Guilford Courier

Here Comes Harvey

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:31:50 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

Actor James Stewart described his role as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey as the role of a lifetime–he even sketched a bunny next to his autograph (sorry, George Bailey fans). But with the success of Stewart’s 1950 film role as the man who’s best friend is a six-foot tall invisible rabbit came a problem still facing directors today–how do you put on new versions of Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play when a certain actor has captured the lead so well?

It’s a challenge, agrees GHS Theatre Arts Director Jim Motes–which is exactly why he selected Harvey as this year’s Guilford High School fall play. On Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 20 to 22, Motes leads a talented team of students in three performances of Harvey at the GHS auditorium, 7 p.m.

Thanks to Stewart’s incredible portrayal, Harvey isn’t a play found on the top-10 list of amateur and professional performances, Motes said.

“Harvey has flown under the radar for so long. We’re not trying to mimic [the movie]. We’re creating a wonderful story by having our actors find that emotional direction that’s in each character.”

Motes said the GHS cast has worked hard to deliver just the right emotional quality to their lines and to hit the comedic timing which often carries Chase’s dialogue through turbulent family and social waters. In a nod to the family atmosphere encouraged at GHS plays, Motes has removed a crutch Chase created for Dowd–in the GHS version, the character won’t excessively imbibe in alcoholic beverages.

“I softened the alcoholic aspect so the audience will be judging Elwood on who he is. We focused on the childlike qualities Elwood has…he’s innocent, sweet, a polite gentleman. Even though he’s 47 years old, he has an imaginary friend.”

Filling the demanding role of Elwood Dowd is Chris McCloskey. McCloskey not only has to bring the audience along into the world in which Harvey the rabbit exists, but also has to prove to a judge that he isn’t crazy–as his sister, Veta Louis Simmons (aptly portrayed by Sam Wallace) believes.

Motes said he’s delighted with the work of the play’s ensemble cast of 12 characters and especially points to the collaboration that’s gone on between the actors and the director. For example, the actors themselves determined the best placement of furniture and props in the play’s two, single-level sets.

“Of the 12, seven have quite a bit to do,” Motes said. “I cast people who really fit the roles, whether they’re freshmen or more seasoned actors. We have one freshman, a sophomore, and three other actors this year who have not been on the main stage before.”

As for Harvey (spoiler alert!), no six-foot tall rabbit is set to take the GHS stage. But, said Motes, that’s not to say Harvey won’t be there.

“We say it’s an invisible rabbit and we have ways to get the audience playing along. There’s some evidence Harvey seems to exist,” he said.

GHS Theatre Arts presents Harvey by Mary Chase, GHS Auditorium, 605 New England Road, Nov. 20, 21, 22 at 7 p.m. Advance tickets $10, general seating $12 at the door on show nights. To order advance tickets (to be held at the door), call 458-0179 or email t.mccloskey@snet.net.

Pictured: The cast of Harvey prepares for its Nov. 20 opening night at Guilford High School. Pictured, seated, are David Gallante, Chris McCloskey, and Eric Toth; standing, are Carla-Mafumi Grigley, Emily Breeze, Levi Alpert, Veronica Georgeo, Christian Halloway, Samantha Wallace, Ryan Corey, and Julia Idarola.

Photo by Judith L. Barbosa

Driving Thanksgiving Dinner Home

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:20:21 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

Some Guilford residents simply wouldn’t be sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner without a generous assist from their neighbors.

Enough volunteers have stepped up to fill 40 requests for hot Thanksgiving dinner deliveries next Thursday, according to Guilford Meals on Wheels Director Gail O’Leary. But at Guilford Social Services (GSS), there’s still a need for folks to donate frozen turkeys and all the trimmings so that more than 100 residents in crisis can cook and serve their family a Thanksgiving meal, said Director Tammy DeFrancesco.

DeFrancesco is hoping residents will read about the need and make a food donation within the next few days to help fill holiday baskets. The baskets will be picked up next week by members of Guilford families pre-qualified for assistance through GSS. Those families are on a list of “committed” baskets, explained DeFrancesco.

“We have approximately 110 committed baskets for Thanksgiving going out, but expect many more referrals [this week] and even more for Christmas. We have only 64 turkeys committed to us by the Connecticut Food Bank, so we could certainly use more,” said DeFrancesco.

Donations of frozen turkeys, sweet potatoes, rolls, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, desserts, and other fixings are needed by Nov. 24 at the latest. Members of Guilford’s American Legion, Guilford’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and their auxiliaries stand ready to sort donations and stuff baskets.

“I ask that all perishables for the holiday baskets be brought to the VFW during the hours listed as we take the project out of the Guilford Food Bank for the holidays due to lack of space,” said DeFrancesco.

The Guilford VFW donates the use of its hall for the holiday basket project each year. Other sponsors of the Holiday Food Basket program are Guilford Rotary, Guilford Seniors, and Guilford Food Bank.

In addition to the VFW collection site, non-perishable donations can be dropped off during business hours at the Guilford Police Department, Monroe Muffler, The Book Swap, Palumbo’s Automotive, and the Guilford Big Y.

Even as Thanksgiving looms, DeFrancesco and O’Leary are busy seeking donations and volunteers to fill Christmas meal requests. In addition, volunteer drivers are needed to contact Meals on Wheels to help with Christmas Day meal deliveries.

Meals on Wheels regular driver Julius Friese delivers up to 22 meals monthly and says becoming a one-time holiday driver is a great introduction.

“It’s wonderful. The people we deliver to are all very nice people who are all very thankful,” said Friese, a volunteer for more than six years.

And, Friese added, if you can’t volunteer as a holiday delivery driver, consider making a monetary donation to Meals on Wheels. The non-profit program is an agency of Guilford Interfaith Ministries.

To volunteer with Guilford Meals on Wheels for holiday deliveries, call Ron DeMartino at 453-6256.

Donated food for Thanksgiving baskets, including perishables such as potatoes and frozen turkeys, can be dropped off Sunday, Nov. 23, noon to 6 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 24, 2 to 6 p.m., at the VFW Hall on Mill Road. The baskets are picked up at the Guilford VFW on Nov. 25.

Guilford Social Services (GSS) Christmas food basket donations will be collected through Dec. 17 at GSS collection sites. Non-perishable donations will be accepted at the VFW on Tuesday, Dec. 16 and Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2 to 6 p.m.

For more information on GSS Holiday Basket program, call 203-453-8009.

Pictured: Volunteers like Julius Friese, left, and Ray Dudley help Meals on Wheels Director Gail O’Leary deliver hot meals year-round. On Thanksgiving, one-time holiday volunteers will deliver 40 hot Thanksgiving dinners, but many families hoping to cook their own Thanksgiving meal are still in need. Now, the push is on to collect enough food to supply at least 110 families with Thanksgiving Food Baskets through Guilford Social Services.

Photo by Pam Johnson

A Valuable Guilford Resource

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:11:08 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

From her volunteer work as a main author of the town’s first Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment (NRIA) to serving since 2002 with the Guilford Conservation Commission (GCC), Jennifer Allcock has spent countless hours determining how to help conserve Guilford’s natural gifts for future generations.

“Guilford is 50 square miles and the town owns 2,000 acres. It’s our job to attempt to preserve its natural resources and draw attention to them using our scarce dollars. We have to make judicious use of tax dollars and match them with private funding,” says Jennifer.

The GCC continues to encourage the hiring of a town land steward. In the meantime, GCC is on the job. To that end, Jennifer wants to inform residents of the need to curb some very invasive plant species. She also wants to introduce the idea that Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) should adopt Low Impact Development guidelines.

When it comes to working with PZC, Jennifer has more than a little experience. As its GCC liaison, she’s served on the Action Item Steering Committee (following up on 2002’s Plan of Conservation and Development), Stormwater Management and Advisory Committee, Ad Hoc Impervious Surface Study, and Municipal Coastal Plan Advisory Committee. Her civic involvement began in the mid 1990s, joining Guilford Vision Project. First appointed to GCC in 2002 to fill a vacant three-year term, Jennifer’s also an original member of Shoreline Greenway Trail.

A board-certified pediatrician, born and educated in England, Jennifer moved to Guilford in 1995 after earning a master’s degree in landscape design and launching her second career. To talk to her about Guilford’s invasive plants is to receive quite an education–and a bit of a scare.

On an aerial coastline map, she points to huge swaths of grayish growth in Guilford–colonies of phragmites, a non-native reed topping 15 feet. Phragmites spreads like wildfire and subsumes native grasses key to many indigenous species. Pulling it up or cutting it down only encourages growth. The only answer is a targeted herbicide. GCC hopes to treat phragmites on land owned by the town.

Likewise, in many forested areas of Guilford, invasive, non-native Japanese barberry, a spiny shrub, runs rampant and needs to be addressed.

“Japanese barberry has completely replaced the understory in the James Valley Preserve. The creatures that depend on that habitat can’t find it any more,” says Jennifer.

In all, some 20 plants are crowding out native species, from those choking Lake Quonnipaug’s shoreline to woodland invasions of Oriental bittersweet, a tough vine that’s “pulling down trees,” says Jennifer.

Tackling aggressive invasive plants requires time and money. With an all-volunteer GCC and a limited budget, that’s a pretty tall order, but one GCC feels it must take on.

“According to the Nature Conservancy, it’s the second greatest threat to habitat after development,” says Jennifer. “My future hope for the Conservation Commission is that it can take the lead in showing how to control invasive species.

Speaking of development, another future hope for Jennifer is that Guilford promotes Low Impact Development (LID) guidelines.

“I’m looking forward to Low Impact Guidelines being adopted by the Zoning Commission as an expectation of developers. It’s a way to achieve environmentally friendly developing at the least cost to developers.”

LID guidelines call for environment-conserving implementations such as shorter roads, shared driveways, on-site storm water retention and placing homes in “clusters.”

“People value cluster homes because of the community feel. I see them as a win-win situation,” says Jennifer.

Thanks to the NRIA, an overview already exists to guide developers in ways to best link existing open space and preserve natural resources and wildlife greenways. As a primary NRIA author, Jennifer says she enjoyed taking on the challenge of creating the document.

“Completing original research was very challenging,” she notes, “and it was rewarding to put it together and then to analyze it.”

When the NRIA was published in 2004, Jennifer was GCC chair. Today, she’s serving her second term as GCC secretary. She credits the experience and expertise of the entire GCC and especially the efforts of co-authors Shelley Green, William Johnson, and Erin O’Hare with making the NRIA a reality. Copies of the extensive document can viewed on the GCC website and found in physical form at Guilford Free Library.

Jennifer is especially proud of the NRIA’s “J” map series, which includes the first coastal resource map of Guilford and builds to an overlay map showing protected open space as one-third of its land. The other two-thirds are split between developed land and privately owned land.

“The state of Connecticut has a goal of 21 percent protected open space by 2021. To the extent that Guilford has 30 percent, the challenge is to keep that ratio as the land is developed,” says Jennifer.

“Nobody really owns the land. We are but temporary stewards. I see a big responsibility for us in caring for the land for future generations,” she says. “If we don’t, they can’t.”

Between town and state regulations, encroaching invasive species, and the desire for responsible stewardship, landowners have a lot of difficult decisions to make. To make life a little easier, Person of the Week Jennifer Allcock has agreed to answer reader questions on Guilford conservation issues. Post your question below in the story’s comments section.

For more information on programs and other GCC news, visit www.guilfordconservation.org.

Pictured: Conserving Guilford’s natural gifts is a priority for Jennifer Allcock. A leading member of the Guilford Conservation Commission since 2002, Jennifer is also a principle author of the town’s first Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment.

Photo by Pam Johnson

Home Aide Stole $11,000

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:06:29 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

Police charged a 25-year-old New Haven resident with first-degree larceny after an investigation into a report she stole $11,000 from a Guilford residence while working there as a home aide. The case had been under investigation since Sept. 12, when the owner of the cash made an early morning call to police headquarters to report the theft.

In an interesting twist, the stolen money didn’t belong to the Guilford resident. It belonged to the resident’s full-time home aide and was stolen by a part-time aide who had been in the home. The full-time aide had been storing up cash from paychecks and hiding it under a mattress, according to Deputy Chief of Police Jeffrey Hutchinson.

Due to the police investigation, the part-time aide, Shaleta Grier, 25, of New Haven, learned she was wanted on a warrant and turned herself in at police headquarters on Nov. 4. She was charged with one count of first-degree larceny and also confessed to the crime at that time, said Hutchinson.

The stolen cash was not recovered at the time of Grier’s arrest. She was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 18.

Hutchinson said it just makes sense not to keep large sums of cash unsafely stored at home. He added the most common place a thief will search for jewelry or money is in a home’s bedroom, especially its master bedroom.

“The first place they’ll look is in dresser drawers and [then] they will look under the mattress,” he said.

However You Heat–Keep It Safe

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:04:27 GMT

By Fay Abrahamsson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

The good news is the cost of home heating oil is down on average $1.65 from earlier this year. The bad news is that for many, the cost of everyday household expenses such as groceries keep rising.

Since surviving a cold winter will be a challenge, many residents may resort to alternative heating methods to save money, said Guilford Fire Department Assistant Chief Wayne Vetre.

According to Vetre, whatever method you choose to heat your home, there are certain precautions and preventive measures that must be done to insure the safety of the house or apartment, and its occupants.

Vetre said that it’s important to always follow the manufacturers’ directions to operate the heating source whether it is a wood stove, oil furnace, or electric space heater.

“Make sure the device is UL listed and installed by a professional,” said Vetre.

He also recommends a schedule of maintenance for all heating sources, preferably annually.

“Prevention is a key to survivability,” said Vetre.

With many different heating devices on the market, Vetre is worried that homeowners may think about price first and safety second.

Homeowners should be aware that if they choose ventless appliances, these appliances will consume the oxygen in the home, said Vetre.

Vetre recommends that, prior to the purchase of a ventless appliance, the consumer checks that the device is equipped with an oxygen depletion detector.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous by-product of any fuel-burning appliance, especially since you cannot smell it, taste it, or see it–but it can kill you.

“The Guilford Fire Department recommends both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home,” said Vetre.

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of the fossil fuels–gas, oil, coal, and wood used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, solid fuel appliances, and open fires.

Dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide can accumulate when, as a result of poor installation, poor maintenance, or failure or damage to an appliance in service, the fuel is not burned properly.

When rooms are poorly ventilated, the carbon monoxide is unable to escape.

In today’s world of improved insulation in homes and double-glazing on windows, it has become increasingly important to install a carbon monoxide detector.

Electric space heaters, which do not burn fossil fuels, have their own set of safety concerns.

“Follow the manufacturers’ directions, paying particular attention to the location of the space heater,” said Vetre. “Keep the airspace clear and do not place the unit near combustibles such as drapes, curtains, blankets, and bedding.”

In addition, it’s wise to never overload your home’s circuits, said Vetre. Most circuits can handle a space heater only. Adding a hair dryer or curling iron to this circuit could cause a fire.

Look for changes in an outlet’s condition over time, added Vetre, such as it becoming overheated.

Unlike the above heat sources, which require special consideration to stay safe, Vetre says that some heaters simply cannot be considered safe.

“The Guilford Fire Department cannot condone the use of kerosene heaters,” Vetre noted, saying that not only are they very dirty and emit a large amount of soot, they reduce the oxygen level in a home significantly.

The Guilford Fire Department conducts inspections of wood and pellet stoves, for example, which are often required by the homeowner’s insurance company.

“We want everyone in Guilford to have a safe and warm winter,” said Vetre.

Home Heating Safety Tips from the Guilford Fire Department

• Make sure your home has adequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries on both twice a year.

• Have your heating appliances maintained and checked annually by a licensed company, installed by a licensed professional, and inspected by the Guilford Fire Department.

• Have flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned each year.

• Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended.

• Make sure you obtain any building permits for changes or additions in your heating system such as a new stove or chimney.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for the safe operation of your heating appliance.

• Don’t try to save money by running your oil tank dry–it will start burning the sludge.

• Remember that space heaters need space–don’t place a space heater near any combustibles such as beds or curtains. Make sure it cannot tip over.

• Turn off all space heaters before leaving the home.

• Don’t overload your electrical circuits and outlets.

Police Incident Report: Oct. 30 to Nov. 12

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:01:46 GMT

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, Oct. 30

No arrests were made.

• Medical assistance, pediatric fall victim, Andrew Lane, 10:01 a.m.

• Stolen wallet, boys’ locker room, Guilford High School (GHS), 605 New England Road, reported at 10:10 a.m.

• Stolen wallet, math room, GHS, reported at 10:20 a.m.

• Trek bicycle found behind Town Hall South, 50 Boston St.

• Cell phone lost or stolen from gym class, GHS, reported at 1:48 p.m.

• Animal nuisance, coyote won’t leave yard, Dogwood Lane, 7:34 p.m. The area was clear when police arrived.

Friday, Oct. 31

No arrests were made.

• Between 2:20 and 3:25 a.m., police received nine “Mischief Night” reports of toilet paper strewn in trees, on Edwards Street, Nut Plains Road, Water Street, Willow Road, South Union Street, Long Hill Road, Russo Drive, and Valley Shore Drive.

• As reported in the Nov. 6 issue of the Guilford Courier, a “Mischief Night” incident included glue sprayed into locks of doors at Adams Middle School, 233 Church St., 4:59 a.m. A janitor cleared the locks before the glue set.

• Stolen iPod, GHS, reported at 1:57 p.m.

• Backpack found, High Street.

• Minors in possession of alcohol, GHS, 7:50 p.m.

• A resident contacted police to report an 11-year-old had admitted to mischief in the neighborhood, Barnshed Lane, 9:40 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1

• A 21-year-old Blackfoot Court resident was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both after police responded to a report of a breach of peace at McDonalds, 617 Boston Post Road, 4:33 a.m. He was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 10.

• A 41-year-old Cedar Hill Road resident was charged with threatening after police responded to a report of a family dispute at his home, 5:14 p.m. He was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 4.

• Criminal mischief, 11 mailboxes damaged, Nut Plains Road; also two damaged on Maplehurst Road and one on North Madison Road, approximately 4:29 a.m.

• Late theft report, copper gutters removed from home, Walden Hill Road, date of theft unknown.

• A witness reported an older driver knocked down a sign, 700 Boston Post Road, 12:11 p.m.

• Motor vehicle violation, ATVs on town property, County Road, 2:06 p.m. The ATVs were heard in woods on North Branford property.

• Tractor fire, Village Pond Road, 2:07 p.m. The Guilford Fire Dept. extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

• Criminal mischief, phallic symbols painted on door, Guilford Lakes School, 40 Maupas Road.

• Between 4:56 and 5:54 p.m., police received two reports of youths pretending to pull a rope/stretch a wire across a road at Goose Lane and Tuttle Point Road. They were not located.

• An officer shot a reported injured deer in the roadway, Route 80, 800 block, 11:40 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 2

• A 29-year-old Shore Drive resident was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both after he was stopped for a motor vehicle violation, Long Hill Road, 1:27 a.m. He was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 10.

• Criminal mischief, handicapped parking signs damaged, Guilford Glen, 5 Durham Road.

• Cell phone found, Driftwood Lane.

• Trespassing, person continues stealing beer from garage, Union Street.

• Police pulled a bed/mattress off I-95 in the southbound travel lane by Exit 59, 7:52 p.m. State Police were notified.

Monday, Nov. 3

• A 37-year-old New Haven resident was charged on a warrant with first-degree failure to appear in court. He was re-scheduled to appear in court Nov. 18.

• Theft, political sign stolen overnight, Boston Post Road, 700 block.

• Youths in the woods with flashlights, vicinity Nortontown Road, 9:25 p.m.

• Large group of youths near tennis courts, vicinity Mohawk Trail, 11:07 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

• Late report, theft from auto on Oct. 30, unlocked vehicle in back lot of Bishop’s Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road.

• Theft, license plate taken, Long Hill Road, 2100 block.

• Sailboat motor stolen, Farmers Wharf Road, reported at 5:24 p.m.

• Suspicious activity, caller can see fire with people in backyard, Lois Lane, 10:24 p.m. The Guilford Fire Dept. was notified.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

No arrests were made.

• Family dispute, Meadow Hills Drive, 7:17 a.m.

• Theft, late report, cell phone and camera taken from Nov. 4 evening orchestra concert, GHS.

• Criminal mischief, items strewn around house, possible persons responsible known to resident, Putzel Avenue.

Thursday, Nov. 6

No arrests were made.

• Theft, shoplifting, elderly male took items from coat and placed in his vehicle, Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, 1355 Boston Post Road, 11:29 a.m. Police were given a description of the vehicle.

• A resident came to police headquarters, 400 Church St., to report harassing phone calls, 5:39 p.m.

• Public hazard, officer removed two pieces of home siding trim in Durham Road, 700 block, 10:35 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7

• A 44-year-old New England Road resident was charged on a warrant with two counts of second-degree forgery and two counts of criminal attempt, in connection with an investigation into a report of two forged prescriptions received on Oct. 14 at CVS/Pharmacy, 1057 Boston Post Road. He was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 18.

• A 51-year-old Kenneth Circle resident was charged with criminal violation of a protective order after police responded to a report that he had appeared at the Kenneth Circle address in violation of a court order, 5:21 p.m. He was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 10.

• A 22-year-old North Branford resident was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and a 39-year-old Rhode Island resident was charged with possession of narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of original prescription container after police responded to a report of a party involving drugs and possible underage drinking, Valley Motel, 500 Route 80, 11:06 p.m. The two were scheduled to appear in court Nov. 18.

• Public hazard, piledriving rig floating free in West River, headed toward Guilford Yacht Club, 10:18 a.m. The rig owner safely retrieved the vessel shortly after the report was made.

• Public hazard, “Do Not Enter” street signs knocked down, North Fair Street.

• Theft from auto, digital camera taken, Horseshoe Road.

Saturday, Nov. 8

No arrests were made.

• Evading responsibility, unknown vehicle struck resident’s propane tanks during the night, Long Hill Road, 2600 block.

• Theft, caller reports her wallet and cell phone taken within last hour while on Park Street, 12:31 p.m.

• Six abandoned motor vehicles were reported in a Boston Post Road lot, 2200 block, property owner requests police check vehicle backgrounds for wanted or stolen information.

• Fire, wire on tree branch smoking, Great Hill Road, 1600 block, 2:23 p.m. Guilford Fire Dept. responded. The wire burned through a branch then discontinued smoldering; no further hazard reported. CL&P was notified.

• Criminal mischief, eggs thrown at house, White Birch Drive, 10:33 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 9

No arrests were made.

• Animal nuisance, neighbor’s dog entered resident’s property and attacked resident’s dog, Balaurel Drive, 7:52 a.m.

• Theft from auto, Grist Mill Circle, vehicle broken into sometime overnight.

• A Joyce Street resident requested police remove an unwanted person from his home, 1:33 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 10

No arrests were made.

• Criminal mischief, late report, backyard tree house damaged over weekend, Schoolside Lane.

• Public hazard, leaves from residence in roadway, Hawthorn Road, 1:44 p.m. The leaves were removed.

• Suspicious activity, resident heard single shot and bullet whizzing through air while in her yard, Wildrose Avenue, 2:12 p.m.

• Welfare check, woman seen on the ground near vehicle, Boston Post Road 500 block, 11:33 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

• A 28-year-old West Haven resident was charged on a warrant with fourth-degree larceny in connection with an investigation into a July 5 report of shoplifter who fled in a vehicle from Walgreen’s, 1116 Boston Post Road. She was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 12.

• Family dispute, Horseshoe Road, 1:06 a.m.

• Theft, Hocon Gas, 715 Boston Post Road.

• A parent brought a child to police headquarters at 12:09 p.m. due to a bruise possibly caused by other youths; the child was reluctant to discuss the incident. Police listed the report as an incident of simple assault.

• Approximately five youths believed to be of seventh grade age were reported wandering in traffic on foot and a bike, Water Street, 2:32 p.m. They were gone when police arrived.

• Theft, wallet and identification lost or stolen from Wal*Mart, 900 Boston Post Road, 4:16 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

No arrests were made.

• Public hazard, antifreeze spilled near Mill Pond and drain, Cherry Street, 10:06 a.m. Guilford Fire Dept. responded for cleanup.

• In accordance with state law, a Long Hill Road resident became listed in the sex offender registry at police headquarters.

• Animal nuisance, two cats left behind by residents of foreclosed home, Beaver Head Road.

• Burglary, Nortontown Road home burglarized while resident was out; incident reported at 7:51 p.m.

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 12, the Guilford Police Department received 504 calls for service. Police made 10 arrests, investigated 19 motor vehicle accidents, and issued 27 infractions, 101 written warnings, and three verbal warnings. Police conducted 12 child safety seat installations.

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

In Memory of Dennis Reid

Shore Publishing — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:51:17 GMT

In 2002, when the new trail system of Braemore Preserve was opened to the public, the Conservation Commission voted to name the open ledge at the southeast corner of the preserve “Reid’s View” in honor of both Dennis and Reggie Reid. It is the Land Stewardship Committee’s intention to pursue official designation of that spot on future versions of U.S. Geographic Survey maps.

On Nov. 1, a memorial plaque dedication ceremony took place at the preserve to honor the memory of Dennis Reid.

“Mr. Reid’s long-standing concern for protecting this open space helped set the wheels in motion for its purchase with combined town and state funds in the year 2000, and its official designation as a nature preserve,” said Bill Johnson, member of the Land Stewardship Committee.

“From the heights on either side of this valley, one can glimpse Long Island Sound, which reminds us of Dennis Reid’s service as town dockmaster in Guilford for many years. Also one can see a wide swath of Guilford’s unspoiled hills, fields, and forests, on behalf of which Dennis worked during his years of service on the Conservation Commission,” added Johnson. “Those of us who served with him appreciated his enthusiasm, practical wisdom, and sense of humor, as well as the spirit of friendship and generosity he brought to our community. He has inspired others by this example.”

-Fay Abrahamsson

Pictured: Bill Johnson of the Land Stewardship Committee and Regina Reid, widow of Dennis Reid, at the Nov. 1 dedication ceremony at Braemore Preserve.

Photo courtesy of Bill Johnson

Rachel Hoey: Vocal Leader

Shore Publishing — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:03:15 GMT

By Steven Sellers, Courier Assistant Sports Editor:

Not even the sidelines could sideline Rachel Hoey. As she paced in front of the bench in the second round game of the state girls’ soccer championship this month, Rachel sensed a lull in her team’s effort and she gave them an earful. Their response was immediate and nearly sent the game into overtime. Rachel, unable to take the field herself, had given the Guilford girls’ soccer team every ounce of effort she had, too.

Rachel’s ACL injury ended her high school soccer career earlier this season, along with lacrosse this spring, but she’s learned that being a team captain means much more than scoring goals. And one of her greatest tools—her ability to motivate—was as strong as ever.

“I’ve always been a vocal person,” says Rachel. “I love to scream and yell and I talk a lot on the field. I did that on the sidelines, too, but it was more about encouraging the team and motivating them, not critiquing them. I tried to do that for the team and I think it helped them.”

As an outside midfielder, Rachel is known for her speed and ability to get the ball to the net, whether in soccer or lacrosse. As a co-captain with Brenna Thommen (who also was injured this season) Rachel looked forward to this soccer season and the challenges it would present. But they were not the ones she expected.

“We had lost a great defender and a midfielder so I was a little concerned about this season,” says Rachel. “We started pretty well, but had trouble connecting. After my injury, everybody had to step up and they did—I was really proud of the way they played the rest of the season.”

Team goals aside, a season-ending injury, Rachel says, is an athletic challenge unlike any other. Having played soccer in Guilford since she was in second grade, from rec teams to premier clubs to high school, Rachel found that the little things about the sport took on new meaning for her. That’s why a gesture arranged by McMahon for Senior Night (Rachel and Brenna started, play was immediately whistled, and they were taken out) meant so much.

“It was really tough to leave the field with an injury—it was heartbreaking,” says Rachel. “But hearing my name on the loudspeaker one more time, joining my team on the field, and hearing the roar of the crowd as we left, made my season complete.”

Rachel is scheduled for surgery on her knee this week and, even though she won’t be on the lacrosse field, she remains upbeat, quipping that she’ll “be doing the sidelines thing again” to help her team this spring.

“Rachel was a great leader for this team,” says Coach Scott McMahon. “To go out with an injury so early in the season, she could have taken a back seat and left the team emotionally. Instead, she was yelling on the sidelines, showing up to every practice, encouraging her teammates. I have great respect for the maturity she has shown about an injury out of her control.”

As a member of “Voices,” the Guilford High School chorale group, Rachel still has another outlet for her vocal talents, but she’ll also have another chance talk to her teammates next year—on collegiate playing fields.

“It’ll take a few months and it will be completely healed in a year,” says Rachel. “I hope to play soccer in college next year, but we’ll see.”

Sidelines with Rachel Hoey

What’s your most memorable sports moment?

It was when I scored against Hand in my sophomore year. That was amazing.

Who would you like to thank?

My parents. They’ve always been there—through all of the injuries and the late practices—and my dad has been the most influential person in my sports career.

Pictured: Rachel Hoey, co-captain of the Guilford girls’ soccer team, didn’t allow an injury to slow her down this season.

Photo by Steven Sellers

Cold Play: Indians Ousted in State Soccer Tourney

Shore Publishing — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:11:47 GMT

By Steven Sellers, Courier Assistant Sports Editor:

Guilford boys’ soccer had lost just one game all season and it was on a neutral field and in frigid temperatures. That October contest—decided by a shootout—cost the Indians the SCC championship. It happened again on Nov. 11, this time on the neutral territory of New Britain’s Willowbrook Park, as top-seeded Guilford watched its state championship dream evaporate into the 40-degree air. Fifth-seeded Farmington had sparse scoring chances in the state Class LL semifinal, but exploited the few cracks Guilford allowed to win 2-1.

“When you play at this level, against this type of competition, when you mistakes, good teams take advantage,” said Guilford Head Coach Joe Maher, whose squad, recently ranked seventh in the nation by the National High School Soccer Coaches Association, ended the season with an enviable 20-2 record.

Guilford and Farmington (18-2) still had the sounds of a raucous semifinal contest that preceded them. Second-seeded Glastonbury topped No. 3 Staples with two late goals and the emotion of that game may explain why both teams played cautiously for the first 40 minutes. Guilford controlled the tempo through disciplined passing, but a sagging defense by Farmington greatly limited the Indians’ chances close to the net.

One-on-one play by Farmington’s talented forwards twice tested Guilford’s defense in the first half. Spencer Noon’s cagey passes forced Guilford goalkeeper Eric Terreri to make his first big saves of the game at 16:30 when a high crossing pass from Noon was headed at Terreri from five yards and, seconds later, on Andrew Rose’s hard, low shot.

Farmington’s assault instantly prodded Guilford’s forwards into action for the next five minutes and, at 8:30, Scott Leone came inches away from a goal. But his header off a free kick glanced against the crossbar, ending the period in a scoreless tie.

Maher, reminding his team at the break that they must score to win, launched all of his offensive weapons in the second half. Guilford controlled the pace throughout, but a single bad bounce at 33:32 gave Farmington the crevice it needed when a deep ball sent into the Guilford box was headed straight up. The dangerous ball then dropped in front of the net, where Rose knocked it past Terreri off an assist from Andreas Daza.

That unkind cut was not the only one for Guilford, whose many chances on goalkeeper Josh Kulak seemed stymied by the goalposts and the crossbar. The Indians finally found the net when Farmington—playing it too safe—found itself in a collapsing circle around Kulak. Guilford gained a corner kick as a result,something Farmington had prevented much of the game, and that produced a nice goal by Ari Sinanis, who cleanly beat Kulak at the near post off an assist from John Dailey.

The goal tied the game at 1-1, but it also gave an important emotional lift for the Indians, who had worked hard for the entire half but had little to show for it. Riding the wave, Guilford began to win all of the 50-50 balls, Farmington lost its rhythm, and it seemed that everything was going Green—until the Indians paid the price for their hard-charging offense. It came when Alex Ayer snared a loose ball at the midfield, caught Guilford’s defenders flat-footed, and then swerved to snap a 15-yard shot in traffic, giving Farmington the crucial go-ahead goal with 9:33 left to play.

Guilford mounted one last campaign and almost tied the game with another header by Leone at 5:01, but the clock was on Farmington’s side.

“We made two defensive mistakes and Farmington knocked two goals in on us,” said Maher. “You have to score to win and you need the bounce. We didn’t get the bounce. Farmington played well and they’re a hard-working team. They made their breaks and we didn’t. We had a great year. We won 20 games with great kids. We had a helluva year. If we played this tournament again, there probably would be four different teams here. You never know.”

Maher was right. In the state championship game on Nov. 16, Farmington beat second-seeded Glastonbury, the No. 2 seed in the tournament, by a score of 2-1.

Photos by John Vanacore

Fishing the Curl at Season’s End

Shore Publishing — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:57:35 GMT

Constant wind and wave action made for extremely difficult holding of ground tackle–no matter the scope. It was one of those “should we or shouldn’t we” types of decisions that was pondered over. Although safety is always first concern, it really didn’t figure in here as much as knowing that the trip was going to be wet, bouncy, and very salty.

If the season wasn’t waning so quickly and holiday gears weren’t forcibly meshing, the day would’ve been chalked off in favor of a pigskin game. But there were still blues lingering in the mid-50 degree water, stripers just aching to be caught, and togs, although deeper, still well within reach. A somewhat reluctant decision was made to uncleat and head out. And so we did.

Normally this time of year, mooring lines have already begun to stiffen while outboards begin to develop that early morning cough and shake. Soon that will be the case but not just yet. Knowing that in one week this could all change, we loaded hot thermoses to offset the gloomy day and ice chests optimistically reserved for the tide’s catch on board.

A little bit of this bait and a little more of that, we steamed ahead with the thought of letting Mother Nature dictate our game plan. Other than fishing, there was none. If conditions allowed for tautog then we’d drop a hook but if drifting or trolling seemed more productive, we had that covered as well.

When a couple of old salts get together, there can either be non-stop conversation or few words spoken. Often though, it’s an expressive glance that tells the story. That was the case here. With limited options, trolling and rolling the rips was the only logical choice–going with the flow, so to speak. Somehow the fish didn’t mind as much as, quite honestly, we did.

In the curls, as port and starboard gunwales slapped the water, fish could be seen. There was a mix of striped bass and bluefish chasing heavy chromed spoons. Wiping spray and the occasional peak wave from our brows was effort enough but cranking in line while maintaining sound footing was the absolute chore–let alone de-hooking and releasing fish. A few fish were kept for the cooler. The hot thermoses? They weren’t even touched until the vessel was once again secured to the dock. And, that’s the way one of the last trips of a season can take place.

On the Water

Warm water temperatures have somewhat stalled the fall migration of blues and bass, giving us plenty of fishing but unfortunately winds and subsequent wave action have closed many windows of opportunity. When the weather chose to cooperate, fishing proved to be fantastic with schools of both bass and blues becoming seasonally aggressive.

With little time left before Thanksgiving and anglers beginning to focus on year-end events, precious bonus days have been few and far between. Nevertheless, striped bass are here in numbers, schools of blues continue to linger and blackfish/tautog are heading for deeper water beckoning ‘toggers to follow. In fact, bluefish blitzes have occurred within casting distance from shore just a few short days ago.

With cows either moving in from the Rhode Island coast or splitting ranks to follow the Atlantic coast, anglers are looking for that 50- to 60-pounder that’s been eluding them–in some cases, for a lifetime. Now is prime time to try for that record-buster as the big gals cruise the inshore reefs, move across Long Sand Shoal, linger around Southwest Reef, and head west and, in a few cases, move up along tidal rivers to hang out for the winter season.

Hints are that we’re in line for impending cold front(s), which ought to tighten the window on remaining blues. But look for striper action to continue a bit longer and, if another bonus day or two were to materialize, there should follow an arm-weary top water session or two. For those surf casters, jetties, some beaches, and a few of the wharves are producing fish on plugs, chunks, and eels. For these guys and gals, the season will continue–longer if you follow the striper coast.

As water temperatures continue to drop, Atlantic broodstock salmon in the twelve-pound range are becoming more active. Single hook spoons and small spinners have been connecting along with mixed-colored and dark streamers. These, along with trout in CT’s stocked rivers, have been offering decent fall fishing when the winds beg off.

Largemouths have not been very active but ‘smallie’ fishing has been hot, joining the good pre-front bite for northerns and black crappie. Carp are being caught in the main rivers while both river/lake catfish taking bottom baits. It seems that certain labrador retrievers have taken a liking to cheese/blood baits so watch your frisky outdoors pal. Tom Megargee (DEP fishing instructor, avid freshwater angler and excellent fish chowder creator) landed this colorful CT River cove 40½” 15.7Lb northern pike using live bait.

Wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies and licenses. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days, located on 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time, from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

Musical Chairs at the Library?

Shore Publishing — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:23:03 GMT

By Fay Abrahamsson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

Remember the last time you moved? You had the sofa, chairs, rug, tables, and lamps all arranged to your liking–but you ended up spending an entire Sunday afternoon “tweaking” it once again until it felt just right.

Well, that’s the same feeling the staff of the newly renovated and expanded Guilford Free Library is undergoing at the moment over the children’s room.

“We need to tweak the arrangement of a few things just a bit,” said Library Director Sandra Ruoff.

The bright yellow playhouse, which doubles as a puppet stage, will be moved to the south corner of the children’s area. This will visually free up more space for children and their parents to use the computer, play with the many stuffed animals, and read books.

The library was in the midst of its recent $6.4 million renovation and expansion when the playhouse was ordered and built by the Lilleput Company. Ruoff explains that she and her staff sent photos of 17th century homes in town to the company to aid in their design.

One side of the playhouse looks like a house with a big front door, windows, and shutters. The other side of the structure is designed as a stage for puppets. Children can crouch behind the half-wall and put on a puppet show.

If you haven’t yet seen the newly renovated library–now’s the time. There is a new art gallery, meeting room, kitchen, space for teenagers and adults, cozy spaces for reading newspapers and magazines, the above-mentioned new children’s room, and even a new drive-up book drop. Who knows? You may even see a puppet show.

Pictured: The new children’s room at the Guilford Free Library will undergo a little design “tweaking” by relocating the playhouse and puppet stage to a different corner.

Photo by Fay Abrahamsson

He’s in the Neighborhood

Shore Publishing — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:20:06 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

On any given day, Larry Zukof leaves his Guilford neighborhood, crosses that shoreliner’s invisible obstacle to another world (also known as the Q Bridge), and enters quite a different neighborhood. This morning, it’s quiet on New Haven’s courtyard-style Audubon Street. With typical energy, Larry crosses its brick pavers and sweeps into the lobby of Neighborhood Music School (NMS).

As NMS executive director, Larry’s career as a professional singer, masterful recorder player, and music instructor has given him a deep understanding of the issues facing faculty and students at this community arts organization. One challenge is gathering financial support. At the top of Larry’s agenda today is Moondance, a gala evening set for Saturday, Nov. 15 to benefit NMS financial aid programs.

“You are what you do,” says Larry. “My primary response as an administrator is very infused and inflected by my artistic and teaching side. It helps me to look at things, such as how do we help maintain our corps of teachers [and] how do we manage to serve such a diverse group of constituents–from children to baby boomers?”

It also inspires Larry to spread the word about the value of NMS as a community arts organization. The deeply rooted arts school marks its centennial in three years. This spring, NMS’s successful Guilford satellite branch celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Since 1979, countless local children have enrolled in NMS programs in Guilford (through Guilford Parks and Recreation, residents can register for NMS music and movement programs for early learners through seniors). Now, plans are in the works to increase offerings here and elsewhere.

“We’ve got a strong institution, but the question is, how do we do better on the shoreline? That question includes who we want to be in Guilford–how do we keep the neighborhood in NMS?” Larry asks.

Part of that ideal includes offering a quality arts education to all.

“It’s a great challenge, because there is a great need for financial aid,” says Larry, adding, “to operate a school like this and keep such a fantastic faculty requires more than tuition. We need to keep it affordable, because a community art school is for everyone.”

That’s where events like Moondance come in to play. On Saturday, Nov. 15, NMS will host the gala benefit at the Omni New Haven Hotel. Billed as a “marvelous night of magic, music, and movin’ to the sounds of the ‘70s,” Moondance is a primary NMS financial aid fundraiser and promises to deliver a memorable experience.

The night’s line-up of professional musicians includes ‘70s singing sensation Bev Rohlehr, entertaining guests decked out in black tie or “‘70s mod.” The night includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and fabulous dance music.

“It’s a great party to kick-off the holiday season for a good cause–supporting one of the great community resources in New Haven county,” says Larry.

NMS serves students across the state, drawing those from Guilford and other shoreline towns to its doors on Audubon Street. For example, members of the NMS Greater New Haven Concert Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble (conducted by GHS music educator Mark Gahm) include “the best of high-schoolers from 25 towns, with a nice strong corps from Guilford,” Larry says.

“Our New Haven population is only 25 percent of the school,” he adds. “There are 169 towns in Connecticut and we have people coming from 84 and six from out of state. They come here to study Flamenco guitar or because they can study viola de gamba with [award-winning musician and music educator] Grace Feldman. People like that are a draw.”

In Connecticut, NMS was recently named the seventh-largest recipient (of more than 130 arts organizations) of a General Operating Support Grant. As head of third-largest arts organization in New Haven, Larry’s often called upon to contribute time and energy to help foster the arts at large. A prominent member of the city’s vibrant arts community, Larry served for several years as co-director of New Haven’s Arts Industry Coalition. He also recently served on the Council of School Directors of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. Larry regularly leads Guild workshops for arts administrators.

Larry’s commitments may have him spending less time at the music stand these days, but he says he still likes to “keep my foot in the door” in the NMS classroom. He finds time to teach beginning recorder and has been taking violin lessons for six years.

“I want to stay very connected to what it’s like to be a first learner,” he explains.

Being an NMS student also helps remind Larry of the organization’s goal.

“Our school’s mission is to provide art education and inspire lifelong learning, whether in a little one or a senior citizen.”

Tickets are still available to attend Moondance, a gala benefit for NMS, Saturday, Nov. 15, 6 to 11:30 p.m. at the Omni New Haven Hotel. To order tickets or learn more about NMS, visit www.nmsmusicschool.org or call NMS at 203-624-5189.

Pictured: For 12 years, Guilford resident and noted artist and educator Larry Zukof has been leading New Haven’s Neighborhood Music School (NMS), including its successful satellite program in Guilford. On Nov. 15, Zukof hosts, Moondance, a gala to support NMS programs.

Photo by Pam Johnson