TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

I am not sure I believe it, but spring is around the corner. Coventry Public Works Crews have been very busy this year preparing our roads with salt and plowing snow. Unlike the past few years, we have seen some significant snowfall this winter. We have had over 20 snow and/or ice events which activated our crews since the season began. I thank them for being ready to respond and all for their great work!

This month I will be working with the Town Council to make adjustments to the Town Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget. The Town has seen some cost increases in utilities, fuel, supplies, and building materials over the last 12 months with inflation increasing by 2.4 %. In some cases, we will have to look at rate increases for recreation programs and the beach parking fees to cover our part-time salary costs. Once again this year, it is not an employer’s job market, and we are struggling to fill staff positions that once had many applicants. We will also see costs rise due to salary increases that have been negotiated within collective bargaining agreements.

There is good news to share with our residents regarding our budget. In reviewing our projects, we are pleased to announce we have over $30 million in grant projects lined up for design and/or construction over the next few years. Some of these projects are progressing from engineering to construction and are rolling over in the budget from last year, and others are new. The projects are Bunker Hill Road Bridge Replacement, Brigham Road Bridge Replacement, Depot Road Bridge Replacement, Flanders Road Bridge Replacement, South and Swamp Road Safety Improvements, Main Street Sidewalk Extension, flashing crosswalks on Main Street/Cross Street in the Village, Laidlaw Park Irrigation, and a Village Water Tower (to provide water volume and pressure for fire suppression systems). Also funded will be the third year of the prescribed three-year fluoridone treatment of Coventry Lake to combat hydrilla. This is being partially funded with a matching State grant of $75,000 from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

The Town will also consider the funding of $290,000 toward road paving. After cutting back last year on upgrading our roads, it is our plan to match the Town Aid Roads (TAR) Funding with Town funding. In recent years the town has taken on some debt for road improvements, however, I am pleased to report that debt service after the FY2026-27 Budget year will begin to significantly drop off as the Town is scheduled to satisfy old debt service over the next couple years.

As we discuss our FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget, we welcome you to our Budget Hearing at 7:00 PM on March 5^th at Coventry High School to learn more about our budget challenges and how we plan to meet the Town’s goals and service objectives. Other budget meetings will be held throughout March. If you are interested in attending them, you can check our website for the Town Council agendas.

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:

Tues 3/3-3/31: 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 or call 860-944-4945 for info concerning weekly dues (determined by each chapter) and yearly membership fee set by the TOPS organization. Website

Weds 3/11: 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 3/12: Famous Baked Fish Dinner, 6:00 PM, 1171 Main Street. Presented by the First Congregational Church of Coventry and American Legion Post 52. Baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, Italian bread, dessert and drink. $15 per plate. Take-out available. Info: 860-742-8487 or email firstchurchcoventryct@gmail.com.

Tues 3/17: 50% Off Sale on Winter Clothes, 9:00-11:00 AM, Noah's Closet, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Sat, 3/21 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Clothing, boots, mittens. Noah's Closet offers gently-used children's clothing and toys, newborn to size 10. Information: Call Saturday 860-742-1616 or visit website. Donations of new and like-new spring clothes and toys for children are welcome when the shop is open.

Thurs 3/19: Substance Use Hope & Support Group, 6-7 PM, 1153 Main Street (park in side lot). Searching for a compassionate group that truly understands your concern? TriCircle offers FREE support in a group setting without stigma or judgment regarding your loved one's substance use. Facilitated by two professionals, one licensed and with with lived experience. More information. Meeting schedule.

Thurs 3/19: Stew & Story, 6:30 PM, Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main Street. Sponsored by the Coventry Historical Society. Coventry's Mill Brook, a modest stream and its mighty mills. How this babbling brook impacted our town's development and history. The event will begin with a variety of homemade soups and stews, appetizers, breads, desserts, and drinks. Visit the CHS Facebook page or website for details.

Fri 3/20: Pet Health & Wellness Clinic, 10 AM - 1 PM, Coventry Senior Center Lodge, 172 Lake Street. Low cost clinic includes wellness check, rabies vaccines, basic deworming, heartworm testing for dogs, and free distemper combo vaccines. $60 per pet for qualifying seniors and veterans, $100 per pet for all others. Additional services available for a fee. Register online or call the Human Services office at 860-742-5324. Register by 3/17 to reserve your spot. Spaces limited. All cats must be in carrier and all dogs must be leashed. Proof or prior rabies vaccination required for 3-year certificate.

Sat 3/21: Drive-thru/Take-out Dinner, Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and dessert. $18. Place orders by calling 860-742-1616 or email secondchurch@sbcglobal.net and indicate pick-up time of 5:00 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.

Weds 3/25: 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 3/26: Office hours with Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas, 10 AM - 11 AM, Coventry Center, 172 Lake Street, or 6:30-7:30 PM at Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Come ask a question or share a concern.

Sat 3/28-Sun 3/29: Stone Wall Maintenance Weekend. The Coventry Conservation Commission is sponsoring this annual initiative. This would be a perfect time for property owners to do some maintenance to increase the visibility of stone walls on their properties.

Sun, 3/29: National Vietnam War Veterans Day, 2:00 PM, CT Vietnam War Veterans Memorial, Memorial Green, 234 Lake Street. Join the Coventry Veterans Memorial & Events Commission as we honor and remember our Vietnam War veterans at a wreath-laying ceremony. CVMEC Facebook page.

COVENTRY EARLY CHILDHOOD COLLABORATIVE:

The Coventry Early Childhood Collaborative (CECC) is a Local Governance Partner (LGP) through the Early Start CT program, to support children and families from birth to age five. This is part of a state-wide initiative of the Office of Early Childhood, which focuses on strengthening local collaboration and family engagement.

Early Start CT launched on July 1, 2025, creating a more coordinated early childhood system across Connecticut. Coventry currently receives Early Start CT preschool funding through the Hale Early Education Center (HEEC). As the state continues implementing this new model, our Local Governance and Planning (LGP) process, including the community needs assessment in the spring of 2026, will help determine what future opportunities may look like for local providers (preschool and daycare). Programs interested in potential state-funded opportunities should be aware that NAEYC accreditation is typically an eligibility requirement, and the LGP structure is designed to help programs strengthen quality and explore available supports.

The new LGP approach also expands our community's early childhood focus to include children and families from birth to age three, helping create a more coordinated and responsive system for Coventry.

The LGP is comprised of:

Fiduciary: Coventry Public Schools.
Liaison: A coordinator of LGP efforts, supervising the Parent Ambassador, and supporting Early Start programs.
Parent Ambassador: Engages parents and caregivers in the community and raises awareness of local childcare programs and services.
Community Table: A local group of early childhood stakeholders, including school and town representatives, early education providers, parents/guardians, and community organizations.

CECC helps ensure young children and their families have access to essential resources such as education, support, and community services. We welcome and encourage families to become involved in shaping a shared plan to address the needs of children and families in the community.

Our responsibilities include:

Helping families navigate the early childhood system
Monitoring and assisting providers to support quality improvement, professional development, and accreditation
Conducting a needs assessment to identify gaps and trends
Creating a community plan to implement action steps and solutions to address those needs CECC's mission and vision statements reflect the heart of this important work:
Mission: Support healthy development, early learning, and the well-being of all Coventry children, birth to age 5, through partnerships, aligned resources, and family support.
Vision: A thriving community where every child can grow, learn, and succeed.

If you are interested in learning more about CECC, please visit our website at www.coventryecc.org or email us at coventryctecc@gmail.com.

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Top photo: Daffodils peeking through the soil.

To list your non-profit organization's event in this bulletin, contact Laura Stone by email by the 15th of the prior month.

TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

COMING EVENTS:

FRAUD ALERT PROTECTION SERVICES:

coventry parks & recreation:

COVENTRY EARLY CHILDHOOD COLLABORATIVE: