I write in reference to the preservation of St. Michael’s Tract farmland. I am filled with joy that the land has been preserved, that the land will not fall into the hands of developers, that the community will be able to enjoy such an amazing piece of property. My family has a very deep, personal connection to this property.

After reading Ms. Farmer's article on St. Michael’s farmland, however, I feel the need to correct some misinformation. The land was indeed NOT unused since 1973 when the orphanage was destroyed. My father & family worked tirelessly 7 days a week, 365 days each year on the farm. It was a very productive dairy farm, with approximately 100 cows (80 of them being milked twice daily). That did not include in the earlier years the chickens and pigs that were also a part of the farm. Fields and fields of crops such as soybeans, hay, corn, wheat, etc. were grown annually as well.

My father and uncle were business partners, hard workers, and raised hard working children and grandchildren that all participated in the farm work. After my uncle retired, my father kept right on going, never missing a beat. When he became ill about 10 years ago, he finally gave the farm back to the Catholic Diocese. Sadly, he passed away 2 years ago, but each and every one of his children, including myself have personal, fond memories of "our farm" and the sweat we poured into it. I guess you can say we feel a little protective of it.

If you are a person who has lived in Hopewell for any length of time, you know our family, you know our story. My mother and her siblings lived in the house that once stood on the property, growing up there during the depression. My grandparents were actually orphans that met at St. Michael's, so very long ago. As you can see, we are DEEPLY rooted.

Thank you for allowing me to set the record straight. I know that so many people will benefit from this wonderful preservation.

Kathy DiGaetano, daughter of Frank Klevze, niece of John Eichinger