Nathan Hale Homestead
Prevention Day in the Park

Prevention Day in the Park
May 29

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

Once again, Spring is in full bloom.  It’s time to get out in the yard and plant some flowers and maybe a tree or two.  If your family is like mine, we all get into spring gardening.  Local CT growers have what you need.  You can support local Coventry businesses and visit Tardif Farm and Feed on Flanders Road or Edmondson’s  or Creative Living Community of CT on US Route 44.   On May 3rd, it is time to tour around the Town and visit those participating in the Town-wide Tag Sale.  Also, that same day stop by the Coventry Historical Society Annual Tag Sale at the Strong Porter House Museum.  They say “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”  So, venture out and plan to search for treasure this weekend in Coventry.   

Our Parks and Recreation Department has just mailed out a long list of summer programs and activities.   If you didn’t get your “06238” catalogue in the mail you can still check out the programs available online.  Beach passes are on sale May 1.  Patriots’ Park will be open for swimming on May 24th throughout the season.  On May 26th our community will observe Memorial Day with a parade to honor the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died while in service to our nation.   The ceremony starts at 10:00 AM at Veterans Memorial Green across from Patriots Park. The parade begins not long afterward, heading down Lake Street until it intersects with Main Street and then it will proceed south on Main Street through Coventry Village.  This event is planned and organized by American Legion Post 52.   Our Human Services Department will be holding “Prevention Day” on  May 29th at Patriots Park. Come experience a day of fun and learning.  The event features interactive tables and activities focused on promoting health and safety in our community. From health screenings to a live jaws of life demonstration, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family and friends to learn about local resources and how our community works to prevent substance misuse. Food, beverages, and shaved ice will be available.  

As spring kicks off construction season, Bill Watkins, our Public Works Director, is once again planning and coordinating drainage and paving projects around Town. The first project of the season will be Lathrop Drive. There will be dust and some construction noise for several weeks, but the final result will be worth it. A list of the roads to be resurfaced are listed on the Town’s website at https://www.coventry-ct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6955/Proposed-4-Year-Road-Bond-Project.  We have seen a lot of great road work the past two years. This work is being funded by the 2023 Road Bond that voters approved.

This past month at Town Hall, the Town Council and staff have been preparing our Town Council’s proposed budget.  The Town Council has made over $1 million in cuts to the Town Manager’s proposed budget. These are three times higher than last year’s cuts.  They made these sharp reductions in spending in order to reduce the increased tax burden for residential taxpayers that resulted from the State-required revaluation that increased home values by an average of 58%, but commercial properties by only an average of 13%.  The demand for housing in suburban and rural communities since the COVID-19 pandemic has caused homes to skyrocket in value. This has caused residential taxpayers to now have a greater percentage of the overall value on the Grand List than last year, making their tax burden greater in comparison. Unfortunately for those in Connecticut, this means lower taxes for businesses, and it means higher taxes for homeowners, even if we had no spending increase at all.  After making cuts, the Town Council’s proposed budget spending increase is now at 3.74%.  The Council’s goal this year has been to significantly reduce our budget expenses, but to also maintain the primary services we all as residents have come to rely on.  You can review the “Budget in Brief” for more information. That pamphlet is available online, or as a printed copy in the Town Clerk’s Office.   May 6th is the day for the budget vote.  This year again, the vote for District 1 and District 2 will take place at Station 118 Fire House (across from CNH Middle School).  I hope everyone that is eligible to vote comes out to vote.  Your vote impacts which path our Town will take moving forward.

I hope to see you all around Town this month, perhaps at the Memorial Day Parade. 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
Vote May 6

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

  • Mon, 5/5: Town Council Meeting, 7:00 PM. Town Hall Annex. 
  • Thurs, 5/8: Board of Education  Meeting, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building
  • Mon, 5/12:  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, 7:00 PM, Town Hall Annex
  • Mon, 5/19: Town Council Meeting, 7:00 PM , Town Hall Annex.
  • Tues, 5/27:  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, 7:00 PM, Town Hall Annex.
  • Weds, 5/28: Inland Wetlands Agency Meeting, 7:00 PM, Town Hall Annex.
  • Thurs 5/29: Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 PM, School Admin Building.

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

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:

  • Mon, 5/26: Memorial Day. Town offices, Senior Center and Library are closed. Trash collection on holiday schedule.
Memorial Day Parade

COMING EVENTS:

Fri 5/2: Opening Day, Nathan Hale Homestead, 12-4 PM, 2299 South Street. Tours on the hour, last tour departs one hour before closing. Open for tours May - October. Admission: $16/adult, $12/senior, student or teacher, $5/child 6-18. Free for CT Landmarks members and children under age 6. Info: 860-742-6917. Website.

Fri 5/2: 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. Must be 18 or older to play. Raffles, prizes and refreshments available. Email birdibruce@att.net for info.

Fri 5/2: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 1st Friday of every month September-June. Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. Dance 7:30-10:30 PM, beginner workshop at 7:15. Live caller and band. All dances are taught. Partner not necessary. Soft-soled shoes, light layered clothes & a water bottle. Snacks welcome. Adults $13 and $6 for students. For more information see website or email Dennis at knowdj@frontier.com. 

Sat 5/3: TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE. See details under Parks & Recreation below.

Tues 5/6: Budget referendum vote. Polls open 6 AM - 8 PM. Station 118 Firehouse, 1755 Main Street. Voting information. Budget information.

Tues 5/6-5/27: 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.

Weds 5/7: 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 5/9: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6 PM, 1171 Main Street. Presented by the First Congregational Church of Coventry & American Legion Post 52. Baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, Italian bread, drinks and dessert. $15 per plate. Take-out available. Info: 860-7428487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com. 

Sat 5/10: Mother's Day Roses Sale, sponsored by the Coventry Lions Club. Orders delivered between 9 AM-noon. Details on the Lions Club website. Order by May 4 for May 10 delivery. All proceeds go to supporting Lions Club scholarships and other community service activities.

Sat 5/17: Food Trucks, Car Show and Veggie Plant Sale, 12-4 PM, Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School, 1776 Main Street. Sponsored by Coventry CT Cares, Inc. Donations accepted. Website.

Sat 5/17: Drive-thru/Take Out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Pork roast, potato, carrots, and dessert. $15. Place orders by calling 860-742-1616 or email secondchurch@sbcglobal.net and indicate pick-up time of 5 or 5:30 PM. Correct amount of cash or check is required. Drive down from church parking lot to the Community House located across from Coventry Public Market. 

Tues 5/20: 50% Off Everything in the Shop, 9 AM - 11 AM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Sat 5/24: 9 AM - 1 PM.  Noah's Closet sells gently-used children's clothing, toys, shoes, and baby equipment. Donations of gently-used children's items are welcome on Tuesdays 9 AM - 11 AM and Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM. Info: 860-742-1616 or visit website.

Weds 5/21: 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 5/23: CLCC Farmstand Opens for the Season, 11 AM - 5 PM, 2645 Boston Turnpike. Microgreens, seasonal vegetables, flowers, crafts, farm fresh eggs, garden products, and locally-sourced items. 2025 hours: open Tues-Sat 11 AM - 5 PM, Sun 11 AM-3 PM. Creative Living Community of CT website.

Mon 5/26: Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, 8-11 AM, First Congregational Church, 1171 Main Street. The Coventry Lions Club is sponsoring their annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast which will consist of sausage, pancakes, and eggs. Price is $10 for individual and $20 for a family. All parade goers and participants are invited to come enjoy breakfast while waiting for the parade. All proceeds go to benefit the Coventry Lions service projects.  Website.

Mon 5/26: Memorial Day Parade, 10 AM, Veterans Memorial Green/Main Street in Coventry Village. Kicks off at Veterans Memorial Green, Lake Street. After services on the Green, the parade will re-form and continue toward Main Street, proceeding through Coventry Village to Bradbury Lane. A military flyover is anticipated.

Thurs 5/29: Prevention Day in the Park, 4-7 PM, Patriots Park, 172 Lake Street. A Coventry community resource fair with free health screenings & local resources for substance misuse education and treatment. Sponsored by the Coventry Human Services Department. More info: 
Beach stickers on sale May 1

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

RESIDENT BEACH STICKERS on sale at the Parks and Recreation Office starting MAY 1st during Town Hall business hours. $25/1st vehicle, $12/additional vehicle. NEW – SENIOR DISCOUNT – Resident Beach Sticker (7 days/week) $10. Proof of residency required. Must bring car registration. 

TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: May 3rd  8am – 4pm. Map of sale locations available for FREE at Booth & Dimock Library and Dunkin Donuts on the corner of 31 and 44 on Friday May 2nd at noon. 

SAVE THE DATE: Coventry Fireworks Saturday June 28, 2025, at Patriots Park (rain date Sunday June 29, 2025). This event is made possible by generous donations from local businesses, organizations, and community members. If you wish to donate, please make checks out to “The Town of Coventry” and mail them to the Town Hall attention Parks and Rec. Donations can also be made online at https://secure.rec1.com/CT/coventry-ct/catalog

 
Dollars for Scholars

Donate through this code to support the Dollars for Scholars program.

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS:

Since 1992, Coventry Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars, Inc.® has awarded more than $1,000,000 to graduating high school seniors who live in Coventry. Last year seniors received over $90,000 to help defray the cost of post-secondary education. Perhaps most importantly, every graduating senior who applies by the deadline is awarded a scholarship.

Our foundation relies on the generosity of donors like you to fund these educational awards. You may designate your tax-deductible donation to a specific scholarship by going online to coventry.dollarsforscholars.org and clicking the “Donate Now” button or scan the QR code above which will take you directly to the donation page.

We deeply appreciate the generosity of those who have supported us over the past thirty-three years.  We are proud to assist Coventry’s students as they graduate from high school and continue their education.  We believe investing in the educational future of Coventry students will strengthen their lives and contribute to the well-being of the community. To those of you not familiar with our organization, we hope that you will take a few minutes to review our information and consider becoming a donor. 

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. Without them this organization won't be able to continue. If interested please email: thompsonjaime04@gmail.com 
Long Night Against Procrastination

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. Stop by to check out our re-arranged children’s room and enjoy our expanded play area! 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!  

While you’re here checking out some books, be sure to also check out these two special programs! 

Getting Started with Tarot on May 13th at 6:00. Discover how you can tap into the symbols and archetypes of tarot to explore your emotions, flex and strengthen your creative muscle, and brainstorm solutions to all kinds of problems. We’ll talk about selecting your first desk and recommend books, podcasts, and website that can help you interpret your cards! Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer for a reading! 

We are excited to offer a special study opportunity for our high school students! Long Night Against Procrastination on May 30th from 6:00 – 9:00. Final exams are close! Lock in for a marathon after-hours study session where your librarians cater to your ever study need! You bring your study topics and materials, and we’ll bring:

  • Coffee, tea, snacks, and pizza
  • Sensory destressing room 
  • Silent and group study space
  • Librarians at the ready to help
  • Study break picture book storytime
  • Power Poses and Primal Scream at the Moon!

Adult Programs 

Mystery Book Club – May 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.” May’s title is The Patient in Room 18 by Mignon G. Eberhart.  

Sunday Matinee Movies – May 18 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.   

Genealogy Club – May 15 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.  

Wednesday Night Book Club – May 21 at 6:30 – This book club meets at 6:30 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. May’s book is Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library. 

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.  

Teen Dungeons and Dragons – May 8 at 4:00 and May 22 at 5:00 - Join our party for a Teen DnD! We can provide your character, or you can bring your own leveled up to our current level. Find our current level, character creation help, and more at coventrypl.org 

After-School Movie Musical Series – May 14 at 3:30 – Enjoy a fun musical afterschool with some popcorn! Sign along if you’d like!  

Teen Trivia Night – May 20 at 5:30 – Compete to correctly answer questions about a boatload of topics! 

Air Dry Clay Keychains – May 23 at 4:00 – Make your own custom keychain with air dry clay! All supplies provided. 

Tween Event! For tweens grades 3-7
 Spaghetti & Marshmallows – May 16 at 4:00 – Engineer the tallest tower with only spaghetti and marshmallows as your building materials!

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! 

New Book Story Time – May 6 at 6:30 – Join us for a fun, relaxed story time where we showcase some of the new picture books we’ve gotten in for the month!

Sing, Stomp, & Story – May 8 at 11:00 – Join us for a music and movement story time. In this program, we start off by reading a fun book and follow it up with music, instruments, and lots of dancing!

Homeschool Hangout – May 15 at 11:00 – 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.

Science Thursday: Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcanoes – May 15 at 4:00 – Join us for a gassy good time mixing up baking soda and vinegar volcanoes. We might also try dropping some Mentos candy into a bottle of diet soda – it’s all science. Perfect for grades 1-5, but all are welcome! 

Saturday Crafts with Ms. Rachel – May 17 anytime – Use your imagination and explore new topics through hands on creativity.

Sweet Dreams Storytime – May 20 at 6:30 – All ages are welcome to join Miss Rachel for a relaxing evening story. 

Messy Munchkins – May 30 at 11:00 – Bring your little ones to enjoy some sensory play! Different sensory stations will be available for kids to use and get as messy as they want. 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
Reflective Sign order form

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE-EMS DEPARTMENT:

When seconds matter, help us help you. Inclement weather, especially at night can make it difficult to locate an address. Clearly visible addresses help us find you quickly. Consider a reflective address sign if you don’t already have one. They can be ordered through the Fire-EMS Department at this link: 
Town logo


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Banner photo: Lilacs in bloom at the Nathan Hale Homestead on a spring day. The Homestead opens for the 2025 season on May 2. 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.
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1712 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238
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