College news
• Hongfei Xie of Brattleboro graduated cum laude from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a B.A. in interactive media studies.
• Katherine Nolan of Putney graduated from Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., with a M.S. in applied behavior analysis.
• The following local students recently graduated with bachelor's degrees from Castleton University: Patrick Gilligan of Vernon, political science; Michael Labeau of Bellows Falls, criminal justice; Seth Marcil of Brattleboro, criminal justice; Kevin Paciulli of Brattleboro, criminal justice; Alyssa Palumbo of Whitingham, art; Brian Schilling of Saxtons River, English; Cody Driscoll of Vernon, business administration; Nicole Wershoven of Whitingham, biology (summa cum laude); and Haley Struthers of Putney, sociology.
• Kayla Wood of East Dummerston, a member of the Class of 2017 at Castleton University, was named to the 2016-17 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Winter/Spring All-Academic Team. A physical education major who graduated with a 3.88 GPA, she was a four-year member of the Castleton softball team and compiled a 37-17 record as a pitcher. She has also participated in Castleton's Mentoring Program and worked on several community projects during her time at the school.
• Preston Stachelek of Stratton and Owen J. Schneider of Wilmington were both named to the spring 2017 Dean's List at the University of Rhode Island.
• The following local students received honors for the spring 2017 semester at the Community College of Vermont: Chloe Fawcett of Jamaica and Diane Carvalho of Vernon were both named to the President's List. Named the Dean's List were Holly Nolette of Bellows Falls, Dimitar Radev of Guilford, Kaylee Gargett of Jamaica, Rachael Adams, Selena Wetherby, and Emily Whitworth of Putney, Robert Wheeler of Saxtons River, Meghan LaFlam and David Pratt of Vernon, Kelsey Hescock of Wardsboro, and Erin Caldwell of West Halifax.
• Charlotte Elwell, a physics major from Brattleboro, graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. She was also named to the spring 2017 Dean's List.
• Graham Glennon of Brattleboro, a Spanish major with minor in sociology/anthropology, graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.
• Elkanah Linder of Townshend, a doctor of pharmacy student at the University of Sciences in Philadelphia, has been named to the spring 2017 Dean's List.
• The following local students received honors for the spring 2017 semester at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.: Jon-Erik Brodhurst and Julia Stevens of Brattleboro were named to the First Honors list, and Meyru C. Bhanti of Brattleboro and Emily M. Thibault of Williamsville were named to the Second Honors list.
• Carolina Curvo, a member of the Class of 2018 from Brattleboro, has been named to the spring 2017 Dean's List at Regis University in Weston, Mass.
• Emily Perry of Bellows Falls and Miranda Wilkins of Jamaica were named to the Dean's List, with Honors, at the University of New Hampshire for the spring 2017 semester.
• Sean Malloy, a freshman recreation major from Bellows Falls, was named to the spring 2017 Dean's List at Paul Smith's College in Paul Smiths, N.Y.
• David Barnes of West Dover, a member of the Class of 2020 who is majoring in economics, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2017 semester at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
School news
• The following local students received honors for the 2016-17 academic year at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, Mass.: Eve Colette Pomazi of Brattleboro, Diego Fidencio Torres of Brattleboro, and Ethan Pete Blofson Paasche of Guilford all were named to the Head of School's list; Elliot Peter Gooley of Brattleboro and Isabelle Frances Magbie of Brattleboro were named to the Academic Honors list; and Lillian Alice Richards of Brattleboro and Lars Eric Andrews of Halifax were named to the Dean's List.
Transitions
• Serenity Wolf of Stevens & Associates of Brattleboro recently earned her license to practice as a Professional Civil Engineer in the state of Vermont. Wolf, a native of Brattleboro, returned to her hometown after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Civil Engineering degree from Norwich University and almost a decade working throughout the United States and internationally.
• Rebecca Keppler has joined West River Valley Thrives in Townshend as the organization's project coordinator. Keppler, who grew up in Marlboro, has a degree in English Language and Literature, with a minor in education, from Smith College. West River Valley Thrives's mission is to support and promote healthy lifestyle choices with an emphasis on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by young people.
Obituaries
• Kathleen Margaret “Kathy” Badger, 74, of West Brattleboro. Died June 23 at her home following an extended period of declining health. She was born in Hartford, Conn., on May 16, 1943, the daughter of Francis and Dorothy (Nolan) Forand. She was raised and educated in East Hartford, where she attended public schools. She later graduated from Greenfield Community College. A resident of Brattleboro since 1998, she had previously resided in Saxtons River and Townshend, and Killingworth, Conn. She enjoyed arts and crafts, reading, and time shared with her family. She especially had a love for music and was an accomplished oboe player. Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Castine and her husband, Scott, of Vernon, a son, Thomas Badger of Springfield, Vt.; a brother, Edmund “Ned” Forand of Flagler Beach, Fla.; a sister, Jeanne Ellen York of Medford, Ore., and a grandson, Jacob Castine of Vernon. Additionally, she leaves several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Michael Forand. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 30 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Donations to Meals on Wheels, Brattleboro Senior Meals, 207 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Charles R. “Chuck” Cummings, 87, of Brattleboro. died unexpectedly June 12 at his home in Brattleboro. A well-known attorney and town dignitary, throughout his life, he graced any occasion with sartorial splendor. He was born in Fall River, Mass., on Jan. 17, 1930, the son of Ethel H. and Joseph W. Cummings. He was educated at St. George's School in Middletown, R.I., Hobart-William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y., and Boston University Law School. He earned his law degree in 1956. He moved to Windham County after law school to help college roommate Peter Ash build the Sitzmark ski resort in Dover. Shortly after, he joined John G. Kristensen and practiced law with him in Brattleboro at the firm of Kristensen Cummings until retirement in 2008. At the closing of his practice of 50 years, Mr. Cummings was quoted as saying, “They say life goes on and it does. That's the way life is.” At many points, his advice to his many friends and family was “you have to roll with the punches.” Active locally, regionally, and nationally, he helped incorporate organizations such as Rescue Inc. and the Winston Prouty Center. He was dedicated to strengthening education, serving on and often leading boards such as the Brattleboro Town School Board, The Frances Hicks School, and the School for International Training. In the mid-1980s, he was elected chair of the board of trustees at the University of Vermont. Among his many legal association leadership positions, he was president of the Vermont and New England Bar Associations and a member of the board of Governors of the American Bar Association. Through his service to the ABA, he was able to travel far and wide with his beloved wife of 46 years, Ann Hedges Cummings, whom he married in 1960. With Ann, he was a lifelong Republican and supported many area campaigns. Although not always on the same side of the aisle with some, he would offer to “sit down and talk about it,” said his good friend and fellow lawyer Timothy J. O'Connor Jr. He was happy to serve many boards and organizations such as Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Grace Cottage Hospital, Thompson House, Community Chest/United Way, Kiwanis, Rotary, Brattleboro Country Club, Brattleboro Planning Commission, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Vermont Community Foundation, New England Youth Theatre, and the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber named Mr. Cummings its Person of the Year in 1990. With his late wife, he was an active communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, serving for many years on the Pastoral Council and the Finance Committee. Ann predeceased him in 2006, after a long and saddening decline of health. He was utterly and tenderly devoted to his amazing wife and their children. He was a self-described people person, centering first and foremost on his family. He leaves a brother, David and his wife, Jean; three sons, John “Chip” Cummings, Robert Cummings (Derek Schroeder), and Peter Cummings (Jill). Chuck's life took on profound joy at the birth of his granddaughter Abigail Rose Cummings in 2014. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carroll H. Dawson (James), and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Joseph (Louise), John, and Richard (Mildred). Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 1 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353; Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• William Joseph “Bill” Doyle, 94, of Natick, Mass., formerly of Vermont. Died May 24. Born in Women's Hospital in New York City, the son of Katherine Phelan and William Doyle, he was the eldest of three children. He met the love of his life, Dorothy Rose Bolger, when he was 5. Bill and Dorothy dated through high school and pledged their love for one another when he went joined the Navy and went off to war. He served 2 1/2 years aboard the submarine USS Sterlet in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After his honorable discharge at the rank of Electricians Mate, first class, he returned home and married Dorothy in 1947. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year, and their married lives took them from the Bronx, Manhattan, and Long Island to North Carolina, Montana, Vermont, and Massachusetts, with a few stints in Europe in their later years. He worked his entire life, first as an electrician and, later, as a house manager for Ralph Lauren, an inn and shopkeeper in Vermont, and a lifelong crafter of everything from artisanal furnishings to farmhouses and barns. He is remembered as having a razor-sharp wit, an unwavering can-do spirit, and for his strong hands weathered from a lifetime of hard, honest work. He will also be remembered for his kind and steady wisdom, for the immense love he held for his wife and his entire family, and for being just in a world that is anything but. Besides his wife, he is survived by his six children: William James Doyle (Audrey Doyle), Clare Doyle (James McGuiness), Robert Doyle (Gregory Parks), Anne Doyle, Beth Bean (Chris Bean), and David Doyle (Pamela Custode); 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Theodore and Kay. Memorial information: No service information provided. Donations to VNA Hospice & Palliative Care (www.vnacare.org) or the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org).
• Charles Frank Dunn, 88, formerly of Wilmington. Died June 21 at Bennington Health & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Wilmington on Aug. 2, 1928, the son of the late Frank Dunn and Marguerite Smith, he attended Wilmington schools. He worked as a machinist for many years, retiring from G.S. Precision. He was a true outdoorsman and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his later years, he enjoyed taking pictures and, upon retirement, he moved to Mapleton, Maine, and wintered in Florida. He was a former member of the Wilmington Fire Department. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Cairns, and her husband, Bill, of Manchester Center; sons Michael Dunn of New Hampshire and Scott Dunn and his wife, Debbie, and their children; sister Geraldine (Gerry) Christiansen of Wilmington, his former wife Beatrice Dunn of Whitingham, stepchildren Skip Rafus and Linda Owens, and seven grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Barbara Meade Rafus, and his sister, Beatrice (Bobbie) Lavoy. Memorial information: Funeral services were held June 30, at 11 a.m., at Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington, with interment in the family lot in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. Donations to the Wilmington Fire Department, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 215 Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Heidi Ann Lane, 42, of Conowingo, Md. Died June 27. Born on Feb. 5, 1975 in Brattleboro, the daughter of David Lane and the late Anna (Guilbault) Lane, she was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1994. She played field hockey and softball at BUHS. She went on to attend Castleton State College, graduating with an associate's degree in criminal justice. As an employee, she was a very smart, dedicated, and hard worker. In her spare time, she greatly enjoyed reading, skiing, and long walks. A devoted mother, sister, daughter, and friend, she adored her daughters, who were the love of her life. She will be remembered as always enjoying life and being a ray of sunshine. In addition to her father, David Lane of Dummerston, she is survived by her daughters: Madisun A. Lane and Kendall Artrip, both of Rising Sun, Md.; her brother, Scott D. Lane, his wife, Jolene and their son, Ben of Vernon; her half-brother Jesse and half-sisters Angela, Kaela and Shelby, all of Vermont. She was recently predeceased by her mother, who died May 17, 2017. Memorial information: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Wednesday, July 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. A private memorial gathering for Heidi's family will be held at a later date. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Vera M. Magoon, 92, of Bondville. Died June 25 at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center. Born in Danby, Vt., on Nov. 21, 1924, the daughter of the late Edward Kendall and Ada (Baker) Kendall, she worked as a chambermaid in the Stratton Mountain area and cleaned many area homes. She loved flowers, canning, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, hunting, picking wild blueberries and strawberries, and enjoyed listening and watching Lawrence Welk on Friday evenings along with “Hee-Haw.” She was known for making her homemade pizzas on wrestling Sundays. She also enjoyed making homemade doughnuts. She is survived by her sons, Edward Magoon and his wife, Virginia, of Jamaica and Arthur Magoon; brother Ned Kendall of Springfield, Vt., sisters Alice Sombrick of Alabama and Dorothy Haynes of northern Vermont; two grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Magoon, who died in 1964; her son, Walter Magoon who died March 2017; and siblings Jim, Everett and Fred Kendall, and Flory Mack. Memorial information: A funeral Ssrvice will be held on July 15, at noon, at Bondville Cemetery. Donations to the Londonderry or Winhall Rescue Squads, in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Francis Hale “Whit” Whitcomb, 94, of South Albany, Vt. Died June 21 on the family farm in South Albany. Born in New York City to James and Josephine Whitcomb, he attended Hoosac School and Bard College, earning a bachelor's in education. He later earned his M.Ed. from the Putney Graduate School, and a master's in conservation from the University of Michigan. In between his education pursuits, he served overseas in the Army Air Corps in World War II as an Air Traffic Controller and also assisted in construction of temporary airport infrastructure. After the war, he accepted a teaching position at Hickory Ridge School in Putney. He taught there until it burned to the ground in the early 1950s. He then resumed his education and, after completing his M.Ed. in Putney, he accepted a teaching position at North Country School in Lake Placid, N.Y. It was there where he met his partner in life, Patricia Jane Hale. On Dec. 19, 1953, they married. They marked 63 years of marriage last December. In 1962, the Whitcombs moved to New Canaan, Conn., to teach history and English at New Canaan Country Day School. In 1966, he returned to Putney with his family to teach at The Grammar School. He not only continued to shape young minds in the classroom, but stepped forward to take on the role of headmaster until 1973. It was the fall of that year that started his hiatus from teaching. The family moved to the Northeast Kingdom to set up a small family farm. It was on this small homestead that a lifelong goal of owning a maple sugaring operation was realized. Cultivating the sugar woods that were so abundant on that 350-acre haven they now called home, he and his character-filled sugarhouse aged together, as he gathered sap through knee deep snow and boiled till dawn to make his “liquid gold.” The warmer months were dedicated to prepping for the next sugaring season, haying the fields for the various livestock that they had accumulated and reaping the benefits of Pat's glorious vegetable gardens. In 1981, he returned to the classroom when he accepted a position at Lake Region Union High School in Orleans. He taught there until his retirement in 1988. He was a passionate world traveler, experiencing the lands of Ireland, England, Italy, Switzerland, France, India, Morocco, Egypt, and the entire United States. He ran for the Vermont House for Orleans County at least eight times on the Democratic ticket, each time edging closer to holding that coveted seat. He was a member of the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, was Chair of the Board of Lister's for the town of Albany, as well as Town Moderator. He was a Justice of the Peace, uniting many local couples in marriage who he remained in touch with. He was a member of the Orleans County Farm Bureau and past president of the Orleans County Maple Producers Association and a former director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association. He was an eternal optimist, a searcher of truth, and of tolerance. He had a never ending curiosity and compassion for the lives around him, and had a thirst for knowledge. He was immensely proud of his three children and their families and had the unique honor of being a very present force in his many grandchildren's lives. He leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia, as well as their children Marian Guihan, along with her husband, Peter and their two sons; Jennifer Elliott and her husband, Clarke; and David Whitcomb, his wife Kim and their six children. He also leaves a great-grandchild and nine nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, an older brother, David Whitcomb, and a younger sister, Priscilla Ford. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. All are welcome to attend and share their memories. There was nothing Whit loved more than a good party. Donations to either the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church or The Orleans County Maple Sugar Association. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.