Starting the Free School of Clinton, a community education program for the Colleges and community, was how we met each other as well as many lifelong friends. Being able to start a business at the tender age of 19 provided us the beginnings of some very important skills.

Many people at the Colleges and in the Clinton community were instrumental in the Free School’s success. While in Clinton, we reconnected with John Felner who for no cost let a bunch of long-haired and overall wearing college kids use space above his dry cleaning store for the Free School’s office. Like many people in Clinton, John took a leap of faith but told us he was proud of his decision.

John has remained active in Clinton community activities. Two fond Clinton memories we have are 1) Friday night raisen bread from Jake the Baker and 2) the Clinton Cider Mill. In 1992 John and his family purchased the Clinton Cider Mill (see new Cider Mill door below) and it is running better than ever. The cider remains the best we have tasted!

We hope that over our lives we have been able to pay forward John’s act of kindness, as well as the many acts of kindness from Clinton community members.