College news
• The following local students recently graduated from Castleton State College: Sarah Clark of Guilford, with a B.S. in sports administration; Katie Derrig of Putney, with a B.S. in nursing; Megan Harris of Saxtons River, magna cum laude with a B.A. in political science; Taylor Kerylow of Vernon, with an A.S. in nursing; Kelsey Kinsman of Vernon, with an A.S. in nursing; Chelsey McKenney of Vernon, with an B.S. in communication; Thomas Nichols of Newfane, with a B.A. in health science; Jessica Nutter of South Londonderry, with a B.A. in health science; and Daniel Rivers of Brattleboro, cum laude with a B.A. in multidisciplinary studies.
• The following local students were named to the Castleton State College Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester: Michael Bergeron of Jamaica, Keira Capponcelli of Brookline, Sarah Clark of Guilford, Katie Derrig of Putney, George Forbes of Londonderry, Matthieu Fortier of South Londonderry, Callie Ginter of Townshend, Eric Ginter of Townshend, Megan Harris of Saxtons River, Ryan Haselton of South Londonderry, Colby Hescock of Brattleboro, Zachary Howe of Westminster, Erin Leblanc of Brattleboro, Mariah Lesure of Vernon, Chelsey McKenney of Vernon, Jessica Nutter of South Londonderry, Alyssa Palumbo of Whitingham, Soren Pelz-Walsh of Brattleboro, Seth Pletcher of Dummerston, Daniel Rivers of Brattleboro, Kayla Wood of East Dummerston.
• Lewis Snow of West Dover graduated in May from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa.
• Chauncey Jones of Wardsboro graduated from Ithaca College's School of Humanities and Sciences with a degree in English. The degree was awarded in May.
• Lara Broom of Brattleboro received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rhode Island on May 17.
• Christopher R. Woodworth, a mechanical technology major from Brattleboro, made the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at the State University of New York at Canton.
• Jacob Castine, an architecture major from Vernon, and Dillon Sparks, a marketing major from Guilford, both made the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.
• Sam Colleran of Vernon and Eli Serota of West Dover were both named to the Dean's List in Ithaca College's Roy H. Park School of Communications for the spring 2014 semester.
School news
• The Grammar School in Putney graduated 16 eighth-graders on June 12. All the students gave presentations for the audience, including musical pieces with singing, a band, guitar, and piano, as well as a slide show and a reflective speech. Teachers and staff members, chosen by the eighth-graders, then presented personal speeches about each student's experience at TGS, and diplomas were awarded by Head of School Dan Marchetti and Board of Trustees Chair Peter Eden. Members of the class of 2014 will attend the following schools: Acadia Barrengos, Kit Blazej, Molly Cameron, Gabriel Feal-Staub, Susan Flint, Ethan Foster, William Parkman, and Andrés Rodriguez, Putney School; Molly Durling, Robin McOwen, Carter Tarallo-Falk, and Colton White, Brattleboro Union High School; Niklas Johnson, Vermont Academy; Roselle Lovell-Smith, Groton School; Mia Rubinstein, Choate Rosemary Hall; Tyler Silbey, Northfield Mount Hermon.
Transitions
• Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing has elected new officers and a new member to its board. Elected to serve one-year terms are Darah P. Kehnemuyi as President, Pat Burke, Vice-President, Peter Cooper, Secretary, and Roger Wilken, Treasurer. In addition Carolee Blouin of Brattleboro has been elected to a three-year term to serve on the Board, joining 14 currently serving members.
•Windham & Windsor Housing Trust (WWHT) has hired Elizabeth Bridgewater to be its Director of Homeownership, overseeing staff and all homeownership programs in the Brattleboro and Springfield offices. Bridgewater brings 19 years of non-profit administrative experience to WWHT, including seven years in housing development, home rehabilitation, and homebuyer education. Most recently, Bridgewater has held the position of executive director of the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Northampton, Mass.
• Our Place Drop-in Center in Bellows Falls has formed an advisory board to assist the food pantry and daytime shelter in its mission of connecting people with food and each other. Members of the board include Chroma Technology Corp., represented by Maggie Kelly; Harlow Farm (Paul Harlow); L.A. Burdick Chocolate (Cathy Watson); Leslie's Tavern at Rockingham (John and Leslie Marston); Silver Forest (Ben Madow); Vermont Academy (Sean Campbell); Westminster Fit Body Boot Camp (Lisa and Mark Dumont). Individuals on the board include attorney Dan Davis, Rockingham Arts and Museum Project director Robert McBride, Hugh and Betty Haggerty, and William Therrien.
• The Winston Prouty Center in Brattleboro recently welcomed Shawna Parker to its Board of Trustees. She is a longtime Brattleboro area resident and currently is the Director of Marketing at World Learning in Brattleboro and Washington D.C., where she has been for the past five years. She brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations, including local outreach for a variety of causes, events and organizations.
• Apple Gifford will join The Grammar School in Putney in July in the newly-created role of Assistant Head of School and Academic Dean. She comes to The Grammar School from Oak Meadow School in Brattleboro, where she most recently served as Curriculum Director. Gifford has also worked as an Outward Bound instructor and as a teacher at Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Mass.
Obituaries
• Liliane Lucienne Brown, 91, of Townshend. Died June 18 at Morning Glory Manor in Bellows Falls, where she had been cared for over the last 13 months. Wife of the late Guy C. Brown for 56 years. Mother of Roger Brown and his wife, Janise, and Daniel Brown and his wife, Jeanne, all of Townshend. Sister of Carlos Kinnen and his wife, Monique, in France. Born in Onnaing, France, the daughter of the late Roger Kinnen and Yvonne Dauvillaire Kinnen, she was an elementary school teacher in France for three years. Shortly after the end of World War II, she met her husband in France. They married on Oct. 30, 1945, and she followed him home to Vermont in March 1946. She began a banking career at Vermont Savings Bank (which merged with Vermont National Bank) in Brattleboro in 1954. She spent 14 years as a manager of the Newfane branch of Vermont National Bank and 16 years as the manager of the Jamaica branch of Vermont National Bank, during which time she took American Institute of Banking courses, graduated from AIB and then taught AIB courses to bankers. She was approached by the incorporators of Green Mountain Bank in Bondville and helped in putting together the bank, where she served as vice-president for nearly 10 years. Upon leaving, instead of retiring, she joined Vermont Mortgage Group as a traveling Mortgage officer, traveling in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York to coordinate closings with attorneys. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed Quality Control Officer/Assistant Vice-President. Upon finally retiring, she concentrated on the home, her husband, two small greenhouses, many gardens, and their two dogs. She was always busy tending her house plants and knitting or crocheting late into the night. She frequently gave her creations to numerous individuals. She was extremely well-liked and pleasant to all, and many have said that if it weren't for her work, they wouldn't have been able to obtain a car or house loan. She was a good judge of character and believed in working with people. Memorial information: Private graveside services will be held at a later date, where her ashes and those of their two dogs will be buried beside her husband's ashes. Donations in her memory may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Jesse Maxwell Corum IV, 63, of Brattleboro. Died at home on June 27 after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Husband of the late Lynn (Hummel) Corum for 40 years. Father of Jesse Corum V and his wife, Rachelle, of Rochester, N.Y., and Scott Corum of Tahoe, Calif. Brother of Laurie Hawley and her husband, Bruce, of Vero Beach, Fla., and Vance Corum and his wife, Kristin, of Vancouver, Wash. The son of Joy Corum and the late Jesse Corum III, he grew up in New York, Europe and Vermont. He graduated from Guilford (N.C.) College in 1973. While at Guilford, he ran a personal best mile in 4 minutes, 24 seconds. A year working in a North Carolina prison pushed him to attend the then-new Vermont Law School. He began practice in 1977 as a Deputy State's Attorney in Brattleboro and, in 1981, became an associate at Gale, Gale & Barile. Within a year he was made a partner. He came to be the senior partner of Corum Mabie Cook Prodan Angell & Secrest, PLC, which he led with integrity and expertise for more than 10 years. He tried more than 100 criminal and civil cases to jury verdict. His litigation skills and mastery of judicial procedure resulted in his service as an Acting Judge in District, Superior, and Windham Family Courts. He was recognized by his peers by being selected as president of the Vermont Trial Lawyers Association. His contributions to thousands of clients made a lasting impact in and around Windham County. Upon retirement in late May of this year, he was honored with a Resolution of Recognition by the Vermont Legislature. He was a deeply committed volunteer in the greater Brattleboro community, serving 27 years on the board of Youth Services and as an active Rotarian. While president of Rotary, he co-led the development of water purification projects in El Salvador, which led to creation of Pure Water for the World. He was honored by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1996. During his club presidency in 1987-1988, he oversaw admission of the first women to the club in its 37 year existence. He also served as a Town Representative for 20+ years, and was a Selectboard member from 2008-2010. He was a longtime member and sitting deacon of First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro. He was an avid and accomplished bicyclist, skier, runner, and sailor. His energy, enthusiasm, and love of life, family, work, and his community were evident every day of his life. Memorial information: His family will host visitation on Wednesday, July 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro, 880 Western Ave. A memorial service and celebration of Jesse's life will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 10:30 a.m., at the Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St. Donations to the Jesse M. Corum Gateway Scholarship Fund at Brattleboro Rotary Club, PO Box 336, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to First Congregational Church.
• Mary Frances “Fran” Duggan, 54, of Brattleboro. Died June 25 at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Wife of Brett Perry for more than 22 years. Sister of Karen Duggan, and her husband, Moss Kahler, and Timothy Duggan, and his wife, Cheryl, all of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Richard and Mary (Mack) Duggan, she attended St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1977. Since December 1991, she served as parish administrative assistant for St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and sexton for St. Michael's Cemetery. For many years she also served as the administrator of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Previously, she had been employed for 14 years at the Windham Regional Planning and Development Commission. On a part-time basis every tax season, she worked for Business and Tax Consultants of Brattleboro. Active civicly, she assisted every year with the Reformer Christmas Stocking, organized the St. Michael's team for the Relay for Life Walk and participated in the annual AIDS Project Walk for Life. She was well known for her spirit of friendship and generosity. A devout Catholic, her life centered around her church and her family, and she was also very proud of her Irish heritage. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 1 at St. Michael's Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, in care of St. Michael's Catholic Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Andrew Alfonso LaCombe, 74, of Roanoke, Va. Died June 11 at his home. Husband of Sylvia LaCombe for 51 years. Father of Carl LaCombe of Marlborough, Mass., and Alan LaCombe and his wife, Tracy, of Bellows Falls. Brother of Dominic LaCombe of Springer, N.M. Son of the late Edira and Alfonso LaCombe, he taught music for many years in the public schools of Colorado, Alaska, and Vermont. He was a member of several community bands in Vermont before moving to Roanoke after his retirement from teaching. He continued to be involved in music by composing songs, and he left a large number of completed works. In addition to his love of music, he was an avid gardener, an enthusiastic world traveler, and a lover of books and puzzles of all sorts. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held June 28 at Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations to the Grafton Cornet Band.
• Barbara Eva Lafayette, 83, of Rockingham. Died Feb. 19, 2014 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital from complications of ovarian cancer. Wife of the late Harold S. Lafayette Sr. for 45 years. Mother of Harold S. Lafayette Jr. of Rockingham, Yvonne J. Springer of Charlestown, N.H., Dean L. Lafayette of Rockingham, and Alton R. Lafayette of Langdon, N.H. Sister of Maurice and Robert Coburn. Born in Ludlow, on her grandparents' farm, the daughter of the late Bertrum J. and Marion I. (Brown) Coburn, she grew up in Ludlow and graduated from Black River High School, Class of 1948. Her life was centered around her role of homemaker. She was extremely talented as a baker and cook, and enjoyed being a hands-on parent through her involvement with the PTA, Scouting, and the UVM Extension's home demonstration groups. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home, and her parting words, “come back when you can,” endeared her to all. When not enteraining in their home, the Lafayettes enjoyed dancing and playing cards with friends. They loved traveling to South Carolina in the winter months. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cats. She loved drawing with her children and grandchildren and will be remembered for her great natural talent. Her excellent recall of the past and the loving stories she told made her a treasured family resource. Over the past decade, she showed great courage in her battle with breast and ovarian cancer, and faced both with quiet fortitude and grace. Memorial information: As per her final wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private graveside service will be held for close friends and family later this summer.
• Barbara “Barb” Packard, 86, of Brattleboro. Died June 27 at Hilltop House, where she had been a resident since July 4, 2012. Wife of the late Stephen E. Packard for 50 years. Mother of Pam Loney of Swanzey, N. H., Karlie Borst and her husband, Harry, of Brattleboro, and the late Stephen Packard Jr. Sister of the late George Anderson Jr. and Francis Anderson. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late George and Albena (Filion) Anderson, she was raised and educated in town and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1946. For several years, with her husband, she resided in Great Falls, Mont., moving back to Brattleboro in 1955, following the birth of her first child, Stephen. She was employed at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as a switchboard operator from 1965 until her retirement in 2001. Previously, she worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone in Brattleboro. She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. She was very devoted to her family and was known for her steadfast work ethic. At the time her children were growing up, she served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader and was active with the Brattleboro PTA. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Of her hobbies and interests, she enjoyed flower gardening and was an avid New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers fan. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 1 at St. Michael's Church, with burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 Attn: Elaine Beam, Principal. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Angelina Mary “Angie” Sadd, 93, formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 19 at her daughter's home in Sidney, Maine. Wife of the late Paul Sadd for 65 years. Mother of Sandra Drake of Sidney. Sister of Mary Weiner of Keene, N.H. Born at the former Melrose Hospital on Western Avenue in West Brattleboro, the daughter of the late John and Regina (Mancini) Madau. She attended St. Michael's Parochial School and Green Street School, and soon after went to work full time at age 16. She was employed for 48 continuous years at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Shop on Upper Canal Street working as an inspector. A devout Catholic, she had been a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128 and held membership in the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary. She was an accomplished archer and competed in many regional tournaments throughout the years. She enjoyed camping, flower gardening, and needlework, and was also known for her excellent Italian cooking. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 27 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 Attn: Elaine Beam, Principal. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• William “Bill” Scheuerman Jr., 78, of Townshend. Died June 21 at his home, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Husband of the late Joyce Miller Scheuerman, whom he referred to as “the best woman in the world.” Father of Sheila Karlin, and her husband, Jeff. Born in Morristown, N.J., he grew up in New Jersey and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He received basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Dix, N.J. From 1955 to 1958, he was stationed in Asmara, Eritrea, in Africa, where he served as an M.P. Following Africa, he served as Company Armorer at Camp Wolters near Fort Worth, Texas, from 1958 to 1959. From 1959 to 1961, he was stationed at Camp Drake, outside of Tokyo, Japan, where he worked as the Unit Armorer. In 1961, he returned stateside to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. From 1962 to 1964, he was stationed at Gelnhausen, Germany, with the 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3d Armored Division. He was honorably discharged in 1964 from the Army, but later joined the New Jersey National Guard in 1980 and retired at the rank of sergeant in 1991. In civilian life, he worked as a carpenter and maintenance supervisor in Warren County, N.J., until his retirement in 1993. In his retirement, he was an avid reader, hiked every day, and tended his vegetable garden with great success. He was an excellent baker, making homemade bread and pies every week. Memorial information: A memorial service was held June 28 at the Townshend Public Library. Donations to the Townshend Public Library, P.O. Box 252, Townshend, VT 05353.