Shred-it Day
September 28

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

And just like that summer is over and school is in session. So, remember to slow down in school zones and to watch out for all the school children at bus stops. Summer weather lingers on a little while longer as many activities in Coventry will soon be lining up as we slide into the early days of autumn. Maybe get out and enjoy some of our town parks. There are a lot of changes happing in some.

Miller-Ricardson Park has seen a lot of activity. Last year we had two new softball fields constructed. Earlier this year the Town went through a master plan process to see how the park should be further redeveloped. Phase one of the plan was to redesign the roadway through the park and sidewalks to make it safer. Starting next week, the park will be under construction. All Seasons Landscaping, Inc. of Cheshire, CT has been contracted to make some major road and parking improvements and a new ADA friendly (American with Disabilities Act) sidewalk system. This new design will allow for children to safely cross between all fields without crossing between traffic. The project will cost $590,000, with $500,000 coming from a State grant and the rest being local funding. The project is expected to be completed in October. As grants become available in the future, the Town will apply for funding to complete further phases of the Miller-Richardson Master Plan to construct other improvements that include a concession stand, playground, basketball courts, pickleball courts, additional parking and a walking trail. Keep watching as the Miller-Richardson Park Master Plan will help us improve this park through the years ahead.

The Parks and Recreation Commission and the Town’s consultant, FHI Studio, will be holding a meeting on September 12^th at 6:30 PM at the Coventry High School Lecture Hall for public input, for ideas and concepts on how to preserve, improve, and redevelop Patriots Park. Similar to Miller-Richardson Park, the Town is wanting to embark on a process to create a Patriots Park Master Plan that can be used to plan for future improvements that can be phased in with funding as it becomes available thorough grants or other sources over several years. Stakeholders that use the park regularly have brought forth ideas. Some have called for a replacing the Community Center on the hill (maybe two story?) Some have suggested building a new Senior Center in a new location outside Patriots Park. UCONN announced they are planning to build a larger new rowing facility in the park, and though not currently funded, other rowing clubs discussed their interest in having new facilities as well. Waterski asked about repairing the south area beach that has eroded. Some have asked whether we need a waterfront basketball court. Is that he best use of waterfront property? Should there be a new state-of-the-art band shell? What kind of playground would you like to see there? Should the park be fenced for better security and so it could be used for limited entry for events? Should there be connectivity to the State boat ramp? I know there are many ideas and opinions. We ask that the public attend the meeting so you can share your thoughts and ideas. If you can’t attend, you can take a survey at the link below in the Parks & Recreation section.

Summer road work continues. Water Front Park paving is complete, and we are finishing up driveway aprons now. Pilgrim Hills roads will be paved in the next few weeks after all the new drains are installed. Also, Public Works has contracted crack sealing work for some of our Town roads this summer to extend the life of the asphalt surfaces. I will give a report on our Road Bond projects as we begin to wrap them up this winter.

Enjoy the remaining warm days of summer while they last. I hope to see you around Town this month. Perhaps I will see you at Arts on Main, the Annual State of the Lake Forum, or maybe I’ll see you in line waiting for fresh picked peaches at Connecticut’s #1 Farmers’ Market. 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

State of the Lake Forum
September 17

COMING EVENTS:

Sun 9/1: 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: Dog Day. Website.

Tues 9/3-9/24: 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 9/6 & 9/20: 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 9/6: 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. Bring water, wear soft-soled shoes, and dress in layers. For more information contact Dennis: knowdj@frontier.com. or see website.

Sun 9/8: 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: Sweet Treats. Website.

Tues 9/10: 50% Off One Item of Your Choice, 9 -11 AM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Sat. 9/14, 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 9/11: 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.

Sat 9/14, Arts on Main, 11 AM - 3 PM, Historic Coventry Village on Main Street. This FREE event is brought to you by the Town of Coventry, the Coventry Arts Guild, and Coventry Cares. Families will enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, Awesome Dogs from First Church, mum sale by Coventry Cares, music performances, art exhibits, kids' activities and MORE! Parking & shuttle service available from Patriots Park, 124 Lake Street. Handicapped accessible parking available in Coventry Village. Rain location: Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road.

Sun 9/15: 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: Celebration of National Honey Month. Website.

Tues 9/17: Annual State of the Lake Forum, 7 PM, Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main Street. Sponsored by the Coventry Lake Advisory & Monitoring Committee, Limnologist Dr. Robert Kortmann will speak on the health of the lake and Dr. Min Huang will discuss Canadian Geese. Email for info: coventrylakeadvisor@coventry-ct.gov.

Sat 9/21: Drive-thru/take-out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Roast turkey, gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, carrots, 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 9/22: 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: Fiber & Potters Market. Website.

Weds 9/25: 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 9/26: Office hours with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas, 11 AM - 12 PM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street & 6:30 7:30 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Got a question or concern? Share it with Lisa at this monthly opportunity for conversation.

Sat 9/28: Shred-it Day, 9 AM - noon. Public Works facility, 100 Olsen Farm Road. Dispose of your paper documents securely. FREE. Two bags/boxes per household. Coventry residents only - I.D. required. Info: 860-742-6588.

Sat 9/28: Nathan Hale Cemetery Walk, 10-11:30 AM, Lake Street. Join Town Historian John Holmy, in collaboration with the Coventry Cemetery Commission, for a walking tour of the historic Nathan Hale Cemetery. We will talk about the gravestone carvers represented, Puritan burial practices, and most importantly, we’ll talk about many of the Coventry citizens buried here and what makes them interesting people of note. Park at Patriots Park. For more info email jholmy@coventry-ct.gov.

Sun 9/29: 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: CT Cheese Day. Website.

Take the Patriots Park Master Plan Survey

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

The Before/After School Program, Rec Daze, is NOW OPEN for new 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 7am – 8:15am with transportation to school and afternoon program runs with transportation from school 3:30pm – 6:00pm.

Youth Basketball registration OPENS September 3rd! Programs for boys and girls - instructional basketball for grades K-2, Rec Basketball League for grades 3-8, and Travel Basketball for grades 5-8. Registration deadline is September 29^th.

Info and reservations

Take the Patriots Park Master Plan Survey! We want to hear from the Coventry community about the current and future use of Patriots Park. Attend the community feedback workshop on September 12^th at 6:30 at Coventry High School.

https://sprw.io/stt-8h8XVAry8GUPpxRhGRmw3J

Community Conversation events 9/18 & 9/24.
See info below.

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!

We are excited to share that Booth & Dimock Memorial Library has been chosen to be part of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries. With this grant, Booth & Dimock Library will be focusing on how to better serve neurodivergent adults. The Library is hosting two community conversations to help us learn how to improve services for our neurodivergent patrons. Please join us on Wednesday September 18 at 6:00 or Tuesday September 24 at 1:30 to partake in these community events. Participants will have the chance to win prizes for their attendance. If you are unable to make one of our in-person events, we encourage you to participate in an online survey, which can be found on our website at www.coventrypl.org.

On September 22 at 1:30, award-winning comic book editor Will Dennis will be signing his work before guest hosting our Sunday Matinee Movie. Dennis was an editor at Vertigo/DC Entertainment for more than fifteen years, where he specialized in genre fiction comics and graphic novels. Movie showing will follow at 2:00 with popcorn and snacks!

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

Adult Programs

Mystery Book Club – September 6 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.” September’s book s The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library.

Wednesday Night Book Club – September 18 at 6:30 – Join in a discussion of And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman. This book club meets at 6:30 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. August’s title is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library.

Genealogy Club – September 19 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 do 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!

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 – September 25 at 1:30 – Books are available to pick up at the library, but the discussion takes place at the Senior Center. September’s book is Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney.

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.

Custom Tabletop Minis, Part I - September 17 at 5:00

Texture Art I - September 25 at 4:00

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!

Sing, Stomp, & Story – September 12 at 11:00 – Join us in the children’s area for a fun storytime filled with music and movement!

Sweet Dreams Storytime – September 17 at 6:30 – All ages are welcome to join Miss Rachel for a relaxing evening story.

Homeschool Hangout – September 20 at 10:30 to 12:30 – This free-play program is the perfect way to gather and meet other homeschooling or self-directed learning families! We’ll have crafts and toys available for children of all ages to play with. We can’t wait to see you there!

Messy Munchkins – September 27 at 11:00 – Bring your little ones to enjoy some messy sensory play! We will have multiple sensory stations for your child to play in. Be sure to wear your play clothes!

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

Coffee Hour with
Senator Jeff Gordon

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:

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER: