WESTFIELD-Peter Liptak was introduced to Hampton Ponds during the summer of ’76 – and never left.
“The rent was $50 a month for a cottage which was a good deal,” said Liptak as he and his wife Donna sat in a neighbor’s living room on Pequot Point Road on Wednesday afternoon.
A ‘Welcome to the Lake” sign still stands at the entrance to the home of Peter and Donna Liptak at 78 Pequot Point Road where a fire engulfed the home on Aug. 16.
“I loved Hampton Ponds so much that when September came, I knew I was staying here,” he added.
The couple and their four children, Ann, a junior, and Joan, a senior, both at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and James, a junior, and Sara, a senior, both at Westfield Technical Academy, experienced the unthinkable on Aug. 16 – their home at 78 Pequot Point Road went up in flames. The Liptaks also have two beloved dogs, Brownie, an English Springer Spaniel, and Dottie, a miniature French poodle, and fortunately both were at a local groomer during the time of the afternoon blaze.
According to Jennifer Mieth, public information officer for the state Department of Fire Services, the fire started in the second floor master bedroom. Mieth noted the investigation is ongoing but the focus is on an electrical cause.
“While we cannot say for certain at this point that this happened in this case, we did want to take the opportunity to remind your readers to always plug air conditioners directly into the wall outlet,” said Mieth. “We have had a number of fires this summer where people have plugged their air conditioners into extension cords and caused terrible fires.”
For the Liptak family, having “lost everything” in the fire has been traumatic, however, the outpouring of support and love from the community has helped them get through the past week.
“The response from family, friends and neighbors was immediate,” said Peter Liptak as Dottie sat on his lap. “So many people came to us offering to help in any way they could.”
Donna Liptak echoed those sentiments.
“People from two coves away were bringing us stuff they knew we would need right away,” she said, referencing the toiletries, basic clothing, and food that was dropped off at the house next door to theirs since those owners have opened up their home for the Liptaks to use for the short term until the insurance company completes housing arrangements.
“When the fire started I ran outside without any shoes on,” said Donna Liptak, adding a neighbor quickly gave her a pair of shoes to wear.
The couple, longtime members of the Hampton Ponds Association (HPA), were also overwhelmed and grateful for their friends who collected money in the neighborhood.
“When I saw one of the HPA members going from house to house I asked if it was time to pay my HPA dues and she said ‘no,'” said Peter Liptak, later learning the woman was taking up a collection for the family.
Since the fire, neighbors have continued to support the family by dropping off pizza, grinders, salads, and even coffee and breakfast foodstuffs each morning.
“Just knowing that everyone has offered their support has been so important to us,” said Peter Liptak, a registered nurse who is scheduled for triple bypass surgery later this year.
While there will be hurdles to navigate as the couple seeks to rebuild their lives – and their home – they remain positive for the future. From support by representatives of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to parishioners of their church – Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church – the Liptaks feel blessed in so many ways – especially that no one was injured during the fire.
“Despite the obstacles I will be starting classes this fall at Charis Bible College in Gardner,” said Donna Liptak, who is also a licensed independent clinical social worker.
“We are so lucky,” added Peter Liptak, acknowledging at age 70 he reminds his children – who are all adopted – the situation could have been worse.
“Our children have gone through a range of emotions,” said Peter Liptak, adding, “We will rebuild here because I would miss the tranquility of Hampton Ponds.”
