College news
• Nathan Nichols of Newfane graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., on May 24. At Hartwick, Nichols participated in Honors Program, Soccer Club, and Orchesis Dance Club. He majored in chemistry and physics, and mathematics and cognates for a second major.
• Ashley Morgan of West Townshend was awarded an M.S. in chemical engineering from Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute on May 17.
• Emily Cuerdon, a stage and production management major from Putney, has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at Emerson College in Boston.
• Kirsten Jobst has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at Dean College in Franklin, Mass.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology: Charles Eastwood of Townshend, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology; Noah Frank of Putney, who is in the software engineering program in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences; and Ashley Moran of Westminster, who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program in RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.
School news
• The following sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students were named to the honor roll at St. Michael's School in Brattleboro: Madison Crocker, Natalia Forkin, Lillie Richards, Devi Soun, and Morgan Roy earned High Honors, while Jackson Barnes, Darcy Bates, Meghan Forrett, Elliot Gooley, Maxwell King, Kalin Noble, Jessica Tatro, Bret Worden, Mallory Bauer, Meghan Hoppe, Olivia Hoos, Nina King, and Emily LaPointe earned Honors.
• Ali Hallal has been named the Windham Regional Career Center's May 2014 student of the month. He is an exchange student from Lebanon, who spent his junior year at Brattleboro Union High School and taking advantage of course offerings available to him at the Career Center. Hallal is from the city of Nabatieh, located in southern Lebanon. His coursework at the Career Center has been through its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) department. They have included digital electronics, architecture and construction graphics, and fiber optic photon. Hallal is here through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, which was established by Congress in October 2002, funded through the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA). It provides scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the United States. Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about other countries and cultures. Hallal plans to return to the United States for college, with an intended major in electrical engineering.
Transitions
• Kim Fine and F. Lisa Bloch have been selected to head up the development department at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster. Fine, the new Development Director, had been in Kurn Hattin's development department for a decade. Prior to coming to the school, she held the positions of Major Gifts Associate and Director of the International Students Program at World Learning/The School for International Training in Brattleboro. Bloch, the new assistant Development Director, was Director of Planning and Development at Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) from 2007-2013, as well as that organization's Family Outreach Specialist from 2004-2007.
• Crystal Blamy joins the Winston Prouty Center for Child Development in Brattleboro as a full-time coordinator/case manager in its Family Supportive Housing Program. In this position, Blamy will be helping families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness secure and maintain stable housing.
Obituaries
• Phyllis Margerate Belair, 96, formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 9 at Rutland Health and Rehab. Mother of Eileen Churchill and the late Ernest Belair Jr. Sister of Mildred Danielski Petelle of Fair Haven, and the late John, Charles, and Francis Ryan. Born in Barre, Mass., the daughter of the late Frank and Josephine Tondreau Ryan. In 1937, she married the late Ernest Fadden, who was killed during World War II. In 1947, she married the late Ernest J. Belair. She made her home with her daughter for the past five years. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A graveside service was held June 21 at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal.
• Marilyn M. Benton, 87, formerly of Dummerston. Died May 17 at Thompson House in Brattleboro, where she had been a resident for the last six years. Wife of the late Peter Benton for 63 years. Mother of Jeffrey Benton of Chicago, Douglas Benton of Pacifica, Calif., Andrew Benton and his wife, Andree, of Grantham, N.H., and Sarah Benton of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Claude W. and Dorothy W. Moore, she attended school and graduated from Brattleboro High School, class of 1945, at the top of her class. She received a B.S. degree from Simmons College in Boston in 1949. She married while still in college, and the Bentons resided in Cambridge, Mass., where they both finished college before moving to Concord and then Acton, Mass., In 1963, the Benton family moved to the Chicago area where Mr. Benton had been transferred. While living in Winnetka, Ill., the family would go on camping trips to the National Parks each summer, where she enjoyed hiking, exploring, and experiencing new adventures. At the time her children were being raised, she was very active in their activities as Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, the PTA, and Brownie leader. After living in Illinois and raising her children, she and the family returned to Brattleboro in 1973. She went to work at the Winston Prouty Center and, after moving to Dummerston, she worked for the Putney School until retiring in 1992. After retiring, she volunteered at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital coffee shop and participated with Green Up days. She was an avid walker. She enjoyed doing The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles, gardening, cooking, volunteering, playing golf, spending time with her cats and traveling to Italy with her husband. At Thompson House, she enjoyed walking, playing bingo, going on van rides, and attending all the musical entertainment programs. She was a long time communicant of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro, where she served on the altar guild and helped with the tag sales. Memorial information: A memorial service was celebrated June 25 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, with burial in the family plot in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's Episcopal Church Capital Campaign Fund, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or Activities Fund, Thompson House, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Donald Wendell “Donnie” Dix, 72, of Claremont, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 17 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a brief illness. Former husband of Nancy Bement for 33 years. Longtime companion of Patricia Bean of Claremont for 18 years. Father of Steven Dix and his wife, Jacqueline, of Brattleboro, and Lisa Hamilton and her husband, Jay, of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Justin and Arlene (Hill) Dix, he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1959, and served in the Army National Guard for three years. He was employed for many years at the former Grand Union in Brattleboro as produce manager. Following the closing of the Brattleboro store, he transferred to Claremont, where he worked for several years. He also served as a deputy game warden in Windham County. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 and the F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. He enjoyed hunting, camping, snowmobiling and photography. Memorial information: A graveside service was held June 23 in West Brattleboro Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Sheila C. Eddy, 70, of Bondville. Died June 18 at Fletcher-Allen Heath Care in Burlington. Wife of the late Thomas G. Eddy. Mother of Sheryl (Leslie Day), Susan (Beth Rogers), and Stacy Eddy-Gordon (Dusty). Sister of Sandra (Frank) Jones and E. Stuart (Barbara) Coleman. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Elton A. and Shirley (Lyons) Coleman, she grew up in Bondville. She attended Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend, where she was southpaw catcher and team captain of the undefeated softball team of 1961. Among her many academic and civic awards, she graduated valedictorian in 1962. She had a life-long love of etymology, languages and reading, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis on the Classics from the University of Vermont. While in high school, she worked across the street at Phillip's Corner Store and fondly recalled the fun she had at the soda fountain over the years. She was a clerk at the Bondville Post Office for several years and many will remember her as a front desk fixture at Coleman's Auto. The Eddys made their first home in Rawsonville for 22 years before moving to their Winhall Hollow home. She inherited a love of music from both sides of her family. She shared her musical gift with several organizations, serving as a most determined organist, including for the Bondville Methodist Church. She was in several bowling leagues where she bowled with the same measured stance and determination that she displayed on the piano. She conquered daily crossword puzzles, loved playing Bingo, and always enjoyed a thrill-ride, be it on Dusty's motorcycle or four-wheeler or Thomas' dirt-bike. Her hot air balloon ride and sky diving adventure were highlights from her bucket list. Beyond her dedication to biological family, she was very proud of her Masonic affiliation, both in Mt. Lebanon Chapter # 89, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Grand Chapter of Vermont, having been Worthy Grand Matron from 2009-10. She was also Past High Priestess of Nile Court #94 of Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America, and a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 6471 and Eagles Aerie Post 2551. Memorial information: A graveside ceremony by the Order of the Eastern Star was held June 24 at the Bondville Cemetery. Donations to the Vermont Eastern Star Home, Inc., in care of Deborah F. Litchfield, PGM, Sec., Board of Trustees, P.O. Box 1113, West Townshend, VT 05359, or a charity of your choice.
• Ernest L. Frost Sr., 84, formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 15 at his home in Brunswick, Maine. Husband of Bonnie Frost. Father of Ernest Frost Jr. of Northfield, Mass., and Kimberly Stewart of Chester, Va. Stepfather of Jason Barrows of Brattleboro and Joella Barrows of Saxtons River. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Harry and Mary Howard Frost, he attended schools in Massachusetts, Missouri, and Vermont, and then joined the Navy in 1945. He served as a machinist's mate on the USS Cowpens, and following his military service, he returned to New England. He was employed for many years as a machinist and bookbinder at The Book Press in Brattleboro. His interests included bowling, coin collecting, dancing, fishing, hunting, Civil War and family history, metal detecting, reading, movie watching, and scouring tag sales and thrift shops. As a child, he sang on a local radio program and maintained a lifelong love of music. He was a fun-loving friend to many, freely giving of his warm, gentle spirit. He was a member of the Brattleboro VFW, the Brattleboro Lodge #102, and the Cairo Temple, where he was 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and a member of both the clown and snowmobile units. Memorial information: A graveside service was held June 21 at the North Vernon Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT. 05302.
• Kevin Goygon-O'Brien, 70, of Dummerston. Died May 30 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Former husband of Sopha Goygon of Ottawa, Canada. Born in Staten Island, N.Y., the son of the late Thomas and Gertrude (Hope) O'Brien, he was raised and educated in Staten Island before moving to the Keene, N.H., area. While in Keene, he attended and graduated from Keene State College as well as Antioch New England, where he earned a masters degree from each institution. He later moved to the Brattleboro area and eventually settled in Dummerston where he had resided for the past 25 years. He was a social worker in the Keene area and, after settling in Dummerston, volunteered his time serving in his community, He travelled extensively and often was accompanied by friends. He particularly loved Ireland. He frequented the theaters in New York City, and it is rumored he had seen “Les Miserables” more than 25 times. He was a very loving and generous man and many people and organizations in the area were recipients of his kindness. Memorial information: A memorial gathering in celebration of his life will be held at J.D. McCliments Pub on Route 5 in Putney on Sunday, June 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. Donations to the Putney Foodshelf, P.O. Box 463, Putney, VT 05346. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Gladys Ellen Graham, 72, of Brattleboro. Died June 19 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. Wife of the late William Graham. Mother of Richard Graham of Trumbull, Conn., Michael Graham of Bridgeport, Conn., Patricia Graham of Georgia, and Cheryl Ann Bostwick of Bridgeport. Sister of Robert Thielen of Milford, Conn., Joseph Thielen of Deep River, Conn., Pamelia Matto of Stratford, Conn., and the late William A. Thielen. Born in Bridgeport, the daughter of William and Ellen (Wells) Thielen, she was raised and educated in Bridgeport, graduating from Central High School, Class of 1959. She continued her education, graduating from the University of Bridgeport/Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing. She also held an associate's degree in psychology and sociology. She was employed as a nurse at Bridgeport Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, and at several nursing homes in the Westport and Wilton, Conn., area. She moved to Wilmington, where she resided for 13 years later moving to Brattleboro in 1999, where she worked as a private duty nurse, retiring in 2003. While residing in Wilmington, she served as the town librarian. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and a former parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Bridgeport. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed knitting, collecting figurines and raising African Violets. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 24 at at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Burial will take place in St. John's Cemetery in Stratford, CT. Donations to Pine Heights Nursing Home Activities Fund, 187 Oak Grove Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Luther C. Porter, 77, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died June 18 at his home following a period of declining health. Husband of the late Virginia Rider, the late Lorraine Skrypek, and the late Veronica McCarthy. Stepfather of David, Donald, and Daniel Pierce, all of Hinsdale; Denise Garcia of Phoenix, Ariz.; and the late Duane Pierce. Born in Burlington, the son of Hollis and Ilene (Curler) Porter, he was raised and educated in Richmond, graduating from the former Richmond High School, Class of 1955. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of Vermont in 1959 and soon after became employed as an agent for the Internal Revenue Service. He worked in Brattleboro, Montpelier, and St. Johnsbury before retiring on Jan. 1, 2000, following 41 faithful years of service with the IRS. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and watching sports on television. He was an avid Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots fan. Memorial information: In accordance with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. He will be laid to rest at a future date next to his wife Virginia in Riverview Cemetery in Richmond. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Marian L. Hall Sabo Taschereau, 85, of Brattleboro. Died June 7 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Wife of the late Andew F. Sabo and the late Raymond Taschereau. Mother of Karen Taschereau of Guilford; Stephen Taschereau and his wife, Jamelle, of Defuniak Springs, Fla.; Andrea Hughes of Brattleboro; Raychelle McTaggart and her husband, Christian, of Brattleboro; Peter Taschereau and his wife, Laura, of Halifax; and the late Robert Wayne Sabo. Sister of E. Keith Hall of New Milford, Pa., Franklin Hall and his wife, Marion, of Winsted, Conn. and Florida; Marjorie Dombrowski and her husband, Alfred, of Winsted, Conn.; and the late Kenneth Hall. Also survived by 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in New Milford, Pa., the daughter of the late Louise (Hawley) and Willis E. Hall, she enjoyed ceramics, quilting, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family. She was an active Girl Scout leader in Connecticut, Illinois, and Vermont, a volunteer at CABA, a commissioner with the Brattleboro Housing Authority, and worked in retail at Fireside True Value until her retirement. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at Hayes Court Community Hall, Garfield Drive, West Brattleboro, on July 12, at 12:30 p.m.. She lived here for 15 years and loved the complex prior to her need to have more care. Donations may be made to Tri-State Bible Baptist Church, P.O. Box 51, Chesterfield, NH 03443.