College news
• The following local students earned academic honors for the fall 2016 semester at Community College of Vermont: Kyle O'Rourke of Bellows Falls; Carie-Ann Davis, Alayna Spear, and Emily Whitworth of Brattleboro; Mariah Matyas and Nina Singleton-Spencer of Newfane; Selena Wetherby of Putney; Aileen Hardesty of Saxtons River; Diane Carvalho and Maggie McKay of Vernon; Kelsey Hescock of Wardsboro; Amber Goodnow of West Halifax; and Travis Douglass and Isaac Gelineau of Westminster all were named to the Dean's List. Dimitar Radev and Levi Simpson of Brattleboro; Chloe Fawcett and Kaylee Gargett of Jamaica; and Kimberly Day of Vernon were all named to the President's List.
• James Ryan Vinci of Dummerston, Malaysia Ann Goodnow of Vernon, and Ryan Joseph Gilligan of Vernon were all named to the Dean's List for the fall 2016 semester at Norwich University.
• Elias Park of Wilmington earned Dean's List honors at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia for the fall 2016 semester. Park studies finance in the University's Haub School of Business.
• Sean Malloy, a recreation major from Bellows Falls, has been named to the Dean's List at Paul Smith's College for the fall 2016 semester.
• Rory Cuerdon of Putney, a member of the class of 2020 majoring in aerospace engineering, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2016 semester at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
• Eben Holderness of Brattleboro has been named to the Dean's List at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., for the fall 2016 semester.
• Kara Corlew of Londonderry, Morgan Kaeppel of Vernon, and Abigail Molner of Wilmington were all named to the Provost's List for the fall 2016 semester at Southern Vermont College in Bennington.
• Daniel Richardson of Vernon was named to the Dean's List at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., for the fall 2016 semester.
• The following students have been named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2016 semester: Emily Perry of Bellows Falls earned Highest Honors and Douglas Lazelle of Jacksonville earned Honors.
• Connor M. Tripp of Vernon, a sophomore majoring in graphic design at Northeastern University in Boston, has made the Dean's List for the fall 2016 semester.
• Katherine E. Koes of Vernon was named to the Dean's List at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas., for the fall 2016 semester.
Transitions
• The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro has named Gabriel Weiss as the new Unit Director of the Flat Street Clubhouse. A native of Maine, Weiss came to the club in 2014. He previously held positions in all types of trades ranging from working in nonprofits, health counselor, painter, landscaper, pizza chef, and bookseller.
Obtituaries
• Jeanne L. Austin, 76, of Westminster. Died Feb. 1, after five years of ovarian cancer. Born Feb. 17, 1940 in Waukegan, Ill., daughter of Paul Bernard and Esther (Hauck) Austin, she was a graduate of Waukegan High School, attended Mount Holyoke College, and graduated from Colorado College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) in 1962. Appearing in many college and community theaters, she earned her membership in Actors' Equity as well as SAG-AFTRA. She appeared in Collected Stories, Fuddy Meers, Driving Miss Daisy and, most recently, in Wit with Apron Theater at Next Stage in Putney. While theater was her prime passion, working in New Jersey, New York City, St. Louis, and Miami, she was also an employee of SCARC (Sussex County Association for Retarded Citizens), where she conducted a choral group, and was a puppeteer for “Kids on the Block.” In 1984, she and her husband formed “HerStory Productions” with an eventual repertoire of seven one-woman shows, which she insisted be called mono-dramas. Her special favorite was Louisa May Alcott. She became a member of the Vermont Humanities Council to present them in Vermont. From 1991 until she moved to Vermont, she raised cashmere goats on a farm in Augusta, N.J., which she christened “Blackberry Slump.” She was treasurer of the Eastern Cashmere Association for 10 years. She was a trained musician, and her favorite piano works were by Chopin, Debussy, and Mompou. She devoted much of her last decade to Saori weaving and had a studio at her home, having obtained credentials from Japan to do so. She is survived by her son, Bret R. Nelson, of Rockingham, and her husband of 44 years, Peter R. Nadolny of Westminster. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at All Souls Church in Brattleboro at a date to be determined soon.
• Bernard Bernbaum, 102, of Chester Springs, Pa. Died Feb. 1 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Chester Springs, where he had lived for the past several years. Born and raised in The Bronx, N.Y., he graduated from City College of New York in 1934 with a degree in electrical engineering. He met his beloved wife, Beatrice, in New York, and the two later moved to the Philadelphia area, where he and his long-time friend and neighbor Murray Fisher had built a successful electronics supply business which is still thriving to this day. An avid and lifelong amateur black and white photographer, he used to say “it's not real photography if you don't get your hands wet [with the developing chemicals.]” He even attended photography classes and forged friendships with younger students at the college near his winter home in Coconut Creek, Fla., possessing a student I.D. card in his wallet through his mid-nineties. Photography was just one of his many areas of interest, and a love of books, ham radio operation, coin and stamp collecting, and playing the piano are some of the many things which kept his curious mind active throughout his long life. One important note to mention to readers of The Commons is that although Bernard never lived in Windham County, his grandson who does bought him a subscription to this newspaper, which he read cover to cover (including enjoying the crossword) every week for several years. At times, this man who lived in Pennsylvania knew more about the goings-on and news of Brattleboro than his grandson did (who lives in Brattleboro)! Bernard was predeceased by his wife Beatrice, the longtime love of his life, in 1995. He is survived by his son David and daughter-in-law Judy of Chester Springs, and his grandson Josh, granddaughter-in-law Marta, and his most cherished great-grandson Finn Bernbaum of Brattleboro.
• Alice (Lacoss) Carrier, 72, of Enfield, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 26 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, after a brief illness. She was born in Hanover, N.H. on Oct. 2, 1944, the daughter of the late Niles and Helen (Warner) Lacoss. She graduated from Hanover High School and received her B.A. in elementary education and M.A. in special education from Keene State College. She and Gary Carrier were married in 1965 and chose to live and raise their family in Brattleboro. She was exceptionally dedicated in all that she did in her life, including her family, friends, teaching career, church, and many professional and volunteer activities. She was a beloved teacher in Guilford and Brattleboro elementary schools, who loved teaching children to read. Over the last 17 years of retirement, she delighted in spending time with her family and watching her five grandchildren grow into young adults. She especially enjoyed following Bowdoin College and Orono High School football and Gorham basketball and lacrosse. She was a gracious hostess and known for her tremendous talent for knitting, sewing and quilting, baking, and jewelry making. She particularly enjoyed her work as a local, state, and international officer of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and traveled throughout the United States and northern Europe in support of teachers around the world. In 2012, she was honored to receive the International Achievement Award, the highest award given by DKG, to recognize her distinguished record of service to the organization. Most recently, she was dedicated to her genealogy work as a member and registrar of the Brattleboro Chapter, Vermont State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Last year, she and Gary moved to live full-time at their lake house in Enfield, however, she continued to enjoy playing bridge in both Brattleboro and New Hampshire. She is survived by her husband of 51 years; her daughters, Allison Lucy and her husband John of Orono, Maine, and Christine Hume and her husband Eric of Gorham, Maine; her five grandchildren; her sister, Nancy Cole of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 4 at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, with a private interment in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Centre Congregational Church or The Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767- 1589. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Ellis C. Derrig Sr., 85, of Putney. Died Jan. 26 at his home, following a courageous battle with mesothelioma. He was born in Vernon on March 2, 1931, the son of John C. and Evelyn (Stanclift) Derrig. He was raised and educated in Vernon, later attending Brattleboro High School. A proud veteran of the Korean War, he enlisted in the Army in 1950 and served in Germany until honorably discharged from active service in 1953. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. In 1960, he established Derrig Excavation, based in Putney, and served as president of the company for many years until his retirement. Previously, he worked as a truck driver for Putney Paper Mill and Gay's Express. He was a selectman for the town of Putney for several terms, was an active board member for the Putney Community Pool, and served on the Board of Directors for the Putney Credit Union. He was a licensed pilot who operated his own plane and help establish the former Dummerston “International” Airport. He enjoyed flying, Country & Western music, dancing, attending Bluegrass music festivals, and time shared with his family. In 1955 , he married Rosalie Morgan, who survives. Besides his wife of 61 years he leaves two sons, Ricky Derrig and Ellis Derrig Jr. and his wife, Deborah, both of Putney; three daughters, Debra Fitzpatrick and husband William, Gail Washburn, and Robin Derrig, all of Putney; one sister, Iris Nye of Putney; and six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings Gordon Derrig and Elizabeth Underwood; and son-in-law, Alan Washburn. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors were conducted Feb. 2 in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Donations to Putney Volunteer Fire Dept. 21 Carl Snyder Drive, Putney, VT 05346, or to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Hazel (Tenney) Kimball, 94, of Greenfield, Mass. Died Jan. 27 at Charlene Manor. She was born at home in Pine Meadow, Northfield, Mass., on April 1, 1922, the daughter of the late Charles & Louella (Dunklee) Tenney. She was educated in Northfield and was a graduate of Northfield High School, editor of the school newspaper, and Salutatorian of her class. She then attended the former Massachusetts State College, 1940-42. In 1944, she married Norman D. Kimball, who predeceased her in 1986. Prior to her marriage, she worked in postal delivery. She was later a longtime Nurse's Aide at the former Franklin County Public Hospital. She was a skilled cross stitcher and an ardent reader. She was an avid sports fan and supported her grandchildren's athletic events as well as all the New England pro teams. She was a member of the Vernon Advent Christian Church in South Vernon for the longest period of time of any member, more than 80 years, and was the oldest living member. She was a member and past-president of the Ladies Benevolent Society of Northfield Farms. She was also a member of the Northfield Historical Society and the Northfield Historical Commission for which she single-handedly copied inscriptions of the gravestones throughout Northfield. For many years, she was interested in local and family history and was an inspiration to many in these pursuits. She will long be remembered for being the one who kept track of us all. She was one of six sisters, known as the “Tenney girls” or “the Aunts” to her admiring nieces and nephews. Her sisters all predeceased her and thus she has closed out an era of people who will be particularly missed by family and friends. Her abiding and optimistic philosophy was a model for us all. She is survived by her three children: Ronald Kimball and his wife, Darsia, of Iowa; Jeffrey Kimball and his wife, Anita, with whom she lived; and Marjorie Bruno of Gill, Mass. She leaves eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Richard Kimball of Greenfield; and several cousins and many nieces and nephews to whom she was a virtual second mother. Memorial information: Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at Vernon Advent Christian Church. Burial will be in the spring at Northfield Farms Cemetery. Donations to the Northfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 151, Northfield, MA, 01360.