LETTER: Homestead Thanks Supporters For 'Renewed Resolve'

To The People of Amherst New Hampshire;

Sometimes business is business and sometimes it isn’t. When Janet and I decided to buy a business the community was of the utmost importance to us. I couldn’t have imagined 3 years ago how this would turn out. Times are hard for everyone. We dreamed that we could make them better for people.  We didn’t listen to the people that told us we were crazy to start a business in this economy. We searched for a special place and a situation where we could make a difference. I know that we have found what we were looking for.

As many of you know of the two burglaries in the past 2 weeks that have given us concern for ourselves, our children, and your children. It is an ever more dangerous world and we have felt that. This business is a labor of love and joy.  Few who own a small neighborhood store do this for the monetary gain. We love what we do, and we are lucky enough to do what we love. We look forward to seeing you every day and hearing about your lives. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and to show you what our idea of customer service is, and earning your business. We try very hard never to take you for granted.

We were so busy doing our job that we never realized how you felt about us. We just figured that you thought of us as a place to get a quick bite or a cold drink. No different from the chain gas stations or the big box stores.  We couldn’t have been more wrong. Adversity sometimes brings out the best in people.

We have been overwhelmed by this community. We thought that the recent burglaries of our store were a reason for us to alter our path. We have children that work there and your children are there too.  

You have shown us strength; you have given us renewed resolve to persevere. There is most likely no other community that would have responded to our situation as you did.

The story is about Amherst New Hampshire USA. Kasey and Danny Leonard who had a lemonade stand to support us, the web design team of Bea and Robb Schwartz who donated their services. This is about Kristen McCool, undoubtedly a tireless organizer who decided that she didn’t want us to consider selling the store. Kristen organized the most special event that I have ever been a part of. Janet and I we so deeply touched that we could never express the extent of our gratitude.

Friends of the Homestead, you have made things better. Our hearts are full with love and our spirits have been raised. I guess it would be hard to leave a place that can do that for us, you are an important part of our lives and we look forward to our future in this community.

We Love You All

Janet, Ralph, Christine, Lisa, and Lauren