Great progress is being made on the Hop River Bridge replacement.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

It’s August again, and the dog days of summer are upon us. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since my first day on the job as Town Manager. I remember that first day I was asked by Lisa Thomas, Town Council Chair, to join her in visiting Hytone Dairy Farm as they were awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 70^th Anniversary Legacy Award. It was a great day to celebrate Connecticut Agri-business, but it was also a day for me to meet our meet our Town’s legislative representatives at the State and Federal level. It was a busy day. It was a busy year. Being new to Town, it was important that I quickly learn the streets and neighborhoods of Coventry. So, I learned by driving around different parts of town each morning before the Town Hall would open. It not only gave me a good idea where things were, it let me see the good work our contractors and our Public Works crews were doing on their projects and maintenance. Sometimes I would come across things that needed repaired or maybe just a little attention. Make a list and then head to the office to send out emails. It was a year of learning. I had many names to learn. First, I met our Town’s great staff. Then, I had the pleasure of meeting many of the people that live in Coventry or that have businesses here. I attended many meetings of several boards and committees. We have a very active Town. It is wonderful to see the number of citizen volunteers we have in Coventry willing to serve on committees. This past year I enjoyed being part of the events Coventry offers. Starting with the warm friendly atmosphere of the Farmers’ Market. Then visiting “Arts on Main”, participating in “Halloween on Main”, addressing the Veterans at the Veterans Day Luncheon, lighting the Christmas Tree at “Christmas in the Village”, giving the Memorial Day speech on Veterans Green, and then welcoming everyone to Patriots Park the night of the Fireworks event. I also had some challenges in this first year. They were primarily working with our Town Council and department directors to get a budget passed that was responsive to resident concerns but still kept our vital Town services intact. It took two tries. I’m told “That’s not too bad.” Former Town Manager John Elsesser informed me that in 1990, it took five times to pass the budget and it didn’t happen until October. So, as the new Town Manager, I think we did okay in 2024. In this budget, we have been successful in bringing EMS in-house at a savings to Town residents. Though our budget is lean, we have all of our vital services intact. Secondly, another challenge has been the loss of some key staff members that chose to retire or move on for career advancement. Though it has been a loss of institutional knowledge, we have been successful in recruiting talented new staff. Even with the challenges, this past year has been productive as many projects have been designed, contracted, and completed. At the Town of Coventry, it is a team effort. Town Council, Town staff, Town Commissions/Boards/Committees, and our volunteers. Much has been accomplished. My first year was a very good year.

I often say, summer is construction season. Construction projects, like the Hop River Bridge, and Town road paving are underway. The single lane Hop River Bridge, which connects the Town of Coventry to the Town of Columbia, has been closed since April 1^st, when it was demolished. Rotha Construction, our contractor for the project, has for the last 3 months been working to construct the sub-structure for the bridge. The new bridge will be a two-lane bridge with a gray decorative stone finish to match the gray stone that remains from the old mill site adjacent to the bridge. I was happy to report recently that the steel beams for the new bridge were manufactured, delivered, and installed earlier than expected. This work has put the bridge a month ahead of schedule. The bridge design and construction will cost $3.6 and is 100% funded through State/Federal grant funds. As you drive about the Town you will see more roads in good repair as paving continues. At Miller-Ricardson Park we have seen some delays, but you will soon see the dust flying in September as a new road and a new ADA friendly (American with Disabilities Act) sidewalk system will be constructed. You will hear more about this project next month.

Enjoy the warm days of August. I hope to see you all around Town this month. I’ll be at the Farmers Market, or maybe at the Bidwell or on the Lakeview Restaurant deck enjoying lunch. 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

Annual Waterski Show
August 4

COMING EVENTS:

Thurs 8/1: Tales From a Magical Forest 10-year celebration and book launch. 6-8 PM. See details in Library section below.

Fri 8/2 & 8/16: 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 8/4: 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: Going Green. Website.

Sun 8/4: Annual Waterski Show, 1 PM. View from Patriots Park Beach, 124 Lake Street. Watch talented individuals from the Coventry Lake Waterski Club with their impressive skiing and pyramid skills. Rain date 8/18.

Sun 8/4: Piano Concert by Jason J. Castonguay, 4 PM, Sanctuary at Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Blind at birth, Jason began studying classical piano at the age of 4. A gifted musician, he also plays the harp and sings. For more information, call 860-742-1616 or visit the church website.

Tues 8/6-8/27: 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.

Fri 8/9: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main Street. Presented by First Congregational Church and American Legion Post 52. Featuring baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, beverage, Italian bread, and dessert. $15 per plate, take-out available. Questions at 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventry@gmail.com.

Sun 8/11: 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: National Farmers' Week. Website.

Tues 8/13: 50% Off on Spring and Summer Clothes, 9 -11 AM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Sat. 8/17, 9 AM - 1 PM. 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. Website.

Weds 8/14: 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 8/16: 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.

Sun 8/18: 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: Annual Corn Roast. Website.

Sat 8/24: Caprilands-Style Luncheon - "A Celebration of Poetry and Posies", 1 PM, Strong Porter House Museum, 2382 South Street. A multi-course Caprilands-inspired menu featuring original recipes and beverages, speakers and a beautiful setting near the Caprilands garden featuring plants rescued from and inspired by the grounds. $60 per person. Tickets sold in advance only. Buy at this link. Raffle tickets and books can be purchased at the door.

Sun 8/25: 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: Heirlooms & Imperfect Produce. Website.

Weds 8/28: 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.

Beach stickers half price starting August 1.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

The Before/After School Program, Rec Daze, is NOW OPEN for registrations. Program is open to children in Grades K – 5 and is held at the Community Building in Patriots Park. Monthly and daily options available. Morning program runs 7 am – 8:15 am with transportation to school and afternoon program runs with transportation from school 3:30pm – 6:00 pm.

Half-price beach stickers available starting August 1! $12/first vehicle, $6/additional vehicle.

Info and reservations

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, public computers and free wi-fi, reference assistance, and more!

Stop by to work from home in a cozy chair, play with other kids in our children’s room, or discover your family history in our genealogy club. There is always so much to do at the library! To learn more about these services, or to discover more that the library offers, visit during our open hours, call 860-742-7606, email at bdlibrary@coventry-ct.gov, or send us a message on Facebook!

We would like to invite everyone to some very fun, very special, all ages events in August!

On August 1 at 6:00, local author and illustrator duo Justin and Irina Trzaskos will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Tales from a Magical Forest, and launching their newest book The Legend of Salamander. This event will feature an art exhibit, book reading, illustration demonstration, children’s activity table, and CAKE! All are welcome to attend!

August 8 is Library Tie-Dye Day! Join us at 1:00 on the library lawn for our first ever tie-dye day! Bring your own shirt, or whatever you might light to tie dye, and we’ll supply the rest!

On August 15 at 1:00 come to the library to meet the animals of Furry Scaly Friends! The Furry Scaly Friends crew consists of dozens of creatures including ferrets, long haired guinea pigs, sugar gliders, rabbits, hedgehogs, chinchilla, prairie dogs, dwarf hamsters, long haired hamster, gerbil, opossum, sulcata tortoises, mini pig, turtle, fire skink, ackie monitor, red footed tortoise, dumbo rats, hermit crabs, bearded dragon, tarantulas, leopard gecko, gargoyle gecko, jumping spider, axolotl, python, corn snake, hognose snake, milk snake, iguana, pac man frog, degu's, blue tongue skink and uromastyx! This free-form style program will allow you to go from pen to pen and meet each animal at your own pace, while also getting to learn more about each friend!

On August 21st starting at noon, come try our escape room! Please sign up for your game time by calling the library at 860-742-7606 or using this link: https://forms.gle/dTxcFPzYgF9XbCx69

On August 23 at 6:00, the whole family can come by for some fun, after-hours, laser tag! Everyone is welcome to play laser tag in the children’s room when the library is closed!

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 – August 2 at 1:30 – Each month 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.” August’s book is A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine.
Sunday Matinee Movies – August 11 at 2:00 – Join us for a monthly cinematic event intended to remind participants of the communal experience of watching movies, and introduce the audience to exciting films they may never have seen before! Big screen, big sound, and popcorn provided! Visit our website to find out what’s playing!
Genealogy Club – August 15 at 11:30 – calling all genealogy lovers, from novices to experts! Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:30 – 1:00 to discuss research, commiserate over those stubborn brick walls, and trade tips. No registration is required and drop-ins are welcome. Bring any research or questions you’d like to share with the group!
Wednesday Night Book Club – August 21 at 6:30 – Meets at 6:30 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. August’s title is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge.
Book Banter – August 27 at 11:00 – Join us for a new book club where you read what you love! No assigned books, just bring whatever you’re reading and share your thoughts. Discover new titles and enjoy discussions with fellow book enthusiasts.
Senior Center Book Club – August 28 at 1:30 – Books are available to pick up at the library, but the discussion takes place at the Senior Center. August’s book is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
Tea Explorers – Members of Tea Explorers receive a new tea to try each month. Each tea comes with background information. Contact the library to register.
Spice Life – Members of Spice Life receive a new spice to try each month. Each spice comes with background information. Contact the library to register.

Teen Programs:
* Note, teen programs are reserved for teens in grades 6-12, or ages 12-17.

Teen Crafternoon – August 1 and 15 at 1:00 – Open craft time! All supplies provided. Magic loom bracelets, perler beads, scratch art, and many more crafts to do in the Teen Center!
Backlight Painting – August 6 at 5:00 – Neon paint, black canvases, and black lights. There will be no cooler paint night here ever. Don’t miss it!
Teen Dungeons & Dragons – August 8 and 22 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.
Throw Throw Burrito – Join us for Throw Throw Burrito, the party game where dodgeball meets cards in a flurry of fun and flying burritos!
Super Smash – August 13 at 2:00 – Go head to head in Super Smash VS and enjoy some popcorn!
Teen Movie Night – August 14 at 4:00 – Popcorn will be provided to watch a movie on the Teen Center’s new furniture! Visit our website to find out what movie is playing!

Children's Programs:

Play Group – 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!
Children’s Yoga – August 1 at 11:00 – Join us with certified yoga instructor, Amie Meacham, for children’s yoga! This hour-long program begins with an age-appropriate story, followed by basic yoga instruction, a yoga-themed game, and ends with a 5-minute meditation. Most appropriate for grades 1-5. Children should bring a towel or yoga mat to practice on. Suitable for all skill levels. Registration is required, and can be done by calling or visiting the library.
Afternoon Art with Miss Rachel – August 2 at 3:00 – Use your imagination and explore new topics through hands on creativity. Ideal for grades 2 through 5, though all are welcome!
Sweet Dreams Story Time – August 22 at 6:30 - All ages are welcome to join Miss Rachel for a soothing and relaxing evening story time!

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

Senior Rowing Sessions

COVER PHOTO:

A bench at the Veterans Memorial Green. 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.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

COMING EVENTS:

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT:

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER:

FOR REGISTERED REPUBLICANS ONLY:

COVER PHOTO: