Donations sought for Fireworks event.
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TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

The 2024-25 school year is coming to an end. Summer is upon us and many activities are underway. Camp Wangumbaug, organized by the Parks and Recreation Department, will soon begin for kids in grades K-6 that have registered. Patriots Park Beach and Lisicke Beach are now open for swimming. Beach passes are now being sold at Town Hall. Boating has already picked up with the warm weather and we expect to see many out on Wangumbaug (Coventry) Lake through the season. Already our Marine Patrol Officer is out on the lake checking for compliance with safety requirements and helping to keep the peace.

Around Town there are events underway. The Coventry Farmers’ Market is now open again for all to enjoy each Sunday from 10 AM-1 PM at the Nathan Hale Homestead. The Market will have themed days throughout the season, and will begin on June 1^st with the theme “All roads lead to the Coventry Farmers’ Market.” On Father’s Day, June 15^th, there will be an Ice Cream Sundae Social at the “Brick School House” on Merrow Road. Take the kids out and learn about the history of our early schools. On June 21^st celebrate the “International Make Music Day” in Coventry at the Booth and Dimock Library with musical performances throughout the day. On June 28^th, the Town of Coventry will present our Fireworks Display over Coventry Lake and Patriots Park. The evening will begin with food trucks and music followed by fireworks just after dark. We thank all the residents and businesses that came forward with donations to make this event happen again this year for our Town.

This past month at Town Hall, Town Council and staff have been preparing Town Council’s second proposed budget. Voters rejected the first Town Council proposed budget at the May 6^th referendum. It has been a difficult budget year which has resulted in record budget cuts, due to the shift of the tax burden from the commercial property taxpayers to the residential property taxpayers as housing skyrocketed in value leaving commercial properties behind. With the number of “no” votes that came in, the Town Council has heard the voters and has reluctantly made further and deeper cuts that have impacted programs and services in the Town. A total reduction of $1,549,783 has been cut from the Town Manager’s proposed budget in order to minimize the need to raise property taxes. We understand the increased residential taxes will affect everyone differently and the Town Council has attempted to soften the blow, sadly at the expense of Town and School programs people have come to appreciate and depend on.

We are now putting together the “Budget in Brief” to provide more information and it will soon be available online on the Budget page of the Town website or in print form in the Town Clerk’s Office. On June 5^th at 7:00 PM there will be a Special Town Budget Meeting. June 17^th is the day for the Budget vote. Again, the vote for District 1 and District 2 will take place at the South Coventry Fire House (across from NHMS and Town Hall). I hope everyone that is eligible to vote comes out to vote. Your vote impacts what services and programs we are able to provide our citizens.

I hope to see you all around Town this month, perhaps on election day, the Farmers Market, or maybe at Patriots Park. 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

COMING EVENTS:

Sun 6/1: Coventry Farmers' Market Opening Day, 10 AM-1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. The best of locally-grown and locally-made, every Sunday June through October. Today's theme: All Roads Lead to the Coventry Farmers' Market. Website.

Tues 6/3-6/24: 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.

Weds 6/4: 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 6/6: 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 6/6: 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 6/7: Free Food & Live Music, 4-8 PM, The Presbyterian Church of Coventry, 55 Trowbridge Road. All are welcome. Church website.

Sun 6/8: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM-1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. The best of locally-grown and locally-made, every Sunday June through October. Today's theme: Gardening - Cultivate and Connect. Website.

Fri 6/13: 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.

Sun 6/15: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM-1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. The best of locally-grown and locally-made, every Sunday June through October. Today's theme: BBQ and Libations. Website.

Sun 6/15: Father's Day Annual Ice Cream Sundae Social, 1-3 PM, Brick School House Museum, 1019 Merrow Road. Sponsored by the Coventry Historical Society. Fathers get a free sundae! All others $3 while supplies last. Museum will be open to visitors. More info.

Tues 6/17: Budget referendum vote. Vote on revised proposed budget for fiscal year 2025/26. Polls open 6 AM - 8 PM. Station 118 Firehouse, 1755 Main Street. Voting information. Budget information.

Weds 6/18: 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 6/21: Make Music Day, 11 AM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Featuring student performances from Song-a-Day Music Center, followed by an on-the-spot kazoo and rhythm instrument parade around the library grounds. Free and open to all ages. From 3-8 PM, the Coventry Arts Guild will host an Open Mic at Mill Brook Place, where performers of all ages and musical genres are invited to come and share their talents. For info and to sign up, email timbermant@sbcglobal.net. Other musical surprises to be scheduled during the afternoon on Main Street. For more information, contact 860-918-5957. International Make Music day takes place in over 800 cities worldwide on the first day of summer, encouraging free music for all. More info.

Sat 6/21: Drive-thru/Take Out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Pulled pork on a roll, coleslaw, pasta salad, and strawberry shortcake for 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.

Sun 6/22: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM-1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. The best of locally-grown and locally-made, every Sunday June through October. Today's theme: Berry Jubilee. Website.

Sun 6/22: Basket-Making Workshop - Make Your Own Kitchen Cleaning Set, 10 AM - 1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Step back in time to learn a craft from the 18th century and make your kitchen cleaner with a set that includes a whisk broom and your choice of one or two other kitchen tools. All materials included. $55 Register here.

Fri 6/27: QUIZTORY - Decades Edition, 6:30-8:30 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. Don your thinking caps and dress as your favorite decade for a tavern-style trivia game in the Homestead barn. Teams of up to six will compete and prizes will be awarded in several categories. $8-10. More info and registration.

Sat 6/28: $10 Stuff-A-Bag Sale & 50% Off Everything in the Shop, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet sells gently-used children's clothing, toys, shoes, and baby equipment. Donations welcome on Tuesdays 9 - 11 AM and Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM. Website.

Sat 6/28: Coventry Fireworks, Patriots Park. Food trucks, music and fireworks. Rain date 6/29. Watch for details to be announced. Donate to support this event at this link.

Sun 6/29: Coventry Farmers' Market, 10 AM-1 PM, Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. The best of locally-grown and locally-made, every Sunday June through October. Today's theme: Charcuterie 101. Website.

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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: