The Mayor's Blue Ribbon Cemetery Committee of Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The Chariman’s Message

As our first year of full operation nears its close, I feel I can safely say that the committee’s hard work has put The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Cemetery Committee on the map, a name now well-known in Portsmouth and its environs.

The highlight of the summer and fall has been “Spirits 2004, Bringing the Dead to Life,” a series of programs performed in all od the four burial grounds. Costumed role players included Steve Wood as President Abraham Lincoln, Tom Kehr as Gov. John Langdon, and Lee and Dot Fisher as Dr. and Mrs. Hall Jackson. Prominent speakers included Glenn Knoblock, Valerie Cunningham, Peter Michaud, Roberta Ransley-Matteau, and Charles Librizzi.

The programs went so well during the summer with 11 taking place, with only three rainouts, that we extended presentations into September and October culminating with President Lincoln addressing a group of citizens and candidates for office, from both parties, advising candidates on the finer
points of the debate.

We were fortunate in having the program fully funded through the generosity of the J. Vernon Wood and Farrell Funeral Homes, Fisher Scientific, Mainely Gourmet, the Law Offices of John Lyons, Senator and Mrs. Judd Gregg, Jonathan Aldrich, Drs. Stephen Comeau and Kevin Bettencourt, and St.
Andrews’ and St. John Masonic Lodges.

Under the supervision of Rogers Syphers of Hampton, repairs in the city’s four ancient burial grounds, North, Point of Graves, Pleasant Street and Union, are ongoing. A total of $9,455 has been expended to date with $4,000 allocated for work in progress.

Richard Adams and Judy Nerbonne have been hard at work investigating signage for the cemeteries. Future work includes determining the number of signs needed, placement, design and cost, and all necessary for grant applications by March or April. Judy has investigated and found what she considers the best company to perform the work. Anyone know of a benefactor who might help with funding?

In addition to beautifying the burial grounds, we are planning to expand our educational services to schools and groups citywide. To date, we have presented a slide program for the residents of the Wentworth Retirement Home and will be speaking to Middle Street Baptist church in early February. We will also be speaking in November to the Portsmouth School Committee to offer our presentations in the city schools.

Come January, we have to get moving on plans for an April fundraiser similar to the highly successful one in September 2003, that really got the
committee off the ground. Theme and place to be determined. Suggestions welcome. And needless to say, my mind is going 24 hours a day thinking about a greatly expanded “Spirits 2005, Bringing the Dead to Life.”

However, good intentions go only so far and help is needed to raise funds particularly via personal contact and grant writing.

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