Friends Indeed

To the Editor:

My sister, Karen Demont and I, on behalf of Bob and Judy Holmes; Kim Macey, and our fellow barnmates at Foxview Farm – Dave McAuley and Art Leiss, would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the many volunteers of the Dodgintown, Sandy Hook, Hawleyville, Stony Hill, Bethel, and Redding Ridge Fire Departments, and the members of the Newtown EMS, police and highway departments for their tireless efforts in combating the roaring blaze that engulfed our barn during the height of a terrible snowstorm on December 30.

If it had not been for their efforts more property and possibly a few of the horses’ lives may have been lost. One never appreciated the risk and danger that these men and women face until their heroics are witnessed firsthand.

We would also like to extend our thanks to our many friends and neighbors, member of the Newtown Bridle Land Association (Cindy Miller and Toby Tamblyn, in particular), as well as others in the horse community who without hesitation came to our aid. Tom and Barb Lutz, Betsy Medinger, Audrey Petschek, Leslie Hudson-Tolles, Jeff Allison and family assisted tremendously in removing the horses from the property and then transporting them to a safe haven at Redgate Farm. Bruce and Kim Travis of Redgate Farm and John Williams of Show Horses LLC have been so absolutely wonderful, gracious and generous in affording us a temporary home for our equine companions.

Christine and Charlie Bockelman, Susan Powell, Mariele Baker, and Ron Bombero have also made significant and unselfish contributions to the comfort and well-being of our horses.

We are forever grateful for the compassion and good deeds that everyone has bestowed upon us. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,

Susan Hamilton

Karen Demont

273 Derby Avenue, Derby                                         January 8, 2001