Wreaths for veterans, entries sought for time capsule: Seacoast community news update
Portsmouth NH 400 issues call for entries for time capsule
PORTSMOUTH – As the celebration of Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary comes to a close, former Mayor Bob Lister and former Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine are rallying residents to contribute letters to a time capsule to be opened in 2123.
The time capsule is scheduled to be sealed on Sunday, Dec. 31, at noon near the Holiday Tree in Market Square and the public is welcome to attend the brief ceremony.
After unveiling the shiny red time capsule at the City Council meeting on Dec. 18, the team and PNH400 now invite anyone interested in participating to “Write a letter to 2123” that explains who you are today to someone reading the letter when the capsule is unsealed on the city’s 500th anniversary in 2123.
Entry information
Entry should be a 1-2 page paper letter, addressed “Dear 2123.”
Deadline: Dec. 30, at 5 p.m.
Deliver to: Portsmouth Public Library (175 Parrott Avenue) or the Senior Activity Center (125 Cottage Street)
Veterans honored with wreaths
PORTSMOUTH — On Dec. 16 and through the efforts of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge #97 and the Ranger Youth Chapter of the DAR, wreaths were placed on the gravesides of veterans of the American Revolution at the North Cemetery. A simple but heartfelt dedication accompanied the placing of each wreath.
These men were veterans who participated in the battles of Bunker Hill, Fort William and Mary, Saratoga and many others military actions while defending the State of New Hampshire in the cause of American Independence.
Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelly, accompanied by members of the Elks Lodge, also placed a wreath of remembrance on Governor John Langdon's tomb at the North Cemetery.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization established in 2007 and its primary activity is distributing wreaths to honors veterans’ graves.
Dover developer donates Christmas trees
DOVER — The former Christmas tree farm at 239 Knox Marsh Road was sold to 239 Knox Marsh Realty, LLC for $1,225,000.
Seller, Equine Properties, LLC, acquired the 9.36± acre site in 2020 and secured all the approvals necessary for a mixed-use housing project comprising 52 multi-family units, two 13,583± SF commercial units, and 12 single-family homes. The buyer, a regional developer, was looking for a shovel-ready site with permits in place.
While engineers worked with the DOT to get the last approval, the seller worked with local community organizations, donating Christmas trees to those in need. The transaction was arranged on behalf of the seller by Christian Stallkamp and Katherine Gemmecke of The Boulos Company. Gil Aleixo represented the buyer.
Portsmouth plans Inauguration on Jan. 2, 2024
PORTSMOUTH — The public is invited to the Inauguration for the Portsmouth City Council, Police Commission, Fire Commission and School Board to be held in Eileen Dondero Foley Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m.
The Inauguration program will include the National Anthem sung by the Portsmouth High School Singers, the posting of colors by the Portsmouth Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, and an invocation by Reverend Jennifer Mazur of North Church.
This will be followed by the taking of oaths by Fire Commissioner Michael Hughes; Police Commissioner Francesca Marconi Fernald; School Board members Christiana “Pip” Clews, Patricia “Tish” Campbell, Byron Matto, and David “Leigh” Hudson; City Council members Vince Lombardi, Beth Moreau, Andrew Bagley, Rich Blalock, Josh Denton, Kate Cook, John Tabor, Assistant Mayor JoAnna Kelley and Mayor Deaglan McEachern.
To conclude, Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman of Temple Israel in Portsmouth will lead the Benediction.
Light refreshments prepared by Gather will be available after the ceremony.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wreaths for veterans, entries sought for time capsule: community news
