Click here for details including early voting and same-day registration.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

It’s November and the fall colors are fading, and the temperatures are getting cooler. We start the month in Coventry with the 2024 election. I encourage everyone to do their civic duty and vote. Many of our fellow citizens have come out to vote already. Early voting continues every day, ending on November 3^rd. Early voting is at Town Hall from 10am to 6pm. Those wanting to vote on election day at the polls will vote at Coventry High School on November 5^th from 6am to 8pm.

There is plenty to do this month before and after you cast your vote. On November 2^nd, you can participate or attend the Veteran’s Day Race at Patriots Park. Later that day, you can check out the Coventry Chili Fest at Coventry High School. Perhaps your chili recipe can bring in the first prize. November also brings us the Gleaners Annual Holiday Fair, the Coventry Winter Farmers Market, Artists Open Studio Tour, and several other great events held around town.

As we enter the holiday season, it is a good time to recognize Coventry residents that have been less fortunate this year and to consider how all of us can make a difference in helping these families. The Coventry Human Services Department provides programs to assist them, but they are only successful with community donations. Human Services is being assisted by Coventry Boy Scout Troup 65 again this year with their Scouting for Food Program. Plastic bags will be sent out to every house on November 2^nd asking for food donations. These donations will be collected on the morning of November 9^th and then sorted and packed by the scouts so that they can help stock the Coventry Food Bank. Additionally for the holidays, Human Services will accept donations of frozen turkeys and hams, as well as any of the holiday side dishes. Thanksgiving is coming fast, and Christmas is just around the corner. Human Services has an Adopt a Family program to make sure families in need have food and children’s gifts. Contact the Human Services Department for more information on their assistance programs and to see how you can help those in need.

Later in November we will see a change in leadership within the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, when Coventry Fire Chief Bud Meyers will be sworn in as that organization’s new President. If you see Chief Meyers, I encourage you to congratulate him on this accomplishment and to thank him for his service to our Town and for his contributions to improving the Fire/EMS Service in Connecticut.

November is an exciting month with elections, possible changes in leadership and several community events, but it is also a time to reflect and give thanks for what we have. I hope to see you out around the Town this month. Perhaps I will see you out at early voting, at the Chili Fest, on the food drive with the Boy Scouts of Troup 65, or out at Coventry’s first sushi restaurant-Wasabi Steak and Sushi House. 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 athttps://www.facebook.com/CoventryCTTownManager.

Sincerely,

James Drumm

Visit local artists during
the 2024 Artists' Open
Studio Tour.

COMING EVENTS:

Fri 11/1 & 11/15: 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 11/1: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 7:30-10:30 PM, Special location for this dance - Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main Street (Rt. 31) across the street from the Bidwell Tavern. 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 11/2: CT Veterans Day Race, 10 AM, registration and packet pickup starts at 8:30 AM. Patriots Park, 124 Lake Street. Choose to run the 4-mile course, or the 3-mile walker's course, or the 3-mile ruck to support CT veterans (live or virtual). The live event is chip-timed. Awards ceremony at 11 AM. 100% of proceeds benefit location veteran service organizations. Registration and details at https://www.ctveteransdayrace.com/.

Sat 11/2: Coventry Chili Fest, 12-2 PM, Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. New chili cookers are welcome to the competition - prizes awarded. Taste the chili with admission of $10 for adults, $7 seniors and students, free for ages 6 and under. Sponsored by the Lions Club of Coventry. More info

Sun 11/3: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market Opening Day, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, indoors at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Celebrating its 10th year, the Coventry Winter Farmers’ Market (CWFM) 2024–2025 season kicks off November 3, 2024, and runs through March 9, 2025 (excluding December 1, Thanksgiving weekend). Offering everything from locally-grown produce, hand-crafted soaps, and freshly-baked bread. Check out our website for more information and to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our weekly vendor lineup and special events. Join the winter market fun — we can’t wait to see you there! Also: a Vaccination Clinic will be offered by the Eastern Highlands Health District during today's market - see info below.

Tues 11/5: Election Day. Vote at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Polls open 6 AM - 8 PM. More details.

Tues 11/5-11/26: 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 11/6: 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 11/8: 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 11/9: Gleaners Annual Holiday Fair, 9 AM - 2 PM, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Craft vendors, baked goods, frozen apple pies, raffle, holiday decor, Cabot cheese, white elephant items, and a book room. Noah's Closet, a children's re-sale shop, will be open. Soup & sandwiches served from 11 AM - 1 PM. Info: 860-742-1616.

Sun 11/10: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, indoors at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Celebrating its 10th year, the CWFM offers everything from locally-grown produce, hand-crafted soaps, and freshly-baked bread. Check out their website for more information.

Sat 11/16: Drive-thru/take-out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Roast pork, applesauce, potato, 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 11/17: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, indoors at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Celebrating its 10th year, the CWFM offers everything from locally-grown produce, hand-crafted soaps, and freshly-baked bread. Check out their website for more information.

Weds 11/20: 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 11/21: 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.

Thurs 11/21: An evening of inspiration with Bonnie Edmundson, 7 PM, Second Congregational Church Community House, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Join the Coventry Historical Society for an evening of inspiration as Bonnie Edmondson takes us direct from Coventry on an historic journey to gold at the 2024 World Masters Track and Field Championships in Sweden. Admission is free. Learn about Coventry's contemporary history in the making. For more information, visit the Historical Society's Facebook page, and look for them at the Second Church Holiday Fair on 11/9, where they will have books, herb charts, postcards and bits of nostalgia from Caprilands including potpourri and tea blends.

Sat 11/23: 50% Off Toys 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. Call 860-742-1616 for details. Website.

Sun 11/24: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, indoors at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road. Celebrating its 10th year, the CWFM offers everything from locally-grown produce, hand-crafted soaps, and freshly-baked bread. Check out their website for more information.

Fri 11/29 & Sat 11/30: Artists' Open Studio Tour (AOS), 10AM - 5PM, see link for locations. Since 1988, this free, self-guided “Quiet Corner” art adventure, has offered a unique opportunity to meet Northeastern Connecticut’s painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, woodworkers, potters, glass artists, jewelers, and other fine artists. AOS gives participating artists the opportunity to connect with you and to share their passion and expertise. Some participants show in their own studios while some show in groups. Of the 61 participants, five are Coventry residents: Ian Herrick, Aline Hoffman, Jane Penfield, Barbara Timberman, and, Marjorie Vrabel. Hoffman is hosting three non-Coventry artists. When planning your tour, check the brochure for dates each artist is showing since not everyone is showing all five days. Get brochures online at www.aosct.org or pick up at the following sponsoring businesses: EyeTrade, Hale’s Barbershop, Meadowbrook Wine & Spirits, Preserved Antiques, Wicked Slice, and Woke. They are also available at libraries and businesses throughout the Quiet Corner. For more information, contact Hoffman (AOS president) through the website: Tour continues, Dec. 1 & Dec. 7, 8.

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

Holiday Letters: Hey kids, let Santa or your favorite Holiday Figure know just how good you have been this year! From now until Monday December 16th , we will be accepting your letters for delivery just in time for the "Big Day." Or mail your letters to: Santa Claus or your favorite Holiday Figure, c/o Coventry Recreation, 1712 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238. Be sure to include your name and return address so your favorite Holiday Figure can write you back!

A Tour of Holiday Lights - Registration open NOW! ‘Tis the season for magic and a time for fun! We are making this holiday extra special for our communities with this lighting contest. Love to decorate for the holidays? Love a little competition? If you answered yes, then be sure to register your home in this FREE event for a chance to win a prize! All you need to do is register your home by Friday, 11/29. Then decorate the outside of your home and yard (front of home and yard only) by end of day Friday, 12/6. Judging will take place 12/9 - 12/15. Maps of participating locations will be available online the week of 12/2. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 12/18!

NEW! Youth Vendor Fair. Youth 18 and under are invited to join Parks and Rec for a Youth Vendor Fair on Sunday December 8th at the Lodge at Patriots Park . There is no table fee, we are asking for one item from your collection be donated for a raffle item. All raffle proceeds will go to the Camp Scholarship fund. Register by 12/2.

Details and registration

Secret Lives of Owls
11/23, 11 AM

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!

The Library will be closed Saturday, November 9 in observance of Veteran’s Day. We will close early at 3:00 on Wednesday, November 27, and will be closed Thursday November 28 – Saturday November 30 for Thanksgiving.

We are welcoming back Horizon wings to tell us all about the extraordinary features of owls. This is our chance to be only a few feet away from our feathered friends and ask questions!

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 – November 1 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.” November’s book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library.

Sunday Matinee Movies – November 17 at 2:00 – 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! For a list of titles, please visit the library’s website.

Wednesday Night Book Club – November 20 at 6:30 – Join in a discussion of The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. This book club meets at 6:30 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library.

Genealogy Club – November 21 at 11:30 – Calling all genealogy lovers! Join us to talk research and trade tips. No registration required. Bring research or questions you’d like to share with the group.

Book Banter – November 26 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. November’s theme is Historical Fiction.

Senior Center Book Club – November 27 at 1:30 – Books are available to pick up at the library, but the discussion takes place at the Senior Center. November’s book is How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith.

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 youth in grades 6-12, or ages 12-17.

Super Smash – November 7 at 12:00 – Go head to head in Super Smash VS and enjoy some popcorn!

Popcorn and a Movie – November 8 at 12:00 – Watch a movie together on the Teen Center’s new furniture. Popcorn provided!

Teen Dungeons and Dragons – November 14 at 4:00 – Continuing adventures from Candlekeep Mysteries. New players are welcome! Registration online is welcomed, but not required.

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!

Dog Man Trivia – November 8 at 1:00 – Show off your knowledge of all things Dog Man in teams to win bragging rights against other fans.

Sing, Stomp, & Story – November 14 at 11:00 – Join us in the children’s area for a fun storytime filled with music and movement!

All Day Saturday Crafts – November 16 from 10:00 – 3:00 – Use your imagination and explore new topics through hands-on creativity with miss Rachel.

Sweet Dreams Storytime – November 19 at 6:30 – All ages are welcome to join Miss Rachel for a relaxing evening story.

Messy Munchkins – November 22 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

Vaccination Clinic
at Winter Farmers' Market
on Nov. 3

Banner photo: Eagleville Dam in late fall. 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:

BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

VACCINATION CLINIC:

HUMAN SERVICES: