The first (annual?) CissyFest

We could never have enough tributes for Cissy Taylor, the southern belle, longtime Union Leader crime reporter, former Eagle-Tribune New Hampshire editor, past press aide to the New Hampshire Speaker of the House, veteran board member of the Manchester Police Athletic League and – perhaps her proudest accomplishment – friend to many incredibly lucky people. Soon after her body was discovered in April, following an apparent heart attack in the condo where she lived alone, hundreds came to the funeral home service arranged by her brother Richard, who has faithfully and valiantly continued to execute the wishes she left in her will. On Saturday, we had another kind of celebration – a “CissyFest” hosted by her good friend and Union Leader compatriot Paul Tracy – this time on the shores of Squam Lake, where many of us, including Richard, gathered to share stories and testimonials, eat good food (essential at any Cissy party) and drink wine she had left behind, which Richard brought along to share. We shared her favorite Malbec, laughed at stories of her irreverence (belching in the newsroom?), recounted camping adventures and looked at old photos as the sun went down over that lovely lake. It felt like the beginning of a tradition. And I, for one, hope it will be.