Participate and show your support for veterans at the Veterans Day Race on November 4.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

November is a great time to celebrate our history, recognize our veterans, and to attend community events, craft fairs and markets to kick off the 2023 holiday season. Take a stroll down Main Street and learn our history; participate in the Veteran’s Day Race; plan to enjoy famous baked fish; vote for the best chili our Town has to offer; or visit the Artists’ Open Studio Tour. Remember to give thanks, and to perhaps sponsor a holiday meal or donate to those families in need. There is much to do this month. There are many activities in Coventry for families and for those of all ages.

At Town Hall, we welcome Jana Roberson, our new Planning and Development Director. She comes to us from the Town of Brooklynn, where she served as the Community Development Director. She is also a former Town Planner for the towns of Columbia and Chaplin. Her enthusiasm for community planning and economic development will bring about positive changes for our Town. We are pleased to have her on our management team. She replaces Eric Trott who retired in August.

The Town recently had a ribbon cutting opening the second new softball field in Miller Richardson Park. The Town is developing a master plan for future development of the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission has been holding public meetings looking for citizen input on how we may improve the Park further. Having an adopted master plan, showing the planned future improvements/additions to the park, will help the Town’s scoring with grant applications in the future. Those interested should check the upcoming Parks and Recreation agendas on our website.

We have been blessed with good weather throughout autumn, so the Town has been able to continue working on our long list of summer road construction and drainage projects. This work will continue as long as the nice weather continues. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience with cones, uneven surfaces and single lane traffic, but I think the new smooth surface has been worth it.

Again, there is much to do in November. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope to see you out in the community. Should you wish to contact me, please email JDrumm@coventryct.org or call the office at 860-742-6324. Frequent updates are also posted to the Town Manager’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoventryCTTownManager.

Sincerely,

James Drumm

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

Mon, 11/6: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM. Town Hall Annex. Includes public hearing on proposed modifications to Coventry's fire ordinances.
Weds, 11/8: Town Council Inauguration, 7 PM, Town Hall Annex
Thurs, 11/9: Board of Education, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building
Tues,11/13: Planning & Zoning Commission,
7 PM, Town Hall Annex
Mon, 11/20: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM
Mon, 11/27: Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 PM
Thurs, 11/30: Board of Education, 7:00 PM

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

HOLIDAYS:

Thurs, 11/9 & Fri, 11/10. Town offices closed at 4:30 PM on Thursday and all day on Friday in observance of Veterans Day.
Thurs, 11/23 & Fri, 11/24 Thanksgiving holiday. Town offices closed.

The Coventry Winter Farmers' Market opens for the season on November 12.

COMING EVENTS:

Fri 11/3 & 11/17: 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.

Fri 11/3: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 7:30-10:30 PM, Special location this month only: Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main Street (across the street from Bidwell Tavern - look for the Contra Dance sign). Introductory lesson at 7:15. Adults $13, Students $6. Partner not necessary. Live music and caller, all dances taught. For more information contact Dennis: knowdj@frontier.com. or see website.

Sat 11/4: Veterans Day Race, 9:45 AM opening ceremony, race at 10 AM, Patriots Park, 172 Lake Street. Choose to run either the live or the virtual 4-mile certified course, or a 2-mile walk or ruck sack course. This event is the premier race in CT where 100% of the proceeds benefit local veteran Service organizations. More info and registration at this link.

Sat 11/4: A Stroll Along Main Street in Historic Coventry Village, 10 AM. A walking history tour, historic homes, old mills, important civic buildings, interesting architecture, and an optional opportunity for refreshments at the 200-year-old Bidwell Tavern! Led by Town Historian John Holmy. Sponsored by Coventry Historical Society, find them on Facebook. Tour departs from First Church in Coventry Village, 1171 Main Street. Rain date 11/5. Call 860-208-3065 for info.

Sat 11/4: Coventry Chili Fest, 12 - 2 PM, Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Sponsored by the Coventry Lions Club. New chili cookers are welcome to the competition. Prizes will be awarded. Taste & vote for your favorites: $10 adults, $7 seniors & student ID, free for age 6 and under. Information on the Lions Club Facebook page or website, or call 8600-888-5172.

Tues 11/7: Election Day, polls open 6 AM - 8 PM. All voting at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. More info.

Weds 11/8: 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.

Fri 11/10 & Sat 11/11: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Christmas Fair, Fri 5-8 PM, Sat 9 AM - 1 PM. St. Mary Church Hall, 1600 Main Street. Holiday booths include the Christmas Shoppe, Jewelry Shoppe, Country Store, Stitchery Shoppe, Santa's Toys, and Gepetto's Workshop with hand-carved items. Food for eat-in or take-out at the Parish Kitchen, and Bake Shop. Door prize each day and Small Raffle table. Free admission. Info: 860-416-4572.

Fri 11/10: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. Join American Legion Post 52 and First Congregational Church for baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, Italian bread and beverage. $15/plate. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com.

Sat 11/11: Holiday Fair, 9 AM - 2 PM, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Come by to browse, have breakfast or lunch. Handmade holiday items, Cabot cheese, baked goods, vendors, books, toys, and a White Elephant (attic treasures) sale. Information: 860-742-1616.

Sun 11/12: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market Opening Day, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Now in its 9th year with 36 vendors featuring local products, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, artisan-made baked goods, honey, maple syrup, hot sauces, ethnic foods, coffee roasters, handcrafted soaps, jewelry, pottery and more. Season runs through March 17, 2024 (no marked on 11/26, 12/24, or 12/31). Website.

Sat 11/18: Drive-thru/take-out dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Roast pork, apple sauce, potato, carrots, and dessert. $15. Place orders by calling 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 11/19: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Now in its 9th year with 36 vendors featuring local products, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, artisan-made baked goods, honey, maple syrup, hot sauces, ethnic foods, coffee roasters, handcrafted soaps, jewelry, pottery and more. Season runs through March 17, 2024 (no marked on 11/26, 12/24, or 12/31). Website.

Weds 11/22: 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.

Fri 11/24, Sat 11/25 & Sun 11/26: Artists' Open Studio Tour, 10 AM - 5 PM. Since 1988, this free self-guided art adventure is a wonder opportunity to meet Northeastern Connecticut's painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, woodworkers, potters, jewelers, glass artists and other fine artists. Of the 66 participants this year, six are Coventry artists: Lorraine Funk, Ian Herrick, Jane Penfield, Barbara Timberman, Marjorie Vrabel, and Aline Hoffman. Info at AOS website.

Sat 10/28: $10 Stuff-a-Bag Sale, 9-1 PM, Noah's Closet Children's re-sale shop, Community Hall at 1746 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 44).Info: 860-742-1616. Website. Donations of gently-used items for children are welcome on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Now through 12/1: Discovery Challenge for Families and Individuals. Join in a challenge to explore some of the Joshua's Trust trails and learn about their diversity of plans and animals. Awards for completed entries. Details.

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10-8, Friday 10-6, and Saturday 10-3. The Library will be closed Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. The Library will close at 3pm on Wednesday November 22, and will be closed from Thursday November 23 - Saturday November 25 for Thanksgiving.

The Library would like to give a HUGE thank you to all of our donors who helped support our renovation project. Please join us for a Donor Recognition Reception on November 9th at 5:30.

Check out some of the following programs we have for children, teens, and adults! While most of our programs have no registration, for the few that do please call or email the library to sign-up! All of our programs are free!

For children:

Play Group - Every Wednesday (except 11/22) at 10:30AM. Encourage your child to socialize in an environment with lots of toys for free play!
Sweet Dreams Storytime - Thursday 11/9 at 6:30PM. Relax before bedtime with a story red by Miss Rachel.
Sing, Stomp, and Story - Thursday 11/16 at 11:00AM. Listen to music and dance around with Miss Christa!
Saturday Crafts with Miss Rachel - Saturday 11/18 at 1:00PM. Use your imagination and explore new topics through hands on creativity.

For Teens:

Open Gaming - Friday 11/3 and 11/17 at 3:30PM. Take the bus to the library and enjoy open gaming after school on PS5, PS4, Switch, PC, and tabletop.
Texture Art Part I - Thursday 11/15 at 5:00PM. Create a unique texture design with specialized tools and joint compound on canvas.
Texture Art Part II - Wednesday 11/29 at 5:00PM. Come back to see your dried artwork and finish your creation with some paint!

For Adults:

Spectral Tales & Paranormal Pursuits - Thursday 11/16 at 6:00PM. Join author Charles F. Rosenay ad psychic Nick Grossmann as they talk about Rosenay's newly released book True Ghost Stories of Connecticut, and even do a paranormal investigation of the library!
Tea Explorers - 11/8. Travel the world through tea! Each month a new tea will be available for pickup. Pre-registration is required.
Spice Life - 11/22. Travel the world through spices! Each month a new spice will be available for pickup. Pre-registration is required.

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

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER:

Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony, Wednesday, November 8^th; lunch at noon followed by a ceremony at 12:30pm, sign up is required. RSVP by 11/3.

Massage Appointments with Michelle, Monday, November 13 and November 27 by appointment; $40 for ½ hour appointment, $60 for 1 hour.

Book Club – Wednesday, November 15 at 1pm The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan available for pickup at the Booth & Dimock Library now.

Haircuts, Friday, November 17, 10-11:30am by appointment. Call the front desk to schedule.

NEW: LET’S GET CRAFTY! Sewing Class, November 2^nd , 1-4pm All Levels Welcome! Do you love sewing or want to learn to sew? Then this class is for you! We will provide the sewing machines, fabric and fun! Sign up is required!

Out to Lunch Bunch, November 16^th, Beni’s Restaurant Bar & Banquet, 1280 Hartford Turnpike Vernon Rockville, CT; departure from Senior Center at 11am or meet at the restaurant at 11:30am. RSVP by 11/14.

Info for Senior Center events: 860-742-3525.

HUMAN SERVICES - HOLIDAY DONATIONS & ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:

Coventry Scouting for Food ~ Boy Scout Troop 65, Cub Scout Pack 65 Food Drive, bag drop off November 4 & donation pickup November 11, 2023. All donations benefit Coventry Food Bank.

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 or access the “donor form” on the Town’s website under the Human Services Department or through this link.

If you are in need this holiday season with food or children’s gifts, please reach out to the Human Services office for assistance, 860-742-5324.

We welcome frozen turkeys, hams, and all the “fixings” to provide a holiday meal for families in need for the holiday season. 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 2023-2024 winter season. The initiative has been very successful over the years due to the tremendous generosity of our community. The Clergy Fuel 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 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 860-742-5324 for more information about the Access Fuel Assistance Program and income guidelines.

COVER PHOTO:

Patriots Park Beach on a foggy morning. 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.