Manager in the cities of Zephyrhills and High Springs. He served as City Manager in the City of Brunswick, Georgia for five years before relocating to take his most recent position as Manager for Manheim Township, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Drumm holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration from the University of Florida, and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management from the University of South Florida. He is a member of the International City County Management Association (ICMA) and was a Founding City Manager-Mentor of the ICMA Student Chapter at the University of South Florida. Under his tenure the City of High Springs Community Gardens Project received a Program of Excellence Award for Community Sustainability from ICMA in 2009. Drumm has served on a variety of intergovernmental boards over the course of his career and was active in community service initiatives, including with the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce in the cities where he was employed. He was named Man of the Year by the Lake Alfred Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and received an Executive Director Award from the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce in 1993.

“The Town Council voted unanimously to hire James Drumm as our next Town Manager,” said Lisa Thomas, Town Council Chairwoman. “We believe he brings with him the qualities that we, the community, and our staff feel are most important. In addition to his thoughtful approach to problem solving, Jim's extensive experience in human resource management, capital projects management, and understanding the needs of a rural community stood out to us as invaluable for Coventry.” Thomas also expressed her gratitude to Town staff, Board of Education representatives, School Superintendent, and the Coventry community for participating in the selection process by providing feedback through a series of interviews and community meetings. “It was a weighty decision to make, and it was important to have that feedback,” Thomas said. “We thank everyone who participated for their openness and honesty throughout the process,” she said. “We are also appreciative of the assistance of Randi Frank Consulting, LLC for their services in the recruitment process.”

"I am very pleased to have been selected as the Coventry Town Manager,” James Drumm said. “I am looking forward to getting to work, taking on the challenges ahead and taking the time to get around town to meet everyone,” he added. “Coventry is a beautiful community with many excellent amenities, including great schools. My son Kiernan will be starting 9th grade at Coventry High School next month. We are excited about relocating to Coventry and becoming part of the community.”

John Elsesser will continue to serve in a transition capacity until August 20. “We are fortunate to have John’s level of commitment to keeping Coventry on a steady course until Jim can take the helm,” Lisa Thomas noted.

Effective August 21, James Drumm can be reached at 860-742-6324 or by email at jdrumm@coventryct.org.

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

Mon, 8/7: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM
Mon, 8/14: Planning & Zoning Commission,
7 PM
Mon, 8/21: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM
Mon, 8/28: Planning & Zoning Commission,
7 PM
Thurs, 8/31: Board of Education, 7:00 PM

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

Casual retirement open house for John Elsesser:
August 4, 1:30-3:30 PM.
See details at right.

COMING EVENTS:

Weds 8/2: 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.

Fri 8/4: Casual open house for John Elsesser's retirement, 1:30 - 3:30 PM, Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main Street. Drop in if you would like to say goodbye to John in person. Light refreshments provided. No RSVP necessary.

Fri 8/4 & 8/18: 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.

Sun 8/6: 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: National Farmers' Market Week. Website.

Sun 8/6: Annual Waterski Show, 1 PM. View from Patriots Park Beach, 124 Lake Street. Watch talented individuals from the Coventry Lake Waterski Club with their impressive skiing and pyramid skills. Rain date 8/13.

Fri 8/11: 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 8/13: 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: Youth Market. Website.

Tues 8/15: 50% off Summer Clothes (newborn to size 10), 9-11 AM, Noah's Closet Children's shop, Community Hall at 1746 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 44). Also Saturday 8/19 from 9 AM - 1 PM. Info: 860-742-1616. Website. Donations of gently-used items for children are welcome on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Weds 8/16: 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.

Fri 8/18: Food Truck Fest, 4-8 PM, Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School, 1776 Main Street. Sponsored by Coventry CT Cares.

Sat 8/26: 3rd Annual Caprilands Luncheon, 1 PM, Strong Porter Museum, 2382 South Street. Enjoy a menu based on traditional Caprilands Herb Farm recipes, a wine punch, canapes, herb breads, marigold soup, the famous flower-decorated Caprilands herb salad, chicken salad, a green bean dish and tomato pie, followed by a peach dessert all created by Denise Reardon of CHOW LLC. Served in the traditional manner followed by a guest speaker, silent auction and raffle of Caprilands-themed gift baskets and framed illustrations, as well as herb centerpieces donated by Woodland Gardens of Manchester. Caprilands books will be available for sale. Reservations call or text 860-748-5381 or send your request by email. $60 per person, payable by check to Coventry Historical Society, PO Box 534, Coventry, CT 06238, via Venmo @coventryhistorical or Paypal @coventryhistorical. Tickets can be paid for at the luncheon but reservations are required in advance. Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated but questions about the menu can be sent via email.

Sun 8/27: 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: Heirlooms & Imperfect Produce. Website.

Weds 8/30: 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.

Weds 8/30: Council Chair's office hours are canceled this month. Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas plans to resume her monthly opportunity for citizens to ask questions or share concerns at the next 4th Wednesday of the month on Sept. 27. Location TBD - but will most likely be at the Library if the renovation project is complete. In the meantime, you can contact Lisa at this link.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

The Before/After School Program, Rec Daze, is NOW OPEN for new registrations. Program is open to children in Grades K – 5 and is held at the Community Building in Patriots Park. Monthly and daily options available. Morning program runs 7am – 8:15am with transportation to school and afternoon program runs with transportation from school 3:30pm – 6:00pm.
WE ARE HIRING! Several positions open with the Parks and Recreation Department including Afterschool Program Site Director & Before & Afterschool staff. APPLY TODAY!
Check out Specialty Camps offered in August! Mini Hawks, Multi Sport, Mad Science, Clancy Fitness Fun Camp!
Half-price beach stickers available starting August 1! $13/first vehicle, $6/additional vehicle.

Info and reservations

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

Everything is coming together at the library! We are going to take some time to put everything in its place downstairs, so we will be closed until August 5th. We are so grateful for your patience and can't wait to be settled into our new space!

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

Facebook @BDLibrary

Take a look at the many events and programs at the Senior Center during August!

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER:

Activities abound at the Senior Center this month. Check out the monthly newsletter for offerings such as ice cream shop and lunch trips, excursions to music concerts and the Saratoga races, health workshops, CHOICES counseling, and more!

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.

COVENTRY YOUTH SERVICES:

BACK TO SCHOOL, Gearing up to Learn will be held on Monday, August 21 through Friday, August 25. Backpacks and school supplies are available for Coventry families who meet income guidelines. Donations of backpacks, lunchboxes, binders, loose leaf paper, folders, pencils, pens, crayons etc. are gratefully accepted and may be dropped off at Coventry Human Services Department during normal business hours. If you are interested in participating in the program, please speak to Melissa Bordonaro, 860-742-5324. NO WALK-INS WILL BE ACCEPTED. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Changes coming to voting locations effective November 2023.

COVER PHOTO:

A welcoming entrance to the Coventry Community Gardens at Creaser Park. 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.