TOWN NEWS SPRING 2016 Message from Julie Blanchard, Town Council Chairwoman

Dear Citizens:

An update on what the Council has accomplished to date is that we have decided to forward to the public for approval the purchase of an engine tanker and a used quint for our fire department. This is a necessary addi- tion to our Town fleet of firefighting equipment. We have approved hir- ing people through Vintech to cover daytime ambulance shifts. We have approved funds to be spent to complete an additional soccer field at Laidlaw Park. We have heard from the Library Building Committee about a proposed addition to the Booth and Dimmock Library that we are still gathering information to make an informed decision.

Our next task was to review the budget prepared by our Town Manager and the Board of Education, deliberate, and present it to the Town at our Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Veterans' Auditorium at Coventry High School. The Town Council’s pro- posed budget is available for review on the Town's website at www.coventryct.org under Department tab, then Finance, then to the INSIDE THIS ISSUE: budget. The Board of Education budget can be found on their website at www.coventrypublicschools.org on the left there is a tab for the budget. Projects Update...... 2 You can email any council member from the Town's website: go to the tab COVRRA News ...... 7 for Your Government, then to Town Council and from there you may send an email by selecting any one of our names or to all of us by selecting Human Services ...... 10 email the Town Council. You are also welcome to attend a Town Council Senior Center ...... 11 meeting on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. and speak during the audience of citizens portion of our meeting. I would Coming Events ...... 12 appreciate people exercising their right to vote on the budget referendum Community News ...... 13 on May 3, 2016 at either District 1 at the Town of Coventry Fire Depart- ment CVFA Station 1755 Main Street or District 2 at the Town of Coventry School News ...... 14 Fire Department NCFD Station 3427 Main Street.

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: TOWN MANAGER UPDATE  Budget in Brief — Insert It is going to be a very busy summer with road and park projects and  Farmers’ Market season camps, concerts and lake issues. Please take time to read through the begins — page 9 newsletter about your town. Enjoy the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30th; mark your calendar for the grand re-opening of the Coventry  Hydrilla threatens lake Farmers’ Market at Hale Homestead on Sunday, June 5th and save the health — page 9 date for Coventryfest on Saturday, June 25th.

The Village Main Street project, Lake/Cross Street and Village roads will require patience as construction takes place. Consider signing up for email TOWN HALL HOLIDAYS: alerts by going to the Notify Me section of our website at www.coventryct.org and checking the box next to “Road Closings” under May 30: Memorial Day

July 4: Independence Day - Continued on page 2

Sept. 5: Labor Day TOWN MANAGER’S UPDATE - Continued from page 1

the Alert section. Inside the newsletter there is a long list of the summer road projects, too.

Stay involved and consider volunteering for your town. Consider serving on a Board or Commission, being a volunteer firefighter or EMT, serve as a Farmers’ Market helper, or adopt a road to help clean up Coventry. A little effort by many makes this a better place to live.

Watch Town Council and Board of Education meetings on Channels 191 and 194 respectively. Council meetings are also being streamed live on the Internet—visit the CoventryVision page of the Town website at www.coventryct.org for the di- rect link. You can also watch meetings on our video-on-demand system through this section of the website. PROJECT UPDATE

Working with Coventry Youth Soccer a We also just completed installing State new soccer field is under construction -provided gravel to the Hop River New solar lights are saving energy at Laidlaw Park. We hope to plant Rails to Trails from Hop River Road to and brightening up Patriots Park. grass this month. An irrigation system just shy of Kings Road. The State has

“A little effort by many makes this a better place to live.”

is planned to help this grass grow. This made commitments to restore several Comings & Goings and project is being funded by the Soccer bridges and make the connection all Staff Accomplishments Association, donations from Earth the way to Willimantic to tie the Hop Dynamics, Water Wizards, fencing River Corridor to the full East Coast A warm welcome to Debbie from Hartford Healthcare and many Greenway. Kratochvil, new Town others. The playscape will be installed Accountant. Debbie brings a in conjunction with this project. Eversource is upgrading the main wealth of experience from transmission line from Sean Circle to previous positions at the Continuing our partnership with the Skungamaug substation on North Town of Union and in the Coventry Baseball, parking and safety River Road. Major vegetative clearing private sector. Police Officer improvements continue at Miller Rich- and replacement of 38 or so poles is Michelle Hicks recently ardson baseball field with additional underway. Work will be staged to al- received an award of Merito- parking being worked on and unsafe low review of changing to steel instead rious Conduct for life-saving trees removed. The Town also worked of wood and to allow the height of sev- actions in administering Nax- with Coventry Football to clean up the eral poles to be increased by 10 feet or olone on two different occa- front entrance to the football fields at so. Work may resume in October. Con- sions to individuals who had Miller Richardson. tact the Planning Office (860-742- overdosed on opiates. Also 4062) to review plans. Affected prop- notable in the Police Depart- The Town has just been awarded two erty owners have been apprised of m e n t , S g t . T e d new grants. One, the America the work to date. As a regulated utility no Opdenbrouw and Officer Beautiful Grant, will allow additional local permits are required by Ever- Thomas Kuhns received tree planting along the sidewalk being source for this work. commendations for perfect constructed this summer on Main attendance over the past Street in front of Capt. Nathan Hale TAX SALE SCHEDULED year. Farewell to Marjo- Middle School and Coventry High laine Pruneau, Revenue School. Additional trees will be plant- A Tax Sale is scheduled for Collection Clerk, who has left ed at Miller Richardson and Laidlaw Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 10:00 to help manage her family’s Park. We also received a grant to start AM in the Town Hall Annex. very successful business. We construction of a new park on Depot welcome Assessor Michael Road at the dam on the mill stream. It For up-to-date information on D’Amicol back to the office will have an historic theme to recog- the properties subject to the after a year-long deployment nize the old mill site that occupied the sale, please go to cttaxsales.com with the Army National space. It will be a picnic and fishing and scroll down by date to May Guard. place. 17th.

2 TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE 860-742-4066

Delinquent notices were mailed within the last few months for month may cost you in additional late fees due to the delay in mov- overdue taxes, sewer and COVRRA bills. Intent to lien notices for ing your funds by your bank or credit card company. COVRRA were mailed in March and liens were filed in April against those properties which were not paid current. Sewer as- Any individual needing an immediate DMV clearance in order to sessment bills will be mailed the end of April. Due date for the first register any vehicle is reminded to pay by cash or money order at installment is May 1st and taxpayers have 30 days to pay before late the Tax Collector’s office. Check payments (in person or online) charges apply. Taxpayers are able to use credit cards to pay their and online credit card payments may delay your DMV clearance up bills online or through a toll free phone number. This service is to ten (10) business days. provided by Official Payments Corporation and they do charge a convenience fee. A link to their website can be found on the Town Citizens are reminded that the tipper barrels are owned by All of Coventry’s website, www.coventryct.org. The toll free phone American Waste, the Town’s contracted hauler, and must stay with number for Official Payments is: 1-800-2PAYTAX (1-800-272- the property to which it has been assigned. Each barrel is identi- 9829). You will need to know your list number, correct amount due fied with a serial number for a specific property address. If you sell and Coventry’s jurisdiction code which is 1721. Please call the Tax your house and /or move, please do not take the barrels with Office before contacting Official Payments Corp. and we will be you. Your annual payment pays for the disposal/recycle service happy to explain the procedure. only.

An additional on-line payment option is also available to Coventry The current fiscal year will end June 30, 2016. In accordance with taxpayers who wish to pay by check. From the home page on the state statutes, liens will be filed before the end of the current fiscal Town website, www.coventryct.org, click on the left blue box titled year against properties with any outstanding balances on real Pay your Taxes Online. You will be offered two options for online estate taxes. Please contact this office if you have any questions payments and the first option is the payment from a bank account. concerning the status of your accounts. This will connect you to the link to find your bill. You can pay one or more bills. Once you have selected your bills and added them to WANT TO CHANGE YOUR TIPPER BARREL SIZE? your cart, you will proceed to checkout. At checkout, you will be at the Webster online bill pay site where you will be directed to set In response to citizens’ requests, we are offering another up your bank information. A charge of fifty cents per check may apply. opportunity to exchange your tipper barrel s for a different size at the reduced fee of $25. If you would like to swap, Please keep in mind those online payments by check or credit card contact the Tax Office at (860) 742-4066 for various can take up to ten (10) days to process due to weekends and holi- options and rates. They will help you with the next step. days. Scheduling online payments during the last few days of any The swap order must be requested and paid for by PAYMENT DUE CALENDAR: MAY – Sewer Assessment fee 1st May 18, 2016 in order to receive this reduced price. installment. JULY – Real Estate 1st installment; Motor Vehicle, The swap will occur the last two weeks of June in conjunc- COVRRA and Personal Property single payment. SEPTEMBER- tion with the billing cycle for the new fiscal year. Consider Sewer Use Fee single payment. NOVEMBER – Sewer Assess- upsizing your recycling barrel. There is no increase in your ment fee 2nd installment. JANUARY – Real Estate 2nd installment annual bill for a larger recycling barrel. and Supplemental Motor Vehicle tax only if applicable. ASSESSOR’S OFFICE 860-742-4067 Public records for the Assessor’s Office can be viewed using the following links: http://www.mapgeo.com/crcogct/ - CRCOG website or http://data.visionappraisal.com/CoventryCT/ - Vision Appraisal or http://coventry.mapxpress.net/ags_map/ - Coventry Map Xpress

Property field cards, sketches, pictures, exemption applications and general information can be found on the Town’s website. Remember, that the October 1, 2014 revaluation information located at http://data.visionappraisal.com/CoventryCT/, will not be the most current or up to date information. It was last updated on November 17, 2014.

The Elderly and Disabled homeowner program began February 1, 2016, and applications are being processed until Friday, May 13, 2016. Our office sent reminder letters to those people who have to re-file. Remember, this program is income driven from the State and income guidelines are set by the State for both single and married individuals. Please contact our office if your income is less than $42,900 if married, or less than $35,200 if single, both must include Social Security benefits from your SSA-1099 and your adjusted gross income from your 2015 Federal Income tax return.

Veterans must file their DD-214 with the Town Clerk prior to October 1st to be eligible for exemption. If you have already filed, you do not need to re-file. You will receive your exemption automatically. If veterans meet income guidelines, you may be eligible for Additional exemption. The program began February 1st, and applications are processed until October 1, 2016. Please call if your income is less than $42,900 if married, or less than $35,200 if single, both must include Social Security benefits from you SSA-1099 form and your adjusted gross income from your 2015 Federal Income tax return. You will be asked to provide proof of all the income documentation regarding both of the above mentioned applications

The Income and Expense forms will be mailed out by April 15th. The forms are to be filled out and returned to our office no later than June 1, 2016. 3 TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE RABIES CLINIC 860-742-7966 May 21, 2016 2-4 p.m. CNH Middle School 1776 Main St. JUNE IS DOG LICENSE  $8.00 for spayed or neutered RENEWAL MONTH! **Vaccination of domestic dogs  $19.00 for unaltered dogs. animals is an important **YOUR DOG COULD BE #1 component of rabies preven- CONTEST!!** Anyone who  Any dog license issued after sends in their dog license renewal June 30th is subject to a tion programs. Connecticut along with the appropriate fee in $1.00 per month late fee. state law requires vaccina- the month of May will have their  Licenses will be available tion of cats and dogs. name entered into a drawing for during business hours begin- the most desired Tag #1. The Top ning June 1st. Our Low Cost Rabies Clinic for cats Dog will also receive their license  Check your dog’s rabies and dogs is scheduled for Saturday, for free! The drawing will be held expiration date. If that May 21, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. The fee on May 31st, 2016 and the winner date has expired, NEW is $20.00 per vaccination. Cash only will notified. All other license WRITTEN proof of a cur- please. Look for reminders on Char- entries will be processed accord- rent rabies vaccination is ter Channel 191 and our web page ingly and mailed to you by mid- required to renew your at www.coventryct.org. Please bring June. dog’s license. written proof of last rabies vaccina- tion. This clinic is made possible Along with payment please through the Connecticut Veterinary include if needed a current Medical Association. rabies certificate, proof of spaying or neutering and a DATES TO REMEMBER: self- addressed stamped en- velope with at least 2 stamps April 23 – Annual Town Meeting for postage. GOOD LUCK!!!! April 26 – Presidential Primary May 3 – Budget Vote

IT’S FISHING SEASON It is healthy to take your dog for a walk  ALL lifetime licenses issued since October 9, 2009 are now required but please take along a bag to clean up to renew annually. after it and then properly dispose of the  All adults need to have a license to fish. pet waste. Leaving pet waste on the  Children under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish. Parents, roads , sidewalks or other people’s lawns is not healthy. Five reasons to pick please note: If you will be handling your child’s fishing pole or bait- up after your dog: ing the line, Connecticut Law requires that you carry a current fishing  Storm water carries pet waste and license. other pollutants directly into water- ways and lake. Consult the 2016 Connecticut Angler’s Guides each year for updates on  Animal waste adds nitrogen to the DEEP regulations and other useful information online at www.ct.gov/ water. Excess nitrogen depletes the deep or they should arrive in our office shortly before opening day. oxygen in water necessary for bene- ficial underwater grasses, wildlife Your 2016 fishing licenses are available at the Town Clerk’s office or and fish. online at www.ct.gov/deep.  Animal waste may contain harmful  Hunting/Fishing-$38 organisms such as Giardia, Salmo-  Inland fishing license-$28 nella and E. coli that can be trans- mitted to humans and other ani-  All Waters Inland and Marine Fishing-$32 mals by ingesting contaminated  All Waters Hunting & Fishing -$40 water.  Non-Resident licenses are also available at $22 for a 3-day pass or  Roundworms and hookworms de- $55 for season license. posited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and be transmitted FEDERAL AND STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THE TOWN OF COVENTRY to other animals and humans. 8th District – Tim Ackert 860-240-8700  Even if there is no 35th District – Senator Anthony Guglielmo 860-240-8800 restriction, clean- 2nd Congressional District District – Joseph D. Courtney 860-886-0139 ing up after your Governor – Dannel P. Malloy 860-566-4840 pet is always the Senate – Senator Richard Blumenthal 860-258-6940 right thing to do and your neigh- Senate – Senator Christopher Murphy 860-549-8463 bors will appreci- ate it. 4 BUILDING DEPARTMENT Sewer Connections: If you have not yet con- 860-742-4064 nected to sewers please contact Mike Ruef at Spring Clean-up Time: Mother Nature has applications can take longer during the busy 8 6 0 - 7 4 2 - 4 0 6 4 o r been fairly kind to us this winter with only a construction season and is based on a first-come, [email protected] couple of small snow storms and some high first-served basis. So drop by the Building De- for more information. wind experiences, so we begin to look forward partment to pick-up your permit packet and a Low interest/deferred to spring and polishing up our homes to em- copy of your plot plan. We are more than happy loans for sewer connec- brace the warmer, brighter days that are to to take a few minutes to discuss your project with tions may be available for come. This is the best time to really look you and get you started. homes that meet federal around the exterior of your home and check income guidelines. Residents are encouraged to apply for permits as soon as possible for spring and summer projects. Summer Lake Level: The lake level elevation is measured and adjusted out some potential problems with your home’s Want your Building Plans? The Building at the lake street gate roof, siding, chimney, decks, patios, etc. To Department is only responsible for retaining house. The gate will be assist in this process, we invite you to check out building plans on projects for a maximum of two lowered to allow for the this handy springtime To-Do Check List cour- (2) years. We are then allowed to dispose of level of the lake to rise tesy of HGTV.com: them. Beginning July 1st and ending September naturally in preparation http://www.hgtv.com/content/dam/ 30, 2016, the Building Department is allowing for spring and summer documents/checklist.pdf property owners to obtain the building plans for recreational activities.

residential construction only. You must own the We will monitor the lake Obtaining a Permit… We have seen very property to obtain the building plans. A Certifi- level and adjust the gate little slowing down of permits and projects this accordingly in order to winter due to the milder weather conditions cate of Use and Occupancy must have been is- sued for the structure prior to June 1, 2014. bring the lake level up to that we’ve experienced. Therefore, residents summer level (93.0 feet) Please call Brigit at 860-742-4064 with your are encouraged to secure their contractors and as Spring rain allows. name, address & daytime phone number and we apply for permits as soon as possible for their For more information upcoming spring and summer projects. Many will contact you within few days to let you know call Doug Reese at contractors are eager to assist you with new if there are building plans available. At that Public Works (860) projects. If you are considering a building pro- time, you will be given 2 weeks to pick up the 742-6588 or email ject this year, be sure to submit your application plans. Plans that are not picked-up will be dis- [email protected]. 2-3 weeks in advance. The review process for carded under the State’s disposal method.

COVENTRY FIRE DEPARTMENT

It has been a big year for the Coventry Fire Department. Based on recommendations made over the years in the Patrizz and Matrix reports, and in concurrence with the 2014 Capitol Region Council of Government’s Strategic Fire Study, we have merged our two operations into a combined department called the Town of Coventry Fire & EMS Department. The entities of Coventry Volunteer Fire Association and North Coventry Volunteer Fire Department will continue their long legacies of service to our town, represented by a Board of Fire Officers and administered by a new Fire Administrator. Noel Waite, who has served as Fire Marshal and Emer- gency Management Director for many years, will function in the role of Administrator.

The Board of Fire Officers has been busy combining key operating structures, including development of joint guidelines, collabora- tive purchasing procedures, and training/development. These initiatives will result in savings for our town and the sharing of resources will support our volunteer members. One of the primary tasks has been a town-wide evaluation of apparatus needs. Following the failure of a new Quint aerial truck during last year’s budget process, the Board went back to the drawing board to in- ventory our equipment and set priorities to acquire apparatus that can perform multiple tasks. This year’s Capital Budget includes the replacement of two engine tankers that are approaching the end of their 25-year service lives with a new tanker and a used Quint. A third engine tanker which still has some serviceable life has been slated for refurbishment in the future. This approach will increase our capacity of water from 4,000 gallons to 6,000, providing an additional 3-5 minutes of firefighting time for a total of 10 minutes on the initial attack. Getting additional water to a scene during the crucial early minutes of a fire has been a common thread recommended by all three fire studies.

On the EMS front, we have been taking steps to support the volunteers who provide a tremendous contribution to our town. Attract- ing and retaining volunteers has been a continual challenge, particularly during daytime hours. We recently contracted with a staff- ing agency to provide paid ambulance staffing 3 days a week and early results are very positive. Daytime coverage has improved and response times are faster. Having reliable schedules is taking some of the stress off our regular volunteers and allowing them to fo- cus on nighttime and weekend coverage. Morale is getting a boost as a result, as we see improvement in our ability to deal with all facets of emergency response and effectively function as the first line of defense within our local community. We are proposing in the budget to increase this staffing arrangement to five days a week beginning July 1, 2016.

We welcome you to drop by either fire station to see our operation. If you have ever thought about volunteering, we would be delighted to have you. Contact CVFA at 860-742-3510 or NCVFD at 860-742-1606. Noel Waite, Fire Administrator, can be reached at 860-742-4064 or by email at [email protected].

5 SUMMER ROADS PROGRAM PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT In an effort to continue to provide a 100 Olsen Farm Road ● 860-742-6588 high level of maintenance to town roads the Public Works Department has iden- Director / Tree Warden Mark Kiefer [email protected] tified the following roads as priority Superintendent of Operations Douglas Reese [email protected] work for the 2016 Summer Roads Pro- Admin. Secretary / COVRRA Donna Wrubel [email protected] gram: TOWN/STATE PROJECTS Full Depth Reclamation & Overlay: 1) Mountain Ridge Dr. Main Street Reconstruction: Project extends the Streetscape com- 2) Timber Tr. (CDOT #32-130): Connecticut De- ponents of CDOT #32-130 down to 3) Tall Oak Dr. 4) Wildwood Dr. partment of Transportation’s project Booth-Dimock Library. Project im- 5) Bradbury Ln. will start in Late March 2016. The provements will be constructed by 6) Mason St. Project will take two construction the CDOT Contractor, RED Technol- 7) Woods Ln. seasons and be complete in Fall of ogies, during their execution of the 8) Maple Dr. 2017. Major changes to the vertical Main Street Reconstruction Project 9) Homestead Dr. and horizontal alignments near Tele- (#32-130) 10) Bellevue Dr. flex, updates to the storm drainage and sanitary sewer facilities, and Coventry Lake Gate Improve- Cold in Place Recycling & Overlay: streetscape features are included in ments: The Army Corp of Engineers 1) Case Rd. the project. The corridor will remain (ACOE) and Connecticut Department 2) South River Rd. (Case Rd. to South St.) open to traffic, but delays can be ex- of Energy and Environmental Protec- 3) South St. (South River Rd. to pected due to alternating one-way tion permits has been submitted. Silver St.) traffic by traffic control personnel. Construction is still expected to start in September/October 2016. Bituminous Overlay 1.5 inch Lake and Cross Street Improve- compacted: ment (LOTCIP): This Town pro- Main Street Sidewalk Extension 1) South St. (Rotary to Cross St.) ject will be bid in April 2016 and (CDOT #32-147): This Town pro- 2) Waterfront Heights construction to start in June 2016. ject extends the limits of the sidewalk

Bituminous Shimming: Paving improvements, sidewalk con- constructed last spring to the Ripley 1) Grant Hill Road struction, stormwater improvements Hill Road Intersection. Project will 2) Brewster Street and traffic calming will be imple- be bid in April with construction to 3) Richmond Road (Sam Green mented. The corridor will remain take place starting at the commence- Rd. to eastern intersection open to traffic, but delays can be ex- ment of Coventry Public School’s RT.44) pected due to alternating one-way summer vacation. Project should be 4) North River Road (Rt. 31 traffic by Traffic control personnel. substantially complete before the to Rt. 44) start of the 2016-17 school year. 5) Upton Dr. and Nathan Hale Dr. Main Street Streetscape/ 6) Zeya Drive, Satari Dr., Noor Dr., Heather Ln. Sidewalk (CDOT #32-145): The 7) Springdale Ave. 8) Sean Circle, Oak Leaf Dr. 9) Gerald Park, Waterfront Manor Anticipate alternating one-way traffic during Main and Actor’s Colony Street construction projects this season.

Roads to be Chip Sealed: 1) Grant Hill Rd. TREE WARDEN: Connecticut laws emergencies – call Public Works at 2) Flanders Rd. and Flanders protect trees in Town Right of Ways (860) 742-6588 or the Police Depart- River Rd. and properties. Planting, pruning or ment at (860) 742-7331. 3) Springdale Ave. removal of trees within the Town 4) CVFA Parking Lot Right of Ways (ROW) at roadside EMPLOYMENT: If you like out- requires approval of the Tree War- door physical work, have a valid driv- Crack Seal (Rout and Seal): den. State Statute requires a written er’s license and are 18 or older, we Selected roads to be determined for fall request for permission to remove or are looking for you. The Public 2016 application plant trees in the ROW area. Unap- Works Department has an opening proved work in the ROW is subject to (pending budget approval) for a sum- Road Sweeping Schedule fines and damages. Call before you mer laborer paying $10.00/hr. for a for the Spring of 2016 is cut. Rights of Way vary from Road to 40 hour week. available by calling the Public Road. Trees removed unlawfully are A c c e p t i n g Works Department at (860) subject to a fine equal to the applications 742-6588. Rake the sand and appraised value of the tree. The Tree immediately. salt residue from your property Warden’s e mail ad dress is For more in- edge to the roadside for clean- [email protected]. Do not use formation call up. email to contact the Tree Warden for the office at (860) 742-6588. 6 TRANSFER STATION WATER POLLUTION 325 Main Street CONTROL AUTHORITY:

Spring Ahead! Transfer Station hours of operation from April through November will be every Thursday from noon until 6 pm and every Saturday Projects Update/News: from 9 am until 3 pm (excluding holidays). Proof of residency required.  Main St. reconstruction in the Village is scheduled to begin in March and includes significant Materials acceptable with cost: Materials NOT acceptable: sewer work. The majority of this  Construction and demolition  Garbage or recyclable items cost will be paid by the State. We debris. Free of cardboard, metal picked up curbside are also installing new sewers on and garbage. Lake Street to serve 2 properties  Grass clippings  Land clearing debris; stumps & before the road is paved this sum-  Furniture brush. mer. Please expect delays if you  Appliances with CFC’s (Freon)  Hazardous waste travel through the Village.

$10 each, no weigh-in necessary.  We will be extending sewers ap-  Tires – automobile size – on or Commercial Users Must proximately 200 ft up Cross off rim $5 each. Remember: The Town of Coventry Street, moving the main out of the Transfer Station is not intended for road, and installing 4 dry ‘sleeves’ Materials acceptable no cost: commercial use although small re- under the road before it is re-  Textiles – clean, dry, contained pair/remodeling contractors doing paved this summer. The sleeves in a bag work for Coventry residents may be will allow for any future sewer  gas grill propane tanks for recy- allowed limited use to dispose of ma- extensions to be completed with- cling terials incidental to their work within out digging up the road.  corrugated cardboard in the spe- the limits of the Town of Coventry.  We have been working with our cially marked cardboard dump- Proof of residency and building engineers and officials from Bol- ster permits, as applicable, will be ton and Manchester to set the ta-  leaves for composting checked as part of normal facility ble for the Western Route 44 Sew-  Electronics, fluorescent light operations to insure the facility waste er Planning Area. bulbs, batteries stream remains residential in nature.  Metal materials (metal tanks Wipes: must be cut open and Come to the Transfer Station Cloth baby wipes and cleaning crushed). for some free compost. wipes have become a serious prob- Bring your own shovel/bucket. lem in our sewer system. Some brands have started to market their TEXTILE RECYCLING PROGRAM wipes as ‘flushable’ but just because you can flush something down your For your convenience Bay State Textile has provided The Town of Coventry toilet does not mean it won’t cause three collection boxes to recycle textiles. One is located at our transfer sta- problems down the line! The pumps tion, one next to the Annex behind the Town Hall and the other is located at and valves at our Treatment Plant Public Works, 100 Olsen Farm Road. All of the following items are accepta- become clogged with gnarled balls ble and can be donated in any condition as long as they’re clean and dry. of wipes and other cloth items Must be in bags. (feminine hygiene, dental floss, cig- arette butts). Yup, it’s gross. Now Belts, blankets, boots, bras, coats, comforters, curtains, draperies, dresses, think about being the person who flip flops, Halloween costumes, hats, jackets, jeans, jerseys (sports), napkins has to put on rubber gloves and pull (cloth), pajamas, pants, pet beds, pet clothing, pillow cases, pillows, purses, them out…ewwww! Please help us scarves, sheets, shirts, shoes, shorts, skirts, slippers, socks, stuffed animals, by doing your part to keep these suits, sweaters, sweatpants, sweatshirts, table linens, ties, towels, t-shirts, types of items out of our sewer sys- undergarments. tem.

Donate – Recycle – Don’t throw away Information related to the WPCA can be found on the Water Pollution Control Authority page on the Town website (www.coventryct.org). Our The Town of Coventry Department of page can be found by clicking on Public works has installed a 1000 Your Government > Boards & Com- gallon tank to be used for waste oil missions > Water Pollution Control storage at the Public Works Facility. The tank was removed by DPW from Authority. You may subscribe to the North Coventry Fire Sub Station WPCA Agendas & Minutes by click- on Merrow Road and will be reused to ing on the ‘Notify Me’ feature and supply waste oil to heat the Public adding your contact information. Works Fleet Maintenance bays.

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TRASH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: TRASH & RECYCLING All American Waste will observe the following legal holidays thereby altering ITEMS ACCEPTABLE FOR RECYCLING CART the pickup ALL of these weeks to Tues- day through Saturday: All the following items are ok to put in the blue tipper cart. They should be empty and rinsed clean: Paperboard boxes, corrugated cardboard & paper bags, mail, paperback Monday, May 30th – Memorial Day books & phone books, file folders, office paper, magazines, catalogs, newspapers & Monday, July 4th – Independence Day inserts, jar lids and bottle caps, paper egg cartons, #1 – 7 plastic food and beverage con- Monday, September 5th – Labor Day tainers, aluminum foil and pie pans, beverage cans, empty aerosol cans, paper milk / juice cartons, glass beverage / food bottles & jars. THANK YOU !! Dumpsters available at the Pub- lic Works Department for residents NO PLASTIC BAGS! NO ELECTRONICS! NO STYROFOAM / COOLERS! NO FOOD / TRASH! who occasionally have trash or recy- cling in excess of their carts or are HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL WASTE going on vacation. To use the trash DROP-OFF FACILITY dumpster you must pay $1 for each bag that you toss in. Bring your 57 Hancock Road - Willington, CT 06279 - Phone: (860) 684-3163 trash and recycling to Public Works Open from 9 am to 2 pm on the first and third Saturday of the month from during work hours for disposal. Res- April 16, 2016 through November 5, 2016. idents must stop in the office (7 am – Closed July 2, 2016 and September 3, 2016. 3 pm) for the dumpster key.

Pickup missed? Call All American Prepare the materials by: Waste at (860) 289-7850 if your √ Packing carefully in original containers only, seal and label curbside trash or recycling is not √ Do not mix materials picked up. This direct communica- √ Drive carefully to prevent tipping tion allows for pickup arrangements √ No smoking while handling and transporting materials to be made. This same number √ Residential limits of 10 gallons liquid and 100 pounds dry materials should be called if you have monthly items out that don’t get picked up or As a Coventry resident you may bring residential quantities of hazardous waste to the facility if your cart is broken. PLEASE CALL at no cost but bring proof of residency. If you operate a small business in a MidNEROC DURING THE WEEK OF THE town, then contact the MidNEROC Administrator at (860) 289-2296 to find out if you quali- PICKUP TO RECTIFY THE SITUA- fy as a “conditionally exempt small quantity generator” and to make an appointment. There TION. is a fee for this service. Curbside Monthly Oversized Items Pickup: On the 2nd Monday Chemical waste is a problem for the environment! When hazardous wastes are of every month residents may place poured down the sink or toilet, dumped “out back”, poured into a street drain or put out into at curbside by 6:30 am up to three the trash, they eventually make their way into our water supply. oversized items to be picked up for free. These large nonmetal items must be out on Monday regardless of Acceptable Materials: Non-Acceptable Materials: Bug spray  Medication. Do not flush down your regular trash day. Examples Mercury thermometers are dresser, mattress or recliner Dry cleaning fluid the toilet or drain. Many prescrip- chair w/metal removed. Fluorescent bulbs tions may be disposed of at the Arts & crafts supplies Coventry Police Department Coventry’s Best Kept Secret -- Rechargeable batteries (860) 742-7331 “In yard” trash/recycling General purpose cleaners  Asbestos. Double bag and seal this service available: Hazardous Aerosol cans material. One cubic foot can be Do you know someone who might Drain cleaners Metal polishes disposed with trash. For large benefit from having their trash or Floor cleaners quantities, contact an asbestos re- recycle cart picked up right at their Oven cleaners moval company. back door? (A mutually agreed upon Wax & polishes  Explosives, fireworks, ammu- location somewhere along the drive- Tile cleaners nition. Contact your state police way may be necessary for those extra Toilet cleaners barracks. long driveways.) No more struggling Gasoline  Water reactive materials. to wheel their carts to the curb!! The Engine/radiator flushes For peroxides and metallic sodium, town has a few slots for those spe- Fire starters Chemistry kits contact a licensed environmental cial needs people (no additional fees Paint (latex, oil or lead based) contractor. involved) who are elderly or handi- Rust preventative  Biologically active materials. capped and have no one living with Wood preservative them or visiting regularly who can Solvents Contact a licensed medical & infec- assist them with this task. Call Hu- Degreasers tious waste contractor. man Services (860) 742-5324 to ap- Wood strippers

ply for this service. Paint thinner Recycled through your town: Fertilizers with pesticides & herbicides Herbicides Car batteries Motor oil COVRRA questions? Call Public Muriatic acid Transmission oil #2 fuel oil Works at (860) 742-6588 or e-mail Pesticides Brake fluid Kerosene [email protected]. Insect spray Gas cylinders Diesel fuel Pool chemicals Antifreeze 8 LAND USE OFFICE HYDRILLA THREATENS 860-742-4062 LAKE HEALTH— INFORMATION FROM THE COVENTRY FARMERS’ MARKET occur during the summer with two sep- COVENTRY LAKE ADVISORY & AT HALE HOMESTEAD arate treatments likely being required. MONITORING COMMITTEE Questions regarding this project can be The Town continues directed to Eric M. Trott, Director of In September 2015 fragments of hydrilla to prepare for the Planning and Development, at 860-742 (Hydrilla verticillata), a highly invasive Farmers’ Market -4062 or [email protected]. aquatic plant, were discovered in Coventry next season at the Lake near the state boat launch, suggesting Hale Homestead in ADOPT A ROAD PROGRAM the possibility that an incoming water craft 2016 with an opening or trailer introduced this menace. Connect- day on June 5th! In January, the Town The Coventry Conservation Commis- icut’s DEEP hired Aquatic Control Tech- Council appointed Farmers’ Market sion and Land Use Office continue to nology (ACT) to complete a survey of the Operating Committee formally began as sponsor the Adopt a Road program for lake in November and found multiple the managing entity of the market after the community. The program entails patches of hydrilla growing in shallow cove nearly a year’s worth of foundational ‘adopting’ a portion or all of a Town waters diagonally across from the boat work had been accomplished by the road and pick up the roadside trash that launch (Woodland Road area). Economic Development Farmers’ Mar- accumulates. Residents can do as much ket Subcommittee. Please visit the as they like and at their own pace. This is the first identification of hydrilla in Town’s website and on the homepage is Standard garbage bags are available in northern Connecticut. There are only a a link to a dedicated web page for the the Land Use Office and can be dis- handful of confirmed cases in southern 2016 Market where one can sign up to posed of at the Public Works Garage at Connecticut. For decades, hydrilla has receive updates via ongoing newsletters no charge. The Town also has a lending damaged countless lakes in Florida by out- as well as connect to the Market’s Face- program for trash grabbers to assist competing native ecosystems. Unfortunate- book page. The web page also has a with picking up materials. Please con- ly, once established hydrilla is difficult to great deal of information that shows the tact Eric M. Trott at 742-4062 control, causing grave concern for this pub- subcommittee’s progress over the past or [email protected] for further lic water body which supports a tremen- year. Please contact Erica Pagliuco, at details and application forms. dous volume of recreational use. [email protected] or 860-742-

4062 for more information. FLYBOARDS ON COVENTRY It is essential to take steps to positively LAKE identify hydrilla prior to taking any action Looking to be part of the Coventry which may disrupt it. Reproducing by frag- Farmers’ Market fun this summer? Last year, a new recreational craft ap- mentation, small parts of this plant grow Consider a volunteer role where you can peared on Coventry Lake. Flyboards, or into mature clones of the original. Any nat- donate your time to be part of your favor- Jet Articulated Vessels (JAV), are a type ural or manmade disruption to the plant ite themed event or simply contribute to of water jetpack attached to a personal can help it spread. DEEP and CAES IAPP the weekly operation ‘in the field’! The watercraft which supplies propulsion to along with Coventry town officials are in Friends of the Market program is another drive the flyboard through the air and the process of finalizing an action plan to opportunity where you can donate your water. A rider stands on a board con- address the hydrilla infestation. Questions time to help with the Market and receive nected by a long hose to a personal wa- regarding aquatic plants can be addressed special discounts and opportunities. Con- tercraft. Water is forced under pressure to CAES IAPP at (203)974-8512 or Coven- tact Erica Pagliuco at through the methods to a pair of boots with jet nozzles under- try Lake Advisory & Monitoring at coven- listed above.. neath that provide thrust for the rider [email protected]. to fly up in the air or through the water.

Due to the nature of the use and the EAGLEVILLE LAKE AQUATIC Learn about hydrilla and other invasive overall environmental sensitivity of INVASIVES species during upcoming town wide events. Coventry Lake, the Town conducted an Check local newspapers the town’s website initial analysis to evaluate potential For the second year in a row, the Towns for details. Visit www.coventryct.org for a impacts to the Lake ecosystem last fall. of Coventry and Mansfield have been more detailed version of this article. awarded grant funds from the State of The Town is currently working with the CT DEEP to address an aquatic invasive State of CT DEEP to explore funding species infestation of Fanwort in Eagle- options to assist in conducting a more ville Lake. An initial treatment oc- detailed follow up report. This report curred last summer and achieved excel- will enable the Town and DEEP to con- lent results. A second treatment the sider proper management of these de- following year is strongly recommend- vices on Coventry Lake and potentially ed. Fanwort can significantly impact other waterbodies. The State Legisla- the quality and allowance for recrea- ture is currently considering Raised Bill tional use of the Lake if not properly No. 136 ‘An Act Regulating the Use of addressed. The Towns have partnered Jetted Articulated Vessels and Certain to share in the required match for the Water Skiing Devices’. The Act seeks to grant and will work together to educate regulate the nature of the use and areas the public on the problem and create a of operation of the JAVs. More details plan to address it. Public outreach and will surface on this as the legislative communications will begin during the session continues. Questions regarding spring. The consultant, who will be this matter can be directed to Eric M. hired to professionally apply an herbi- Trott, Director of Planning and Devel- cide treatment, must be authorized by opment, at 860 -7 42- 4062 or the State of CT DEEP. The work will [email protected].

9 COVENTRY YOUTH HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SERVICES 860-742-5324 Counseling Services – Free counseling services are availa- FOOD BANK of their rent and utility expenses. The ble to Coventry youth and their The Coventry Food Bank is available to program, administered by Office of Poli- families at Youth Services. A li- any individual or family experiencing cy and Management, provides for pay- censed clinical social worker pro- difficult times and may need help with ments ranging up to $900 for qualified vides brief, solution-focused thera- food. We have a variety of staple foods in married persons and up to $700 for py and can address numerous stock which include: cereal, pasta, soup, qualifying single persons. The rebate struggles (depression, stress, self- esteem, divorce, etc.) that youth canned vegetable, peanut butter/jelly amount is based on a graduated income may be having. To set up an ap- and school snacks. We are solely a donor scale and the amount of rent and utility pointment, contact Crystal Mora- funded program and receive generous payments (excluding telephone) made in witz, Youth Services Coordinator. donations from many local residents, the calendar year prior to the year in churches, schools, civic organizations which the renter applies. In order to Youth Job Bank- and groups. If you are in need and wish qualify, married persons must have an For Adults: Could you use some to utilize the food bank, please call the annual income not greater than $42,900 help with spring clean up, inside or Coventry Human Services Office to and single persons must have an annual outside? Need a babysitter; lawn schedule an appointment. income not greater than $35,200. Eligi- mower, or other odd-jobs around the house done? Hire a student ble person may apply between April 1- from the Youth Job Bank! Youth Job Bank students range in age Please “like” Coventry Human Services on Facebook and from 12-18 years old and can assist see what’s new in the office. with yard work services, clean homes, provide animal care, babysit FOODSHARE October 1 each year and should contact and more! Mobile FoodShare is an outdoor food the Coventry Human Services Office for distribution for persons in need and is any questions regarding the program and For Youth: Any student in available every other Wednesdays from to schedule an appointment. grades 7-12 interested in becoming part of the job bank should contact 10-10:30 at the 1st Congregational Youth Services to schedule an ap- Church, 1171 Main Street, Coventry. Food OPERATION FUEL ~ SUMMER pointment. We will go over pro- choices vary from week to week but usu- UTITLIES gram policies and procedures, in ally include bread and several types of Human Services will also be taking appli- addition to learning basic job skills, fresh produce. Other items may also be cations for Operation Fuel, an emergency safety measures and other key com- offered depending on availability. Please energy assistance program for house- ponents to landing a job. Once remember to bring a bag or box with you holds that are in financial crisis. This students have completed this step, to carry your food. If you have any ques- will be for summer electric utilities, only. they can become part of the youth tions please call FoodShare at 860-286- Financial crisis is defined as “the inabil- job bank pool. 9999 or www.foodshare.org ity of a family to pay for an outstanding Babysitters Training –This an- gas or electric bill, a household faced nual training will be held in June. with the decision to choose between pay- Please contact Youth Services if you RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAM ing for their energy needs, buying food, are between the ages of 12 and 18 APRIL-OCTOBER, 2016 paying rent or mortgage, paying medical and interested in taking this train- OFFERED FOR ELDERLY & DISA- bills as a result of unemployment, lim- ing. Registration information will BLED RENTERS ited or fixed income, illness, death, or be available online and in schools Connecticut’s Elderly Renters’ Rebate other emergencies”. Please call the Cov- mid-May. Program provides direct, partial reim- entry Human Services Office for further

“Gearing up to Learn” Back to bursement to lower income elderly or details and income guidelines. School Program - provides new disabled renters to help offset a portion backpacks, school supplies and Pay- less Shoe cards to Coventry families Campership Donations- We are requesting donations with school aged children, who for the 2016 summer campership fund. All donations go meet the income guidelines. Please to help families in need pay for the Parks and Recreation watch Coventry cable channel 13 Summer Adventure Camp. Checks can be made payable and the local newspapers after July to The Town of Coventry. The number of camperships 18th for more information. available is based on donations received.

For more information on any Camp Connri - The Salvation Army’s Camp Connri, of the programs listed above, please like and share Coven- located in Ashford, will soon be accepting applications for youth ages 8-12 to attend try Youth Services on Face- the 2016 overnight summer camp. Due to the community’s generous donations col- book, or contact Youth Ser- lected through Bell Ringing efforts in December, Coventry Youth Services is able to vices Coordinator, Crystal send children to this camp at no cost or low cost based on financial eligibility. Applica- Morawitz at 860-742-5324. tions are available in the Human Services office.

Info: Crystal Morawitz, 860-742-5324. 10 SENIOR CENTER ● What is Coventry STEPS? 172 Lake Street 860-742-3525 COME JOIN THE FUN! Coventry STEPS is a team of parents, profes- The Coventry Senior Center welcomes seniors 60 years and older to enjoy a sionals and community leaders working to- variety of social, educational and wellness programs. Join us for recreational gether to ensure that Coventry Children are Nurtured, Healthy & Engaged and Successful activities and instructional classes, luncheons and health services. There is no Learners. membership fee. The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in to see us at our beautiful location in Patriots Park. To For more information visit our website at see our monthly calendar and special events, visit the Town website or call to www.coventrysteps.com or contact Kathryn inquire about our mailing list. Hassler at www.coventrysteps.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS INTRODUCING THE TWIN Do you have a child under the age of 5?  Spring Clean Your Medications, PROGRAM Make sure you visit www.coventrysteps.com Friday, April 29, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Do you need a TWIN, someone you and click on the Sign up for Information button. There is a brief form to fill out and can Trust While In Need? We want for individual appointments with then you will receive periodic emails about Pharmacist Katie Mattox from to help form partnerships between news, events and resources all geared for Medical Pharmacy. seniors in Coventry. What does a families with young children! All families TWIN do? Some of the tasks could be who are signed up will be eligible to win a  AARP Driver Safety, Tuesday, friendly phone calls, safety checks, spring fling prize package, with lots of out- May 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $15 social visits (in home, out to lunch, door games and activities and a $25 gift cer- for AARP members or $20 for shopping, outings, etc.) Who would tificate to the Famers Cow! The winner will non-members. make a great TWIN? Everyone! It is be announced April 29! Please like us on a mutually beneficial relationship, Facebook for even more early childhood news and resources! www.facebook.com/ whether you are living alone and  Memorial Day Cookout, Monday, CoventrySTEPS/ May 23 at 12 p.m., the grill will be want more socialization or if you are full of burgers and hotdogs for already very active and want to keep busy! Call or visit the Senior Center TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR the annual summer feast. PRESCHOOL SPACES AVAILABLE! Office to get an application. Are you a Coventry resident who has a child  End of Spring Fling, Wednesday, age 3 or 4 that will be going to preschool in June 8 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., get TAX PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS the fall? The Coventry Early Childhood Cen- ready to dance while Entertainer We had a successful tax season with a ter located in the Hale Early Education Cen- Brian Gillie plays Hits of the 20th record number of appointments. We ter (CECC) serves 3 and 4 year old children Century. want to thank our dynamic group of and is the only NAEYC accredited preschool volunteer tax preparers! We hope to in Coventry.

 Welcome Summer Ice Cream expand this program next year and we need your help! Call or visit the There are part day (2.5 hours) and school Social: Monday, June 20 from day (6 hours) preschool spaces available at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., start the summer Senior Center Office for more infor- CECC. The CECC program is currently a right with make-your-own sun- mation. school year program (there is a 4 week sum- daes. mer program being offered this summer and an expanded summer program in 2017!). There is also before and after school care Free Transportation for Coventry available. Seniors and Disabled Residents There is financial assistance available to help families pay for the cost of preschool. Cov- Are you no longer able to drive? entry receives two State grants from the Of- Do you need a ride to your doctor? fice of Early Childhood to help reduce the Would you like to go grocery shopping or shopping at portion families need to pay. Tuition assis- the mall? Do you have other errands to do? Would tance is based on family size and income but you like to spend a little time at Senior Center? for example, a family of 4 would need to earn under $78,000 to qualify for a reduction in The Coventry Rides! senior handicap accessible van and handicap accessible the amount owed. minibus will take you where you need to go. We make regular trips to loca- If you qualify for assistance, then the most tions in Coventry, Manchester, Vernon, and Tolland. you will pay for the school day/school year program is $2.20 an hour! Contact CECC at It’s easy and our drivers are the best! 860-742-4550 or www.coventryecc.org for Please call Coventry Senior Center for a ride at least 2 business days ahead. more information!

For rides to the Willimantic Area, please call Dial-A-Ride at 860-456-1460.

Additional volunteer drivers are needed. Please call the Senior Center for more information.

11 CALL TO VISUAL, COMING EVENTS & NOTABLE ITEMS PERFORMING AND LITERARY ARTISTS April 23 & 24 - Rid Litter Weekend. The May 30 - Memorial Day Pancake Break- Conservation Commission is encouraging fast: 7-10 AM, First Congregational Church, The newly-formed Coventry Arts residents to do roadside cleanups along their 1172 Main Street. Sausage, pancakes and Guild is planning its First Annu- property and neighborhood. This is a great eggs. $5 per person or $12 per family. Chil- al Arts and Music Festival at opportunity for civic groups and neighbor- dren under 5 are free. Come enjoy breakfast Patriots Park on September 10th, hood organizations to organize cleanup while waiting for the parade. All proceeds 2016, from 10 to 4, with a rain crews. The Commission will provide free gar- benefit the Lions Club Coventry Scholarship date of September 11th. In order bage bags that can be picked up at the Land Program. to promote Coventry artists, we Use Office at Town Hall. Info: 860-742- are planning to have student 4062. May 30 - Memorial Day Parade: 10 AM. Kicks off at G.H. Robertson School on Cross and professional art exhibits, all May 7 - Town-Wide Tag Sale: Register Street, stopping at Veteran’s Memorial Green day musical performances, food your tag sale with the Parks & Recreation for services, and continuing down Lake Street vendors and many activities for Department by April 25th. See their website to Main Street and up to Bradbury Road. both children and adults. A fun at www.coventryrec.com or call (860) 742- Sponsored by American Legion Post 52. On filled family day. If you are in- 4068 for information and registration forms. Sunday, May 29, wreath-laying services will terested in participating, contact A complete list of participating tag sales will be held at 2 PM at St Mary’s Cemetery, Main the Coventry Arts Guild at be available after 4/25. St., proceeding to the New Cemetery, Center [email protected] Cemetery-Rt.#44, Grant Hill Road, Silver St. with your area of interest and May 7 - Mothers’ Day Rose Sale. The and Wrights Mill Road Cemeteries, and Coventry Lions Club is sponsoring a Mothers’ Nathan Hale Cemetery on Lake Street. your contact information. Day Roses Sale. One dozen long stem roses bouquet is selling for $15. Roses can be or- June 4 - CT Trails Day. Free admission to The Coventry Arts Guild in con- dered by calling Cindy at 742-8709 or Gary the Nathan Hale Homestead. junction with the Song-a-Day at 742-6128. Orders can be picked up on Sat- Music Center is pleased to host urday at the parking lot at Coventry HS be- June 12 through Oct - Coventry History An Instrument Petting Zoo tween 9am and noon. All proceeds go to sup- Showcase, Strong Porter Museum, 2382 on Saturday, April 23. The porting Lions Club scholarships and other South Street. The Strong Porter Farmhouse event will be held from 1 to 4 community service activities. (c.1730), features a Carpenter's shop, carriage P.M at the Song-a-Day Music shed with antique hearses, and barn with May 8 - Mothers’ Day Tea, 2-4 PM, Na- vintage tools. Exhibit rooms in the house Center, 2809 Boston Turnpike. than Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street. provide a glimpse of Coventry History and an It is open to the public, espe- High tea Downton Abbey style with 4-course archival research office for those wanting to cially for students considering servings & choice of teas served by butler & explore more of Coventry’s history. Museum learning to play a band instru- scullery maid. $25/person, CTL members and grounds are open starting each Sunday ment and joining the school $20. Info: 860-742-6917. beginning June 12th through October from 11 band. a.m. to 2 p.m. A great place to visit on your May 13 - Father-Daughter Dance, 7-9:30 next trip to the Farmers Market at the Nathan All types of Band, String, Per- PM, CNH Middle School. $10 for dads who Hale Homestead each Sunday when it opens cussion instruments will be on pre-register, $15 at door. Register online at for the 2016 season. The museum begins it www.coventryrec.com. Info: 860-742-4068. activities with a Tag and Tool sale June 11 & display for visitors to inspect, 12th from 9 – 2 p.m. For more information - explore and in some cases try May 15 - Brick Schoolhouse Reopens: email [email protected]. out. Song-a-Day Instructors and Merrow Road at Goose Lane. 1-4 PM on the students will demonstrate use first and third Sundays of the month mid- June 19 - Sundae on a Sunday at the (and care ) of instruments. Mu- May through early October. Free admission. Brick Schoolhouse. 1-4 PM. Merrow Road sic Center Directors will be on Donations welcome. More information at at Goose Lane. Toppings include fresh straw- hand to discuss instrument rent- Coventry Historical Society website at berries and homemade hot fudge sauce. Sun- al and purchase options. www.ctcoventryhistoricalsociety.org. daes are $2.00 each; Dad’s sundaes are free.

May 22 - Car Wash for Camp Scholar- June 25 - CoventryFest: 3-10 PM, Patriots The event is Free, but donations ships, 11:30 AM—1:30 PM, First Congrega- Park. Music, games, vendors, food, fun and will be accepted, the proceeds of tional Church parking lot. Let the Youth fireworks. Coordinated by Coventry Knights which will go directly to the Group make your car sparkle! Free will dona- of Columbus. Rain date June 26. Info at newly formed Coventry Arts tion. www.coventryfest.org. Guild.

For more information, contact Get monthly notices of upcoming events by subscribing to the the Song-a-Day Music Center at Town’s e-blast. Visit the “Notify Me” section of the website at 860-742-6878. www.coventryct.org and click the box next to “Coventry Community Update.”

Planning is already underway for Christmas in Coventry Village, scheduled for Sun- day, December 4. Are you, your group or organization interested in being a part? If so, contact one of us at 860-918-5957 or 860-617-3588. Christmas in the Village is sponsored by the Coventry Lions Club. Thank you in advance. 12 BOOTH & DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY 1134 Main Street ● 860-742-7606 ● www.CoventryPL.org We are here to help you…

Interested in knowing more about the Learn how to use your devices Understand what those squiggles finances of the Town side of your gov- One-on-one technical assistance is on a page mean ernment? We are proud to announce available by appointment. We can help Weekly storytimes promote early litera- that we are partnering with a software you set up your device, learn about great cy and expose kids to unique words provider, OpenGov, to allow access to apps and utilize digital services the li- needed to be successful readers. the Town’s financial system (updated brary provides. monthly.) Look for a link under the Find out what happens to your Finance Department’s page on the Apply for jobs favorite character in book 7 Town website at www.coventryct.org. Public access computers as well as free Explore fandoms and travel to new plac- You are able to look at multiple years Wi-Fi are available to assist in your es in the latest fiction bestsellers. of data, both expenses and revenue, search. Trained staff will help you up- and filter to the level you want. Built-in load your resume upon request. Print- Work with your friends to graphics allow you to visualize your ing and faxing is also available for a conquer a new level inquiry. This includes access to our nominal fee. Video games are loaded on the chil- Accounts Payable checkbook and spe- dren’s and teen computers, while board cial funds. If you have suggestions for Connect you to your family & games are always available for family Frequently-Asked Questions to be add- friends in Coventry and beyond and friends to play while visiting the ed (with the answer), please contact A wide range of programs, events, and library. Beth Bauer, Coventry Finance Direc- groups for every age and many interests tor, at 860-742-3528 or by email at are provided at the library. We encour- Tinker and create [email protected]. age you to visit our website for a full list. Learn through doing in our Makerspace which provides access and guidance in Prepare you to excel in school 3D printing, circuitry, robotics, and Programs rich in early literacy expose coding as well as other hard and soft young children to unique words needed sciences. to succeed in school. Homework help is always available at the Teen Desk for Programs and services can be found at research and writing assistance. www.coventrypl.org. Spring offerings include: Survive vacation with your in-laws With unlimited checkouts plus access to Financial Literacy and Marking, Mind- downloadable books, magazines and fulness, Geocaching, Photography, Book UPDATE ON CRUMBLING movies from wherever you are, the li- Clubs, Teen Maker Club, Crafts, CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS brary’s resources are sure to keep you Storytimes, Playgroups, Comics Club, entertained even in the most awkward and much more. Some houses constructed in Eastern Con- of circumstances. necticut between what is presently thought Be sure to check back in June for lots of to be 1983 to 2003 are experiencing rapid information about Summer Reading. Learn something new deterioration and spider cracking in their On Your Mark, Get Set, Read! Free public programs with local experts concrete foundations which can make the introduce subjects, while our extensive homes unsafe. The State is conducting a Contact the Library at non-fiction collection encourages read- study to try to determine causes and the [email protected] ers of all ages to take up a new hobby or possible number of homes involved. A or 860-742-7606. become a local expert themselves. meeting has been scheduled. Expected presenters include officials from the CT Department of Consumer Protection, in- Following up on our success with the surance carriers and Lt. Governor Wyman. Solarize Coventry campaign a few years ago, and in response to continued inter- Wednesday, May 11, 2016 est from our citizens in residential solar 6:30 PM installations, the Town is considering the E.O. Smith Auditorium launch of a phase 2 of this initiative. To 1235 Storrs Road find out more please contact the Town Mansfield, CT Manager’s office at 860-742-6324 or email [email protected]. For additional information on this issue, please visit www.ct.gov/DCP/concrete or call CT Consumer Protection at 860-713- 6100.

13 COVENTRY BOARD OF EDUCATION 860-742-7317

COVENTRY BOARD OF EDUCA- 8. Unless noted on the agenda, all TION MEMBERS: William Oros, meetings are held in the Administra- Chairman; Jennifer Beausoleil, Vice- tion Building conference room, 1700 Chairman; Michael Sobol, Secretary; Main Street, at 7:30 p.m. Michael Griswold, Frank Infante, Mary Kortmann, and Eugene BUDGET Q & A SESSIONS: Have Marchand. you ever had questions about how your public school system manages BOARD OF EDUCATION MEET- your taxpayer dollars? It is the intent INGS: The Board of Education gen- of the Coventry Public Schools to not erally meets on the second and last only be extraordinarily prudent and Thursday of each month. The re- efficient but to also keep the public maining regular Board meetings for well informed. In that interest, we OPEN DOOR MEETINGS: 2016 are: Wednesday, April 27, May will be holding a public Budget Q & A Interested in learning more 12 & 26, June 9 & 23, July 21, August session on Tuesday, April 26th from about our schools? Come meet 11 & 25, September 8 & 29, October 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Administra- with Superintendent of 13 & 27, November 10 and December tion Building conference room. Schools, David J. Petrone. One of his initiatives is to meet with as many parents and members “Open communication is a key component for true of our Coventry community as possible. Open communication collaboration.” is a key component for true collaboration. Keep informed COVENTRY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TECHNOLOGY NEWS about education in our town by attending any of his Open Door Technology plays a critical role in our daily lives. In order to help ensure stu- meetings this school year. dents are prepared to enter the 21st century workforce, the Coventry Public These informal gatherings will Schools continues to integrate it into the lives of students in meaningful be held in the Administration ways. This year, in our Challenge and Enrichment Program, students are Building Conference Room at learning about 3D printing through a variety of hands-on experiences. First, 1700 Main Street. The remain- we have partnered with the global organization, Enabling the Future, to help ing 2015-16 date is Monday, build prosthetic hands for children in developing countries. Second, our high May 2 at 6:00 p.m. school student technology team is using 3D printers to create items for use in the labs. Lastly, and to take this one step further, students have built a 3D printer from a kit, and have created one using the 3D printer itself. These real GRADUATION: Provided -life engineering projects have allowed our students to go through the process that we have no further school of design and manufacturing in an authentic manner. closures this spring, graduation will be held on Saturday, June As a district, we are continuing to 11th as indicated on the school move forward with the integra- calendar. Weather permitting, tion of Google Apps for Educa- the ceremony will be held out- tion. Google Apps for Education side at Coventry High School. is a free resource made available In case of inclement weather, to educational institutions by graduation will be held in the Google and includes a compre- Veterans Auditorium with hensive compilation of resources closed circuit coverage in the that can be utilized on any web- Lecture Hall at the high school. enabled device, including our iPads. All staff and students from grades 3-12 have accounts that allow them to create, collaborate and share their work. Teachers are utilizing Google Classroom to share resources, and to dis- S CH O O L CA LE N DAR tribute and grade assignments. Google Apps for Education as a whole allows APPROVED: The Board of for both increased collaboration and communication throughout the entire Education approved the 2016- learning community, items essential to promote 21st century skills in this in- 17 Coventry Public Schools cal- creasingly global society. endar at the January 14th Board meeting. The calendar can be To further enhance the educational experience of our students, we are happy found on our website at to announce that we received a grant from the CT State Bond Commission, www.coventrypublicschools.org. which we will use to purchase additional iPads for the Capt. Nathan Hale School with the goal of extending our one-to-one initiative to grade 8. We are excited for the opportunity to further integrate technology into all facets of the curriculum to benefit the learning of our students. 14 Building STEAM at Coventry Grammar School!

There’s a buzz around Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathe- matics (STEAM) education at the Coventry Grammar School this year.

During the 2015-2016 school year, the classroom teachers worked closely with middle school Science and Challenge and Enrichment teacher, Sa- rah Landry, to delve deeper into science and technology topics in an ef- fort to provide hands-on inquiry and open-ended exploration opportuni- ties for all students. Stacey Fortin, who supports the staff at the Coventry Grammar School and the George Hersey Robertson School, has joined WORKING PAPERS: All chil- Mrs. Landry in her efforts this year. These two teachers have worked dren under the age of 18, who with the Coventry Grammar School staff to develop the theme of STEAM have secured employment, are through the SEASONS in an effort to link STEAM topics from grade to required to have “working pa- grade. pers.” To acquire these papers,

please have a form of identifica- Through on-going staff development opportunities the staff has focused on science and math standards to develop STEAM lessons that are guid- tion and verification in writing ed by the engineering design process. Teachers are learning first-hand from your employer stating you that STEAM education is active and is supported best in student- have secured employment and centered learning environments. There is no better setting for this in- bring them to the office at Coven- quiry-based learning than the primary school! Elementary teachers are try High School. You do not need in the unique position of being with their learners most of the day. This to be a student at Coventry High enables them to integrate cross-curricular learning activities. STEAM School, only a resident of Coven- integration supports the Next Generation Science Standards and the try, to get working papers from Common Core Standards, which emphasize science and engineering the high school office. Should practices as well as reading comprehension and the writing process. there be no one available at the

The principles of STEAM – critical thinking, asking good questions, ob- high school, you may bring your servation, exploration and teamwork – are truly at the heart of every dis- information to the Superinten- cipline. A schoolwide STEAM focus has enabled the staff to work togeth- dent’s Office. If there are any er to create units that center on real-world issues by weaving the compo- questions regarding working pa- nents of STEAM together in a meaningful way. pers, please call the Coventry High School main office at 860- Examples of this practice include the kindergarten students focusing on 742-7346. the topic of living and non-living things. They have been studying the seasons of the year, and have planted a tulip test garden around the VOLUNTEERING OPPORTU- school sign as part of the international science project, Journey North. NITIES: Coventry schools want The kindergarteners are plotting the progression of spring across the Northern Hemisphere and are anxiously waiting for the first signs of you! Come and be a part of our their tulips. school community! Whatever your interest, if you would like to In Grade 1, the formation of a butterfly garden that was researched and volunteer in the schools, please planted as the result of a district mini-grant will support the study of contact one of the four principals. metamorphosis. The teachers have plans to create QR codes as a way to guide the learning about plant species and the natural habitat in the gar- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTU- den. Using iPads as a way to study the variety of species and to capture NITIES: There are flexible hour photographs is common practice. and/or day schedules with a wide

variety of experiences available. Grade 2 students became “citizen scientists” and created paper butter- flies that migrated to Mexico as part of a Journey North project, which Teacher, Para-educator, and included the integration of map skills as they studied the distance be- School Nurse Substitutes: tween Connecticut and Mexico. The students are eagerly anticipating the Please visit our website at arrival of paper monarchs that will migrate to CGS this spring. It will be www.coventrypublicschools.org exciting for them to continue to track the global connections as part of for additional information. Cafe- this project. teria Substitutes: Call Beth Pratt at 860-742-4535. Bus Study after study has shown that children who experience STEAM edu- Drivers/Substitutes: Call Su- cation early on will be best equipped in understanding these concepts san Lussier at M & J Bus Co. at later in their academic career. It is our hope that in partnership with our 860-742-0344. students, families, and the community, we are cultivating and developing these interests at Coventry Grammar School! 15 TOWN OF COVENTRY 1712 MAIN STREET COVENTRY, CT 06238

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