Guilford’s M.J. Petretto Foundation Donates $4,000 to Guilford A Better Chance

L to R: Judy Wright, GABC Co-President; Jeff Zeitlin, GABC Board Member, M.J. Petretto

Guilford’s The M.J. Petretto Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the Retirement Planning Group of Guilford, CT, today presented a check for $4,000 to Guilford A Better Chance. The proceeds are a result of The 14th annual M.J. Petretto Golf Classic at the Farms Country Club in Wallingford, CT. The fun day out included a scramble golf competition, pre-golf lunch, then post-golf dinner, including silent and live auctions hosted by Guilford’s own John “Cadillac” Seville. Jeff Zeitlin, Board Member and Guilford ABC liaison for the golf event commented: “The spirit of the organizers and participants for this wonderful community event grows each year. Returning players are like old friends and new players are enthusiastically welcomed! We are grateful to M.J. and her team for their ongoing support of Guilford ABC, and the other worthy non-profits the event supports. It is a wonderful example of a Guilford business giving back to the community.”

The M.J. Petretto Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2009 as part of Retirement Planning Group’s commitment to give back time, talent and money to support the efforts of Connecticut not-for-profits. The Foundation’s mission is to fund organizations that support education health, and quality of life to build stronger Connecticut communities. In addition to Guilford A Better Chance, the event also supports Gaylord Hospital’s Spinal Cord Injury Program, Home Care Plus – Community Healthcare and Hospice (formerly VNA of Guilford) Parkinson’s Exercise and Caregiver Support Program, and the Shoreline Arts Alliance.

Guilford A Better Chance, starting its 50th year, invites academically talented young women of color from under-represented communities to attend Guilford High School and to enjoy the many benefits of living in the Guilford community. The program’s goal is to lessen the educational divide, one scholar at a time, and to prepare these scholars for a lifetime of achievement. t

Lynn Prendergast Begins 6th Year as Resident Director

The Resident Director lives at the Guilford ABC house and watches over the six ABC scholars like a devoted mother hen. Lynn Prendergast loves her job. She is constantly smiling when she speaks of “my girls.” During the day, Lynn is a full-time teacher of fifth-graders in Madison, a position she’s held for 31 years. After a full day of “hanging out with 10-year-olds, she “loves coming home to the Guilford teen scholars.”

Her enjoyment of teenagers began years ago. In addition to teaching full-time, she taught teenagers at a driving school after the school day ended. For three years she taught some 450 teens to drive. “Only two failed their driving test,” she reports proudly. Her delight with knowing teenagers grew during this experience. “Spending more than seven hours one-on-one driving with the teens was very interesting. They opened up and told me everything. They trusted me.”

So, when the Guilford ABC position as Resident Director opened up, Lynn knew she would love it. Her daughter had graduated from Guilford High School, and Lynn was ready for a new adventure with teens. “There was really no way to prepare,” she admitted, but the group grew into a cohesive little “family” through group activities she initiated. One unifying activity was creating a group Christmas card.

She is grateful for the amazingly hard work the Guilford ABC Board members contribute. “Because I’m at the center of the program, I see all the working parts including academics and student life. The Board members bring open hearts and minds, are generous and unselfish. They work many, many volunteer hours to support the ABC program,” she said.

From the beginning of her tenure, Lynn has felt that it is very important to make the parents of all the scholars feel comfortable “and trust me with their kids. After all, the students are leaving familiar locations, family, and friends,” she said.

Lynn glows as she speaks of her work. “This is a unique job. It’s an honor to be Resident Director. I love the program. Every year I am so proud of my girls!”

Andrea Inspired by Summer Trip to Morocco

Andrea Kaluma, now a senior at Guilford High School, wrote passionately about her summer adventure in Morocco, which ended shortly before the devastating earthquake in Marrakesh. The CIEE organization sponsored the trip.

Andrea recalls her hike up the mountain of Akshour. “I really pushed myself because I am not a hiker. On a previous hike, I only got halfway up the mountain, and almost slipped a couple of times. But when I got to God’s Bridge at the top, there was a beautiful waterfall. I realized it was “the beauty you achieve after reaching that peak.” Andrea is also studying Arabic at Guilford High School.

She reported her interaction with the Moroccans, “…some of the kindest people you will ever meet! I was met with many smiles and kind eyes throughout the trip. This experience has changed my life for the better – and because I went, I believe that I can go anywhere…The language and cultural abroad program that I was a part of taught me the importance of community; a collectivistic culture that emphasizes the importance of taking care of one another.”

Jasmine Chooses South Africa for Summer Experience

Each rising senior at Guilford ABC has the opportunity to spend part of the summer abroad or choose another significant experience. Jasmine Laryea chose a trip to South Africa, inspired by the work and memory of Nelson Mandela.

During her three-week trip, Jasmine also studied one of the many ancient languages, isiXhosa, and delighted in “an amazing variety of food.” Her group shared their food with the homeless population living on the beach. One week she helped children at the Bonga Primary School build a food garden, growing onions, tomatoes, asparagus.

In Cape Town, Jasmine hiked Lions Head Mountain, then ascended Tabletop Mountain via cable car. CIEE was the sponsoring organization.

Jasmine also visited museums that have captured the history of apartheid and Robbin Island where Nelson Mandela, the first democratically-elected president of South Africa was held for 17 of his 28 years as a prisoner.

“It was brutally honest,” she said quietly. The concept of Ubuntu captured her intense interest. “It’s the concept of seeing everyone for their humanity,” she explained, “to unify.”

Sophomores Kyra and Tamojah Expand Their Interests

After an accelerated math course in Algebra II, which she studied online for two weeks during the summer, Kyra Amani, above left, is studying music theory at Guilford High School, this sophomore year.

“I want to understand music better, have a deeper understanding of the emotional basis, and of chords,” she explains. She sings in the chorus and during the summer also studied drums. She can hardly wait to sing in the spring musical!

Tamojah Tomlinson, above right, took a one-week immersion program in nursing at Fairfield University this summer. Her academic advisor had helped her discover the course which appealed because Tamojah is interested in a career in medicine.

“We were taught vital signs and the process of birth which involved using a life-size robotic mannequin – it was very lifelike,” she said. In addition to learning some medical basics, “we learned the need to take care of yourself, too,” she said.

Tamojah hopes to participate in the fall drama and the spring musical at Guilford High School.

Freshmen Irene and Jazhira Join Guilford ABC

With their sweet smiles and calm personalities, Irene Opoku-Gyamfi (left) and Jazhira Douglas (right) (who likes to be called “Jazzy”) have settled into the Guilford ABC house as freshmen at Guilford High School. Irene who originates from New York City says that “Guilford people are really nice. There’s lots to do here, and it’s pretty quiet.” She’s tried pickleball and thinks Guilford High School is “cool. There are so many clubs that I’ll never be bored!” Her favorite subjects are history and science. She is thinking about becoming a pediatrician. Irene especially enjoys volleyball and reading.

Jazzy hails from Bridgeport, Connecticut, and also finds Guilford “quiet.” She’s already been to the Guilford Fair – “the food and the rides were really good!” She loves the Guilford Green and enjoys all sports, especially soccer. Jazzy is committed to “making goals and teamwork.” She enjoys studying Latin and science courses and is “thinking about the future.” Her favorite singer currently is singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill. Jazzy has already become close to the other scholars. “They’re like sisters. They make me feel welcome.”

The Year Begins

The 2023-24 Guilford ABC scholars quickly embraced pickleball on arrival for school. From left to right: Jazhira (Jazzy), Tamojah, Andrea, Kyra, Jasmine, and Irene.

FROM CO-PRESIDENT JUDY WRIGHT

School has been in session for a month and it’s autumn in Guilford. The trees are beginning to change color and when I drive around town, I notice pumpkins and mums in front of houses. When the ABC house was packed up in June, we sent our two seniors off to start their adventures at college – Janelle to Muhlenberg College and Kilee to Boston University. In September we welcomed 2 ninth grade students – Irene and Jazhira. We’ve kept them busy meeting many new people and they’ve adjusted well.

Our current house includes 2 seniors, 2 sophomores and 2 freshmen. Supporting them are our after-school tutor, Sharon, and college intern, Kaylene. We are extremely fortunate to have our wonderful Resident Director, Lynn Prendergast. It’s a busy household and we appreciate everyone’s contributions.

After nearly 10 years on the board, our ABC nurse, Regina Demitrack, is transitioning to semi-retirement. Our immense thanks to Regina – she positively touched so many lives of our students. We are happy to welcome nurse practitioner Danielle Morgan as our new health consultant.

This year we plan to develop a wellness program for our scholars and so far, they’ve tried a yoga class and pickleball. We hope to continue with both activities and include more as time permits.

In July the AC malfunctioned and we suffered water damage starting in the attic and going through the second floor all the way to the study room on the first floor. It was a long process getting repairs made, and thanks to our House and Grounds super stars, Ann Street and Mike Hryb , the job was completed the day before our scholars moved back!

Believe it or not, the student recruitment process has already begun for next year. As our current 12th graders graduate in June we will hope to invite 2 9th graders to join our program.

Thank you for your continued support for Guilford ABC as we approach the 50 year milestone in 2024!

“A Cause Dear to My Heart”

Patty Sullivan, supervising manager of the Hole in the Wall consignment and thrift shop that substantially supports the Guilford ABC program, has a passion for it.

“These girls – our ABC scholars – are lovely ladies who are going to change our world. I want to help them achieve their goals,” she said. Sullivan has been with the shop for eleven years. She credits the prior director, Marge Welsh, for all she knows. “I learned everything from Marge. She was so calm and set a wonderful example.”

Sullivan supervises the group of volunteers and five paid managers who work part-time to oversee the store. Volunteer Joan Simonetti was effusive in her reason for joining the crew there. “Every day is like Christmas. Unique things come in all the time. People are very generous with their donations. It’s such a fun atmosphere here.”

Dove Hellman, an assistant manager has been with the store for four months. “I love Hole in the Wall! It’s my favorite place to find clothing – I started shopping here as a teenager. It’s very friendly, and there are a lot of good deals here.”

Jan vonHolzhausen agrees. “All the people are wonderful. Good spirits here.” Michelle VonDambroski moved to Guilford in 2017 and has been with the store since 2018. “You meet a lot of different people shopping. The managers are very kind. And I found a brand-new pair of golf shoes for just $1.00!” The most unusual item she saw for sale was a bacon press. “I didn’t know what it was actually,” she laughed.

Laura Dagostino has volunteered for two years. “It’s the people,” she said right away. “Things move pretty quickly here. The price is reduced after one month, and then to a dollar a second month after that. The prom dresses are so inexpensive,” she marveled. “And we sold a giant birdcage and two gorgeous chandeliers!”

The store attracts antique dealers and some individuals who buy 30-40 items from the dollar rack to resell. A master list keeps track of the inventory.

At the cash register, Linda Cappiello said she enjoyed “interacting with people and seeing what treasures they have. It’s such a good cause, a good purpose this store.”

Hole in the Wall attracts shoppers from out of town. Volunteers told of visitors from Texas, California, Maine, northern Connecticut, New Zealand and regulars from all points along the shoreline.

“It’s a fun atmosphere,” they all confirmed.

More information with hours the shop is open is found at www.guilfordabc.org/hole-in-the-wall.

Nursing Home Fashion Show Inspires Kindness

Senior patients at Apple Rehab in Guilford sported beaded necklaces and flowery blouses at a fashion show with a theme of “cultivating kindness.” The clothes and jewelry were personally selected from inventory at the Hole in the Wall consignment and thrift shop that supports the Guilford ABC program, by Patty Sullivan, supervising manager.

Smiling from wheelchairs, the ladies showed off their finery during the event that took place during National Nursing Home Week in May. Lori Spadory, activities director for the rehabilitation center, was inspired to create the fashion show during her visit to the shop.

“The ladies are still talking about it! It was wonderful for their self-esteem,” Lori said.

Apple Rehab is located at 10 Boston Post Road in Guilford. t

Pictured, top row: Rosemary, Margie, Ann; second row: Marilyn, Marie, Rosemary.

Fun and Inclusion with GHS Musical

All six Guilford ABC scholars sang and acted in the spring musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” and expressed positive reviews of the student-created experience.

“It gave us a chance to be part of a bigger picture. Everyone was welcoming – all there together, and no one was left out,” said Kyra, who was in her freshman year at GHS and played the part of an urchin. “The atmosphere at Guilford High School is no hierarchy.” She praised the guidance and direction by teacher Ms. Cara Mulqueen-Teasdale, theatre arts department coordinator.

“She had us all on the same level, welcoming anyone who came into the room, and it was a lot of fun.”

Andrea, one of the ensemble singers and now a rising senior, found the play “an amazing experience! It was my first time as a GHS actor, and even though it was hard work, it was a good group and it reassured me when other people told us how good we were.”

Janelle, who just graduated and is going on to study at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, worked on props in a group of 14 students who made everything for the set, including the revolving florist shop.

“I was amazed at how long it took to make the dentist gas mask – we worked on it five times! It was fun meeting younger students, and we all got along. If we had problems, we talked it out.”

Tamojah, now a rising sophomore, assisted the props crew chief. She glowed when she spoke of the props team.

“I really liked them all.” Because all elements of the show were student-made, she worked on making the leaves for the florist shop setting and the dentist mask as well.

Kilee, graduating senior who will head for Boston University this fall, also played and sang as a street urchin.

“I loved being on stage!” she trilled “It’s an escape from the real world. I had fun with my accent and costume – in the 1950s style. My favorite song was ‘Downtown.’ She appreciated the guidance of Ms. Mulqueen-Teasdale – “Immerse yourself in the role. Become one with the role. She was really good at working with all students.”

Kyra, a rising sophomore this fall, liked learning “how to be part of a bigger picture and learn why things are in the play. We also learned how to pre-plan each element because all students participated in the creation.”

The girls remembered the fun of the Wrap Party where they sang songs and played with the pinata. Their most important takeaway from participating in the spring musical: “There was no embarrassment if you made a mistake. No ridicule.”

Lynn Prendergast, Resident Director of ABC Guilford, praised the play experience as “helping the girls learn skills and branch out.”