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The girls celebrated Irene’s birthday recently, along with her host dad and host sister Abby. (Host Mom and sister Izzy had colds and couldn’t join.) Right, back row: Andrea, Kyra, Tamojah, front row: Irene, Jasmine, Abby & Jazzy. Left, Irene and her host sister Abby.
Multiple loads of laundry every day. Ceiling light bulbs burn out and need replacing. Weeds growing in the landscaping. A home always needs attention. Our beautiful house on Church Street not only houses the six young women scholars with Guilford A Better Chance, it is also the scene of countless meetings and volunteer activities. Maintaining the three-story dwelling requires a team of volunteers and professionals.
First, the home must have complete insurance coverage. This became critical when a water leak in July of 2023 caused extensive damage on all three floors. The water leak destroyed sheet rock and flooring, affected electrical, and required complete re-painting of the rooms. All this had to be completed before school started right after Labor Day.
Fortunately, three key GABC volunteers stepped in immediately. Susan Welsh, a member of the GABC Advisory Board with extensive knowledge of the insurance industry, expertly handled the insurance claim negotiations. Mike Hyrb professionally coordinated the contractors for all phases of the renovation. Ann Street, Chair of the House and Grounds committee, oversaw the budget and communicated with all the parties.
Ann supervises routine maintenance at the house and is always looking for volunteers to step in when, for example, an alarm is going off for no reason, to do touch-up painting, and to wait for repair people to come and keep all the machines running.
As with every “family,” the GABC family home needs constant loving care.
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Do you enjoy planting flowers?
Have a steady hand for touch-up painting?
Can you spare a couple of hours to wait for the repair person to arrive?
The Guilford ABC House would love to have you as a volunteer to help maintain our lovely house on Church Street – home for our six scholars and the Resident Director. Contact us at: www.guilfordabc.org/volunteer.
It’s been a little over six months since I began my term as co-president with Judy Wright. It’s been fascinating and gratifying to develop a closer look at this beautiful ecosystem called Guilford ABC. The more I learn, the more in awe I am of this organization.
First off, the heart of the program and the why – the scholars themselves. These brave and smart young women choose to leave their families and their communities at 14 years old to join the Guilford community and attend our stellar high school. The trust that the scholars and their families place in our organization and the sacrifices they make for this opportunity are incredibly humbling.
Then there’s Lynn Prendergast, the resident director who tirelessly creates a nurturing and loving environment so the girls feel like this is their second home.
Our student interns Kaylene and Sharon are incredibly important helping the girls after school and into the evening with their studies or running errands with them as well.
Taylor, our cook, has the near impossible task of cooking nutritious delicious dinners for six teenagers with varying palettes. Can you imagine? But the girls love the food!
Did you know that we are an all-volunteer Board? It’s one of the hardest- working boards around! The work includes direct involvement with the girls’ academic and social activities, vetting future scholars and host families, and raising funds to keep this all humming along. You’ll read about our House and Grounds activity in the following pages, because by the way, we are also property owners!
Our volunteers are crucial – from helping with house chores to driving the girls to activities. There are so many volunteer opportunities that even just a few hours a month makes such a difference. (If you would like to volunteer, be sure to get in touch! There’s a sign-up form on the GABC website or speak to one of us directly.)
Host families are also an integral part of the organization. The girls spend one weekend a month with their host families and form incredible bonds. I was just talking to an alumna who graduated in 1977 and is still in touch with her host sister!
The dedication of everyone involved with the organization, the scholars and the mission, is awe-inspiring. And the fact that we have been doing this for 50 years is amazing! We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary the weekend of October 18-20. The details of this multi-event celebration will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
Did you know that Guilford ABC is self-funded? Our local program receives no money from the national ABC organization? Our main sources of funding are proceeds from the Hole in the Wall consignment/thrift store and our annual appeal to donors. As you’ll read in this issue, just keeping the house running takes an incredible amount of effort.
We are in the process of updating our website so it will be easier for you to find out what’s new and ongoing with the program. The website is also the easiest place to make a donation.
The six scholars at Guilford ABC are developing their minds and personalities this year at Guilford High School. In a recent interview, they described interesting class assignments and stimulating extra-curricular activities. They also reflected on changes that were personal challenges.
Jasmine Laryea, a senior, said that in her International Baccalaureate (I.B.) classes she has enjoyed “exploring theories that also take place in real time; how cultures interact; and the biological and chemical aspects of love.” She especially enjoyed the interactive debate project.
“I.B. forces you to be a student,” Jasmine explained. “You learn how to learn, and that’s good because you’re always learning,” she said. “It made me learn how I like to learn – and that’s visually.”
Jasmine is a dancer and performed in the spring musical, “Legally Blonde.” She’s been dancing since the fourth grade and said “it was so much fun learning different numbers.” The most challenging aspect of her senior year has been time management, with all the work of college applications, academics, and the higher-level expectations of the I.B. course. She liked exploring resources and the collaborative process.
Irene Opoku-Gyamfi, a freshman, loved the assignment that accompanied study of Beowulf, the old English epic poem – “we created our own fable.” She also enjoyed acting out scenes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In art class, she learned how to make a macrame friendship bracelet.
Irene attended GHS’s first multi-culture festival. Her face lit up with smiles as she recalled experiencing different cultures – “the belly-dancing from the Middle East, the Indian dancers, too.” She’s also joined the fencing team.
High school has been a challenge for Irene. “It’s really different from middle school – I had to learn how to study and prepare for tests.” She reflected on how she “learned to make friends and be herself, speak out and adapt.”
Tamojah Tomlinson, a sophomore, became very interested in civics this year – “how Guilford and our national governments work.” She participated in a mock election in class and learned how to vote. She also practiced being a journalist, asking questions in mock interviews with the mock candidates.
“We made videos of our interviews, and they were both funny and embarrassing. We learned about setting, too. We did one interview in the cafeteria, and it was too loud,” she explained.
The 2023 fall play, a collection of Shakespeare comedy scenes, found her working with props again. “I learned how to work with the whole crew – it was a very large group this time. You need to know your part because there was a lot more to do this time. I also learned more about time management,” Tamojah said.
Andrea Kaluma, a senior, just had an exciting experience as a singer. She auditioned for a solo, was chosen, and performed singing “Over the Rainbow” at the GHS “Meals on Wheels” benefit concert in February. Andrea performs with the Voices ensemble and loves having many opportunities to sing. “It’s really fun,” she enthused.
Andrea has a passion for reading. “I just love to cozy up and read a good book.” She wrote her college essay on her love of books. She’s currently into Jane Austen – “all of them!” Her ABC “sister” Janelle, who graduated last year, sent her a collection. Andrea said she began to love reading early in her life, cuddling up with her dad in their library at home. “He’s continually learning, and reads all the time,” she said. She began with picture books and grew up with reading Dickens (Oliver Twist is a favorite), Fitzgerald, Oscar Wilde and many modern writers. “Literature is so welcoming to women – with open arms!” she exclaimed.
Andrea praised the help she received from the College Matters team. “They helped me organize my thoughts and develop my list of potential colleges to attend. I was very happy working with them.”
Reflecting on her growth over the years at GABC, Andrea feels especially grateful for the experience traveling in Morocco last summer. “It was my first time traveling by myself in taxis, on trains in cities. I learned to be independent, to navigate the world for a month. I adjusted to a new way of life. These experiences helped me to become a leader in the GABC house – to be an example of maturity for the younger girls. I can help them by being a resource, helping them make friends and feel stable. Coming here, away from home, is hard. But it teaches you lessons in growing up.”
Kyra Amani, a sophomore, has enjoyed studying topics such as the Peace Corps and the United Nations. Examining the positives and negatives helped her understand how organizations can have internal problems yet still be successful. She was excited to participate in the high school’s Model U.N. during the spring semester.
Kyra secured the role as understudy for one of the characters in the spring musical, Legally Blonde. She enjoyed learning her lines and rehearsing each day after school. “It was more intense than last year. You have to be more accountable since it’s a large cast,” she said.
This second year of high school, Kyra said she was focusing “a lot more” on classes and reducing the number of extra-curricular activities. “School is the main thing,” she affirmed. Still, developing a new People of Color club is important to her. She helped to organize, follow the rules for clubs, and finished with creating an informational poster to draw students in.
Jazhira Douglas, a freshman, has the perfect nickname: Jazzy. Her deep interest this year is in studying the history of imperialism. “I didn’t even know the definition,” she said, but she has found intriguing how imperialism happened in different countries throughout history and in the modern world.
She’s enjoying soccer, a first sport that helped her make new friends. But the sport of fencing has enthralled her. “Everyone is so welcoming. I’m learning different styles, different rules, and better techniques for your target area. You use the same body parts, but differently. The uniform and the mask protect us.”
This first year of high school Jazzy admits that “classes are challenging, especially math and English. But she says she’s learning more, even though “it can be exhausting.”
In addition to their academic classes and their extra-curricular activities, each of the Guilford ABC scholars have assigned “chores” as part of the “family” at the house. They often volunteer at the Hole in the Wall retail/consignment shop that helps support the maintenance of the dwelling that provides a welcoming home away from home.
“We are extremely pleased with the ABC Guilford Program. At Guilford ABC, Janelle was in a caring and safe environment. Her years at Guilford were filled with a variety of educational and fun activities. She was surrounded by an armor of academic and emotional support which played a major role in propelling Janelle to be successful. Guilford’s ABC program taught Janelle to be a critical thinker, a self-advocate, team player, and to develop her time management skills. Moreover, she learned the importance of volunteering and community relations. The program also afforded Janelle many opportunities, including a trip to London to learn about culture and theater. Janelle formed lasting friendships and relationships which she cherishes”
— Debra Wilkinson, mother of Janelle Wilkinson
pictured , Guilford High School graduate, class of 2023
Hole in the Wall, the resale and thrift shop in Guilford Center that provides major support to Guilford ABC, thrives due to the dedication of the staff. After many years of service, Amy Mickelson is retiring. Patty Sullivan, manager of the store, writes about Amy’s departure: It IS possible to be sad and happy at the same time!
Hole in the Wall staff and customers are quite sad to see long-time manager Amy Mickelson retire, but we are so very happy for her future as well.
Amy has been an integral part of Hole in the Wall and its daily operations. She has been a wonderful worker and friend to us all. Amy always does things with flair and fashion with the utmost attention to detail. We will miss her undying work ethic and dedication to the shop. She has also shared her family’s talents with the shop. Son, Tim Mickelson, has been our volunteer IT expert and husband, Greg, has helped with numerous projects in and out of the shop, including an entirely donated bathroom renovation. The great news is Amy has assured us she will stay involved with the shop on a volunteer basis and still attend ABC board meetings as a liaison from Hole in the Wall. Quite simply, this gal’s pretty amazing!
While we are sad that she won’t be with us as often, we are happy Amy will now be more free to spend time with her husband Greg, family and her beloved grandchildren, Fiadh and Wesley, as well as those of blood and those of the heart, as she always says! She will continue her extensive travel to places near and far on this big blue marble and do more “glamping” in their lovely camper. Wishing her health and happiness for many years to come. The best is yet to be!
The Hole in the Wall shop is located just off the Guilford Green at the corner of Park and Boston Streets. New merchandise arrives every day at Hole in the Wall, always gently priced and offering great value. The shop is open seven days a week: Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5pm; Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday, noon to 4 pm.
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
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 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.”
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.”
