A Sad Lesson

Learned

To the Editor:

It was difficult to read the articles and letters in last week’s Bee concerning the after-prom party that resulted in various enforcement actions. It was difficult because so much ink was used to attack two very fine people who we have come to know and respect. We have no intention of diving into the minutia of the evening — we don’t know enough detail to intelligently comment even if we wanted to. But we do know Tom and Lisa Gissen. They are engaging, mature, and prudent people. We enjoy their company immensely, as do many of their neighbors. Before the party they called their neighbors to let us know about it and to assure us that alcohol was not permitted. They wanted to make sure we would be comfortable reporting any problems we might observe. We were delighted at the respect they showed for their neighbors. They are wonderful parents, caring neighbors, and responsible citizens. If mistakes were made, they were not planned. Any suggestion in last week’s Bee to the contrary is simply false.

I know what many are saying: don’t host after-prom parties. Perhaps that is a sad lesson learned. Perhaps others anticipated various risks and can help the community move forward to solutions. Perhaps the outstanding programs offered by the Parent Connection will reach more eyes and ears. And perhaps if those who claim they were aware that alcohol was going to be present had simply called the Gissens to warn them, things would have turned out differently. 

To all those who do not know the people involved, may we suggest that you withhold judgment. Everyone agrees that underage drinking is a problem and should not be encouraged. Last week’s coverage may have left a different impression about our neighbors. To know the Gissens is to know otherwise.

Tom & Joanne Davis

40 Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                         May 16, 2007