Please share your input about characteristics you would
like to see in our
next Police Chief.

Town Manager's Message:

Winter seems to be rushing by, but please take time to be engaged in your town. We have been striving to assist you in distributing COVID supplies obtained from the State. We ask you to do your part by wearing masks in public areas and making informed decisions about vaccinations and boosters. A reminder that masks are still required in Town buildings.

We also are seeking input on several community issues. We are asking for input about key characteristics for our next Police Chief, and our Economic Development Commission is asking for input on employee recognition (see below). Your voice is important. We adjusted COVID supply distribution based on your feedback. You are welcome to submit comments to our Town Council or use the customer feedback or Report a Concern forms on the Town website. You may also wish to attend the in-person office hours with Council Chair Lisa Thomas on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM at Booth & Dimock Memorial Library.

The Town is in the process of conducting an Housing Affordability Plan, and has hired the consulting firm of SLR to assist in its development. A website dedicated to the project, that will contain background materials as well as a community survey on housing affordability, will be launched in February. Please visit this link to access it, or contact Eric M. Trott at etrott@coventryct.org for further information.

If you want to get more frequent updates on what is happening in town, you can review the Town Manager's project memos, which appear twice monthly on the Town Council meeting agendas. For users of social media, you can also follow the Town Manager's Facebook page.

If you have other ideas on how we can assist you in being engaged in your town, please let us know.

Employee Recognition Program

From now through March 1, 2022, nominations will be open to the public to nominate employees of local businesses who go above and beyond. The top recognized employees will be awarded with a certificate of recognition, a photo op and will be featured on the Town of Coventry’s website. This is an initiative to recognize the value of buying local. Please take a minute to nominate an someone you feel is deserving of this recognition, it could make their whole year. The survey can be found at Coventry Employee Recognition Nomination Survey (surveymonkey.com). Please reach out to Pamela Rochette at tmintern@coventryct.org with any questions you may have about this program.

Nominate a local employee
for recognition.

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:

Monday, 2/21: Presidents' Day. Town offices closed. Trash pick-up on regular schedule.

UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS:

Mon, 2/7: Town Council, 7:30 PM
Thurs, 2/10: Board of Education, 7:30 PM
Mon, 2/14: Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 PM
Tues, 2/22: Town Council, 7:30 PM
Thurs, 2/24: Board of Education, 7:30 PM
Mon, 2/28: Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 PM

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

COMING EVENTS:

Tues 2/1: 50% off Everything in the Store Sale, 9 - 11 AM, Noah's Closet at Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Also Sat. 2/5, 9 AM - 1 PM. Children's clothes, toys, games, baby equipment. For info call on Saturdays, 860-742-1616. Donations of gently-used children's items are also accepted during open store hours.

Weds 2/2: Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 AM - 2 PM. Blood supplies are urgently needed. Donate at Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. Register here.

Weds 2/2: 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.

Thurs 2/3: Virtual Public Forum, Upcoming 2022 Legislative Session, 6:30-7:30 PM. Hosted by State Rep. Tim Ackert. Constituents and concerned citizens who would like to discuss proposed legislation, present ideas or just listen to the conversation are encouraged to attend a free Zoom Meeting. Register by noon on Feb. 2. Details and registration link here.

Thurs 2/3: Council Chair's office hours, 6:30-7:30 PM, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, 1134 Main Street. Share your concerns or provide input to Lisa Thomas, Town Council Chairwoman.

Fri 2/4: Quiet Corner Contra Dance, 8-11 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. Intro session at 7:45 PM. Live music by Wild Notes, called by Liz Nelson. Partner not required; all dances taught. COVID restrictions apply - see website for details. $12 adults, $6 students. Email for Info or call 860-742-9498.

Sun 2/6: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, handmade crafts and services. Website.

Sun 2/13: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, handmade crafts and services. Website.

Tues 2/15: QUIZTORY - Trivia for History Lovers, online event, 7 PM. Join CT Landmarks for a virtual trivia night. They've got love on their minds and will be asking you about sweet treats, romances for the ages, and more in this special trivia event. Play on your own, with that special someone, or with a team of friends - all from the comfort of your couch. $8 per Zoom feed. Funds raised support educational programs at the Nathan Hale Homestead. Purchase tickets here.

Weds 2/16: 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.

Sat 2/19: Drive Thru/Take Out Dinner, Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike. Menu: pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, gravy, bread & dessert. $14 adults, $7 children. Place orders by calling 860-742-1616 or email secondchurch@sbcglobal.net and indicate pick-up time of 5 PM, 5:30 PM, or 6:00 PM. Correct amount of cash or check required, Drive down from church parking lot to the Community House, located across from Highland Park.

Sun 2/20: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, handmade crafts and services. Website.

Thurs 2/24: Open House, 9:30 - 11 AM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. Come tour the Senior Center and learn all about our services and programs.

Fri 2/25: AARP Tax Aide Program, 9 AM - 2 PM, Coventry Senior Center, 172 Lake Street. By appointment only. Call 860-742-3525 to reserve a spot

Sun 2/27: Coventry Winter Farmers' Market, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake Street. The vendors you know and love are keeping their tractor wheels rolling through the winter with Connecticut farm-fresh products, artisan specialty foods, handmade crafts and services. Website.

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT - ENERGY ASSISTANCE:

Clergy Fuel Fund ~ The Clergy Fuel Fund 2021-2022 winter season is underway. The fund has been very successful over the years due to the tremendous generosity of our community. The fund assists Coventry residents in need of emergency heating assistance, and 100% of the dollars raised remains in town. Our goal is to help our clients utilize all other resources available that provides emergency heating assistance in order to ensure that our funds are available during the coldest winter months.

Energy Program ~ We are accepting energy applications for winter heating on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. Please call the office at 860-742-5324 for more information about the Access Fuel Assistance Program and income guidelines.

MORE OFFERINGS AT THE SENIOR CENTER:

Wellness Opportunities – all by appointment, only. Call 860-742-3525.
Podiatric Foot Care Clinic – February 24, 9:30-11:30am

Fitness Schedule:
Mondays at 10am – Chair Yoga with Angie, $5
Tuesdays at 9:15 – Free Exercise lead by Brenda
Wednesday at 9:30 – Tai Chi with Joe, $5
Thursdays at 10am – Strength & Balance with Angie, $5
New Fridays at 9:30 – Free Exercise lead by Brenda

NEWS FROM COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION:

NOW HIRING! Parks and Recreation is hiring for Summer 2022 – Summer Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Park Attendants, and Park Maintenance! The application is available on the Town website.

Fri 2/11: Valentine's Night Out: Daughters and the special role model in their life will not want to miss this special event where lasting memories are made! Dress to impress, enjoy dinner on your own, and then join Coventry Parks & Recreation for a magic show featuring Magic by George and giveaways! Have a professional photo taken as a souvenir of the evening for an additional cost. $15 adult, daughters $5. Pre-registration, space limited, facemasks required. Register here.

SPARKLER!

Curious about your young child’s development? Sparkler App is being launched on February 1, 2022. What is Sparkler? For families with 0-5 year old children, Sparkler is a free mobile app, in English and Spanish (accessible on your smartphone or tablet).

Parents/Guardians get:

Developmental screenings tools (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) to check in on their child’s development
Fun, educational activities parents/guardians and children can play together off-screen to promote learning
Connection with professionals – HEEC or 211 Child Development (which is part of the United Way).

For more information, please visit https://www.coventrypublicschools.org.

COVER PHOTO:

The playscape at Patriots Park in winter. Photo by Laura Stone.

To list your event in this bulletin, contact Laura Stone at LStone@coventryct.org by the 15^th of the previous month.