Guilford Courier

Looking Forward to Possibilities: GHS Class of 2009 Graduates

2009-07-02T20:07:26Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

The Guilford High School (GHS) Class of 2009 took to the Town Green June 24 to celebrate four years of success and growth at commencement exercises. The threat of rain held off during the speeches, but light showers falling as diplomas were conferred didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the school’s 295 graduates.

GHS Principal Rick Misenti said the class includes 117 high honors/honors students, 120 CAPT Scholars, and 100 National Honor Society Members (the largest GHS group ever). He noted, as GHS Class of 2009 members attend colleges and universities all over the country, “they’ll be walking the halls and taking their pride of Guilford High School with them.”

Class Salutatorian Michelle Sliwinski used her time at the podium to thank family, friends, and the “phenomenal faculty” on behalf of all of the class. She talked about changes in recent years, from the national election to the current recession, and added the most positive change to take place at GHS recently has been the appointment of Misenti as school principal, two years ago.

“He’s been one of the greatest positive changes to our school,” said Sliwinski, adding she and her classmates should now “take matters into our own hands and be an agent for change in the world.”

The GHS Class Shield, a traditional gift from each graduating class, was unveiled at the ceremony. Done in wood, the white frames of sunglasses hold paintings in each lens. One shows an Indian (the GHS mascot) in a canoe on the Sound. The other depicts the town’s iconic Grass Island red shack with the Sound in the foreground. Its motto reads “2009: The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.”

GHS Class of 2009 Co-Vice Presidents Michael Cargo and Tanyell Cooke presented the shield with Alexa Brancato (secretary) and Katherine Crabtree and Ruhi Mehta (co-treasurers).
“This shield represents our class, our roots, and this town…[This is] a class that will be the change they wish to see in this world,” Cargo announced.

Co-Presidents Chantaneice Kitt and Eliza Summerlin gave the Class Greeting. Class Valedictorian Amelia Urry told her classmates that they were all “preparing to move forward into a new kind of self sufficiency,” reminding them that “with independence comes a new responsibility.”

Urry said every graduate should embrace any fears of uncertainty about his or her future.
“Fear is not evil…We’re meant to fear things we do not know. It keeps us awake, keeps us aware of the life we’re in…For now, anything is possible,” Urry said.

Guilford High School Class of 2009

2009-07-02T20:06:02Z

The Guilford High School Counseling Department announces the following information regarding the Class of 2009, which recently graduated on June 24. Of the 295 graduates, 96 percent will be pursuing some form of post-secondary eduation. There will be 236 seniors who will be attending four year colleges or universities and 33 seniors will be pursuing their studies at two year institutions. Seven seniors will be attending technical programs, 3 seniors will be attending prep school, 4 seniors will be joining the armed forces, and 12 seniors will be either traveling, are undecided or will be joining the work force directly after graduation.

Jennifer Agamie   ECSU
Jameson Altieri   Gateway Community College
Erika Amatruda   Gateway Community College
Matthew Anthonis   Western New England College
Samantha Ashe   Paul Mitchell Academy of Hairdressing
Matthew Auretta   Lyndon State College
Qasim Aziz   Employment
Emily Babbitt   Berklee College of Music
Rachel Babecki   WCSU
Emily Barber   Duke University
Jennifer Barbosa   New York University
Ariana Basel   Assumption College
Dustin Bennett   Roger Williams University
Christina Berry   College of Charleston
Katherine Bogue   Wake Forest University
Alexandra Bohner   UConn
Melissa Boudreau   Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Alexa Brancato   UConn
Erin Breaker   UConn-Honors Program
Bethany Brierley   College of St. Joseph-VT
Beata Brouard   Wittenberg University
Eric Brown   Curry College
Jacob Brown   University of Rhode Island
Zachary Brown   University of Rhode Island
Kacey Buckley   Delaware Valley College
Nicholas Camera   St. John’s University
Matthew Caraway   Muhlenberg College
Michael Cargos   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Daniel Carter   Dartmouth College
Laura Castracane   University of New Hampshire
Courtney Cattaruzza   UConn
John Chasse   United States Marine Corps
Branden Cheesman   Porter & Chester Institute
Jonathan Christoff   UConn
Adam Cignatta   UConn
Carly Clark   University of Vermont
Victoria Clifford   ECSU
Charlene Cole   James Madison University
Nicholas Colonese   University of Rhode Island
Zachary Connell   Champlain College
Hannah Consiglio   Gateway Community College
Kenneth Conte   University of Rhode Island
Tanyell Cooke   The George Washington University
Charles Corey   United States Coast Guard
Katherine Crabtree   Tulane University
Brandon Crespo   Undecided
Jonathan Criscuolo   Bridgewater State College
Andrew Culvert   Mitchell College
Dana Cutler   CCSU
Rachel Cutler   ECSU
Kathleen DaCorte   CCSU
Stephen D’Addio   University of Arizona
John Dailey   UConn
Aaron Davis   Drew University
Hollise Davis   Endicott College
Stephanie Delaney   SCSU
Noah DeNegre   UConn
Travis Dillon   University of New Haven
Jayanti DiPaolo   Paier College of Art
Elyssa DiRaffaele   DePauw University
Nicole Dostie-Falcone   Gateway Community College
Patrick Doyle   Western New England College
Erica Drake   UConn
Brian Duggan   Bridgewater State College
Paige Durno   UConn
Kaitlyn Earles   SCSU
Christopher Edgerton   SCSU
Morgan Ehlers   Ithaca College
Jeffrey Eilbott   Middlebury College
James Elander   CCSU
Kathleen Elliott   University of Maryland-College Park
Sean Elliott   Sacred Heart University
Meryl Ertelt   Providence College
Stephanie Falcone   University of Rhode Island
Nicholas Faulkner-Filosa   Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Daniel Feder   UConn
Thomas Ferraro   Gateway Community College
Emily Fischer   Fairfield University
Matthew Fulton   Undecided
Kathryn Fussell   CCSU
Rachel Gaewski   Ithaca College
Dillon Geelan   College of Charleston
Sayali Ghatpande   UConn
Haralambia Giannopoulos   Gateway Community College
Brian Gilloran   St. Lawrence University
Morgan Glassman   Massachusetts College of Art & Design
Rachel Gonzalez   East Stroudsburg University
Allison Gottwalt   Macalester College
Amanda Gozzi   Northeastern University
Maria Greco   Mount Saint Mary College
Erin Greenleaf   Middlesex Community College
Kelsey Greim   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Janel Haggerty   Keene State College
Stephen Hall   Undecided
Elizabeth Harmon   Fairfield University
Kevin Hartmann   Iona College
Max Hattenback   UConn
Zachary Hawk   Gateway Community College
Sean Healy   UConn-Avery Point
Melanie Heeren   Keene State College
Laura Heidtman   Gateway Community College
Michael Heinemann   Manhattan College
Nina Hersher   Boston University
Jordyn Hilgert   Middlesex Community College
Katie Hobson   Elmira College
Nicole Hodgdon   UConn
Rachel Hoey   College of Charleston
Justin Husted   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Julia Idarola   CCSU
Alexander Jazinski   Western New England College
Anne Jensen   UConn-Honors Program
Carl Jeppesen   Merrimack College
Matthew Johnson   WCSU
Zachary Johnson   Employment
Elizabeth Jonathan   Hamilton College-NY
Gilbert Jones   Purdue University
Thomas Juncadella   ECSU
Alexandra Kalfus   University of New Hampshire
Amra Kandic   UConn
Stephen Keating   Johnson State College
Andrew Kelly   Lyndon State College
Erin Kelly   Johnson & Wales University
Ryan Kenefick   Middlesex Community College
Alison Kennedy   SCSU
Laura Kennel   University of New Haven
Dino Keric   Middlesex Community College
Corina Kirwin   Trinity University-TX
Chantaneice Kitt   Wesleyan University
Madison Knapp   Bentley University
Domonique Kniffin   Lincoln Technical Institute
Ahmad Kohsar   WCSU
Nina Kraus   Hamilton College-NY
Sarah Krumholz   Macalester College
Stewart Lamberton   SCSU
John Landock   UConn
Brittany Landon   Keene State College
Corinne Latham   SCSU
Andrew Leary   Loomis Chaffee
Kevin Leary   Loomis Chaffee
Nicholas Leeming   Marist College
Brian LeRiche   University of Hartford
Margo Leshine   Pace University-NYC
Shaina Levinson   SCSU
Zachary Levinson   Dean College
William Li   UConn
Jonathan Loja   Middlesex Community College
Thomas LoRicco   Community College of Baltimore-MD
Kyle Lundberg   Trinity College-CT
Justin MacArthur   Providence College
Derek Malinowski   UConn-Avery Point
Kyle Malvey   SCSU
Shelby Mancini   Villanova University
Erica Mansi   Dean College
Christopher Marquis   The College of New Jersey
Stephanie Marsh   University of Rhode Island
MaryLynn Massey   Endicott College
Josef Mazeiko   SUNY-Buffalo
Spencer McCauley   Trinity College-CT
Bryan McCloskey   UConn
Christopher McCloskey   Clark University
Allison Emily McGavisk   Johns Hopkins University
Dennis McGinley   UConn
Ruhi Mehta   Boston University
Kevin Meskill   SCSU
Dustin Miconi   UConn
Lauren Mitchell   University of Delaware
Michael Moalli   Bryant University
Marisa Mohrer   Bates College
Brian Morrell   Middlesex Community College
Paul Mulligan   University of Rhode Island
Michael Nault   UConn
Jenna Naylor   Marist College
Edward Nealon   Mitchell College
Gabriella Necklas   Marist College
Sara North   Gordon College-MA
Rebecca Novick   Lesley University
Laura Nygren   Skidmore College
Jennifer O’Connell   ECSU
Cara Offredi   UConn
Alexander Oman   Saint Joseph’s University
Catherine O’Mara   Keene State College
Rebecca Onat   Mitchell College
Kimberly Osga   SCSU-Honors Program
Shae Owens   Middlesex Community College
Amanda Page   University of Rochester
Shannon Page   Nichols College
Chloe Parrington   SCSU
Allessia Pascarella   ECSU
Akash Patel   Wentworth Institute of Technology
Paul Patinella   Lyndon State College
Johanna Penry   Pace University-NYC
Kathryn Petrick   University of Delaware
Elida Plaza   Hairdressing/Cosmotology Academy
James Plunkett   Kenyon College
Samantha Poccia   Syracuse University
Wayne Pond   Gateway Community College
Frank Prifitera   Employment
Alyxandra Prinz   Pace University-NYC
Kelsey Proctor   SCSU
Troy Puchini   Wentworth Institute of Technology
Frank Putney   ECSU
Michael Rak   Lyndon State College
Christopher Ralls   SUNY-Potsdam
Robert Renner   UConn
Tyler Richmond   Paier College of Art
Meggan Robinson   Middlesex Community College
Michael Roh   Brown University
Julia Rorke   ECSU
Melissa Rose   UConn
Belen Ruiz   UConn-Avery Point
Cristina Ryan   Rhode Island College
Pamela Salmeron   Paul Mitchell Academy of Hairdressing
Zachary Sarlo   Post University
Elizabeth Savrann   Oberlin College
Michael Scales   University of California-Davis
David Scherer   UConn
Evan Schmid   Roger Williams University
Michael Schmitt   Lasell College
Katelyn Scott   UConn
Kyle Scranton   UConn
Katie Shapiro   University of Colorado-Boulder
Kacey Shepherd   University of New Haven
Sarah Shiner   UConn
Ethan Shore   UConn
Gabriel Shore   Syracuse University
Matthew Simon   Junior Hockey
Ari Sinanis   Lesley University
Michelle Sliwinski   The George Washington University
Emma Smith   UConn
Taylor Smith   Salve Regina University
Justin Sousa   Lyndon State College
Connor Sperry   Southern New Hampshire University
Elisabeth Steffen   UConn
Aaron Steinberg   Vassar College
Sydney Stockmann   Middlesex Community College
Michael Stone   University of Rhode Island
Parker Sulkowski   UConn
Emily Sullivan   Boston University
Eliza Summerlin   Macalester College
Andrew Taggart   Middlesex Community College
Andrew Teofilo   SCSU
Eric Terreri   Salve Regina University
Mariuxy Thomas   UConn-Avery Point
Brenna Thommen   University of Delaware
Kaleigh Tomasko   Norwich University
Samantha Troilo   Gateway Community College
Chelsea Trotta   University of Rhode Island
Lauren Trotta   Providence College
Chad Tucker   United States Air Force
Robby Tuttle   UConn
Anne Ulles   College of Charleston
Amelia Urry   Yale University
Fiona Vardy   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Tristan Vroom   Acadia University
Rachel Wagner   UConn
Kierstin Wall   Endicott College
Justin Wallace   Roger Williams University
Samantha Wallace   Ithaca College
Heather Walsh   Gateway Community College
Ian Watson   Three Rivers Community College
Charles Weber   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
David Weber   Three Rivers Community College
Cody Weimer   University of Central Florida
Seth Wells   Curry College
Jaclyn Welsh   University of Delaware
Alexander Wilcox   CCSU
Cody Wiley   United States Air Force
Kelsey Williams   SCSU
Simone Wolff   Barnard College
Nico Zarrillo   Middlesex Community College
Tingyun Linda Zhang   Boston University

A Hand in the Future: Cox Kids Leave Gifts

2009-07-02T20:02:09Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

No matter where they go in the future, 70 members of the A.W. Cox Class of 2009 have left a handprint on their alma mater, inside and out. As their parting gift last week, they dedicated a new walkway to an outdoor playground, then unveiled a new hallway mural inside the building. Each 4th grader pressed a handprint into the concrete walk and in paint outlining a seascape in the gym hallway.

Everyone in the class painted some aspect of the mural, said Cox PTO Cultural Enrichment Chair Beth Kozarec. Painting began in May and depicts a great white heron watching from shore as dolphins jump above the waves. Meanwhile an orange-red octopus floats underneath near some purple jellyfish, a seahorse, and plenty of other colorful underwater fauna (and flora). Artists/moms Michelle Raiti and Laurie Flagherty assisted Kozarec and the kids with the work.

The 4th graders also had a hand in helping project donor Lyon Construction of Madison install a 25-foot curving concrete pathway that now leads from the school’s rear sidewalk to its front playground. The walk replaces what was usually a muddy path, said A.W. Cox Principal Merry Leventhal.

While professionals built the walk, all 70 students left a hand imprint to line its edges. Stony Creek pink granite, inlaid at the center and engraved with “Class of 2009” was donated by Anderson-Wilcox, Inc., of Branford (which also donated plantings surrounding the walk). Old Broadway Mason and Garden of Guilford donated topsoil for the plantings.

Members of the Cox Class of 2009 lined up on either side of the pathway to watch as Leventhal and Cox Student Council members cut a ribbon to officially open the walk last week.

Leventhal thanked the graduating class for truly leaving its mark on the school, reminding them, “no matter where you go from here…you’ll always be Cox Kids.”

Pictured: Outgoing Cox 4th graders check out their work moments after their seascape mural is unveiled in the gym hallway at the school. All 70 students had a hand in painting the mural and literally left their handprint behind as its frame. The mural was dedicated to the school last week as a class gift.

Photos by Pam Johnson

Whole Lotta Lobster

2009-07-02T19:58:07Z

Guilford Rotary held its annual Lobsterfest at the Guilford Fairgrounds on June 27 with more than 1,000 patrons joining for lobster, steak, and an evening of great entertainment. Dustin Galvin, Matt Berliner, Nate Terribile, and Paul Canestri provided culinary expertise as well as sheer muscle.

Photo by Judith L. Barbosa

The Irreplaceable Stan Barnes: Iconic Community Member Passes

2009-07-02T19:47:40Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

Whether you met Stan Barnes out and about in town, knew him during his “school days,” through his tenure as a town servant and volunteer, or simply by reading his “Random Recollections” column in the Guilford Courier, one thing’s certain—his presence was unforgettable, his persona irreplaceable.

On June 24, Barnes, a longtime Guilford resident, educator, and administrator, passed away. Hale and hearty well into his octogenarian years, the avid sailor seemed always to carry a hint of the boy of summer in him. In his youth, his family arrived here seasonally from wilds of New York, traveling by automobile over pre-interstate roads. In later years, Barnes moved to his boyhood summer home on Tuttles Point. There, he and his wife Trudy raised their family and enjoyed many years of retirement together. Barnes was 88 years old.

First Selectman Carl Balestracci, Jr., was a student, teacher, and administrator during Barnes’s years of public school work and also shared town government and volunteer tenures with him. Balestracci said Barnes played an “important role” in many residents’ lives.

“Stan certainly is a Guilford icon. He has meant so much to this community for so many years. I remember serving with him on the Police Commission and when he was selectman, and even before that as principal of Calvin Leete School. He played such an important role in so many lives,” said Balestracci.

The World War II veteran taught not only at Calvin Leete, but also at Melissa Jones Elementary School and was principal at both buildings. He retired from Leete in 1981. Barnes was also a member of the Police Commission, Board of Selectmen, and chairman of the Public Works Building Committee. He was active on boards and committees including Guilford Free Library Board, Guilford Scholarship Association, and the Guilford Community Fund.

A friend and mentor to many, Barnes was the proud father of two daughters and delighted in the companionship of his wife of 67 years. Reached by telephone at their home, Trudy Barnes said that during this difficult time she’s thankful for the many thoughtful people who’ve shown overwhelming support in recent days, including neighbors and friends from Mulberry Point, Tuttles Point, and Indian Cove and her “bridge buddies.”

Sitting in a room looking out over the Sound, Stan Barnes penned his columns long-hand on a yellow legal pad. What you read was what he wrote on the first pass and with that style he invited readers to join him in a conversation regarding his Guilford memories.

From “You Never Know,” a 2006 column about encountering past students as adults (including crossing paths with one on a Caribbean beach) to “It Wasn’t All Three R’s,” his 2007 take on the noble work of school janitors and the unsung missions of principals—such as classroom wasp removal or shoveling snapping turtles off playgrounds—Barnes had plenty of school stories to share, along with doses of commonsense advice.

In 2007, Barnes wrote of his duties as principal, “Anyone who aspires to be a principle would do well to have committed many small sins as a student—then find some ‘learning’ experiences, such as a jog around the school boundaries picking up papers. Most bored students need some muscular energy release—not a lecture or humiliation.”

Barnes often sketched items described in his columns to help today’s residents visualize past Guilford practices or points of interest. His depiction of a barge with a pump and dredge system accompanied “Dredging the Harbor” in 2007. The column was stirred up by Barnes’s encounter with two rusty metal spheres dredged up from Guilford Harbor in the 1960s. The spheres drifted from the dredging site to a marsh near his home, where they’d remained ensconced for some 40 years.

But perhaps his most notable columns visited characters from Guilford’s past. Barnes introduced us to locals from his boyhood, such as the “The Three Musketeers” (Norton Jillson, Ellsworth Norton, and Red Norton), a purposeful and silent trio of beachcombing treasure hunters. There was the shoe-selling/rural newspaper deliveryman “Dutch” Howarth, as well as the “mustachioed” Henry Spencer. Spencer would sometimes give Barnes and other children rides to town on his horse-drawn wagon. The wagon was loaded with shells from Guilford’s shores, bound for local pigeon-grit processing.

“He used to write about so many Guilford characters, but he was one of the finest Guilford ever had,” said Balestracci. “It was so evident he loved the town, the community, and its people. It was evident in his writing an in his intercourse with others. He was a great friend and a great public servant.”

Pictured: (photo from file, GC Jan. 1 2009 page 3): In May 2008, Stanley Barnes, Jr., was one of Guilford’s World War II veterans honored by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz. Barnes, a longtime Guilford resident, educator, town government member, volunteer, and local writer, passed away June 24.

Photo by Pam Johnson

Poised to Act: Williams New GLCT President

2009-07-02T19:44:11Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

More than 2,800 protected acres, including many trails and beautiful vistas, grace Guilford today thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). On June 11, GLCT elected a new president, Sarah Williams, to continue the stewardship of this 34-year-old volunteer organization dedicated to protecting open space.
Sarah succeeds Stephen Besse as GLCT president and says she hopes she can continue his excellent efforts on behalf of GLCT and the town. A five-year board member, she most recently served as GLCT vice president for the past three years. The new GLCT vice president is Gary Kaisen, a Guilford native.
Sarah and her husband Scott moved to Guilford nine years ago. Like many in town who support GLCT, Sarah first signed on as a member of the organization.
“We became members of Guilford Land Conservation Trust within the first year we moved here because we enjoy hiking and the outdoors and wanted to show our support,” she says.
Arriving here from Virginia, the Williamses instantly appreciated Guilford for its natural beauty, Sarah adds.
“When we were looking for places to live, it was clear it was a beautiful town. For us, that’s important.”
The couple has since added three children to the family and Williams, a social worker with Hospice, took a break from work to be with her young family. The change also provided her with more time to become involved with GLCT, through which she’s known for her desire to encourage more families with young children to get into Guilford’s great outdoors.
Saying she cares about “protecting natural areas, certainly,” Sarah adds, “but, as the mom of three young children, I think that taking young people for walks and maybe getting a little dirt on their boots is good for families and may ultimately make all the difference for our natural areas in the long run. It’s really about our legacy.”
Thanks to reliable member support, that legacy has grown exponentially over the past three decades. When opportunities to purchase open space arise, GLCT can often act quickly and decisively, Sarah points out. Recently, GLCT was able to purchase a 45-acre swath of open space visible from the town marina known as the “Soundview” property. The piece was once considered for development.
“It’s a critical piece ecologically and, of course, because it’s central to the view from the town marina area. Without solid support from our members, we would not have had the funds on hand to act quickly when it was necessary. The view from the marina might have looked a little different,” she says.
Other GLCT successes in open space acquisition (in just the last two years) include the 141-acre Broomstick Ledges acquisition and GLCT’s critical support in assisting with overwhelming voter approval to purchase the 624-acre Goss property. Another large segment of Guilford’s open spaces preserved by GLCT are the popular Westwoods Trails hiking areas, all protected under the auspices of GLCT.
Sarah says keeping GLCT poised to handle the next opportunity will be the key to its success. Due to the sensitivity of many purchases, especially properties becoming available as a result of estate and family decisions, GLCT often cannot discuss acquisitions publicly until purchases are made. That leaves little opportunity to build support in the run-up to a purchase, she points out.
“It’s a big unknown. We don’t know when a family may be interested in having a conversation.”
Sarah adds working with landowners (often families) interested in protecting their land is a favorite aspect of her work on behalf of GLCT.
“These people have the vision to leave their own land as a legacy. I’ve had people tell me their grandfather bought the land and they want to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren walk it…I respect these people immensely. They have been the key to Guilford’s character. This character, in turn, has been the key to Guilford’s attractiveness and growth.”
Sarah says she also has a great deal of respect for the venerable organization she now heads, one of the first of its kind. Since its inception, GLCT has acquired more open space than any other group like it in the state.
“We are a volunteer run, non-profit, member-supported organization. There are a lot of people in Guilford who are just passionate about preservation of open space. The Guilford Land Conservation Trust has been leading the way and we are proud of that.”

For more information on GLCT or to become a member, visit www.guilfordlandtrust.org.

Pictured: Sarah Williams has been elected president of Guilford Land Conservation Trust after serving as vice president for three years. An active GLCT board member for five years, she joined the non-profit shortly after moving to Guilford nine years ago.

Photos by Pam Johnson

Ten Students Receive Awards for Citizenship

2009-07-02T19:42:14Z

On May 13, 108 tutors, students, families and friends of Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore (LVVS) gathered at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation Hall in Clinton for the LVVS 18th annual Student Awards Ceremony and International Potluck Dinner. The dinner was organized by Ann Lander and her committee. The diners enjoyed delicacies from such countries as Peru, Brazil, Tibet, Mexico, and Afghanistan. The crowning glory of the evening was the awarding of Certificates of Achievement to 10 students who passed the American Citizenship test this year.
Awards were presented to Shahbibi Qurban Ali (Westbrook); Samad Ali Qurban Ali (Westbrook); Fatima Arhday (Guilford); Raul Jara (Westbrook); Hang Lam (Clinton); Ruth Peterson (Clinton); Aracelly Ramirez (Killingworth); Latifa Ghulan Rasool (Westbrook); Gloria Robison (Westbrook); and Juana “Silvia” Tuttle (Deep River). The Essex Garden Club presented each student with a patriotically wrapped herb plant so that they could plant their roots in their adopted country.
Awards were given out to 56 students for Outstanding Student Participation. Certificates were presented to students who set goals that they wanted to achieve at the beginning of the year and attained those goals. Goals achieved included long-term goals such as gaining U.S. citizenship to short-term ones such as getting a library card. Many of these students improved their employment status because of their increased English-speaking skills; others can now communicate in English with their children’s teachers or with doctors. The skills attained are many times those skills that we take for granted but the non-English speaking person finds them a challenge.
The Book Sale Committee awarded prizes for its annual Essay Contest. The essay contest presents an opportunity for students to practice their writing skills. Essays were judged in several different categories according to their language proficiency. Prizes were awarded in both Basic Reading and English as a Second Language. First place in basic reading was awarded to Mary Rubino (Old Saybrook). First place awards in English as a Second Language (ESL) were given to: Beginning: Nohemi Ramirez (Clinton); High Beginning: Niru Keshwala (Clinton); Low Intermediate: Aracelly Ramirez (Killingworth); High Intermediate: Claudia Hernandez (Lopez) (Guilford); Low Advanced: Giemar Rivera (Clinton); and High Advanced: Debora Franca (Old Saybrook).
LVVS is a nonprofit educational program dedicated to helping adults of all ages improve their lives and their communities by learning reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. Serving 13 towns in the lower valley area, LVVS helps adults overcome barriers and improve employment opportunities by teaching them to communicate in English and basic reading skills.

Information courtesy of Mary Ellen Jewett.

Police Incident Report June 18 to June 24

2009-07-02T19:40:42Z

The Guilford Courier publishes a Police Incident Report to inform residents of incidents, criminal activities, and police responses occurring in town. As those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the report does not include names. It may be edited for length and content.

Thursday, June 18
• A 19 year-old Nortontown Road resident was charged with carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle after police stopped his car for a violation, Boston Post Road, 600 block, 12:37 a.m. He was scheduled to appear in court June 29.
• A 30 year-old Chester resident was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both after police stopped her car for a motor vehicle violation, Durham Road, 200 block, 2:07 a.m. She was scheduled to appear in court June 29.
• A wallet was found in front of Dunkin’ Donuts, 556 Boston Post Road, 9:25 a.m.
• Forged checks report; NewAlliance Bank, 1021 Boston Post Road, 9:34 a.m.
• Animal nuisance, sick squirrel in front of house trying to come inside; Covered Bridge Road, 7:30 p.m. The squirrel was gone when police arrived.
• Criminal mischief, mailbox blown up, Woodland Road, 8:49 p.m.
• Suspicious activity, man at door asking for money for a work fund, Church Street, 9:09 p.m.
• Unwanted person at residence, Little Meadow Road, 9:26 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, spray-paint on stop sign, Sachems Head Road, 11:51 p.m.

Friday, June 19
• A 58 year-old Weatherly Trail resident and a 23 year-old Branford resident were each charged with disorderly conduct after police responded to a report of family dispute, Weatherly Trail, 4:20 p.m. They were scheduled to appear in court June 22.
• Noise complaint, loud yelling coming from service station, 1164 Boston Post Road, 3:47 a.m.
• Criminal mischief, small trees damaged overnight at beach property, Guilford Lakes Association, North Madison Road. The damage was caused by an unknown vehicle.
• Fraud, resident reports unauthorized charges to bank card.
• A bank debit card was found on West Lake Avenue, 500 block.
• Noise complaint, loud music, Jacobs Beach, Seaside Avenue, 6:25 p.m. The music was from an elementary school picnic ending at 8 p.m.; the music was turned down.
• Noise complaint, loud band at ice cream parlor, 23 Water St., 7:11 p.m. Police notified the complainant that the business owner had town permission allowing the band to play until 9 p.m.
• Noise complaint, loud party, Jacobs Beach, 11:05 p.m. The area was quiet when police arrived.

Saturday, June 20
• A 61 year-old Durham Road resident was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both after police stopped his car for a motor vehicle violation, Long Hill Road, 7:23 p.m. He was scheduled to appear in court June 29.
• Animal nuisance, cow loose on Durham Road, 3700 block, 8:15 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, mailbox damaged, repeatedly vandalized, Feather Lane, 8:28 p.m.
• Noise complaint, loud party, Old Whitfield Street, 8:58 p.m.

Sunday, June 21
• A 26 year-old Long Hill Road resident was charged on a warrant with criminal damage to landlord’s property. She was scheduled to appear in court June 30.
• Medical assistance, possible alcohol poisoning incident, Goose Lane, 12:05 a.m.
• Family dispute, Long Hill Road, 12:36 a.m.
• Police received a report of minors with liquor in a vacant apartment, Wauwinet Court, 2:12 a.m.
• Animal nuisance, black snake coiled in bathroom, Denison Drive, 2:21 a.m. An officer removed the snake to a wooded area.
• Family dispute, Andy Lane, 12:11 p.m.
• Suspicious activity, four quad vehicles in area of stump dump; fled into stump dump, Sullivan Drive, 12:16 p.m. The vehicles were not located.
• Peddling without a permit, ongoing problem with magazine salesman, Colonial Road, 5:20 p.m.

Monday, June 22
• A 50 year-old Middletown resident was charged with sixth-degree larceny after police responded to a report of a person in a vehicle taking money from a roadside stand, Durham Road, 5000 block, 7:01 p.m. He was scheduled to appear in court June 30.
• Person bitten by a cat, Sachems Head Road, 9:27 a.m.
• A Beaver Head Road resident reported catching a bat while it had been flying inside the house the night before, 10:30 a.m.
• A hypodermic needle was found on the sidewalk of North River Street, 300 block.
• Theft, money taken from roadside stand, Durham Road, 5000 block, 7:01 p.m. Police were given a license plate number to a vehicle involved.
• Harassment, Long Hill Road, 7:59 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, mailboxes smashed, Mulberry Point Road; witness reports dark sedan involved; 10:07 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, mailboxes smashed, Wildrose Avenue, witness reports vehicle involved heading north; 10:48 p.m. Police located two additional mailboxes damaged in the area; the vehicle was not located.

Tuesday, June 23
No arrests were made.
• Dumping violation at archery range, 100 Route 80, reported at 10:38 a.m.
• Youths laying in the road on Market Place, 2:03 p.m. Police located the youths and spoke to them about skateboard riding in the roadway. The group was cooperative and dispersed.
• Neighbor trouble, Lakeside Drive, 2:24 p.m.
• Youths playing Frisbee over traffic, vicinity Guilford Garden Center, 350 Goose Lane, 3:54 p.m. The area was clear when police arrived.
• Neighbor trouble, Adirondack Lane, 7:03 p.m.
• Noise complaint, loud party, Huckleberry Court, 9:21 p.m.
• Burglary, home’s gun locker entered; three handguns stolen, Fox Run, 9:55 p.m.
• Family dispute, Water Street, 11:36 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24
• A 28 year-old Fox Run resident was charged on a warrant with second-degree failure to appear in court. He was scheduled to appear in court June 24.
• A 56 year-old West Haven resident was charged on a warrant with second-degree failure to appear in court. He was re-scheduled to appear in court June 24.
• A 44 year-old Christopher Lane resident was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both after police stopped his car for a motor vehicle violation, Boston Post Road, 1200 block, 5:57 p.m. He is scheduled to appear in court July 6.
• Animal nuisance, bat in bedroom, Alden Drive, 3:40 a.m.
• Two baseball bats were found at the Bittner Park, 1300 Durham Road.
• Youths trespassing on property, 66 High St., 2:01 p.m.
• Police were asked to check into a report of four youths left in the care of a 13 year-old despite a reported order from Dept. of Children and Family Services prohibiting the children from being left with him, 4:01 p.m.
• Animal nuisance, bat in the bedroom, possibly same bat as was reported in early morning; Alden Drive, 8:01 p.m. The bat was caught and released.
• Noise complaint, loud music, Jacobs Beach, Seaside Avenue, 8:02 p.m. Police located a bus company party, which was ending as they arrived.
• Keys on a multi-colored beaded string were found on Whitfield Street.
• Noise complaint, loud party, Willow Road, 9:44 p.m. The area was quiet when police arrived.
• Family dispute, Hickory Lane, 10:57 p.m.

From June 18 through June 24, the Guilford Police Department received 278 calls for service. Police made 10 arrests, investigated 10 motor vehicle accidents, and issued seven infractions, 54 written warnings, and one verbal warning. Police made one child safety seat installation.
The Guilford Police Department operates an anonymous tip line to report any criminal or suspicious activity for investigation at 203-453-8240.

Police correspondent Pam Johnson compiles the Police Incident Report

The Taste of Victory

2009-07-02T19:37:03Z

Taste of the Shoreline in Guilford last weekend provided the perfect weekend outing for thousands who came for the food, the music, the car show, the fun, and for some, the competition. Bill Gorman was crowned champion of the Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by the Guilford Food Center and emceed by John Saville. Other contestants included David Levesque, Dale Lehman, John Desarbo, and Lenny Benson.

Photo by Judith L. Barbosa

Get Ready for Some Fireworks!: Day Long Celebration to be held July 11

2009-07-01T15:00:58Z

By Fay Abrahamsson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

What began 10 years ago as a day-long celebration for the millennium has turned into a continuing tradition—one looked to in anticipation by residents and visitors to the town of Guilford.

The annual fireworks display, Battle of the Bands, Community Picnic, and Community Band—all to be held Saturday, July 11—is celebrating its 10th year.

A decade ago, the town hosted a day of celebration featuring musicians Livingston Taylor and Tom Chapin, fireworks, and a community picnic on the Guilford Green.

“We have long continued the tradition,” said Rick Maynard, director of the town’s Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department.

Noting that the town holds the fireworks the week following the 4th of July holiday, Maynard said that by doing so, the cost is less expensive to the town. There are fireworks events in nearby towns on July 4.

The Board of Selectmen recently approved a fireworks contract with Atlas PyroVision Productions of New Hampshire for a fee of $10,000, the same price as the year before. Atlas has provided the fireworks displays for the past 10 years. The town contributes $7,200; the remainder is paid from program fees held at Parks & Recreation throughout the year.

“This is something we like doing for the community,” said Maynard. “We are happy to give something back after their support all year.”

Maynard also wished to thank the Guilford Agricultural Society, Lion’s Club, and police and fire departments for their assistance.

Celebration Line Up for Saturday, July 11

Community Picnic and music by the Community Band: on the Guilford Green 4 to 7 p.m.
Bring your own picnic and lawn chairs or blanket, or purchase food and beverages provided by the Lion’s Club. There will be activities for children including a climbing wall and inflatables. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the Guilford Green.

Battle of the Bands: at the Guilford Fairgrounds, Lover’s Lane, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the award-winning music of finalists Nog Jam, Blind Pedestrian Area, and Dr. Rocktopus and The Nunks.

Star Spangled Banner: to be sung just prior to the fireworks at about 9:25 p.m.

Fireworks: at the Guilford Fairgrounds, approximately 9:30 p.m., no admission fee for the fireworks, but there is a charge for parking at the fairgrounds.

Fireworks rain date: Sunday, July 12. For an update on the cancellation status on the day of the event, check the Parks & Recreation Department’s website at www.guilfordparkrec.com, or call 203-458-8068 for a recorded message.

Pictured: The group Blind Pedestrian Area, shown here at the Battle of the Bands, will share the main stage with NoG Jam and Dr Rocktopus and the Nunks for the town’s Saturday, July 11 communty picnic and fireworks celebration.
Photo by Judith L. Barbosa

Graduates Celebrate at Coco Key: All-Night, Substance-Free Party

2009-07-01T14:58:06Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

When plans for this year’s all-night, substance-free graduation party weren’t on the drawing board by late fall, a handful of moms stepped up to make sure Project Graduation 2009 would be there to keep Guilford High School (GHS) graduates safe on June 24, graduation night.

It took a lot of effort in a short amount of time, but thanks to their hard work, more than 80 percent of the GHS Class of 2009 has happily signed up to enjoy one last, safe blast together on what’s traditionally the most dangerous night of the year for high school students. This year’s party breaks with tradition by busing graduates out of town to enjoy the party off-site, explained Steering Committee member Marie Berry.

While past GHS Project Graduation parties have been held at a transformed Baldwin Middle School, creating that venue was always a mammoth task requiring many volunteers. With so few showing an interest in running this year’s party, there was simply no way to make it happen here, said Berry.

“Initially, planning starts in August or September, but due to the lack of volunteers, we knew we couldn’t get it done,” said Berry, who helped with Project Graduation four years ago and is back to assist on behalf of her second GHS grad.

Instead, the group decided to do what many other high schools do (including Branford’s Project Graduation) and head off-site to a location already set up to entertain. The group negotiated with the town between October and December before finalizing plans to take as many 2009 GHS graduates as were willing to Coco Key Water Resort. The indoor water park and entertainment facility is located at the Holiday Inn of Waterbury. The night-into-morning party allows GHS grads to take over the facility from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., then move over to an auditorium for entertainment/breakfast ‘til 5 a.m.

All that’s required of graduates is to leave their car keys behind and climb on buses at GHS at 10 p.m. on graduation night.

“No student is allowed to drive up there. They have to be on the bus,” said Berry.

From the point they reach Coco Key until they return to Guilford next day, the graduates will be off the road and enjoying full use of the Coco Key indoor water park, arcade, food stations, entertainment, and activities as well as gathering goody bags gifts, and raffle prizes.

No matter where it’s held, Project Graduation’s purpose remains the same, Berry added.
“This is an all-night, substance-free celebration for all graduates of GHS that will keep kids safe. Kids are at the highest risk for using drugs and alcohol on graduation night, according to national statistics.”

Parents were presented the idea of going to Coco Key in December, together with news of a slightly increased the per-graduate ticket fee. A business appeal followed. The group also asked for money from local businesses and organizations which given goods and services to Project Graduation in the past, said sub-committee member Susanne Durno.

The volunteers had only five months to raise approximately $30,000 (the same as recent GHS Project Graduation budgets).

“In this recession, we all sort of gulped, but said can we do this in the end,” said Durno.
Other fundraising included a family breakfast in March, April pasta dinner and raffle, May car wash and GHS graduation balloons sold in June. Combined with local donations, $12,000 was raised five months, said Berry. As of last week, with added donations and ticket sales, the entire $30,000 (and a bit more) was raised.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the Guilford community and want to thank everyone who participated to make our event a success,” said Berry.

Pictured: Project Graduation volunteers raised $30,000 to bring the party to Waterbury’s Coco Key June 24. 2009 Steering Committee members are (from left): Cee Trotta, Patti Haggerty (Balloons), Sue Renner, Lecia Scranton, Mary-Anne Cole, Marie Berry, Meg Bogue, and Mina Mazeiko. Missing from photo are Kathy Mitchell and Missy Ulles.

Photo courtesy of GHS Project Graduation

Urry is GHS 2009 Valedictorian: Top Student Will Attend Yale

2009-07-01T14:54:01Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

On track toward becoming the top student in her class, Amelia Urry admits she often thought about whether she’d be named Guilford High School (GHS) Class of 2009 valedictorian. She tried not to let the idea overshadow her senior year.

The only member of her class to be accepted to Yale University (she’ll attend in the fall), Amelia says she wanted to enjoy her final year of academic and extra-curricular activities as much as she wanted to excel at them. She’s known since the end of last year that she was in the running to become valedictorian.

“Once I knew I was that close, I started taking it more seriously. When I found out, I cared a little more about whether I might be it,” says Amelia.

A gifted natural learner, Amelia can’t recall ever having serious difficulty absorbing any subject and found just two of them, AP biology and AP history, to have a difficult workload.
“I really do enjoy what I’m learning, so that might be part of what makes it easier for me,” she says.

For the record, Amelia earned a 17.5 cumulative grade point average, exceeding the GHS top standard of 17.0. She’s never earned lower than an A in any class she’s taken, including many honors and AP courses. This year, to challenge herself, she also took three independent studies courses.

“It was more a matter of me pushing myself and having the system give me a little leeway to learn more,” says Amelia, who worked with teachers to craft calculus B, social studies/comparative governments and creative writing independent studies.

While she says she feels her academic talents are “pretty evenly distributed,” ask Amelia her favorite subject and the answer is simple.

“The thing I like is writing. I sort of always have been doing it. I remember in 7th grade we had to write a story, and I went overboard and wrote 120 pages. I go overboard a lot,” she says, laughing.

Of many awards and accolades earned through the years, Amelia says the one she cherishes most is the writing award she earned from her GHS teachers on Senior Awards Night, recognizing her as the best student writer in the school. In April, Guilford Poets Guild awarded Amelia first place in its GHS Student Poetry Contest.

Amelia also earned the Senior Award for Overall Excellence in Physical Sciences, Theatre (Tech), French, and Physics. She’s earned several underclassmen awards from her teachers through the years, as well. Of course, like any proper valedictorian, Amelia has a long list of other awards and recognitions.

A member of the National Honor Society, in 2008 she won the Rensselaer Medal & Scholarship (for math and science), the Governor’s Scholar Award and the Harvard Book Prize. Amelia became a National Merit Commended Student in 2008 and also was named an AP Scholar, scoring a five on U.S. history, biology, and calculus AB. A member of the French Honor Society (president, 2008) and Latin Honor Society, Amelia also helped fuel JETS, the GHS Physics Team, which medaled at the Yale Physics Olympics.

But all work and no extra-curricular activities doesn’t make for a well-rounded student—or one who got the most out of her high school experience, says Amelia. That’s why she made sure to put just as much effort into playing violin with the select GHS Symphony Orchestra (since 2007) and threw herself into GHS Theatre Arts beginning in 2005 (she’s 2008-2009 STAGE president and has been lighting crew chief since 2007).

“I’ve kind of been sucked into theater, but I’m so glad,” says Amelia, who’s also volunteered many community service hours as a lighting tech with Shoreline Arts Alliance shows, GHS student shows, and Guilford Youth and Family Services Youth Theatre productions.
“I admire those people who have the discipline to work so hard to the exclusion of all other things, but I also think it’s not the most important thing for the four years you’re here. The important thing is not missing out,” she says. “Everyone should challenge themselves to do as much as they’re able. You have nothing to lose by challenging yourself.”

Pictured: Enjoying what she’s learning, no matter the subject, has been a gift that’s vaulted Amelia Urry to the top of her class. Urry is GHS Class of 2009 valedictorian.

Photo by Pam Johnson

It’s That Time of Year: Town Hires New Mosquito Contractor

2009-07-01T14:51:51Z

By Fay Abrahamsson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

With the start of summer come those most annoying of creatures called mosquitoes. And while there is no way to completely eradicate the pesky bugs from our lives, there are ways to substantially decrease their presence and population, according to the town health director.

At a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, officials approved a mosquito eradication contract to low-bidder All Habitat Services of Madison. One other bidder, Innovative Mosquito Management of Madison, which the town has used for five years, also presented a bid for work. The town has a $24,000 annual budget for mosquito control.

The costs are broken down per mile for spraying, according to health director Dennis Johnson. All Habitat came in at $19 a mile and Innovative at $45 a mile. In addition, All Habitat was not charging for inspections; Innovative charged $40 per inspection. The cost to provide a larvicide service, or the killing of the mosquito eggs, came in at an 11 cents difference between the two companies, added Johnson.

There are three components to ridding mosquitoes. One is the inspection and survey of the top hot spots in town for mosquitoes to lay their eggs—most often marshes and standing bodies of water.

“Guilford has 400 to 500 acres of salt marshes, which are prime areas for salt water mosquito breeding,” said Johnson.

The second component after identifying the highest-need areas is to eliminate the mosquito larvae by killing them before they turn into a flying adult. The third is to perform roadside spraying.

Prior to the road-side spraying, the town’s Health Department must post signs indicating the date(s) of the upcoming spraying. Households that wish to be removed from the spraying lineup can do so by getting on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP’s) “no-spray” list. For more information, visit www.ct.gov/dep.

Johnson pointed out that the roadside spraying to kill mosquitoes will not harm other “good” insects–especially dragonflies and damselflies that feast on mosquitoes.

Johnson explained that more than 20 years ago, the state DEP had the funds and personnel to initiate and continue an advanced program to control mosquitoes. Today, unfortunately, it does not. In the past, the DEP dug large ditches in the sand, under the water table, that allowed for the easy flow of water.

“Mosquitoes like stagnant, warm, and shallow water—not flowing water,” said Johnson.

Tips on Preventing Mosquitoes from Hanging Out at Your House

Guilford Health Director Dennis Johnson pointed out a simple fact: if you do not live near a salt marsh but are experiencing a problem with large amounts of mosquitoes on your property, then the problem originates at your home or your neighbors’ homes.

The number one culprit is clogged rain gutters, said Johnson.

“One plugged-up rain gutter can breed thousands of mosquitoes,” noted Johnson, who said all it takes is one-half inch of standing water in a rain gutter to do the trick.

Mosquitoes begin their life in the water so, if you eliminate the water, you eliminate the adult insect.

Any areas of standing water around your home (or unfortunately, your neighbors’ homes as mosquitoes can fly up to one-half a mile) should be eliminated. The usual suspects are bird baths, garbage pails, flower pots, plastic buckets, and kiddy pools.

Clean and dry rain gutters and the removal of other standing water around the home is the best preventive measure to rid a yard of pesky mosquitoes.

What’s Old is New Again: Trough Closer to Original Site

2009-07-01T14:48:00Z

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

The corner of Boston and Whitfield Streets once again hosts a 50-gallon granite horse trough that graced that vicinity in 1911, back when commercial traffic was largely fueled by four-legged creatures with a powerful thirst. Removed from the street as the age of the auto encroached, the unique, cylindrical trough had been slumbering (and slanting) through the decades on a nearby grassy spot on the Green’s Whitfield Street side. Now, set on a proper stone paver footing, the trough’s been relocated close to the site of its first home.

Guilford First Selectman Carl Balestracci, Jr., said plans to move the trough closer to its original site and onto safer ground were proposed some years back by the Guilford Green Committee.

“There was never a footing under it and it had started to tilt to the point where it was becoming a safety issue. The decision to move it also made it a bit more in line with our history…it was a combination of making it safe and celebrating another piece of our history,” said Balestracci.

The plan was approved by the Board of Selectmen and was finally able to be implemented this year. Construction work (replacing some grass with stone pavers) began in late May. The trough, carved from gray granite, was hoisted into its new position a few weeks ago.

According to Guilford Town Historian Joel Helander’s latest book, A Treasury of Guilford Places, (Helander/2008), the trough was first installed in 1911 in the intersection of Boston and Whitfield Streets. It was moved out of the road in 1920, to appease a growing number of drivers who’d experienced near collisions with the stone structure. Relocated to the Whitfield Street side of the Green, it remained there to serve an ever-diminishing number of horse owners.

Over the years, water stopped filling the trough, replaced to this day by flowers planted each summer by the Guilford Garden Club. Last week, the club planted its latest arrangement in what once again is a completely level structure, at its new location.

Balestracci said he knew of only one complaint regarding what some may regard as a “new” structure on the Green.

“There are some people who probably didn’t realize it was on the Green already. It wasn’t moved from another point in town to clutter the Green. It’s a prominent part of our history because of its use before the advent of the automobile.”

Pictured: Earlier this month, stone pavers were placed on the Green at the corner of Boston and Whitfield Streets and the trough was hoisted into place. The re-aligned trough now sits just a few yards from its original location in the intersection, where it once fueled horse-drawn traffic.

Photo by Pam Johnson

Police Incident Report June 11 to June 17

2009-07-01T14:46:07Z

The Guilford Courier publishes a Police Incident Report to inform residents of incidents, criminal activities, and police responses occurring in town. As those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the report does not include names. It may be edited for length and content.

Thursday, June 11
• A 30 year-old Ivoryton resident was charged on a warrant with second-degree failure to appear in court.
• A 57 year-old Southbury resident was charged on a warrant with fourth-degree larceny.
• An 18 year-old River Colony resident and a 52 year-old resident of the same address were each charged on a warrant with disorderly conduct.
• Theft, iPod stolen from cafeteria, Guilford High School, 605 New England Road.
• Neighbor trouble, late report of morning incident; High Street.
• Fire alarm, Adams Middle School, 233 Church St., 12:40 p.m.
• Fraud, resident reports unauthorized access to account.
• License plate lost or stolen, Water Street.
• Police assisted another agency with a request to serve a liquor control subpoena to a Lake Drive resident, 2:51 p.m. No contact could be made.
• Theft, male youth stole a soda and now on the Town Green; Guilford Food Center, 77 Whitfield St., 2:53 p.m.
• Suspicious person, Falcon Road, 4:42 p.m. The man was located and had a valid peddler’s permit from the town.

Friday, June 12
No arrests were made.
Family dispute, Woodland Road, 12:35 p.m.
• Animal nuisance, fox in neighborhood while children are outside, Alpha Aveune, 5:01 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, vehicle’s rear window smashed while parked in driveway, Little Meadow Road, reported at 7:08 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, nails placed in driveway, Tanner Marsh Road, reported at 7:15 p.m.
• Neighbor trouble, Durham Road, 5000 block, 8:39 p.m.
• Breach of peace, three teenaged males involved, 860 Boston Post Road, 9:52 p.m.
• Noise complaint, loud television, Union Street, 11:03 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, fire department requests an officer at brush fire scene, West Street, 900 block, 11:09 p.m.

Saturday, June 13
No arrests were made.
• Criminal mischief, resident awakened by sound of glass breaking, Lakeside Drive, 3:14 a.m.
• Noise complaint, loud drums, Reeves Avenue, 4:05 p.m.
• Police located a resident wanted on a warrant by state police at a Boston Post Road address, 12:50 p.m. He was transferred to police headquarters.
• Family dispute, Fox Run, 5:38 p.m.

Sunday, June 14
No arrests were made.
• Breach of peace, argument in street, Brookridge Lane, 3:06 a.m.
• Police stood by at the scene of a boat fallen off trailer in the middle of the I-95 Exit 58 ramp, 8:17 a.m., until state police arrived.
• Late report, set of keys found three weeks ago on Boston Post Road, 600 block.
• Police assisted state police with a report of youths throwing rocks, numerous cars pulled over, I-95 southbound, vicinity Exit 57 and Exit 56, 4:17 p.m.
• Neighbor trouble, Boston Post Road, 1000 block, 4:43 p.m.
• Police located a resident at a Maple Hills Road address wanted on a warrant by another town, 5:49 p.m. He was transferred to police headquarters.
• Animal nuisance, dogs ran off property at walker with dogs, Meadow Hill Drive, 7:02 p.m.
• Suspicious activity, gunshots from neighboring property, Sugar Bush Lane, 7:26 p.m. Police checked, the area was quiet.

Monday, June 15
No arrests were made.
• Animal nuisance, seven cats require eviction, Union Street, 10:55 a.m.
• A woman was reported for peddling without a permit after showing a resident on Andrews Road a permit with a date crossed out. The resident stated the woman also said the resident will see her again and will regret it; 3:33 p.m.
• Suspicious activity, male selling books door-to-door, Highwoods Drive, 4:14 p.m.
• Family dispute, Great Harbor Road, 4:17 p.m.
• Attempted burglary, Murray Lane; two window screens up, smudges on dust; 5:56 p.m.
• Suspicious activity, man in van possibly selling magazines in neighborhood; Ironwood Road, 6:42 p.m.
• Burglary from home, musical instruments taken; no forced entry, Janeway Drive; 6:58 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16
No arrests were made.
• Neighbor trouble, Boston Post Road, 1000 block, 8:21 a.m.
• Neighbor trouble, Highland Avenue, 10:42 a.m.
• Theft from auto, resident reports incident occurred overnight, vehicle involved in a driving while under the influence incident in North Branford; vehicle is impounded in that town.
• Criminal mischief, car spray-painted, Wheaton Avenue; reported at 5:29 p.m.
• Family dispute, late report of argument earlier in the day, Stony Hill Road; incident reported at 6:34 p.m.
• Family dispute, Ironwood Road, 8:18 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, group of teens near library side of building; chalk on driveway and windows there, Guilford High School, 10:08 p.m.

Wednesday, June 17
• A 32 year-old Edgewood Drive resident was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both, after he was stopped by police for a motor vehicle violation, Long Hill Road, 400 block, 2:15 a.m.
• Police issued infractions to juveniles reported for criminal mischief, throwing water balloons at cars, Long Hill Road, 2:17 p.m. No other details were available.
• Criminal mischief; late report of witnessing a person “key” a car on June 16, Shoreline Plaza, 830 Boston Post Road; person left in a vehicle. Police were given license plate numbers for both vehicles.
• Criminal mischief, stop signs painted with “2009” in several street locations near Guilford High School, first reported on Highwoods Drive.
• Theft, two bikes taken from bleachers near football field, Guilford High School, 10:02 a.m.
• Theft, late report, incident occurred June 16; Flutterby, 55 Whitfield St.
• Harassment, political activists in front of post offices harassing customers, 42 Water St., 1:51 p.m.
• Criminal mischief, street sign missing, Burt Road.
• Youths reported skateboarding in parking lot, Boston Post Road, 1500 block, 4:47 p.m. No youths were skateboarding when police arrived.
• Neighbor trouble, Lake Drive, 5:32 p.m.
• Neighbor trouble, Goose Lane, 6:04 p.m.
• Police escorted one male from the scene after responding to a witness report of a possible drug transaction between two teenaged males in High Street driveway, 8:04 p.m. No other details were available.
• Police checked into a report of peddlers out after 6 p.m., in violation of town ordinance, East Bearhouse Hill, 8:18 p.m. No peddlers were located.
• Police located a male wanted by another town at a High Street address, 8:48 p.m.
• A resident reported shooting a raccoon in the head after it may have bitten the resident’s dog, New Quarry Road, 10:34 p.m.
• A resident reported advising a dark blue vehicle “full of teens” wanting to play soccer behind Guilford High School to leave the area, 11:46 p.m.

ITALIC: From June 11 through June 17, the Guilford Police Department received 273 calls for service. Police made five arrests, investigated 12 motor vehicle accidents, and issued three infractions, 53 written warnings and six verbal warnings. Police made three child safety seat installation.
The Guilford Police Department operates an anonymous tip line to report any criminal or suspicious activity for investigation at 203-453-8240.

Police correspondent Pam Johnson compiles the Police Incident Report.