Transitions
• Lynn Levine, founder of Forest*Care, a Dummerston-based consulting forestry business since 1978, recently announced that Andrew Morrison of Dummerston is now the new owner. Morrison is a former science teacher with a B.S. from SUNY's College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a graduate degree from Antioch University New England, where he focused his research efforts on understanding our forests' resilience and the impacts of invasive plant species. For the past several years, he has worked for Land Stewardship Inc. a small company that specializes in ecological restoration. Levine will continue to lead a variety of nature-related workshops and create interpretative nature trails under the name of her new business, Nature Connect.
• Melissa Swim and Aton Nasreddin-Longo recently joined the board of United Way of Windham County. Swim, a Windham County resident since age five, is a mortgage processor at Brattleboro Savings & Loan. Mr. Nasreddin-Longo, formerly a music professor at University of California-Riverside, recently returned to Newfane to serve as chair of the Advisory Panel on Racial Disparity in Vermont's criminal and juvenile justice system. He also facilitates the state attorney general's Forum for a Hate-Free Vermont and co-chairs the Fair and Impartial Policing Committee of the Vermont State Police.
Awards
• Brattleboro North KOA Journey campground in Dummerston recently earned the 2020 KOA President's Award and KOA Founder's Award. These prestigious awards were presented at Kampgrounds of America's annual international convention in Savannah, Ga. The Founder's Award is KOA's highest service award. It is awarded exclusively to those KOA campground owners and managers who attain top scores in both customer service and the KOA Quality Review. The President's Award is presented to KOA campgrounds meeting high quality standards and who receive high customer service scores from their camping guests.
Obituaries
• Robert Brocklehurst, 70, of Whitingham. Died Oct. 23, 2019 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in East Orange, N.J. on July 3, 1949, the son of the late Harry and Gertrude Baer Brocklehurst. He attended school in Franklin Lakes, N.J., and graduated from Ramapo High School. Robert owned and operated his own business for many years refinishing furniture and homes. He was a craftsman and true artisan. He also spent many years as a soccer coach and worked as a volunteer firefighter in Franklin Lakes. After taking numerous camping trips to southern Vermont throughout their lives, Robert and his wife, Barbara, realized their dream in building their own home in Whitingham in 2002. Robert enjoyed collecting art glass, fishing, boating, golfing, his pets, listening to Shania Twain, and watching boring television shows. He was a New York Yankees baseball fan and a New York Giants football fan. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Shultz Brocklehurst, of Whitingham, whom he married in 1980; his daughter Lauren Fitzpatrick and her husband, Dan, of Keene, N.H.; his brother Harry Brocklehurst and his wife, Karen, of Tennessee and grandchildren Evan and Cole. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Lynn Dana. Memorial information: At the request of the family, there will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of his life will be held on a future date. Donations to The Shepherd Center for Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. The family credits The Shepherd Center for providing the education, tools and resources that enabled Robert and Barbara to live life to the fullest. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Phyllis Palmer Caron, 96, of Portland, Maine, formerly of Townshend. Died peacefully on Nov. 11, 2019. She was born on Jan. 30, 1923, the first child of the late Herbert and Francis Benson. She was raised in Townshend, where she was the valedictorian of her high school class at Leland & Gray Seminary. Following graduation, she attended New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston earning a degree in nursing. Soon after, she served overseas during World War II in the Army Nurse Corps. Upon returning stateside, she eventually accepted a nursing position at Mercy Hospital, bringing her to Portland, Maine, where she would spend the rest of her life. As charge nurse, she was respected and trusted to help ensure the best care for her patients. “Grammy” enjoyed dancing, traveling, sewing, playing the piano, and following her sons' sports activities. Nightly, long distance phone conversations with her beloved sister Ruthie, family outings, and time spent with grandchildren blessed her with scores of joyful memories. She was a loyal friend to many, known for her kindness and empathy. Being able to provide aid and comfort to patients, along with raising a family were gifts that gave her life the most meaning. Phyllis was predeceased by three siblings, Ruth Scofield, Margaret (Peggy) Benson, and Harold (Sonny) Benson. She is survived by two sons, John and Robert and his wife, Linda; three granddaughters, Dana, Emily, and Christina and her mother, Donna; three great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: At Phyllis's request, a private family service was held on Nov. 16 at Jones Rich and Barnes Funeral Home in Portland. Visit Phyllis's online guestbook at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.
• Jo-Ann Golden, 71, of Lake Worth City, Fla., formerly of Westminster. Died at home on Oct. 28, 2019, after a long battle with cancer. Born Sept. 11, 1948, she spent decades fighting for human rights, civil rights for the LGBTQ community, and environmental and economic justice. Her commitment to the planet began simply enough as a volunteer firefighter in Westminster in the 1970s. She was the coordinator of the Burlington, Vt./Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua Sister City Program and a member of the first Witness for Peace Delegation to Latin America. Jo-Ann produced the documentary, Que Pasa, to promote a greater understanding of the U.S. role in Latin America. She was a founding member of the Women's Crisis Center in Brattleboro. After moving to Florida in 1989, Jo-Ann crafted fine furniture. She was the program coordinator at Jeff Industries, a job-skills program, for individuals with severe mental illness. Her “Project Women Can” trained unemployed women in basic carpentry skills. As project manager for the Lake Worth Community Development Corporation, she oversaw the design and construction of new, affordable homes for first-time home-buyers. She was president of the Palm Beach Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, Secretary of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Palm Beach Chapter, and the Secretary/Treasurer of the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts. Jo-Ann served two terms as a Commissioner for the City of Lake Worth, Florida (2007 to 2011), and was an advocate for policies supporting immigrants to the city. She was outspoken on many environmental issues, including ensuring full public ownership of Lake Worth beach, ending beach dredging, and advocating renewable energy programs. Jo-Ann was instrumental in the completion of a Reverse Osmosis plant for the city's water supply. During her tenure, the city improved all its parks and expanded recreation opportunities for children and adults. Jo-Ann is survived by her long-time companion, Tennant Glenn Davitian, brothers, nephews, nieces, and community of friends. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held on Nov. 16.
• Robert J. “Bob” Haas, 89, of Westminster West. Died unexpectedly at his home on Nov. 3, 2019. He was born March 24, 1930, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Katherine (Huber) and Aloysius Haas. He grew up in Glendale, N.Y. His family spent summer vacations at the Yeaw farm in East Dover. When he was 10, he started spending his summer and school vacations working on that farm. On graduating from high school he attended the Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institure in Farmingdale, N.Y. After serving in the army, he returned to Vermont in 1954. He worked for Holmes Transportation in Westminster for 33 years, then for SpringTree Corporation in Brattleboro until he retired at 70. He married Patricia Trevorrow in 1958, and they set up housekeeping on Patch Road in Westminster West, where they spent 61 years together. They ran a small farm which provided most of the food for themselves and their three children. Bob was a member of the Westminster Fire and Rescue Department, and served on its Prudential Committee for 19 years. He was a longtime trustee of the Westminster Historical Society, a founding trustee of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Society, and helped spearhead the Ancient Roads Survey. History was one of his passions - hunting cellar holes, cemeteries, and old roads. Recently he and Christopher Bergman worked on a project mapping these sites with a GPS. FACT-TV has televised several shows with Bob and Chris under the title, Cellar Hole Investigators. Other interests included fishing, hunting, all farm activities, and animals of all kinds, especially cats. He is survived by his wife, son Jim, daughters Jessie Haas (Michael Daley) and Martha Haas (Jeff Martin), all of Westminster. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ann Andrews (Ronald) of Bethany, Conn. His parents and two brothers predeceased him. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Nov. 24, at 1 pm., at the Westminster Fire House. Donations to the Westminster Historical Society, Westminster Fire and Rescue Department, or Westminster Cares; all at Westminster, 05158.
• Veronica L. Murphy, 84, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 3, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Feb. 14, 1935 in Plattsburgh, N.Y., to the late Halsey and Irene (Lagoy) Guerin. She was a housekeeper at various hotels until retirement. She enjoyed being around children and would often babysit for family and friends. She loved playing cards, especially Rummy and Pitch. She also enjoyed playing Yahtzee and would often sneak in an extra roll or two when she thought no one was looking. She enjoyed spending time surrounded by her family, especially at big family get togethers. She also enjoyed listening to Christmas and old-time country music. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They always brought a smile to her face. She also spent a lot of time with her daughter Karen, who lived next door. Karen enjoyed making dinner and baking special treats for her mother and Veronica loved that special time together. Veronica was predeceased by her daughter, Tina Harris; brothers Stephen Guerin, Arthur Guerin, and Gary Guerin; and sisters Maydene Brennan and Donna Guerin. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 40 years, John Murphy of Brattleboro; her sons Robert Harris of Milton, Daniel Harris and his wife, Karen, of Bellows Falls, and Christopher Harris of West Brattleboro; daughter Karen Harrington of Brattleboro; brother Charles Guerin of Bondsville, Mass.; sisters June Davis of Wardsboro, Irene Dennison of Westfield, Mass., and 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren (with two more arriving soon). She also leaves behind a very dear friend, Cheryl Gagnon of Brattleboro and her daughter's beloved dog, Echo. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 16 at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro, followed by a graveside service at St. Michael's Cemetery.
• Bradley Elwin Sherman, 68, of Bethlehem, N.H., and Fairlee, Vt. Died on Nov. 11, 2019 with family at his side. Born and raised in Laconia, N.H., he was known as “Brad” or “El,” depending on when he came into your life. He inherited his musical gifts from his father, and was a talented pianist, percussionist, piano tuner and technician. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps at the rank of corporal, serving stateside during the Vietnam War era. He graduated from Franconia College with a B.A. in Performing Arts. He proudly directed his play about the Vietnam War, “Esprit de Corps,” at Franconia's Dow Academy to a full house and rave reviews. Following in the footsteps of his mother and sister, Brad received his nursing degree from Essex Technical Institute. His nursing career “covered the waterfront,” from jails to nursing homes, from a convent in the White Mountains (“If you can put a nun together in the morning, you can assemble just about anything!”) to hospice care in tough neighborhoods in Tucson (“Nursing with a Smith & Wesson on your hip and stethoscope around your neck.”). Most recently, he focused on private duty nursing, providing one-on-one care to seniors and their families. Brad was an enthusiastic skydiver who made over 300 solo and formation jumps. Brad published numerous books and articles as B. Elwin Sherman. El was a humorist, political satirist, and seriocomic essayist whose works were published in New Hampshire Magazine, Yankee, and worldwide through a senior news syndicate and in his blog, witbones.blogspot.com. He chronicled his journey with cancer in mycancerdomain.com, both humorous and raw, and was very vocal on Facebook. He would now ask his friends to cheer him on with one more “Attaboy!” as he embarks on this next journey. El was happiest riding his Harley, kayaking, playing and improvising on keyboard, and crafting his latest written piece. He especially cherished his daughter's performances in aerial dance and circus arts, and his grandson Myles' bluesy jazz improv on the keyboard. We will miss El's intelligence, musicianship, creativity, wit, and wonderful nursing and caregiving skills, and are glad for the legacy he left us. Brad/El was predeceased by his beloved father Alger Sherman, brother Gary, and spouses Christine Sherman and Judith Wallace. He leaves his wife and partner of five years, Diane Church Sherman and her son Gabriel Lambie; daughter Erin Lovett-Sherman and her husband, Michael; son Rory Lovett and his wife Rachael, and their mother Celeste Lovett; grandchildren Myles, Bodhi, Norah, Brady, and Alice; his mother Pauline Twombly Sherman; sister Susan Carey, brothers David and Andrew, and their families; and special friend Joe Guertin. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Donations to the scholarship fund at ARTSFEST, his daughter's aerial dance, circus and performing arts company and education center, at 44 Dartmouth St, Laconia, NH 03246.
• Joseph E. Sullivan III, 68, of Swanzey. Died unexpectedly in his sleep on Nov. 12, 2019. He was born March 7, 1951 in Lowell, Mass., the son of the late Genevieve Sullivan (Bancroft) and Joseph E. Sullivan Jr. He was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception Grammar School in Lowell, Xavier High School in Concord, Mass., and attended St. Anselm College. After working in the family business, Sullivan Brothers Printers, one of the country's largest sports printing firms, he began a long career in the parimutuel racing industry at Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H., and later went on to manage Foxboro (Mass.) Racetrack and was the longtime owner and operator of Hinsdale Greyhound Park. However, he found his true calling in recent years through his work as a direct support provider with Chesco, Inc., which provides services to those with disabilities. He cared deeply about every one of his clients and had recently been nominated for direct support person of the year for the Monadnock Region. Never without a good cigar in hand, he was a gracious host, a history buff, and a keen observer of sports and politics who will be missed by many. In addition to his wife of nearly 45 years, Virginia (Gaffey), he is survived by his two daughters, Meghan (Patrick Belica) of Washington, D.C., Briana (Alex Radetsky) of New York, NY; grandchildren Harold Belica, Mabel Radetsky, and Margaret Belica; two sisters, Mary Anna Sullivan (Joel Epstein) of Lowell, Ellen Sullivan (Jim McClutchy) of Plum Island, Mass.; nieces Alix Epstein (Carter) and Kate Epstein (Sarah Raab); and nephew Mike Epstein (Elizabeth Pisarik). Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Nov. 16 at St. Bernards Church, Parish of the Holy Spirit, in Keene, N.H. Burial will take place later. Donations to Chesco, Inc. PO Box 561, Keene, NH 03431.
• Laurel Lee Wetherby, 67, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died unexpectedly on Nov, 10, 2019 in Brattleboro, following a period of declining health. She was born in Bellows Falls on June 23, 1952, the daughter of William and Joan (King) VanLeeuwen. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1970. She had been employed as an office manager at Pheasant Wood Nursing Home in Peterborough, N.H., and previously worked at Applewood Healthcare in Winchester, N.H. For several years, she also operated her own custodial service. Laurel was a life member of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and time shared with her family. In 2007, she married Ronald G. Wetherby, who survives. Besides her husband of 12 years she leaves two daughters, Michele Beswick of Southampton, Mass., and Jacquelyn Beswick of Easthampton, Mass.; one sister, Susan Bellville of Brattleboro; four brothers, Joseph Gragen of Westmoreland, N.H., Mahlon Gragen of Wisconsin, John VanLeeuwen of Brattleboro, and Peter VanLeeuwen of Florida; one granddaughter, Kloe Beswick, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Hugh Gragen. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Carl M. Dessaint VFW Post 1034 on Black Mountain Road. Burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will be held at a future date. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 Auxiliary, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.