Coventry Community Update July 2024
July is Lake Awareness Month

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and the warm days of summer.  In summer we seem to focus more on the rivers and the lakes in our Town.  I have seen kayaks on Eagleville Lake.  Patriots Park and Lisicke Beaches are full of swimmers and several boats are out on Coventry Lake.  There will be lots of fun to be had on and around the water. After several years of not having fireworks, the Town of Coventry is proud to kick off July with an early Independence Day celebration in Patriots Park with fireworks on June 29th over Coventry Lake. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with several food trucks and musical entertainment.  Fireworks begin after dark.  There will be parking at Patriots Park and at the George H. Robertson School.  A shuttle bus is being provided for those that park at Coventry High School. We hope you can come out and join us. We thank all the residents and businesses that came forward with generous donations to make the event happen.

During summer the Town will be working with our consultants to combat the spread of hydrilla in Coventry Lake   Since 2015 the Town has worked with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and consultants to combat the growth of hydrilla.  Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant, that was not originally within the lake until it was spotted 9 years ago.  The Town has been active in working with aquatic plant experts in treating the lake to attempt to eradicate the plant. Survey work has been frequently done on the lake by Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) to locate invasive plants. NEAR is recommending treatment of the entire Lake with Fluoridone at an annual cost of $119,750 each per year for the next three years.  As this is very costly, it is wonderful that the Town has recently received a grant from the State for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers in the amount of $75,000.   This money and funds in the recently passed Town Budget will allow us to provide the needed treatments over summer 2024.   Additionally, the Town is partnering with the Town of Mansfield to combat the invasive plant known as fanwort in Eagleville Lake.  Like hydrilla, fanwort can clog waterways, impact fishing and diminish recreational use of the lake.  These projects are important for water quality and the health of wildlife in and around the lakes.  Our lakes are an important resource for our community that we all have come to appreciate, rely on and to enjoy.  

Summer is construction season.   Some construction projects, like the Hop River Bridge, and Town road paving will continue forward, and some new construction projects are soon to start.  At Miller-Ricardson Park we will soon see the dust flying as a new road and a new ADA friendly (American with Disabilities Act) sidewalk system will be constructed. This will provide handicap parking and a large lighted pedestrian area for children to travel between fields from the parking area without having to cross roadways. This will really improve the function, the safety and the look of the park and the parking areas.  These improvements are part of phase one of the new Miller-Richardson Park Master Plan. The project is funded primarily by a $500,000 State grant with some supplemental funding provided by the Town. The project should be done by autumn.  We expect to use the Master Plan’s multiple phases to apply for grants in the future for further improvements which include basketball courts, pickleball courts and a playground among other things. 

Have a great July and enjoy the weather.   I hope to see you all around Town this month. I’ll be at the Farmers’ Market, or maybe checking out the antique shops in the Village.  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
Independence Day

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

  • Mon, 7/1: Town Council Meeting, 7:30 PM. Town Hall Annex. 
  • Mon, 7/8:  Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, 7 PM, Town Hall Annex
  • Mon, 7/15: Town Council Meeting, 7:30 PM , Town Hall Annex.
  • Tues, 7/22:  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, 7 PM, Town Hall Annex
  • Weds, 7/24: Inland Wetlands Agency Meeting, 7:30 PM, Town Hall Annex.
  • Thurs, 7/25: Board of Education  Meeting, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building

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


HOLIDAYS:

  • Thurs, 7/4: Independence Day. Town Offices Closed. Trash & recycling collection delayed by one day for remainder of the week.
Cruise Event

"Back in Time" Car/Bike Cruise Event 7/20

COMING EVENTS:

Tues 7/2-7/30: 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 7/3: 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 7/5 & 7/19: 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.

Sun 7/7: 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: Celebrating Coventry! Website.

Sat 7/13 & Sun 7/14: Church Lady's Plant Revival Sale, 9 AM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. In memory of Kim Chambers, "The Church Lady."  All proceeds will go to maintaining the church property and making it pretty. Fish Dinner on hiatus until August. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com.

Sun 7/14: 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: Wellness Market. Website.

Weds 7/17: 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.

Thurs 7/18: Conversations with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas, 11 AM, Coventry Senior, 172 Lake Street; and 4 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Share a concern or ask questions at this monthly session. 

Fri 7/19: 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.

Sat 7/20: Half price on Children's Toys, Books, & Spring Clothes, 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.  The shop is closed the first two weeks of July. Call for info 860-742-1616 on Saturday mornings. Website. 

Sat 7/20: Back in Time - A 60's 70's & 80's Car/Bike Cruise Event, 12-4 PM, Strong-Porter House Museum, 2382 South Street. See cars and bikes from the period. Everyone with any vehicle from this period (including farm tractors & trucks) is invited to participate. Trophies for best vehicles in classes, prizes will be awarded. Traders and swappers are welcome. Period music provided, food might be available. $10 charge for participating vehicles. All proceeds benefit the Coventry Historical Society. Donations welcome. Period dress is preferred but not necessary. Parking for modern vehicles at Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street, in spaces closer to the Strong-Porter Museum. For information contact Jim Murphy by email at irishbrit0471@att.net (preferred) or call 860-965-9663. 

Sun 7/21: 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: Youth Market. Website.

Sun 7/28: 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: Farm to Table. Website.

Mon 7/29: Vacation Bible School, 9 AM - 12 PM Mon-Fri, Presbyterian Church of Coventry, 55 Trowbridge Rd. Free of charge. Theme: The Great Jungle Journey. Missions Project: blind and vision-impaired ministry for individuals in Chile (CEMIPRE). Pizza and popsicles for lunch on Friday for children AND parents/guardians. Register online at https://form.jotform.com/241076229816055. 

Weds 7/31: 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.
Recreation Daze

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

Lisicke Beach Pavilion and Creaser Park pavilion are available for rent! $12/hour for Coventry residents. Call Parks and Rec to book your event. 860-742-4068.

Monthly registration for Recreation Daze Before and After School care for the 2024-2025 school year will open on July 1st for returning families and July 15th for new families. Daily Registration will open on July 15th. 
Summer Reading

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 Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. 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: 

  • The Library has Summer Reading Programs for all ages! Children's, teens, and adult can sign up for Summer Reading and read to win prizes! To register or learn more, visit www.coventrypl.org/summer
  • Escape the Submarine: Escape Room - July 17 from 12:00-8:00 - 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 - call or visit the library to register.

  • Laser Tag - July 26 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!
  • Paws and Pages - July 9 at 11:00 - Join us with a special story time guest from the CT Humane Society for a fun and interactive story time all about safe and kind interactions with pets!
  • Afternoon Art - July 19 at 3:00 - Join Miss Rachel for some fun crafting! 
  • Sweet Dreams Storytime - July 25 at 6:30 - All ages are welcome to join Miss Rachel for a soothing and relaxing evening story time!

Teen Programs:

  • Just Dance Party - July 2 at 2:00 
  • Mario Party - July 9 at 2:00
  • Teen Dungeons and Dragons - July 11  and July 25 at 4:00 
  • Exploding Kittens - July 12 at 2:00
  • Teen Crafternoon - July 18 at 1:00
  • Teen Movie Night - July 24 at 5:00
  • Nail and String Art - July 20 at 2:00

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

www.coventrypl.org 
Dumpsters not available

EXTRA TRASH ACCEPTED AT TRANSFER STATION ONLY starting july 1:

Effective July 1, 2024, the dumpsters at the Public Works Department that were being used for extra trash and recycling will no longer be available. You may use the compactors at the Transfer Station for a fee of $2 per bag. Summer hours of operation at the Transfer Station are Thursdays noon - 6 PM and Saturdays 9 AM - 3 PM. Closed holidays. Please plan accordingly. Thank you.

TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE:

Tax bills and COVRRA/Trash bills are being mailed at the end of June.  They will be available to view and pay online at www.coventry-ct.gov the beginning of July. The cost to pay online through your checking account (electronic check) is $0.95, debit card is $3.95 and credit card is 2.75% (minimum fee $2). We do not recommend you pay online through your bank, as they often will mail us a check & if we do not receive it in time, you will be charged interest. If you pay in person at the tax office, please bring your bill(s) with you. Call if you have any questions or issues and we can assist: 860-742-4066.  
Town logo

COVER PHOTO:

Waterskiing on a summer day.


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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