Births
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Aug. 29, 2014, a daughter, Luella Bliss Wilson, to Ellenka Wasung-Lott and Robert Wilson of Townshend; granddaughter to the late Howard Lott and Michalina Wasung of Townshend and Marjorie and Steve Wilson of Simi Valley, Calif.; great-granddaughter to Norman and Junellen Lott of Marathon, Fla., and Claudine Wilson of St. Georges, Bermuda.
College news
• The following local people are registered for the fall 2014 semester at Castleton State College: Maxwell Bostwick of Brattleboro, McKinlie Carpenter of Vernon, Alex Derosia of Brattleboro, Madison Doucette of Dummerston, Marcos Gallegos of Saxtons River, Adam Griffin of Brattleboro, Robert Heileman of Brattleboro, Nikhon Keopraseuth of Brattleboro, Seth Marcil of Brattleboro, Adam McPhail of Brattleboro, Quinn O'Reilly of Putney, William Perry of Brattleboro, Michael Rooney of Brattleboro, Courtney Sheehan of Londonderry, Samuel Siegel of Brattleboro, and Hunter Smith of Brattleboro.
• Rebecca O'Neill of Westminster has joined a team of 60 Junior Advisors and Resident Coordinators, who welcome first-year students and support returning students as they settle into residential life at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. O'Neill is majoring in Latin American studies at Bates.
Honors
• John Meyer of Pieciak & Co. in Brattleboro was recently named to the National Academy of Public Accounting Professionals (NAPAP) 2014 “Top 10 Public Accounting Professionals” for Vermont. Accountants who make the list must demonstrate an extensive amount of knowledge, skill, experience, and success in the field of accounting. To achieve this award, the accountants must first be nominated by industry peers or satisfied clients. The nominees are reviewed by the NAPAP research committee, which evaluates each nominee's credentials against the award criteria and compiles a list of finalists from which the NAPAP Board of Governors selects the Top 10.
Transitions
• Grafton Village Cheese has appointed Sabrina Kliman as Food Safety Supervisor. In her new role, Kliman is responsible for maintenance of all food safety and quality programs for Grafton Cheese's facilities in Grafton and Brattleboro. As a member of the plant management team, she actively engages with plant management and plant personnel regarding plant operations and processes, especially those related to quality assurance and policy. Grafton Cheese produces award-winning aged Vermont cheddar and specialty cheeses and is a mission-driven business of the nonprofit Windham Foundation.
• George Karabakakis, Ph.D., was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS). HCRS is the state-designated community mental health agency for Windsor and Windham counties. Karabakakis has been employed at HCRS for more than 20 years and has held several positions in the organization. Most recently employed as Chief Operating Officer, he was responsible for oversight of clinical operations of all agency divisions, special projects, and community relations. He has also functioned as Director of Adult Outpatient and Emergency Services and Director of Outpatient and Children's Services for the organization. Karabakakis spent the past year working closely with the former CEO, Judith Hayward, who retired in June of this year.
Obituaries
• Brona (Bashaw) Bilodeau, 73, of Claremont, N.H. Died Sept. 22 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of the late Theodore Bilodeau. Sister of Charles Bashaw and his wife, Betsy, of Bellows Falls; Richard Bashaw and his wife, Diane, of Morrisville; and the late Lois, Ernie, and Paul Bashaw. The daughter of the late Ernest W. and Mary Golec Bashaw, she was a 1959 graduate of Bellows Falls High School, and went on to Champlain College. She worked for Howard Hardware in Bellows Falls, National Grange Insurance, and Keene (N.H.) District Court. She liked to play cards, Bingo, and cribbage, and enjoyed going to the casino and traveling in her motor home. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Sept. 27 in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Westminster.
• Gary L. Chase, 52, of Winchester, N.H. Died Sept. 19 at his home. Father of Rachael Chase of New York City and Seth Chase of Claremont, N.H. Brother of Darrell Chase and his wife, Barb, of West Chesterfield, N.H.; Glen Chase of Manchester, N.H.; Jack Chase and his wife, Nancy, of Bomoseen; and Kimberly Houle and her husband, Norman, of Center Gilsum, N.H. The son of the late Don and Joyce (Vallier) Chase, he attended schools in West Chesterfield and was a 1981 graduate of Keene High School. He was a machinist in Winchester, and a gentle and giving soul and would do anything for anyone that asked without reservation. He was a family man, doing all he could for those he loved. He was an extremely hard worker over many years, building his own post-and-beam home. He enjoyed working outdoors, riding his motorcycle, and helping his brother Jack at his sugarhouse in Hubbardton. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in Castleton at a later date. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• Ernest Howard Clark, 84, of West Dummerston. Husband of Barbara (Jowders) Clark for 60 years. Father of Pamela Clark and her partner, Jane Presby, of Concord, N.H.; Ashley Clark and his wife, Tracy, of Guilford; and the late James Clark. Brother of Janice Duke of West Dummerston. Born in West Dummerston at the home of his parents, the late Howard and Pauline Clark, he attended the West Village School. He graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1948 and from Keene Teachers College in 1952. He was employed for a time at Dunham Brothers Shoe Store. He taught school in Dummerston and at Brattleboro Union High School. He worked for a time at Maple Valley Ski Area. After retiring from teaching, he worked at Burrows Ski Shop and as a handyman. He served on the town Planning Commission, was a member of the Grange and the Historical Society, and served many years as a volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. Memorial information: He requested cremation and no funeral. Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of his life on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the West Dummerston Community Center. Donations in his name may be made to the Lydia Taft Pratt Library or to the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department.
• Lt. Col. (Ret.) Donald Paul Hayward, 82, of Keene, N.H. Died Sept. 25 at his home following months of declining health. Husband of Joanne Minott for 60 years. Father of Suzanne Driscoll and her husband, Dan, of Olathe, Kan., and Gail Hayward-Glines and her husband, Gary, of Hull, Mass.; and Douglas Hayward of Rockport, Maine. Brother of the late Richard Hayward, Dr. Robert Hayward, Frederick Hayward, and Arlene Hayward Johnson. Born in Brockton, Mass., to Harold E. Hayward and Elizabeth Hardy, he graduated from Brockton High School in 1950 and continued his education at Bowdoin College, graduating in June 1954 with a degree in English Literature. While at Bowdoin, he was a member of the ATO Fraternity, Bowdoin Glee Club, and Army ROTC. On a blind date in May 1953, he met the love of his life, Joanne, and they exchanged marriage vows in June 1954 at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. In June 1955, he entered the Army as a second lieutenant and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel by the time he retired in 1977. His last assignment was as Commander of the Armed Forces Examination and Entrance Station in Los Angeles. Other stateside assignments included Ft. Benning, Ga., Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Ind., Ft. Hamilton, N.Y., the Defense Communications Agency in Washington, D.C., and the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. His fondest memories were of his overseas tours, which took him and his family to Augsburg, Germany; Okinawa, Japan; and Mannheim, Germany, where he was assigned to NATO. While in Germany, Don bought a camper, and the family toured all corners of Europe. He also served tours in Korea and Vietnam. After his military career, he was a consultant in Tehran, Iran and was evacuated during the 1979 revolution. The Haywards then returned home to Brattleboro, and he became director of operations at the Experiment of International Living. During his lifetime, he enjoyed sailing, tennis, singing, photography, and camping with his family. He had fond memories of hiking with his son in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hobbies included genealogy, listening to classical music, and watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He was a voracious reader and had an extensive book collection. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no formal services. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m., in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Monadnock Dialysis Center, 426 Winchester Street, Keene, NH 03431, or Hospice at Home Healthcare and Community Service, 312 Marlborough Street, Keene, NH 03431. Arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Thomas Merrill Madden, 72, of Florence, Ariz. Died Sept. 8. Husband of the late Sandra L. Madden for 47 years. Father of Melinda A. Swanson of Florence, Ariz., Sherri L. Murray-Coglietti of Hemet, Calif., and the late Patti Jo De Santiago. Brother of Roberta J. Johnson-Young and her husband, Lewis, of Dummerston and Linda and Rick Bishop of Safford, Ariz. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, served in the Army, held various positions in sales, and eventually owned his own business. He was a much-loved resident of Florence, serving on various town boards over the years. He was a “connector” he touched many lives. He volunteered at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum after creating a memorial for his wife at the “marriage tree.” He belonged to the Lions, American Legion, and was a lifelong member of the Elks, Lodge 24. He volunteered in many ways in Florence and surrounding towns, and served on the Board of Directors for the Florence Museum and the Florence Historic Advisory Commission. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Sept. 27 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Donations to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. 60, Superior, AZ 85273.
• Roger Boyden McCoy, 80, of Rockingham. Died Sept. 13 at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center following a declining period of health. Husband of the late April King McCoy. Brother of the late Alfred McCoy. He was born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late Ralph E. McCoy and Grace Boyden McCoy. Roger helped run the family farm until graduating from Bellows Falls High School in 1952. He then went to the Vermont State School of Agriculture and graduated in 1953. He joined the Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He farmed until 1965, when he was employed as a plumber by K. Beebe Inc. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no services. Arrangements were entrusted to Eternal Blessings Cremation Services of Guilford.
• Edmund S. McLaughlin, 92, of Whitingham. Died Sept. 20 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Father of Sheree Loud of Wilton, Conn., Leigh McLaughlin and her fiance, Jack Mitchell, of Norwell, Mass., and Mark McLaughlin and his wife, Kathy, of Milton, Mass. Brother of the late Kenneth McLaughlin. Born in New Haven, Conn., the son of the late Edmund S. and Elizabeth Sohn McLaughlin. He attended schools in Hamden, Conn., and graduated from high school there in 1939. He received his bachelor's degree from New York University and his master's degree from Columbia Teachers College. He first worked as a speech therapist, then executive director for 33 years, merging Easter Seals and Cerebral Palsy organizations into the Rehabilitation Center of East Fairfield County. He was a member of the National Association of Rehabilitation and Facilities, and past president and Secretary of the Whitingham/Jacksonville Lions Club. He enjoyed raising his Golden Retrievers, gardening, and his farm. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Sept. 25 on the family farm in Whitingham. Donations to the Whitingham Ambulance Service, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Eleanor A. O'Neal, 84, and Russell E. O'Neal, 89, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died on Sept. 17 and Sept. 21, respectively. Parents of Marilyn George and her husband, Steve Hellus, of Brattleboro and Gary O'Neal of Ashuelot, N.H. Russell was born in Hinsdale and developed a passion for aviation. As a Boy Scout, Russell helped organize paper drives, which eventually led to his father working with the War Department to create 100 percent recycled paper at his paper mill, The Robertson Company, in nearby Ashuelot. He attended Bordentown (N.J.) Military Academy, and then joined the Army Air Corps. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant and served in San Antonio, Texas, and Tuscaloosa, Ala. Milkshakes and a one-reel movie wasn't Russell's idea of a first date. The cream-colored woody convertible was the first hint that his first date with Eleanor Ann Butler was going to be different. The small farm where Eleanor lived with her family was mostly fields, with a couple barns and fenced in areas. While Eleanor was walking home from school, Russell stopped and offered her a ride home. Driving through back roads (and they were all back roads at that time), he brought her to an open airfield (not much more than a single runway in North Hinsdale), where awaited a gleaming yellow Piper Cub standing alone in the airfield. It didn't take much to convince Eleanor to take her first plane ride. There would be many more, but on this initial flight, Russell toned back the skills he used in air shows and simply dive-bombed her parents' farm. The tour over the Connecticut River and southern Vermont didn't last too long, but seemed to seal the deal. When Eleanor returned home, she was reluctant to tell her addled parents that it had been she and Russell who flew over the farm just feet above the corn, and caused the cluster of feathers from scattered chickens. She used the occasion to remind her father that he'd left some open cans of tar on the roof. There was a war going on, they were both teenagers, and the FAA hadn't yet written any rules about landing in backyards. Russell and Eleanor were married the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 1948, and for the next 64 years they celebrated their anniversary on the Saturday after the holiday. Eleanor's life accomplishments were many, including embracing life with compassion and tenderness, loving and caring for both people and animals, and creating a beautiful home with lovely flower gardens, including the beautiful roses she delighted in sharing with others. After joining his father's business and working alongside his brother, Russell helped double its size. In the 1960s, Russell enjoyed serving as a director of the Vermont National Bank. He was also a member of the Hinsdale Fire Department, for which his expertise was helping them with their finances. When his son joined the firm in the mid 1970s, Russell took the business in a new direction. He installed the first antipollution system in the Ashuelot Valley. With that investment in cutting-edge technology, his firm was the only local paper mill to survive into the 21st century. Quiet, insightful, and witty throughout his life, Russell enjoyed his family, generations of German shepherds, skiing, aviation shows, boating, and classic cars. Memorial information: The family plans a private burial service. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Sallie Lee (Dixon) Olmstead, 97, of Dummerston. Died Sept. 24 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Wife of the late George D. Olmstead for 62 years. Mother of Sallie May of Vernon; James Olmstead and his wife, Jane, of Newfane; Elizabeth Wright and her husband, George, of West Chesterfield, N.H.; Daniel Olmstead and his wife, Judi, of Marlboro; Ellen Olmstead of Dummerston; and the late Mary Therieau. Sister of Frank, William, Laddie, Edna, and Peggy, and the late Arthur Jr., Bonnie, Lola Ray, and Luwanda. Born in Wagoner, N.C., the daughter of the late Arthur and Virginia Dixon. At a young age, the family moved to Greenbrier County, W.Va., where she grew up on the family farm with her nine brothers and sisters. Following graduation from Berea (Ky.) College in 1938, she moved to Vermont to teach home economics at Kurn Hattin Homes in Saxtons River. There she met her future husband, and they were married in November 1941. Following her husband's discharge from the Coast Guard in 1946, the Olmsteads returned to Vermont, eventually settling in Dummerston where they raised her six children. She worked as a cook at the East Dummerston School, and also was a close companion for very close friends George & Helen Vaughan. Some of her favorite pastimes were reading, cooking, visiting friends, attending PTA meetings, going on trips with members of her Home Demonstration Group, meeting with her “stitch & bitch” club, entertaining them with her “slightly dusty” stories, and taking up bowling at age 65. She was very active in the local community, volunteering her time at the church apple pie festival every year, and their strawberry supper. She was a past member of the Rebekah Lodge in Saxtons River. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will take place at Dummerston Congregational Church in the spring of 2015 at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to the Dummerston Congregational Church Memorial Fund, c/o Catherine Miller, 18 Canoe Brook Rd, Apt 1, East Dummerston, VT 03546. Arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Clarence O. “Pic” Pickering, 89, of Bradenton, Fla. Died Sept. 16. Husband of Joan Pickering. Sister of Della Houle of Brattleboro, and the late Larry, Willard, and Eddie Pickering. He served in the Navy in World War II. He also drove trucks for the Teamsters and was an antiques collector, and an avid New York Yankees fan. Memorial information: A private burial will be held in the spring of 2015.
• Christine Helen Elizabeth “Tine” Solberg, 65, of Springfield. Died Sept. 18 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. Daughter of the late Walter and Elsie (Pearson) Solberg. Sister of Andrew Solberg and his wife, Balbina, and the late Peter Solberg. Born in Hackensack, N.J., she grew up in Park Ridge, N.J. and moved to Newfane in her late teens. She loved the small community and lived in South Newfane for many years, and always enjoyed returning to the area to visit when she lived in other parts of Vermont. She loved animals, especially cats and owls. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. She was very proud of being First Aid Certified, had a great sense of humor, loved books and learning, was very affectionate, and always remembered everyone's birth date. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 25 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Springfield. Burial will follow in South Newfane Cemetery.