After the recent, horrific and tragic fire at Flat Point Farm, I need to express some thoughts. To the massive response of first responders and fire personnel, a huge and sincere thank you. The professionalism and cooperation of the all-Island volunteer firefighting force is truly impressive. Their efforts saved an adjacent equipment building housing two tractors and valuable haying equipment.

To the farming community, thank you. Donations of needed hay arrived before all the fire trucks had departed. More hay donations have been arriving daily.

To the friends and neighbors, thank you for all the flowers, food and support.

To the larger community of people we may not know as well, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

More thank yous will be coming soon as we know a fund has been set up and a fundraiser is in the works.

We are all hurting thinking about the loss and suffering of the lost livestock. Lots of emotion in the loss of the big old barn. Anyone who knows it will cherish the memories. We will rebuild. We will get more sheep and laying hens.

And a big thank you as well from all of our families of Flat Point Farm.

Arnie Fischer Jr.

West Tisbury