Coventry Community Update January 2024
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TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

Winter is upon us and the beginning of 2024!  In this new year the Town of Coventry will be evaluating our long-term goals and setting new ones. We will be evaluating our services that we provide to the community, and our Town management team will be estimating the costs to carry out these services for the 2024-25 fiscal year.  Budget preparation starts early.  We actually began in November measuring increased costs to the Town associated with our programs and services. Like everyone else our utility and insurance costs have gone up. The Town of Coventry works with our neighboring communities through the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) to seek the purchase of services and products in bulk amounts to decrease the costs to our Town. For example, we buy gasoline and heating oil through group purchase agreements. This purchasing cooperative saves all the towns involved valuable tax dollars.

We will continue to look for grant funds that match our community project needs.  Leveraging these funds makes our local dollars go further. We have several grant-funded infrastructure projects planned that will go into construction this next summer. We have others ready for engineering in fiscal year 2024-25. You can learn about these projects in greater detail by reviewing my bimonthly project update memo. Our staff is also actively developing new infrastructure improvement projects.  It is our goal to seek new grant funding by having “shovel ready” projects already identified. We are looking at new trail projects using State (DEEP) funds, and new bridge replacement grants (LOTCIP). Also, new U.S. government grant opportunities are being reviewed, so we can bring home some of those federal tax dollars we pay to Washington. There are several new opportunities for us to explore, including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2024.

In looking ahead to developing our 2024-25 budget, we do see some challenges. Some costs we are experiencing this year are exceeding the level of inflation.  All of us have seen the significant increase in cost of building materials. We use these in repair and maintenance of our schools and park facilities.  These increases have raised the cost of projects that have already been planned. We will likely have to scale these projects back or increase revenues to complete them as planned.  

Additionally, we are seeing the increase of costs in solid waste disposal beyond an inflation rate. Recyclable materials in the waste stream, such as glass and plastic, that were once bringing in revenue are now costing us money to dispose of. The market for these recycled materials has crashed, as there is an overabundance of these materials stockpiled around the country.  Additionally in our State, the regular solid waste (non-recyclable garbage) disposal costs have skyrocketed.  We recently had the benefit of a garbage-to-energy facility, that was used to produce power in nearby Hartford.  However, this can no longer be used to dispose of trash as the plant was permanently closed last year.  Solid waste is now being transported to other states, like Pennsylvania, at a great expense. This is not just a problem for Coventry, but almost every town in the State.  We are working with other towns regionally to seek a new strategy for waste disposal, but in the meantime the flow of garbage doesn’t stop, and the costs are rising for us all. I look forward to updating everyone in the months ahead on our exciting project plans, some new initiatives, and how the Town will address our greatest budget challenges.

Though the weather is getting colder, and I will be inside working on the budget, I still I hope to see you at the Winter Farmer’s Market on weekends and elsewhere around town during January.  Should you wish to contact me, please email JDrumm@coventry-ct.gov 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
Town Hall closed for New Year's holiday

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

  • Tues, 1/2: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM. Town Hall Annex. 
  • Mon,1/8:  Planning & Zoning Commission,
    7 PM, Town Hall Annex
  • Thurs, 1/11: Board of Education, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building
  • Tues, 1/16: Town Council meeting, 7:30 PM 
  • Mon, 1/22:  Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 PM
  • Thurs, 1/25: Board of Education, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building

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


HOLIDAYS:

  • Mon, 1/1 New Year's holiday. Town offices closed. Trash collection delayed by one day for the week.
  • Mon, 1/15: Martin Luther King Day holiday. Town offices closed. Trash collection on normal schedule.
Upcoming Events

COMING EVENTS:


Weds 1/3: 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 1/5 & 1/19: 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 1/5: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 7:30-10:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. Newcomer workshop at 7:15.  Adults $13, Students $6. Partner not necessary. Live music and caller, all dances taught. Bring water, wear soft-soled shoes, and dress in layers. For more information contact Dennis: knowdj@frontier.com. or see website.

Sun 1/7: 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 12/31). Website.

Fri 1/12: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, 1171 Main Street. Presented by First Congregational Church & American Legion Post 52. Featuring baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, Italian break & drink. $15 per plate. Take-out available. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com. 

Sun 1/14: 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 12/31). Website

Sat 1/20: Appraisal Day, 1-4 PM, Weston's Auction Gallery, 2799 Boston Tpke (Rt. 44). Trash or treasure? Are you a fan of Antiques Roadshow? Wonder what that odd thing is in your attic or outbuilding, or whether it has any value? Find out from auctioneer RJ Weston. Open to the public. Maximum 3 appraisals per person, first come, first served. Cost of $5 for each verbal appraisal benefits the Coventry Historical Society. Email for more information.

Sat 1/20: Drive-thru/take-out dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Roast turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, 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 1/21: 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 12/31). Website.

Weds 1/17: 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 1/21: 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 12/31). Website.

Weds 1/24: Office Hours with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas, 5-6:30 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Share a concern or ask questions at this monthly meeting. Also the 4th Thursday of each month at Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street, from 10:30 AM - noon.

Weds 1/31: 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.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

Check out the Winter 06238 hitting homes in early January. Parks and Rec offers FREE trial fitness classes in January to kick off a healthy 2024!

Details and registration at https://secure.rec1.com/CT/coventry-ct/catalog. 
Welcome to the Library

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:


The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00-8:00, Friday from 10:00-6:00, and Saturday from 10:00-3:00. The Library offers an extensive collection of reading materials, one-on-one technology assistance, printing, copying, and faxing services, pubic computers and free wi-fi, reference assistance, and more!   

Please note that the library has a new email address! bdlibrary@coventry-ct.gov.  

In the event of inclement winter weather, closings or delays will be announced on the Library’s Facebook page @BDLibrary, website www.coventrypl.org, and WFSB.  

The Library would like to extend a special thanks to our Silver Level donors who helped make the 2023 renovation possible. Our sponsors will be recognized for their support in the Library’s winter and spring programs.  

For the most up to date information on all of the wonderful programs offer at the Library, please visit www.coventrypl.org/events or www.facebook.com/BDLibrary.  

Adult Programs 

  • Mystery Book Club – January 5 at 1:30 – In this brand new book club, we will read and discuss a mystery book from the Time Magazine’s list of “The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time” each month. January’s book is The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.  
  • Senior Center Book Club – January 10 at 1:00. Books are available to pick up at the library, but the discussion takes place at the Senior Center 
  • Wednesday Night Book Club – January 17 at 6:30 – Meets at 6:30 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. For more information, contact Pat McDougall at pmcdouga@earthlink.met. January’s book is The Unknown World by Edward Jones.  
  • Genealogy Club – January 18 at 11:30 – Join us at our new monthly club to talk research and trade tips. No registration is required. Bring research or questions you’d like to share with the group! Sponsored by the Connecticut Water Company 
  • Hijinks in High Society on January 9 at 1:00 – Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Counting the days until there are new episodes of The Gilded Age? Join us for tea and learn about the real hijinks that took place in Glided Age Newport. 
  • Tea Explorers – Members of Tea Explorers receive a new tea to try each month. Each tea comes with background information. Preregistration is required.
    Sponsored by Joan R. Abbey 
  • Spice Life – Members of Spice Life receive a new spice to try each month. Each spice comes with background information. Preregistration is required.
    Sponsored by L.J. Brown, Jr.  

Teen Programs 

  • Join us for peaceful puzzling anytime during January in the Teen Program Room.  
  • Open Gaming Every Friday from 3:00-4:30 – Take the bus to the library and enjoy open gaming after school on PS5, PS4, Switch, PC, and tabletop.  
  • Bad Art Night: Mini Edition on January 10 at 5:00 – Compete to create the worst cursed barely art imaginable. It’s our most popular craft program miniaturized! The mini canvas is super cute, but your art definitely won’t be! Sponsored by Rhonda McCarty & Peter McCarty

Children’s Programs 

  • Play Group – Every Wednesday at 10:30 – Encourage your child to socialize in an environment with lots of toys for free play! 
  • Chapter Book Story Time – Every Friday at 4:30 – Join Miss Rachel after school to read chapter books. Perfect for school aged children! 
  • Sing, Stomp, Story – January 11 at 11:00 – Listen to music and dance around with Miss Christa! Sponsored by Matthew & Nan Kyer 
  • Games & Puzzles – The Stave Family Community Room will be filled with games and puzzles for the whole family to enjoy together! Sponsored by John and Holly Elsesser 
  • Sweet Dreams Story Time – January 25 at 6:30 – Relax before bedtime with a calming story read by Miss Rachel. Sponsored by Perry & Debbie Chilberg 
  • Messy Munchkins – January 26 at 11:00 – A multi-sensory playgroup that encourages participation from both caregiver and child. Make sure to wear your messy clothes! Sponsored by Carter & Addison Pacholski 

Booth & Dimock Memorial Library
 1134 Main Street
 Coventry, CT 06238
 860-742-7606
www.coventrypl.org

bdlibrary@coventry-ct.gov 
Senior Center in winter

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER:

New Year, New You ~ Take the Challenge. 
Sign up for a 30-day challenge and enter to win a prize! 

A New Year offers a fresh start and an opportunity to develop positive life strategies.  Small steps can support positive mental well-being and ensure a happier and healthier 2024.  Let’s make self-care a priority…we are strong!  Registration is required, see staff for more details and pick up your Challenge paperwork!  

  •  AARP Tax Aide Program. We are pleased to bring you FREE tax preparation assistance for your 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.  Call the front desk to schedule. 
  • Coffee and Conversations with Town Council Chair, Lisa Thomas, Thursday, January 25th.  One-on-one appointments with Lisa from 10:30-11am and 11-noon open conversations! Call to schedule your one-on-one appointment. 
  • January 17th – Jewelry with Gail, RSVP is appreciated.  11am-12:30pm
  •  NEW – Beginning January 2, join us for HIIT Conditioning with Anna on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am
  •  Book Club - Wednesday, January 10 at 1pm. Pick up your copy of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. 
  •  Massages – Monday, January 8 and Monday January 22 from 11am-3pm by appointment only.  $60 for 1 hour, $40 for 30 minutes.  Sign up at the front desk!
  •  Haircuts – Friday, January 5th from 10-11:30am $20 due at time of appointment.  Sign up at the front desk!
  •  Out to Lunch Bunch, January 18th join us at 11:30am at Frankie B’s Tavern, 346 Kelly Road, Vernon.  Sign up to ride the van or meet at the restaurant. 

Coventry Senior Center
172 Lake Street
Info & RSVPs for Senior Center events: 860-742-3525.
House Number Order Form

REFLECTIVE HOUSE NUMBER SIGNS AVAILABLE:

The Town of Coventry Fire-EMS Department encourages all households to install reflective house numbers, so that your location will be visible more quickly during times of emergency. The cost is $15. An order form is available at this link.
Town logo

COVER PHOTO:

Coventry Lake on an icy winter 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.
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1712 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238
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