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So Fortunate

We, the citizens of Guilford, are so fortunate to live in a community that consciously focuses on providing top-notch education and nurturing a high quality of life. I’m one of those fortunate residents who benefits from the town’s social service offerings. I suffered a stroke, and became disabled and unable to drive, but am determined to lead an independent and productive life.

I’ve tapped into the many resources offered by Guilford Senior Services, the most crucial the availability of bus transportation. This service allows many disabled and senior citizens to help maintain a healthy, more normal lifestyle. It allows me to attend physical therapy; health appointments, including regular visits I provide to residents at Guilford House; and meals and entertaining trips.

During fiscal 2015-’16 the service provided approximately 10,000 rides for seniors over more than 50,000 miles to their doctor appointments, grocery shopping, to the Community Center for lunch programs and events, and on highly valued trips. Additionally, 7,501 meals were served at the Community Center and more than 24,851 meals were delivered by Meals on Wheels.

Guilford Public Schools (GPS) continues to provide taxpayers with an excellent return on their investment. Guilford High School ranks among the top 10 high schools in the state for academic performance according to ConnCAN.org and is now one of only four high schools in the state to offer the International Baccalaureate World Program to students in fall 2017. GPS continues to be one of the most successful and most recognized school systems in the state and yet per-student expenditures are just about at the state average—$16,475. Guilford ranks between 80th and 90th in the state in per-pupil spending, according to the CT School Finance Project.

With deep appreciation by everyone involved, I encourage your readers to support the proposed 2017 budget.

Suzanne Carlson

Guilford