Guilford has been through a lot this year—a lot of discord, opinions, and so, so many changes. It would seem there have been more times when we disagreed than we did agree. But I think all of Guilford can unanimously agree upon; We are so lucky to have the Guilford Green as our public space.

I have passed by the Green every day for the last 39 years. When no one was allowed indoors, the green became a new living room. The Saturday coffee circles, friend meetups, new moms walking clubs, food trucks, first dates, kids reading on benches with freshly picked library books, and outdoor lunches purchased from local shops. When we took our infant son home, it was the first place we took him on our daily walks.

I may have romanticized this simple patch of grass and sidewalks. Yet, I believe that old things have value and meaning—and even more so now, in the midst of so much change. It has been there for us, silently witnessing our town’s history, a sentinel of time and tradition.

And then this weekend, an art pop-up of penguins! It made so many people happy to have a visit with the penguins. I hope that the green will continue to bring people together for proms, penguins, or picnics.

Sarah Lizee

Guilford