In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.
~Marianne Williamson

July 23rd 2007 marks a tragic event for the town of Cheshire where Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley and Michaela were murdered in a home invasion. As tragic as this event was, this day is not marked by sadness.

In fact, Cheshire has turned this day on its head and made it one of the most uplifting events the community has ever seen.

Fellow Cheshire residents Don and Jennifer Walsh came up with the idea to hold a luminary event for the entire town while raising funds for the newly established charity, Hayley's Hope and Michaela's Miracle MS Memorial Fund.

Over 1,000 volunteers and numerous businesses came together to light over 137,000 luminaries at the edge of the properties of almost every family in the Cheshire community. The result was something so spectacular that pictures or words cannot do it justice.

The true character of our community was revealed through this event. On a cold Connecticut winter night, thousands gathered outside. First in silence in memory of the family, and then, slowly but surely people gathered to talk to each other. Some found old friends, but many found new and the community of Cheshire became a little bit closer.

This Saturday, January 9th, the time has come to do it again. You can purchase luminaries at R.W. Hine Ace Hardware store while supplies last for $10. Sand for your luminaries, donated by Cheshire Stoneworks, is located behind Ye Old Body Shop. An avid participant, I will be a street captain for Mixville Road. I hope to see you there.

Sally Bowman
Sally Bowman Real Estate
Your Cheshire Real Estate Expert