TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

It’s November and the fall colors are still bright, but they are quickly fading, and the temperatures are getting even cooler.  We start the month in Coventry with the 2025 municipal election. I encourage everyone to do their civic duty and vote.  Many of our fellow citizens have come out to vote already. You can avoid the lines of election day.  Early voting continues every day, ending on November 2^nd.  Early voting is at Town Hall (Registrars’ Office) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with two days, 10/28 & 10/30, offering hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  Those wanting to vote on election day at the polls will vote at Coventry High School on November 4^th from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Town Council in September created a Charter Revision Commission (CRC). This Board, made up of town residents appointed by the Town Council, will be reviewing the Town’s Charter to see if there are areas in need of updating or amending.   The Charter, much like the Constitution on the national level, is the document that defines the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of our Town government.   The CRC must follow State guidelines in how we can review and make recommendations for amending the Charter.   One of the first requirements is holding a public hearing to seek citizen comments on what the public may think of the current Town Charter and to receive suggestions for possible amendments to the Charter.  That meeting is scheduled to take place at the Town Hall Annex on November 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM.  

November begins the holiday season.  This 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 in town 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 then 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.

There are plenty of events in Coventry this month.  On November 8^th, you can attend the Veteran’s Day Race at Patriots Park or take it a step further to get more involved and join in the run.  Later that day, you can check out the Coventry Chili Fest at Coventry High School, the Gleaners Annual Holiday Fair, and the St. Mary’s Church Christmas Fair.   November also brings us the opening of the Coventry Winter Farmers Market, and several other great events held around our town.  

November is an exciting month with elections and several community meetings and 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, or out around town on the food drive with the Boy Scouts of Troup 65.  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

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. We will be closed on Tuesday November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. We will also be closing early at 3pm on Wednesday November 26, and will be closed Thursday November 27 – Saturday November 29 for Thanksgiving. We hope that everyone has an enjoyable holiday! 

Horizon Wings, a local bird of prey rehabilitation center, will join us once again for a fun and educational program. “Clever Corvids: The Wits and Wiles of Crows, Ravens, and Jays” takes place at the library on November 22 at 11am. Seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. 

Adults and youth are welcome to participate in a variety of book clubs and story times offered at Booth & Dimock Library. These literacy-based programs help to foster a life-long love of reading and learning! 

Books for the following book clubs can be checked out at the library.

• Mystery Book Club – November 7 at 1:30 pm
• Wednesday Night Book Club – November 19 at 6:30pm
• Senior Center Book Club – November 19 at 1:30pm – *Note: this book club takes place at the Senior Center.

Join us for the following story times!

• New Book Story Time – November 4 at 6:30pm – Featuring new books at the library.
• Little Creators Storytime – November 13 at 10:30am – Read about art, and make art together.
• Sweet Dreams Story Time – November 18 at 6:30pm – A soothing nighttime story

A complete list of all programs can be found at www.coventrypl.org/events, but keep reading to see our November program highlights! 

For Kids!

We will have special programs for November half-days! Join us on November 6 between 1:00pm and 7:00pm to make friendship bracelets, and at 1pm on November 7 for Wings of Fire trivia!  

For Tweens!
 *Note: Tween programs are reserved for kids grades 3-7.

Tween Dungeons and Dragons – November 7 at 4:30pm – Enter our new world of monthly Tween DnD. Registration is required. 

For Teens!

* Note, teen programs are reserved for youth in grades 6-12, or ages 12-17.

Teen Cooking Class – November 18 at 4:00pm – Learn to cook for yourself and others. This time we’re making mug cakes!

For Adults
Sunday Matinee Movie –November 9 at 2:00 – Come check out a movie you might not have seen before. A discussion of the feature film takes place before the movie starts. Movie selection available at www.coventrypl.org/events

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

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DONATIONS ARE DUE THIS MONTH:

The Coventry Cemetery Commission will host its 8th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on 12/13/25 at Coventry Cemetery, 392 Main Street, at noon. Veterans are honored each year by the American Legion, the V.F.W., the Boy Scouts, and distinguished speakers, all of whom participate to make the ceremony a fitting tribute to all veterans. Wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans that were specifically honored by donors, and then everyone who wishes can participate by placing a wreath on a veteran's grave and saying his or her name to honor them.

You can donate for a specific veteran's grave by sending a request with the veteran's name and their cemetery with a check, made out to "Wreaths Across America", and mail to Coventry Cemetery Commission, 1712 Main Street, Coventry CT  06238. General donations for the event are also accepted and will help meet the annual goal of ensuring every veteran in Coventry Cemetery receives a wreath. The donation is $17 per wreath. The check MUST include the Coventry code "CTCCCC." Wreaths can also be ordered online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CTCCCC. The CTCCC website must be used for your donation to be matched to Coventry. PayPal and Google Pay are accepted. All payments must be received by 11/25/25. Watch for more details about the event in the December issue.