For their outstanding effort to preserve historic cemeteries, three Maryland residents – one a state Senator – have received the Periwinkle Award from the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites, Inc., Maryland’s only non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the state’s old family and public cemeteries, historic churchyards, and Indian burial grounds.

The awards were presented on April 28, 2007 in New Windsor, Maryland. Ann Bolt, Ann Horvath, and Melvin Mason, served on the Periwinkle Award Committee this year.

Harold Robertson

Harold has been a long time member of the Carroll County Genealogical Society. As a member he has held various Offices and committee memberships. He worked on the Cemetery Copying Committee and the Committee responsible for publishing the books created as a result of the work of the Cemetery Copying Committee.  He is the custodian for several local cemeteries, has published a book about Deer Park Methodist Cemetery, and is working on a book for Westminster Cemetery.

Penny & Gail Blankenship

This couple has led a group of dedicated volunteers in an effort to revive and preserve the Rosa Bonheur Pet Cemetery. They have organized a group of volunteers to rehabilitate an abused and neglected cemetery that contains the remains of both animals and humans.  The organization that they lead is a loose group of concerned site owners and pet owners who see the value of cemeteries in the life of everyone. They accept no contributions other than the desire to improve the grounds with time and effort.  More about their efforts can be found at gimpydogs.com/rosebonheur.html.