As a longtime neighbor and friend of Robert Bittar, I was saddened to hear of his untimely death. Bob was a wonderful, creative, kind, generous, and quirky person. He will be missed by his many friends.

The Readfield Emporium has been missed for a while. It drew diners and musicians from far and wide. At times it was kept open at a financial loss, partly because it was the social center of Readfield and partly because people would come to sit and chat with the brilliant and beautiful person who was Bob’s wife, Helen.

The music is also missed. There were frequent “open mic” sessions where talented local musicians would perform. And there were occasional performances by world-class touring musicians. One never knew what wonderful music might be happening at The Emporium. That is now a memory, as is the man who made these magical things happen.

Bob and Helen had a dream of providing a larger and nicer musical venue for Readfield and the surrounding communities. Unfortunately, this wonderful gift was not accepted by a few misguided people in power.

It is certainly true that Bob did not follow the usual protocols for this project. He was more of a “doer” than an “asker.” Even though Bob may have contributed more to Readfield than anyone else, too many of those in control could not muster the grace to forgive Bob his style. They apparently felt the obligation to put this man in his place.

I was even more deeply saddened by the headline of your coverage of Bob’s death. The story was all about “the feud” with nothing about the man, his late wife, or the gift they had hoped to bestow on our communities.

It was a sensationalized and slanted story. At this point it seems that the small people have prevailed. But it may not be too late for grace and forgiveness to correct the shortsightedness of those who have refused to accept the gift offered by “the pesky man from away.”

Dr. Phil Tedrick

Wilton

(formerly Readfield)