TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

For students, parents, and teachers, school is coming to an end for the 2023-24 school year. Summer is about to begin, and many activities are underway. Camp Wangumbaug, organized by the Parks and Recreation Department, will soon begin for kids that registered that are in grades K-6. Patriots Park Beach and Lisicke Beach are now open for swimming. Due to increased operational costs, only Patriots Park will be staffed with lifeguards once again this year. Boating is expected to pick up with the warm weather and we expect to see many out on Wangumbaug (Coventry) Lake through the season. Remember to practice safe boating when on the lakes and rivers this summer and stay clear of swimming areas.

Around town there are events underway. The Coventry Farmers’ Market opens again for all to enjoy each Sunday from 10AM-1PM at the Nathan Hale Homestead. The Market will have themed days throughout the season, and will begin on June 2^nd with the baseball theme of “Take me out to the Market.” Come out for the food and the live music. Also, if you haven’t visited the Hale Homestead in a while (maybe a third-grade field trip?), come check it out and appreciate the great history we have here in Coventry and throughout Connecticut. On Father’s Day, June 16^th, there will be a tree planting dedication and an Ice Cream Sundae Social at the “Brick School House” on Merrow Road. Take the kids out and learn about the history of our Town this summer. On June 21^st celebrate the “International Make Music Day” in Coventry at the Booth and Dimock Library with musical performances throughout the day. On June 29^th fireworks will return to Town with the Town of Coventry presenting the Coventry Fireworks display over Coventry Lake and Patriots Park. The evening will begin with food trucks and music followed by fireworks just after dark. We thank all the residents and businesses that came forward with donations to make this event happen for our town.

As I mentioned the last couple months, our Public Works Director is once again planning and coordinating drainage and paving projects around Town. Work will soon begin in the “Waterfront Park” neighborhood. A list of the roads to be resurfaced in 2024 are listed on the Town’s Website at www.coventry-ct.gov. This work is being funded by bonds approved by voters in 2022. The Town has seen an increase in our debt due to these projects, which has not surprisingly resulted in an increase in the tax rate to cover these improvements. It is nice to see these long overdue projects move forward.

This past month at Town Hall, the Town Council and staff have been preparing the Town Council’s second proposed budget. Voters rejected the first Town Council proposed budget at the May 7^th referendum. The Town Council has heard the voters and has made deeper cuts. A total reduction of $1,385,317 has been cut from the Town Manager’s proposed budget in order to minimize the need to raise property taxes. Their goal at this stage is to maintain vital community services while reducing our budget’s dependence on reserves and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds. These grant funds were very helpful over the last few years to keep the tax burden low for all our citizens and our businesses, some of which were financially impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, these non-renewable grant funds have all been spent and now we must choose to raise taxes or to choose to reduce services or programs that we have come to expect. In this second proposed budget, the Town Council has reduced the level of service in some our programs. You can review the “Budget in Brief” for more information, which is available online or in the Town Clerk’s Office. On May 28^th at 6:00 PM there will be a Special Town Budget Meeting at 6 PM, and June 4^th is the day for the Budget vote. Again, the vote for District 1 and District 2 will take place at the South Coventry Fire House (across from NHMS and Town Hall). I hope everyone that is eligible to vote comes out to vote. Your vote impacts which path our Town will take moving forward.

I hope to see you all around Town this month, perhaps on election day, the Farmers’ Market, or maybe at Patriots Park. 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 .

Sincerely,

James Drumm

Opening day of the Coventry Farmers' Market on June 2.

COMING EVENTS:

Sun 6/2: Coventry Farmers' Market Opening Day,10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. A baseball-themed market with vintage baseball league players, raffle tickets to local games, hot dogs & popcorn, baseball caps, live music and an award-winning market featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products available. Website.

Tues 6/4: Budget Referendum, polls open 6 AM - 8 PM, South Coventry Firehouse, 1755 Main Street.

Tues 6/4-6/25: T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5:15-6:45 PM, Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 44). A non-profit weight loss support group. See website or call 860-944-4945 for info concerning weekly dues (determined by each chapter) and yearly membership fee set by the TOPS organization.

Weds 6/5: 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. NOTE: NO EVENT ON 6/19. More info.

Fri 6/7 & 6/21: 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.

Fri 6/7: 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 by Wry Bread and caller Steve Holland. all dances taught. Bring water, wear soft-soled shoes, and dress in layers. LAST DANCE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2024. For more information contact Dennis: knowdj@frontier.com. or see website.

Sat 6/8: 50% Off Everything in the Shop, 9 AM- 1 PM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet is a children's second-hand resale shop, offering clothing, toys, books games, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and furniture. Donations of clean gently-used items for children are welcome on Tuesday & Saturday mornings. Call for info 860-742-1616 on Saturday mornings. Website.

Sat 6/8 & Sun 6/9: Art and Garden Tour, 10 AM - 5 PM. Two Coventry artists, Aline Hoffman and Barbara Timberman, are among the 10 sharing their gardens for the 2024 Art and Garden Tour of Northeastern Connecticut! Barbara's garden is in a colorful cottage-style with a cheerful mixture of flowers and vegetables while Aline's backyard sanctuary garden and beautiful front yard walking labyrinth are quietly meditative. Come out, relax, and enjoy a tour of artists' gardens and studios in beautiful Coventry, Mansfield, Storrs, and Willington. For more information: 860-916-4232. Website.

Sun 6/9: Coventry Farmers' Market,10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. An award-winning market featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products available. Today's theme: Plant and Seed Swap. Website.

Fri 6/14: Food Truck Fest, 4-8 PM, Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School parking lot, 1776 Main Street. Sponsored by Coventry CT Cares, Inc. Info: 860-377-7754 or visit the CCC website.

Fri 6/14: 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 bread & drink. $15 per plate. Take-out available. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com.

Sat 6/15: Drive-thru/take-out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Pulled pork on roll, homemade coleslaw & macaroni salad, and strawberry shortcake for 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 6/16: Coventry Farmers' Market,10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. An award-winning market featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products available. Today's theme: BBQ and Libations. Website.

Sun 6/16: Robert Visny Dedication, 1 PM, Brick School House, 1019 Merrow Road. Join the Coventry Historical Society as we honor the memory and legacy of our friend Bob Visny in a ceremony on Father’s Day. Bob was a member of the last class to graduate from the Brick School in 1945, and he was dedicated to the school’s memory, its students and teachers, and helped organize a number of successful reunions. In honor of Bob as the long-time owner of Hickory Ridge Tree Farm, where many locals formed lasting holiday memories looking for the perfect Christmas tree, a tree will be planted and a plaque dedicated in Bob’s honor. For more information visit the CHS Facebook page.

Sun 6/16: Father's Day Annual Ice Cream Sundae Social, 1-3 PM, Brick School House, 1019 Merrow Road. Sponsored by the Coventry Historical Society. Fathers get a free sundae! All others $3 until we run out. Museum will be open to visitors. For more information visit the CHS Facebook page.

Fri 6/21: Coventry Celebrates Make Music Day, 11 AM, Booth and Dimock Library, 1134 Main Street. The Song-a-Day Music Center will feature student performances followed by an on the spot Kazoo and Rhythm Instrument Parade around the library grounds. Free and open to the public. For more info contact the Song-a-Day Music Center at 860 918-5957 or the library at 860-742-7606. Later in the day from 3-8 PM. the Coventry Arts Guild will host an Open Mic at Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main Street. Performers of all ages and musical genres are invited to come and share their talents. For more info contact the CAG at timbermant@sbcglobal.net. International Make Music Day takes place in over 800 cities worldwide on the first day of summer, encouraging free music for all. For more information visit makemusicday.org.

Sun 6/23: Coventry Farmers' Market,10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. An award-winning market featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products available. Today's theme: Strawberry Fest. Website.

Thurs 6/27: Conversations with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas, 11 AM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street, and 5:00 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Share a concern or ask questions at this monthly session.

Sat 6/29: $10 Stuff-a-Bag Sale and 50% Off Everything in the Shop, 9 AM- 1 PM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet is a children's second-hand resale shop, offering clothing, toys, books games, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and furniture. Donations of clean gently-used items for children are welcome on Tuesday & Saturday mornings. Call for info 860-742-1616 on Saturday mornings. Website.

Sat 6/29: Fireworks event, Patriots Park. Food trucks, music, and fireworks. Watch for details to be announced.

Sun 6/30: Coventry Farmers' Market,10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. An award-winning market featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products available. Today's theme: Picnics & Campfires. Website.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

BEACH STICKERS: Resident Beach Stickers on sale at the Parks and Recreation Office during Town Hall business hours. $25 first vehicle and $12 for each additional. Proof of residency required. Must bring car registration.

Summer Specialty Camps and Youth Programs:

Art Camp
Cooking Camp
Science Camp
Multi-Sport
Basketball
STEM & Play Soccer
Flag Football
Clancy’s Kids Fitness
Tennis Lessons
Golf Lessons
Swim Lessons

Summer Adult Programs:

Men’s Basketball- 18+ and 35+
Women’s Golf Lessons
Co-Ed Golf Lessons
Tai Chi
Yoga

Register here.

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.

Edible Wild Plants and Fungi of Summer: June 5th at 6 PM.

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-8, Friday from 10-6, and Saturday from 10-3. The Library will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The Library offers one-on-one technology assistance, a monthly genealogy club, a variety of book clubs, and specialized services for children of all ages. Stop by the library to check out a book or DVD, study in one of our comfy chairs, work in our historic and cozy parlors, or attend a fun program!

All Ages Programs:

Check out the library's new rewards program - BDRewards - and win prizes just for visiting the library! Stop by for a stamp card, and receive one stamp each time you visit the library. Once you collect 6 stamps, your card will be entered into a monthly prize drawing. Every 3 months, all cards will be entered into a grand prize drawing!
Ice Cream Social - June 11 at 2:00 at Creaser Park - Summer Reading begins with our annual Ice Cream Social! Join us at Creaser Park to celebrate the start of summer, enjoy some ice cream, and sign up for summer reading. We offer summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults!
Escape Room: Escape the Candy Maker - June 26 from 12:00 - 8:00 -“The Candymaker,” last seen in the Library’s Teen Center, disappeared leaving a room full of strange puzzles in its wake. The Library seeks brave teams of individuals to confront these challenges and stop whatever this creature is doing here in Coventry. This escape room is for all ages, but it's also challenging for all ages! Younger kiddos will have the most fun playing alongside teens and adults that can help work through the puzzles. Sign up is required, use the following link, or call or visit the library to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOJKjUfb-VWcicEVinTG-jey1su06QYZNNlj-WRbfqBryKTg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Laser Tag - June 28 at 6:00 - Join us for an after hours night of library laser tag. This free family friendly event is great for people all ages!

Children's Programs:

Playgroup - Every Wednesday at 10:30 - Immerse your child in the enchantment of reading at our Play Group! Enjoy free-play and the chance to socialize with other kids, all while nurturing a lifelong love for books. Join us for a delightful adventure of imagination and fun!
Lionheart Puppet Show - June 14 at 11:00 -Join us for a puppet show from Lionhearts Puppet Company! They will be performing the Jack Tuesday: Fairy Tale Investigator. This original story from Lionheart Puppets is great for all ages!
Make Music Day with Song-A-Day Music - June 21 at 11:00 - Join Ms. Ruth and Mr. Jim from Song-A-Day Music for a celebration of Make Music Day full of dancing, singing, and of course - making music!
Sweet Dreams Storytime - June 27^th at 6:30 - All ages are welcome to join Miss Rachel for an evening story time!

Teen Programs:

Toast Party - June 5 at 4:00 - We’re bringing back a crunching good time! Let’s toast some bread, experiment with some weird toppings, and this time, we’re even making our very own homemade butter!
Level Up Celebration - June 12 at 4:00 - Now that you’ve finished 5th grade, we’d like to officially red carpet welcome all new 6th graders to the Teen Center! This is now your space too! Come tour the space, meet our Teen Librarian, Kayla, play some games, and have a sparkling cider toast to celebrate!
Teen Dungeons and Dragons - June 13 at 4:00 -Join our party for a Teen DnD one-shot! Characters will be provided. Never played? Learn with us! For teens in grades 6-12 only.
Just Dance Party - June 18 at 2:00 - Play Just Dance 2024 on the library Switch. Snacks and drinks provided!
Super Smash - June 25 at 2:00 - Go head to head in Super Smash VS and enjoy some popcorn!

Adult Programs:

The 3 Foragers: Edible Wild Plants and Fungi of Summer - June 5 at 6:00 - Explore the greens, fruits, and plentiful mushrooms of summer. Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare these wild foods!
Mystery Book Club - June 7 at 1:30 -Join your fellow sleuths to read and discuss a book chosen from Time Magazine's list of "The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time" each month. June's book is Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark.
Genealogy Club - June 20 at 11:30 - Calling all genealogy lovers, from novices to experts! Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:30-1pm to discuss research, commiserate over those stubborn brick walls, and just trade tips. No registration is required and drop ins are welcome. Bring any research or questions you’d like to share with the group!
Senior Center Book Club - June 26 at 1:30 at the Senior Center - Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Senior Center. Pick up your book at Booth & Dimock Library! For more information, please contact the Coventry Senior Center 860-742-3525.
Spice Life and Tea Explorers - Sign up for one of our two foodie clubs. Each month, participants will receive a spice or a tea, along with some supporting information, to take and use at home. Sign up is required.

Booth & Dimock Memorial Library
1134 Main Street
Coventry, CT 06238
860-634-4859

www.coventrypl.org

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE:

REVALUATION DATA VERIFICATION LETTER:

The Data Verification Letter was mailed in late March, and did ask that you return within 10 days, or as soon as possible. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO RETURN IT TO US!

I am happy to report that we have received more than 3,000 back so far. Within the next two weeks, we will be determining which properties will require an in-person inspection for not returning the letter to us, and having not had a full inspection in the past 10 years. Help us save money and return the completed letter if you have not yet done so or call this office to assist us in getting the needed information, 860-742-4067.

INCOME & EXPENSE REPORTS DUE BY FRIDAY, MAY 31.

In order to assess your real property equitably, information regarding the property income and expenses is required. Connecticut General Statutes 12-63c requires all owners of rental real property to annually file this report. The information filed and furnished with this report will remain confidential and is not open to public inspection. Any information related to the actual rental and operating expenses shall not be a public record and is not subject to the provisions of Section 1-19 (Freedom of Information) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

All individuals and businesses receiving this form should complete and return this form to the Assessor’s Office. All properties that are rented or leased, including commercial, retail, industrial and residential properties with more than 6 units and are not 100% Owner Occupied.

Please complete and return the completed form to the Assessor’s Office on or before May 31, 2024.

Forms are available online using the link below or at the Assessors Webpage and in the Assessor’s Office.

https://www.coventryct.org/145/Real-Estate

In accordance with Section 12-63c(d), of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, any owner of rental real property who fails to file this form or files an incomplete or false form with intent to defraud, shall be subject to a penalty assessment equal to a Ten Percent (10%) of the assessed value of such property.

COVER PHOTO:

Fireworks light up the sky during a celebration event.

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