Coventry Community Update July 2025
Coventry Fireworks June 28

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

Half the year is behind us and it is hard to believe it is summer again.   I have seen kayaks on Eagleville Lake.  Patriots Park and Lisicke Beaches are full of swimmers and several boats are out on Coventry Lake.  There will be lots of fun to be had on and around the water.  The Town of Coventry is proud to kick off July with an early Independence Day celebration in Patriots Park with fireworks on June 28th over Coventry Lake. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with several Food trucks and musical entertainment.  Fireworks begin around 9:00 PM just after dark.  There will be parking at Patriots Park and at the George H. Robertson School for spectators to walk into the Park.  A shuttle bus is being provided for those that park at Coventry High School/Captain Nathan Hale Middle School. We hope you can come out and join us. We thank all the residents and businesses that came forward with generous donations to make this event happen. If we are rained out on Saturday night, the following night (Sunday) will be our rain date.

During this summer the Town will once again be working with our consultants to combat the spread of hydrilla in Coventry Lake   Since 2015 the Town has worked with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and consultants to combat the growth of hydrilla. Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant, that was not originally within the lake until it was spotted 10 years ago. It may have been brought in from elsewhere accidently by boat owners. The Town has been active in working with aquatic plant experts in treating the lake to attempt to eradicate the plant. Survey work has been frequently done on the lake by Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) to locate invasive plants. Last year, NEAR recommended treatment of the entire Lake with Fluoridone at an annual cost of $119,750 each per year for three years. We completed year one last summer and are in position to treat the lake again this summer. As this is very costly, it is wonderful that the Town has again this year received a grant from the State for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers in the amount of $75,000.   This money along with designated reserves, and funds allocated in the recently passed Town Budget will allow us to provide the needed treatments over summer 2025.  Additionally, the Town is again this summer partnering with the Town of Mansfield to combat the invasive plant known as fanwort in Eagleville Lake.  Like hydrilla, fanwort can clog waterways, impact fishing and diminish recreational use of the lake.  These projects are important for water quality and the health of wildlife in and around the lakes.  Our lakes are an important resource for our community that we all have come to appreciate, rely on and to enjoy.  

Summer is construction season.   Some construction projects, such as Town road paving, though scaled back to budget cuts,  will continue forward and there are some new construction projects that are soon to start.    We will continue our School Street drainage project; and later this summer we will begin construction on our Main Street sidewalk extension project (Hemlock to Winterberry).  Additionally we are preparing for late summer/fall construction projects such as the Plains Road Water line extension; Main Street/Cross Street flashing crosswalks; and the park improvements to Patriots’ Park.  Many of these capital projects are primarily funded with State and/or Federal grants, with some requiring a match or  that the Town fund the engineering.   Several other grant projects (primarily road and bridge replacement projects) are currently in engineering and will be lined up for a busy summer 2026 construction season. 

Have a great July and enjoy the warm weather and remember to stay hydrated.    I hope to see you all around Town this month,  I’ll be at the Farmers Market, or maybe cooling off at the beach 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
July 2025

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

  • Mon, 7/7: Town Council Meeting, 7:00 PM. Town Hall Annex. 
  • Mon, 7/14:  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, 7:00 PM, Town Hall Annex.
  • Mon, 7/21: Town Council Meeting, 7:00 PM , Town Hall Annex.
  • Weds, 7/23: Inland Wetlands Agency Meeting, 7:00 PM, Town Hall Annex.
  • Tues, 7/28:  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, 7:00 PM, Town Hall Annex.
  • Thurs, 7/31: Board of Education  Meeting, 7:00 PM, School Admin. Building.

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


HOLIDAYS:

Fri, 7/4: Independence Day. Town offices and Senior Center closed. Trash & recycling collection delayed by one day for remainder of the week. Please note: Independence Day early closings on Thurs, 7/3 - Town Hall at 4:30 PM, and Senior Center at 4 PM.
Farmers' Market

Visit the Coventry Farmers' Market this month.

COMING EVENTS:

Tues 7/1-7/29: 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 7/2: 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.

Sun 7/6: 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: Sweet Treats. Website.

Fri 7/11: 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. All proceeds from the July Dinner will benefit this trip: In 2026 Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School is participating in an exchange with our sister school in Qingdao China. Students from No. 57 Middle School will be visiting Coventry in February and then a group of students from Coventry will go to Qingdao in April. This will be the third exchange trip since 2012. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com. 

Sat 7/12: A Night Under the Stars Summer Dinner, 5 PM, Creative Living Community of Connecticut, 2645 Boston Turnpike. For details and to purchase tickets, click here.

Sun 7/13: 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: Wellness Market. Website.

Weds 7/16: 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 7/18: Food Trucks & Car Show, 4-8 PM, Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School, 1776 Main Street. Sponsored by Coventry CT Cares, Inc. Website.

Sat 7/19: 50% Off Spring Clothes, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Noah's Closet sells gently-used children's clothing (newborn-size 10), toys, shoes, and baby equipment. Donations welcome on Tuesdays 9 - 11 AM and Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM. Website.

Sat, 7/19: Farm Day at the Strong-Porter Museum, 12-4 PM, 2383 South Street. See antique farm equipment, tools, and horse-drawn vehicles. There will be competitions like skillet toss, potato sack race, and a hay bale toss. Free. Fun for the whole family. Info. 

Sun 7/20: 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: Youth Market. Website.

Thurs 7/24: Monthly conversations with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas. Come share your thoughts and concerns. Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street: 11 AM - 12 PM. Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street: 4-5:30 PM.

Sun 7/27: 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: Spice Up Your Summer. Website.

Weds 7/30: 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.
Connecticut's Countryside

Connecticut's countryside:

Dear Coventry Citizens,

Connecticut’s Countryside launched a website and social engagement platform www.ctcountryside.org with the goal of highlighting regional businesses, organizations, and attractions.

There is an interactive map, business showcase, and events calendar to raise awareness of events and destinations in Coventry to the wider region.

Businesses and community organizations may create a FREE account, put their place on the map, and enter events that you would like to highlight. You will have total control of what you post such as: images, descriptions, videos, links, etc. Items from the website will be regularly highlighted on Facebook and Instagram.

If you need help with the website, there are step-by-step instructions here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email jroberson@coventry-ct.gov or call 860-742-4062.

Thank you for your time and we hope that you can take part in this exciting opportunity! 

Sincerely, Connecticut’s Countryside
Recreation Daze registration begins 7/1

COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

Lisicke Beach pavilion and Creaser Park pavilion are available for rent! $12/hour for Coventry residents. Call Parks and Rec to book your event. 860-742-4068.  

Registration for monthly Recreation Daze Before and After School Care for the 2025-2026 school year will open on July 1st for returning families and July 15th for new families. Daily registration will open on July 15th.

Program registration:  https://secure.rec1.com/CT/coventry-ct/catalog 
Gearing up to Learn

HUMAN SERVICES:

Renters Rebate
The Renters’ Rebate program opens in the beginning of April and will close at the end of September. Please call the Human Services office to schedule an appointment to apply at 860-742-5324. Please note you can no longer request an extension of time to file due to a medical condition. Also, you will not receive the check immediately. The State will mail checks throughout November. 

THANK YOU to everyone who donates to our Food Bank!
Food bank is by appointment ONLY! In addition to being scheduled on Fridays 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m., appointments have been extended to Thursdays 4:00-6:00 p.m. If you’d like to drop off donations, please do so during those days and times at the Community Center (120 Lake Street). You can also ship food bank items to Coventry Human Services! Please make the shipping address: Coventry Human Services 1712 Main St. Coventry, CT 06238.

August 21st & 22nd: Gearing Up to Learn – Coventry Youth Services will be distributing backpacks and school supplies to Coventry families to help prepare for the upcoming school year. If you are interested in applying or donating, please contact Madison Baranoski at 860-742-5324.

 
Summer Reading

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 will be closed on the Fourth of July and will reopen with normal hours on Saturday July 5. 

The Library is offering fun and engaging Summer Reading Programs for all ages. Stop by the library to sign up for our children, teen, or adult summer reading programs and win prizes just for reading! We are thrilled to be a recipient of a $3,000 Dollar General Literacy Fund Grant. This grant will be used to support our children and teen summer reading programs. With this grant, the Library will be able to offer extra-special programs and more prizes! For up-to-date information on these exciting programs, make sure to check out our website at www.coventrypl.org/events.  

Children’s Programs 

Join us for the following story times!

  • New Book Story Time – Tuesday July 1 at 6:30 – Featuring new books at the library.
  • Tiny Desk Story Time – Friday July 11 at 2:00 – Pick out books you want to be read by our librarians!
  • Sweet Dreams Story Time – Tuesday July 15 at 6:30 – A soothing nighttime story.
  • Libraries Love Lakes Story Time – July 18 at 11:00 – A special lake-themed story in honor of Libraries Love Lakes Month!
  • Pets and Caring Kids Story Time with the CT Humane Society – July 24 at 11:00 – Learn about different types of pets and what they need to be happy and healthy!

Playgroup – Every Wednesday at 10:30 – Immerse your child in the enchantment of reading at our play group! Enjoy free-play and the change to socialize with other kids, all while nurturing a lifelong love for books.

Pop Up with the Principal – Wednesday July 9 at 12:00pm – Join us at the library for a special story time with new CGS Principal Jennifer Hammer! This will be a great opportunity for CGS students to meet their new principal, and to give Principal Hammer a warm welcome to the Coventry community!

Feel Your Best Self Story Time and Puppet Making – Thursday July 10 at 11:00am – Join us for a story time and puppet making workshop with Feel Your Best Self! Feel Your Best Self (FYBS) is an award-winning toolkit that brings credibility, accessibility, creativity, and joy to learning emotion-coping strategies. FYBS follows three puppet kids - Nico, CJ, & Mena - as they navigate everyday issues and help each other work through big feelings using 12 different emotion-coping strategies. Explore together, right along with them, to find those that work best. Signup is required for this event.

Children's Yoga – Thursday July 17 at 2:00pm – Join us with certified yoga instructor, Amie Meacham, for children’s yoga! This hour-long program begins with an age-appropriate story, followed by basic yoga instruction, a yoga-themed game, and ends with a 5-minute meditation. Most appropriate for grades 1-5. Children should bring a towel or yoga mat to practice on. Suitable for all skill levels. Signup is required for this event.

Science Thursday – Thursday July 31 at 4:00 – Calling all young scientists! Join us for an exciting program designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children grades 2 – 5. Each month, kids will explore cool scientific concepts through interactive, hands-on activities! 

Tween Programs
 *Note: Tween programs are reserved for kids grades 3-7. 

Tween Dungeons and Dragons – Friday July 11 at 4:30 – Enter our new world of monthly Tween DnD. Registration is required. 

Pokémon Battle – Friday July 25 at 4:00 – Join us at the library for an afternoon of Pokémon card battling. We have plenty of cards to share, but feel free to bring your own desk as well if you have one. 

Creative Wheels Caravan – Wednesday July 30 at 1:00pm – Get ready to ignite your imagination and cultivate your creativity with Creative Wheels Caravan! Join Lauren in her mobile crafting classroom to make your own screen-printed library bag! Best for grades 3-7. 

Teen Programs

* Note, teen programs are reserved for youth in grades 6-12, or ages 12-17.
 Split Screen Gaming – Wednesday July 9 at 5:00 – Let’s get together and play some of our favorite multiplayer Switch games! The group will decide between games like Super Smash, Mario Party, and Mario Kart! 

Teen Dungeons and Dragons – Thursday July 10 and July 24 at 4:00 – Join our party for a Teen Dnd! We can provide your character, or you can bring your own leveled up to our current level. Found out current, level, character creation help, and more at www.coventrypl.org/teendnd.  

Teen Cooking Class – Tuesday July 15 at 4:00 – Learn to cook for yourself and others! This time we’re making tacos! In this hands-on class, together we’ll learn how to brown and season ground beef for tacos, steam our tortillas, and safely cut some veggie toppings. 

Black Light Paint Night – Thursday July 17 at 6:00 – Use black canvases and glow paint to create fun works of art with mood music and snacks! 

Teen Movie Night – Wednesday July 23 at 5:00 – Join us for a movie and some popcorn. Visit our online calendar to find out what’s playing www.coventrypl.org/events. 

Board Games and Brownies – Wednesday July 30 at 5:00 – Simple, let’s play board games and eat brownies! 

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


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Top photo: Lisicke Beach on a summer day. 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 prior month.
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1712 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238
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