Wreaths Across America event December 16th.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

December is the beginning of many events leading up to the holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanza. Whether you celebrate one or more of these holidays it is certainly the most festive time of the year. Our first December weekend is a busy one around town. Get out while the weather is good and find those unique holiday decorations or gifts at the many craft and art events, including the Coventry PTO Craft Show, First Congregational Church Christmas Fair, Artists Open Studio Tour or the crafters at Christmas in the Village. At the December 3^rd Christmas in the Village there will also be musical and dancing entertainment, ponies, horse and wagon rides, a silent auction, a youth art show and many specials at our local businesses along Main Street. The Coventry Fire/EMS Department will present a “Torch Light” Parade followed by the Annual Tree Lighting. This year I am honored to have been chosen to light the Tree with the grand old man of Christmas himself-Santa Claus.

The Booth and Dimock Memorial Library has several programs for youth and teens throughout the month. Check their program calendar for music and stories, to make crafts, to attend video gaming day, or to see if you can beat the challenge of the escape room. There are fun things to do at the Library in December.

As we begin the holiday season with holiday cheer and family near us, we also need to remember the importance of giving to those families that are in need. Remember, that not everyone has recovered from the financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Families in need can visit Mobile Foodshare at St. Mary’s Church on Wednesdays December 6^th and 20^th for assistance. Additionally, those in need and those looking to donate can contact the Town of Coventry Human Services Department to learn of other opportunities within the community.

At Town Hall, we welcome Randy Heckman as our new Building Official. He is the former Building Official for the Town of Bolton. His skills and attention to detail will serve the citizens of Coventry well in the years to come. We thank Joe Callahan, our retired Building Official, for returning over the last two months to lend his expertise as the Town recruited for the position.

Last month, I explained how the Parks and Recreation Commission has been holding public meetings looking for citizen input on how we may improve Miller Richardson Park. They are working to finalize that master plan now. Since this master plan project began there has been much discussion of what to do to improve Patriots Park. Due to the receipt of a $315,000 STEAP grant for Patriots Park, discussions to upgrade/replace the aging community center, recent discussion on possibly constructing public restrooms, and the University of Connecticut’s proposed plans for a new boathouse, the Town Council designated funding for a Patriots Park master plan. This will provide for a well-planned park instead of the construction of unrelated improvements made piecemeal over time. It will provide for better design and for efficient use of the space we have. The master plans for these parks will also assist the Town in seeking future grant funds to complete the improvements listed in the plan over a period of years. Those interested should over the next few months check the Parks and Recreation Commission agendas on our website. We value the ideas and opinions of our residents. These are your parks!

The Town has concluded the drainage and road resurfacing projects for 2023. We are ahead of schedule as several of the 2024 listed streets were completed this fall. Funding for road improvements remains and will carry over to the next budget year. The Public Works Department has a list of streets that will be resurfaced in 2024 on our website. Work will resume in the spring as the weather permits.

December is a great time to go out and shop, to spend time with family and friends, and to celebrate our religious and cultural traditions. Remember to support our local businesses as they help support our community. I hope to see you at the Winter Farmer’s Market and out around Town this month. 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, 12/4: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM. Town Hall Annex.
Tues,12/11: Planning & Zoning Commission,
7 PM, Town Hall Annex
Thurs, 12/14: Board of Education, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building
Mon, 12/18: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM
Mon, 11/27: Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 PM

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

HOLIDAYS:

Mon, 12/25 & Tues, 12/26 Christmas holiday. Town offices closed. Trash collection delayed by one day for the week.

Christmas in Coventry Village December 3rd.

COMING EVENTS:

Fri 12/1 & 12/15: 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 12/1: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 7:30-10:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. 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 12/2: 47th Annual Coventry PRO Craft Show, 9 AM - 2 PM, Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Rd. 50+ crafters! Come grab a cup of coffee, a tasty baked good, and shop the vendors' tables while your children take part in a craft class. Bake sale, luncheon, take-a-chance table, student art gallery, craft classes. Admission $2 adults; children & students free. All proceeds benefit Coventry Public Schools. Email for more info.

Sat 12/2 & Sun 12/3: 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 12/2 & Sun 12/3: Christmas Fair, Sat. 9 AM - 2 PM, Sun. 12-4 PM. First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main Street. Attic treasures, baked goods, books and hand-crafted gifts from a variety of unique artisans. Enjoy food from the Cozy Cafe. Raffle includes new household items, artisan crafts, and and high-value items including gift cards and baskets from local businesses. Raffle drawing Sunday 4 PM. More info on Facebook or call 860-742-8487.

Sun 12/3: 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 market on 12/24 or 12/31). Website.

Sun 12/3: Christmas in Coventry Village, 12-4 PM. Welcome in the holiday season along Main Street in historic Coventry Village with vendors, businesses, activities, events and specials throughout the afternoon. The Lions Club will host its annual Festival of Trees at the Community Center. Santa pays a visit! Pony and hay rides, refreshments, giveaways, holiday music, great shopping and much more. Wreath sale by Coventry CT Cares at Patriots Park. Book signing with Coventry native Carolyn Marshall Sterns. A fire truck light parade will take place at 4:30 PM, ending with a tree lighting at the First Congregational Church. Visit the Lions Club of Coventry Facebook page or website for ongoing updates.

Tues 12/5 at Sat 12/9: 50% Off Sale, Noah's Closet Children's Shop, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Tues 9-11 AM, Sat. 9 Am - 1 PM. 50% off on games, books, DVDs, puzzles and toys. Noah's Closet will also double the money collected from the sale of PJs and donate it to the CT Children's Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders. Noah's Closet supports PJ Day for the Kids. Info: 860-742-1616.

Weds 12/6: 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 12/6: Blue Christmas Service, 7 PM, First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main Street. A space for the acknowledgment of the heaviness often carried during this season as well as an offering of hope. Info: 860-742-8487.

Sat 12/9: CHS Project Graduation Breakfast & Photos with Santa, 8-11:30 AM, CHS Old Gym (auditorium entrance). Enjoy pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, and hot cocoa and get your picture taken with Santa. More info on Project Graduation Facebook page.

Sun 12/10: 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 market on 12/24 or 12/31). Website.

Tues 12/12 at Sat 12/16: 50% Off Sale, Noah's Closet Children's Shop, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Tues 9-11 AM, Sat. 9 Am - 1 PM. 50% off on holiday-themed items (clothes & toys). Noah's Closet will also double the money collected from the sale of PJs and donate it to the CT Children's Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders. Noah's Closet supports PJ Day for the Kids. Info: 860-742-1616.

Sat 12/16: Wreaths Across America, 12 PM, Coventry Cemetery, 392 Main Street. A ceremonial wreath presentation honoring all eight services: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, POW's, and MIA's. Honoring and remembering our veterans will be the American Legion Post 52, the V.F.W. Post 10589, the Coventry High School Band, Boy Scout Troop 65, and distinguished speakers. All are welcome to come and place wreaths if they wish. No parking in Coventry Cemetery on the day of the ceremony. Bus service provided by M and J Bus Company from Miller Richardson Field, 240 Main Street, starting at 11 AM in a continuous loop. Look for the Coventry Fire Department's hook and ladder with the giant flag over Main Street! Info: Claudine Vieten, 860-742-6750.

Sat 12/16: Reading of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. 6 PM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. All are invited. Info: 860-742-9797.

Sat 12/16: Drive-thru/take-out dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Glazed ham, sweet potatoes, corn, bread, 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 12/17: 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 market on 12/24 or 12/31). Website.

Weds 12/20: 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.

Thurs 12/21: Blue Christmas and Winter Solstice Service, 6 PM, Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike. The holiday season is not always an easy time for everyone. Many feel the pain of loss, broken relationships, or the insecurity of unemployment or poor health. The service will offer a time to be together to receive words of strength, courage and hope with a time of prayer, reflection, music and a candle-lighting ceremony. Wheelchair accessible. Information: 860-742-1616.

Sun 12/24 Christmas Eve Service, 10 AM & 5 PM, Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike. For details call 860-742-1616.

Sun 12/24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 9 PM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. All are invited. Info: 860-742-8487.

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10:00-8:00, Friday 10:00-6:00, and Saturday 10:00-3:00. The Library will be closed December 23, December 26, and December 30 for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Make sure to stop by the library on December 3 for Christmas in the Village! We will have fun crafts, and cookie and cider for all!

December Children’s Programs:

December 6th at 10:30 – Playgroup. Encourage your child to socialize in an environment with lots of toys for free play!
December 8th at 11:00 – Messy Munchkins. A multi-sensory playgroup that encourages participation from both caregiver and child.
December 13th at 10:30 – Playgroup
December 14th at 11:00 – Sing, Stomp, Story. Listen to music and dance around with Miss Christa!
December 16th at 1:00 – Saturday Crafts with Miss Rachel. Use your imagination and explore new topics through hands on creativity.
December 20th at 10:30 – Playgroup

December Teen Programs:

Every Friday from 3:30 – 5:00 – Open Gaming. Take the bus to the library and enjoy opening gaming after school on PS5, PS4, Switch, PC, and tabletop.
December 27th at 12:00 - Teen Game Day – Games on consoles, board games, PC gaming, and more available all day long.
December 28th at 12:00 – Escape Room. Do you have what it takes to escape? No time like holiday break to find out. Signup required.
December 29th at 12:00 – Cozy Readathon. Bring your favorite blanket and pillow and set yourself up for a cozy day of reading in the teen center.

December Adult Programs:

December 5th at 6:30 – Cookie Swap. Bring at least 2 dozen of your favorite homemade cookies on a tray to share with your fellow library patrons. Please also bring a copy of the recipe and a large container to carry out your swapped cookies in!
December 14th at 6:00 – Holiday Card Craft. Follow along with step-by-step instructions to make a beautiful personalized holiday card.

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

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER:

Massage Appointments with Michelle, Monday, December 11^th by appointment; $40 for ½ hour appointment, $60 for 1 hour.

Monthly Book Club – Wednesday, December 13th at 1pm; no book discussion this month! Join us for a brainstorming session as we make recommendations for our 2024 book selection!

Haircuts by Paula, Friday, December TBD, 10-11:30am by appointment. Call the front desk to schedule.

NEW LET’S GET CRAFTY! Sewing Class, every Thursday, 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 appreciated!

NEW Cardio Drumming ~ Friday, December 15^th, 11am-noon $3.00

NEW Chair Yoga on Fridays! ~ Friday, December 1 and 15^th, 9:30-10:30am, $5.00

Out to Lunch Bunch, December 14^th; Hilltop Restaurant, 39 Adamec Road, Willington departure from Senior Center at 11am or meet at the restaurant at 11:30am. RSVP by 11/14.

AARP Tax Aide Program ~ We are please to bring you FREE tax preparation assistance for your 2023 Federal and State tax returns. A team of highly trained tax volunteers will be here (weather permitting) Fridays ~ February 16, March 8, March 22 and April 12 by appointment only! There are multiple appointments available on each day from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Call the front desk to schedule your appointment 860-742-3525.

Wednesday, December 13^th ~ The Coventry Senior Center and SERAC-CT, will be sponsoring a FREE educational “Lunch & Learn” opportunity.

10-11am ~ Danielle Amaral will provide FREE Narcan training with time for Q&A. Narcan (also known as Naloxone) is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan training teaches you how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer Naloxone, and care for individuals until emergency services arrive. All participants will receive FREE Narcan. RSVP is required.

Topics include:

how to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal
how to help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
the common causes of suicidal behavior
the warning signs of suicide
how to get help for someone in crisis
how to recognize an opioid overdose
how to administer naloxone and care for individuals until emergency services arrive

11:30-NOON ~ FREE Lunch

12:00-1:00pm ~ Mark Irons will present and provide FREE give-aways on the following: Prescription Lock Boxes and unsafe medication storage and consumption; Deterra pouches (rx disposal pouches) and 988 (Mental Health Hotline) There will be time for Q&A.

RSVP is required due to limited supplies.

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