The 2024 season of the Coventry Farmers' Market comes to a close
on October 27.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

The temperatures are cooler, and the leaves are turning bright colors-its October! There are many things you can do in October. In Coventry we have some events to check out, such as the Quiet Corner Contra Dance, the Walktober-Contemplative Nature Walk, the Grant Hill Cemetery Walking Tours, the Walktober-Museum of CT Glass Open House, Walktober-Foraging Connecticut (at the Nathan Hale Homestead), the CROP Hunger Walk and the Town of Coventry’s Halloween on Main.

If you haven’t been out to the Coventry Farmers’ Market this year, there are only a few more weeks for you to come out on Sunday to experience all the Market has to offer. You can have a nice lunch in the warm autumn sun while enjoying some great musical entertainment. You can shop for Connecticut homegrown fruits and vegetables as well as other local homemade products. You can bring your dog and visit with friends. You can tour the home of Nathan Hale, perhaps for the first time, or perhaps to remember that field trip years ago when you were in school. There is plenty to do. The Farmers’ Market themes for October include Apple Harvest/Fire Prevention, Holiday Market, Farmer’s Day, and our final day is the Pumpkin Harvest Celebration. The Farmers’ Market is open each Sunday from 10am-1pm at the Nathan Hale Homestead through the end of October.

Hopefully with the nice October weather everyone will get out and enjoy our lakes and trails. The Hop River Trail is a favorite of many, but there are several others that our Town owns and that are also kept in good condition, thanks to our volunteers. Over the last few months there has been a lot of work done by Town volunteers through work parties organized by the Protected Spaces Stewardship Committee. They have done work recently on trails in Thornton Brook Preserve, the Williams Preserve, and Laidlaw Park. Their work has involved clearing overgrowth, putting down mulch, installing trail markers, and in some locations constructing foot bridges. The volunteers have also been active removing invasive plants from Eagleville Lake, which helps keep down the overgrowth. This keeps the Lake healthy for fish and wildlife and navigable for boating. These volunteers have done an excellent job for our community. There is always need for more volunteers. Anyone wanting more information or if you are interested in volunteering, you can reach out to openspacestewardship@coventry-ct.gov .

Back at Town Hall, we are busy with several projects, but one major project we have been focusing on is our Property Revaluation Project. As you may know, every town must complete a new town-wide revaluation of properties every 5 years. As our last Revaluation was in 2019, we must complete this work soon to set the next Grand List, which will go into effect in January 2025. These new property values will be used for the next budget and the next tax year. The Town selected Vision Government Solutions as our vendor to work with Coventry’s Assessor, John Preisner, on this project. Vision is widely used in New England for Revaluation Projects, and they are also the same firm that was used by the Town in 2019. Mailers were sent out in March with questions so that property owners could update the Town’s record on their properties. There was a great response, as Vision received over 80% of the mailers back. They have also done many inspections of properties as is required by State law. Inspections determine several factors including the condition of the buildings (in and out) and if there may have been an out-building added or one that may have been removed that was not reflected on the record. The firm is looking at several factors in determining value, including real estate sales over the last 5 years. We all have seen those prices go up. Based on the outcome of revaluation studies in other communities, it is estimated that the value of residential properties in Coventry may increase up to 35-50%. However, it is interesting that so far it appears that commercial and agricultural properties may not have increased near as much. Though the project is nearing completion, the is still much work to be done. These new property values will be set in January 2025. People may wonder how this much of an increase can effect taxes. Some may believe this means there will be a 35-50% tax increase. I want everyone to know that this will not happen. Coventry has always lowered the tax rate to accommodate for significantly higher property values after Revaluation. I will recommend a new lower tax rate during the 2025-26 Budget process in early March 2025. The Town Council will set the final tax rate after the adoption of the Budget at referendum later in spring. There will be more information on the Revaluation Project in the months ahead.

As we have rolled into fall, the Town’s summer road work is winding down. Waterfront Park paving is complete, but we are still planning some apron and curb work. Pilgrim Hills (Mark Drive area) roads were scheduled to be paved in September but will now be done in the next few weeks after the final new storm drains are installed. I will give a report on our Road Bond projects as we begin to wrap them up this winter. However, as you drive around the Town, I believe everyone can see the success the Road Bond funding has had in improving the condition of Coventry’s roads over the last few years.

October is a busy month. I hope to see you out around the Town. Perhaps I will see you out on the Williams Preserve trail, at the historic Strong Porter House, at the Museum of CT Glass, at the Farmers’ Market on apple harvest day, pumpkin shopping at Edmondson’s Farm, or maybe at Halloween on Main. 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

Check out the many events offered by The Last Green Valley's Walktober series
this month.

COMING EVENTS:

Tues 10/1: 50% Off Everything in the Shop Sale, 9 - 11 AM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Saturday 10/5, 9 AM 1 PM. Includes clothes newborn to size 10, toys, games, and baby equipment. For info, call Saturdays: 860-742-1616. Donations of gently used clean children's items are welcome on Tuesdays from 9-11 AM and Saturdays from 9 AM - 1 PM.

Tues 10/1-10/29: 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 10/2: Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 AM - 3 PM, Millbrook Place, 1267 Main Street. Schedule an appointment online.

Fri 10/3 & 10/17: 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 10/4: 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.

Sat 10/5: Walktober - Contemplative Nature Walk, 9 AM, Creaser Park, 100 Case Road. Rev. Dr. Debbie Pallatto from Second Congregational Church of Coventry will lead this walk through the woods and around a pond at Creaser Park. Meet at the park pavilion. After the walk, refreshments will be served at the Community House of the church, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Everyone will have the opportunity to visit a local nonprofit, Noah's Closet, at the church. Info: Church website or the Last Green Valley's website. Church phone: 860-742-1616.

Sun 10/6: 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: Apple Harvest/Fire Prevention. Website.

Sun 10/6: Blessing of the Animals, noon, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Everyone is invited to bring their animals, on a leash or in a cage, to this free event. Stuffed animals are welcomed. Info: 860-742-1616.

Weds 10/9: 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 10/11: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main Street. Featuring baked cod, baked potato & coleslaw, drink, Italian bread & dessert. $15 per plate, take-out available. Presented by First Congregational Church & American Legion Post 52. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com.

Sat 10/12: Walktober - Museum of CT Glass Open House and Show, 8 AM - 1 PM, 289 North River Road. The museum will have an open house and host a tailgate sale of antique bottles and glass. There will be tours of the ca. 1813 Captain John Turner house, and displays of early Connecticut glass and glassblowing tools. Tours and admission to museum displays are free; fee to enter antique sale field. Sponsored by Museum of Connecticut glass. More info.

Sat 10/12: Polish Family Dinner, 5-6:30 PM, St. Mary Church Hall, 1600 Main Street. Potato and cheese pierogis, kielbasa and sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage, Red Bliss potatoes, rye bread and butter, dessert, and coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or lemonade. (Beverages dine-in only.) $15. Reserve your dinners at http://qop.churchevents.info. Take-out is available and reservations are not required. Sponsored by the St. Jude Council, 4313 Knights of Columbus. More info: kofc4313@outlook.com.

Sun 10/13: 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: Holiday Market. Website.

Sun 10/13: Crop Hunger Walk, 1 PM, Coventry Fire Station 208, 1645 South Street/Judd Road. This annual walk raises money for world hunger. It's a 2.4 mile circle starting and ending at the fire house, or walk an alternate 1/2 mile route on South Street. Register and/or donate online. Join our team "First & Second Churches of Coventry Walk." Registration also available the day of the event at 12:30. For more information, contact Laura Young at LBYoung1964@gmail.com.

Weds 10/16: Walktober - Where is Hop River Village? 10 AM - 12 PM, Hop River Road. Hop River was an important mill village in its day. Now, you have to know where to look to even find the dams, rail bed and mill sites. Help find the clues and learn about this slice of history. Sponsored by Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. Easy hike, ages 12+ only, leased pets welcome. More info.

Fri 10/18: Walktober - Foraging Connecticut, 10-11:30 AM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. This slow-paced walk will explore an 18th-century kitchen garden to show how plants that are considered invasive in a modern garden, and can usually be found growing as wildflowers, were once grown with care for their useful properties. Continue down the Old Road to Norwich into the Nathan Hale State Forest to comb the landscape for edible plant life. More info.

Sat 10/19: Walktober - Grant Hill Cemetery Walking Tour, 10-11:30 AM. Join Town Historian John Holmy, in conjunction with the Coventry Cemetery Commission, for a walking tour of the beautiful Grant Hill Cemetery. Learn why it is called Grant Hill. This is an amazing cemetery to view the work of Puritan-era local gravestone carvers Amasa Loomis and Aaron Haskins. Learn about Coventry citizens buried there, like Henry Walker, who ran the town poor house, Hinkel and Mae, retired vaudevillians from the Actor's Colony, and more. Rain date 10/20. Info: jholmy@coventry-ct.gov.

Sat 10/19: Drive-thru/take-out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Pot roast, potato, gravy, carrots, and dessert. $15. Place orders by calling 860-742-1616 or email and indicate pick up time of 5, 5:30 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 10/20: 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: Farmers' Day. Website.

Weds 10/23: 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 10/24: Office hours with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas, 11 AM - 12 PM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street & 5-6:30 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Got a question or concern? Share it with Lisa at this monthly opportunity for conversation.

Sat 10/26: $10 Stuff a Bag Sale, 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. Website.

Sat 10/26 Halloween on Main, 1-3 PM, Coventry Village. See details under the Parks & Recreation section below.

Sun 10/27: 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: Pumpkin Harvest Celebration. LAST MARKET OF THE 2024 SEASON! Website.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

Halloween on Main, October 26, 1-3 PM. Sponsored by Coventry Parks & Recreation. FREE! Trick or treat your way through Coventry Village! Participating businesses will have treats at their locations, and other organizations and groups will be on hand with Halloween-themed "trunks" as part of a "trick or trunk." Be sure to dress in costume and bring your treat bags/buckets to collect your treats! We need your help to make this community event happen! Parks and Rec is looking for trunks for Halloween on Main. Town business, organizations, and families can sign up online to have a trunk or table to celebrate the spooky season. Deadline to register is October 18^{th .}

Check out the Fall edition of the 06238! Parks and Recreation continues to expand program offerings!

Program information reservations

Banner photo: A foggy morning at Nathan Hale Cemetery. 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:

HOLIDAYS:

COMING EVENTS:

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION: