In the beginning...

"The shot was a gift to me from one Michael Griffin, a long-time friend from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who gave it to me as a wedding present when Sally and I got married in Washington, Connecticut. It was just that - a shot put; not ornamented in any way- rusty, cold, and worn. It had seen many years at some school, but I don't know where. I gave it to Rob and Demi when they were married, thinking it would be a unique present; not dreaming it would become an Ayres family heirloom. I am quite impressed with its longevity and where it's been!" - Hank Mixsell