DATE: Sunday, July 13, 1997                 TAG: 9707110243

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 05   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letters 

                                            LENGTH:  129 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - PORTSMOUTH

Last year, The Currents and The Virginian-Pilot ran several features about historic Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Major work in Cedar Grove, however, is nearing completion. So, it might be time for an update. Work to rehabilitate the grounds through resetting and restoring of stones continues as does the identification of veterans' graves without proper markings. Welding and painting of ornamental wrought ironwork also continues.

Vandalism, while still a problem, is not as prevalent. Weeding and grass cutting are done regularly.

New cedar trees are growing along and near the cemetery's main avenue. An American flag waves proudly atop a pole erected within the grounds. Two commemorative plaques at each cemetery entrance announce that the property is listed on the National Register.

Plans to create a self-guiding tour within the grounds are well underway. When finished, visitors will be able to walk to historic sites and read interpretive plaques. Among the selected sites are the graves of Dr. Thomas Williamson, first surgeon in charge of the Naval Hospital, John L. Porter, designer of the CSS Virginia, and Grace Phillips Pollard, first lady of Virginia.

None of this, of course, would have been possible without the leadership of Hank Morris, Dan Williamson and the Stonewall Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Morris and Williamson working with Paul Forehand of the city's parks and recreation department and with Sheriff Gary Waters' prisoner work release program have accomplished a great deal.

Cedar Grove is once again a place where the dead can rest honorably. It is an historic site worthy of heritage tourism initiatives. It is an art gallery filled with symbolic nineteenth century funerary art and it is a park.

In short, Cedar Grove complements the city's Vision 2005.

The grounds are also an example: First, it shows what can be done when government and its people work together. Secondly, the cemetery has rallied others to action. Work is underway in one of the city's historic black cemeteries.

Meanwhile, I suggest readers visit Cedar Grove, but try and make it on a Wednesday when Morris and Williamson are present. The visit will be worthwhile.

William Blake

Brandywine Drive

Chesapeake

July 1, 1997 Portside's charm

My sense is that people who want Portside to continue want something different than what they see at Waterside.

Waterside is overwhelmingly commercial, meaning obviously programmed to sell ``stuff.'' Portside is more like a park, open to all and relaxed.

I find there a sense of community, a sense that anyone and everyone can find a safe haven with food and beverage and entertainment available. The water has a calming effect. It is a place that is good for the soul, a place to get away from the pressures of daily life. Waterside is like a mall without department stores. Portside is unique.

We have already lost much quality recreational space in this area, including two city buildings. Must we also lost what has become so special in this city? Why can't we find a way to build on the uniqueness of Portside as it is, rather than trying to create something different?

I suppose that high-gloss commercialism will win out over community and soul-business, but if it does, Portsmouth will be poorer.

Kathryn Pigg

West Road

July 8, 1997 Dealing with a loss

On Sunday, June 15, Simonsdale became the site for Portsmouth's 12th murder this year.

In the words of the Rev. Kathryn Pigg, ``God must have watched in horror as the dreadful deed was done that night and the life of a son, brother, nephew, grandson, friend and beloved friend was taken from him and us.

It was not God's will. It was the will of hate and violence in the heart of one who had drowned out the voice of God, that quiet insistent voice within that tells us to beware, or more plainly, to stop, the voice of conscience it is sometimes called, the voice of respect for human life, the voice of God's love.''

The community has held two meetings to understand and mourn this tragedy in our neighborhood. We would like to thank the Simonsdale Presbyterian Church for opening its doors for the healing of the family and community. Also, the Revs. Matt Matthews, Arnold Harrell, Palmer and Kathryn Pigg, gave their unqualified support for which we are grateful.

We appreciate the City Council and Mayor Holley, Vice Mayor Johnny Clemons and Bernard Clemons for attending the funeral and giving the proclamation for the Day of Caring on June 29. We would also like to thank Martin Bullock, Chief Tucker and Luke McCoy for their support. This tragedy has impacted our community to the degree that we have decided to begin our own neighborhood watch program.

As a civic leader seeing the effect of an incident such as this, I suggest that the Portsmouth City Council organize a crisis team to support the victims and/or their families in such trying situations. A group of police, city officials and local ministers could be of immeasurable help in bringing the community together to deal with adversity.

We have raised enough money for a marker to be placed at the basketball court where this tragedy occurred. Additional funds will go toward a reward. Donations can be made at any Signet Bank branch to the Michael Lee Hedge Memorial Fund or mailed to Signet Bank, 5700 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, Va., 23701.

Karen Jordan

President

Simonsdale Civic League

July 8, 1997 Eyes on Ida Barbour

The Portsmouth unit of the Hampton Roads League of Women Voters commends the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority. At our recent meeting, Hal Short and Ben Adderholdt of the PRHA briefed us on new trends in subsidized housing in our city, specifically regarding plans for the Ida Barbour Housing complex, a long standing need of improvement.

The League of Women Voters, nationally and locally, has long supported adequate, affordable housing for all citizens. Now we wish to support the PRHA in its effort to develop plans for home ownership for current residents of Ida Barbour. However, we do have concern for displaced persons who are not financially ready for home ownership.

Our league unit hopes to sponsor a ``go-see'' tour to learn more about developing plans for home ownership for residents of Ida Barbour and more about other housing plans for the city. We welcome participation of all interested persons. More information will be forthcoming about the ``go-see.'' Anyone desiring more information, or wishing to participate in the tour or the league unit, please call the league office at 627-3397 or Mildred Hudgins at 393-7302 between 9 a.m and 9 p.m.

Mildred Hudgins

President, Portsmouth Unit

League of Women Voters

July 8, 1997

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