To the editor:

I can see Doug Rayner doing a jig in the heavenly spheres, in thanks for the Financial Town Meeting vote to preserve Lot 3A; my heart is overflowing, as well!

Thanks first to the 717 town residents who attended the meeting! The town manager, town council and appropriations committee all played leading roles in placing this item on the ballot. Pete McCalmont, manager of Nockum Hill, played a big part in moving it forward, as did Bonnie Warren and the Barrington Preservation Society; this particular spot in town was the location of the Myles Garrison, important in the 1675 King Philip’s War, as well as the likely site of the first Baptist Church in our country. 

The Barrington Land Conservation Trust, led by Peter Burke and their attorney, Melissa Horne, worked hard, in keeping with their purpose to keep the land as a natural resource for the town. As location of the largest Diamondback Terrapin nesting area in RI, Nockum Hill is of special interest. The “Friends of Nockum Hill” was formed several years ago to help maintain the rural character of George Street; they put in their enthusiasm and financial oars to help out, too. 

We are fortunate to have Josh Bickford, editor of the Times, who has kept us well informed about the events leading up to this decision. Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for a job well done!

Charlotte Sornborger

Barrington

Ms. Sornborger is the current organizer of the Diamondback Terrapin Population Study.