College news
• Matthew Nault of South Londonderry graduated from St. Michael's College in Colchester with a B.S. in business administration at the college's 107th commencement exercises on May 11.
• Ben Jerome-Lee of Dummerston graduated on May 18 from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., with a B.A. in history and a B.A. in communications. In the fall, he is going to Thailand to teach English and travel.
• Robert Litchfield of Jamaica and Sophie Zschirnt of Whitingham were both named to the spring 2014 Dean's List at St. Michael's College in Colchester.
• Veronica Faro Bagundes of Brattleboro, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, and Thomas B. Batchelder of Marlboro, a senior majoring in engineering and management, were both named to the spring 2014 Dean's List at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y.
• Megan Walker of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Conn., for the spring 2014 semester.
• Robin Shannon, a junior from Brattleboro majoring in applied psychology and human services, was named to the Spring 2014 Dean's List at Lyndon State College.
• Madeline Conley, a senior from Dummerston, and Caitlin Persa, a sophomore from Windham, both achieved Dean's High Honors at Connecticut College in New London, Conn.
• Adam Boyle of Brattleboro, Julia Stevens of Brattleboro, and Stella Jordan of Putney all received Dean's List second honors for the Spring 2014 semester at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.
• Jacquelyn Cawley of Brattleboro has been named to the University of Delaware's Dean's List for the 2014 spring semester.
• Jessica L. Kane and Loralee E. Miller, both of Vernon, were named to the Dean's List for the 2014 spring semester at the University of New England.
School news
• Israel Cavanagh of Saxtons River, Brian Guerino of Vernon, and Sarah Kaczenski of Northfield, Mass., were among 37 graduates of Oak Meadow School's Class of 2014 honored during ceremonies held June 14 at the West Village Meeting House in West Brattleboro.
• River Valley Technical Center in Springfield recently held its annual awards ceremony. The Horticulture and Natural Resources, William Drude Memorial Scholarship, Director's Scholarship, and the Vermont Land Trust Award were presented to Brennan Douglas of Bellows Falls Union High School. Technical Center scholarships are awarded to students who achieved the highest standards in technical education and who plan on pursuing a post-secondary education.
• The Bellows Falls Union High School recently held its year-end academic award assembly. The following students earned these prestigious academic awards: Gail Christmas Award: Kassidy Martin and Michaela Ruggiero. University of Rochester Award: Anna Clark and Andrew Hollar. Eniglish Department Award: Emily DuFault and Emma Moyna. English Enrichment Award: Colin King and Logan McKenzie. Science Award: Field Ecology; Emily DuFault, Science Award: Biology; Nathan Fairbrother. Science Award: Anatomy & Physiology: Liam Shaw. Special Science Award: Cedar Williams. Women Engineers Award: Anna Clark and Emily Perry. Harvard Book Award: Anna Clark. Spanish Awards: Ricky Clayton, Delaney Mager, Gus Slater-Dixon, and Emily Stoddard. Physical Education Awards: Cassidy Santorelli, Travis Douglass. John Philip Sousa Award: Emma Moyna. Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Tim Jones. Math Team Awards: Jonah Bolotin, Nora Bright, Anna Clark, Ellie Guyon, Tim Guyon, Andrew Hollar, Trinna Larson, Arianna Morton, Anthony Mueller, Emily Perry, Ira Richardson, Leia Robinson, Will Scarlett, Nieva Schemm, Liam Shaw. Senior Project Awards: Kaitlin Burns, Kya Coursen, Emily DuFault, Kayla Gilchrist, Tim Jones, Kyle O'Rourke, Lydia Pedigo, Shealyn Wilkinson. In the Choral program, for four years in Chorus: Allegra Maskell, Erik Worden, Paige Moody, Sam Empey. For District Jazz Choir: Elena Tansley, Allegra Maskell, Erik Worden, Tim Jones. For District Choir: Elena Tansley, Allegra Maskell, Sophia Cardini, Erik Worden. Members of the Envirothon team and Art program were also recognized for their participation.
Obituaries
• James Grover Amidon, 68, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died June 14 at Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla. Husband of Sharon Seabrook Amidon for 46 years. Father of Matthew Amidon, and his wife, Crystal, and Samantha Pate. Brother of Jacquelyn Farrar, Kimberly Farrar, Karl Amidon, and the late Lee and Keith Amidon. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of Walter and Freda Amidon, he graduated from Leland and Gray Seminary in Townshend in 1963. He then enlisted in the Army as a diesel mechanic, serving in Germany for three years. He was an avid bowler and for many years competed nationally with his OKC bowling team. He had a great sense of humor and could really spin a tale that always ended in hilarity for all, while always keeping that sweet grin on his face. He worked for Rouse (Dickie) Transportation in Burlington before moving with his family to Oklahoma City, where he worked for Truck Stops of America and Swift Transportation, and operated his business, Amidon and Son in Oklahoma City. Memorial information: A shared spreading of his and his brother Keith's ashes will be held in Pleasantview Cemetery in Chester on June 28, at 11 a.m., with a gathering following the service at the Masonic Temple in Chester.
• Charles Raymond Armour Jr. of Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H. Died June 4. Husband of Deborah Kathan Armour. Father of Kiza Armour, Dawn Armour Ouellette, Leasa Armour, and Crystal Armour. Brother of Katherine and Richard Armour. Son of Shirley Stanclift Armour. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and served during the Vietnam War. He was a Brattleboro police officer and member of the Army National Guard before becoming an Air Force officer. Near the end of his Air Force career, Major Armour transferred from his HQ USAFE assignment in Germany to lead his EOD troops in the Persian Gulf War in 1990-91. His many service medals included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, a Navy Presidential Unit Citation, and a Humanitarian Service Medal. Following his military career, he served New Hampshire residents as a principal planner for the state Department of Health and Human Services, and taught at New Hampshire Technical Institute. He was a loving husband and father who was quick to inject a bit of military trivia or witty word play. His life embodied his values of honor, courage, and service, and he inspired those qualities in those around him. Memorial information: He was cremated June 11 in New Hampshire. A memorial gathering will take place on on July 19 at the VFW in Brattleboro, immediately following the delivery of military honors at 1:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please thank the men and women who serve, at home or abroad, in the military or as first responders.
• Rebecca A. “Becky” Butler, 63, of Brattleboro. Died June 5 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health. Wife of Richard B. Butler for nearly 45 years. Mother of Matthew Butler and his fiancee, Sadie Stone, of Fitzwilliam, N.H., and the late Patrick Butler. Sister of Douglas Moyer and his wife, Phyllis, of Chesterfield, N.H.; Larry Moyer, and Glenn Moyer and his wife, Deanne, all of Middletown Springs; Nancy Edmunds and her husband, Chris, of Middletown Springs; and Marie Moyer of Rutland. Born in Middletown Springs, the daughter of Ellen Austin Moyer and the late John Moyer, she was raised and educated in Middletown Springs, graduating from Poultney High School, Class of 1969. A resident of Brattleboro for the past 45 years, she was a former resident of Woodstock. For several years, she managed the Coffee Shop at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Previously, she waitressed at several Brattleboro area restaurants that included Friendly's, the former Big Boy Restaurant on Putney Road, and at the Latchis Hotel. She loved animals and, for many years, was an active volunteer at the Windham County Humane Society. She also volunteered at Experienced Goods Thrift Shop in Brattleboro. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, cross stitch, and time spent with her family. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 11 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery, where she was laid to rest next to her son. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Janice Dwinnell Greenwood, 51, of Hopkinton, Mass., and Brattleboro. Died May 28 at her parents' home in Upton, Mass., from complications with a terminal illness. She is survived by her loving son, Jason Dunton of Concord, Calif.; her best friend, Kevin Greenwood of Billerica, Mass.; her parents, June Ranlett of Hopkinton, Clarence “Red” and Maureen L. Dwinnell of Upton; her siblings, Richard Dwinnell and his wife, Cheri, of Raymond, Maine; Ronald Dwinnell and wife Eileen Dwinnell of San Clemente, Calif., and Butler County Pa.; Kelleigh Parker of Lincoln, R.I.; Cyndi Dwinnell Dionne and her husband James M. Dionne of Milford, Mass.; Jennifer L. Dwinnell of Upton, and many loving nieces, nephews and close friends. She is predeceased by her parent, Chester Ranlett, and her brother, Randall Dwinnell. She was a unique soul, giving up material comforts to travel the world to study dance, religion, art, and writing. She wanted to have a true sense of community, and a positive influence on people's lives. She traveled to many places in Europe and South America. Mexico was her love, living amongst the indigenous people, teaching young children and women English. She danced at Mayan temples to help bring together community. She always said she met the most amazing people in Mexico, people who did not have any luxuries but were rich with love, family, and a sense of community. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held on June 28 at the Stone Church, 210 Main St., in Brattleboro, with a service at noon and a potluck and dance from 1-4 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to share stories and bring photos, flower bouquets and any other items to place on the altar. Those who wish to contribute to the ceremony and RSVP should contact the family at janicegreenwood1@gmail.com.
• Andrew Alfonso LaCombe, 74, of Roanoke, Va. Died June 11 at his home. Husband of Sylvia LaCombe for 51 years. Father of Carl of Marlborough, Mass., and Alan and his wife, Tracy, of Bellows Falls. Brother of Dominic LaCombe of Springer, N.M. Son of Ediria and the late 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 on June 14. Interment will be in Vermont at a later date. Donations can be made to the Roanoke Valley Community Band, in care of Susan Kraterfield, 2552 Inglewood Rd., Roanoke, VA 24013.
• Frank Howard Merrill, 93, of Brattleboro. Died June 9 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after a period of failing health. Husband of the late Elizabeth (Kendrick) Merrill for 71 years. Father of Eric and Susan Merrill of Stafford, Va., Elaine and William Flood of Greer, S.C., and David and Linda Merrill of Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Brother of the late Henry E. Merrill and Harriet M. Page. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Clarence Edson and Miriam Howard Merrill, he graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1938. He was an active alumnus for many years. During World War II, he served in the Navy as an Aviation Electricians Mate 1st Class on the escort aircraft carrier USS Santee. He participated in the North African invasion, as well as naval operations in the Pacific, including New Guinea, Palau, Guam, Leyte Gulf, and the invasion of Okinawa. After returning from the war, he went to work at Barrows Coal Co. He eventually became a part-owner of the company and retired in 1985 after 50 years of dedicated service. The Merrills traveled extensively after their retirement. He was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club and enjoyed playing golf with his friends, playing well into his 80s. He was an excellent tennis player in his high school and younger years. He was a life member of BPOE Lodge of Elks, Masons, American Legion Post 5, VFW Post 1034, and the USS Santee Association. He was also a member of Centre Congregational Church. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date.
• Russell H. Rumrill, 82, of Bellows Falls. Died June 11 at his home after a long illness. Husband of Annamae (Derosier) Rumrill for 59 years. Father of Stephen and Heather of Springfield, Sue and Allen of Alstead, N.H., Lisa and Les of Rockingham, Vt., and Lori and Eric of Westminster. Brother of Bernice Stocker of Alstead, N.H., Stanley and his wife, Beverly Rumrill, of Bellows Falls, and the late Bernard, Gilman, Carroll, Gwendalyn, Thelma, and Pauline Rumrill. Born in Rockingham, the son of the late Lucious and Mildred (Kimball) Rumrill, he attended Bellows Falls and Vernon schools. He worked at Woodward's Lumber Mill, Gay's Transportation, Holmes Transportation, and Hubbard Farms. He served in the Army in the 82nd Airborne Division at the time of the Korean War. He was a member of American Legion Post 37 and Bellows Falls Moose Lodge. He loved working with his kids on their homes, going to cookouts, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he loved so much. He enjoyed sitting on his porch. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, July 12, at 2 p.m., at Sue and Allen Wades, 49 River St., Alstead, NH 03602.
• Eleanor Rice Sampson, 97, of Homestead Village, Lancaster, Pa. Died June 4 in Lancaster General Hospital. Wife of the late James O. Sampson. Mother of Eleanor S. Collins of Fleetwood, Pa., Nancy S. (Frank) Sinclair of Indian Land, S.C., and Thomas R. (Susanne) Sampson of Ft. Collins, Colo. Born in Brattleboro, she was the daughter of the late Howard C. and Amy Jones Rice. She graduated from Colby Junior College in New London, N.H., in 1937. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. She was a past member of the Lancaster Country Club, the Junior League of Lancaster, and the Iris Club. Her volunteer work included serving as a solicitor for the United Way, a receptionist for Lancaster Walking Tours, a docent at Conestoga House, and a packer for the Food Bank of the Lancaster County Council of Churches. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, in the Glasford Room at Homestead Village. Donations to the Lancaster County Library, 125 N. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602.
• Marion L. Tobey, 98, of Huntsville, Ala., formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died June 9, 2014 at her residence in Huntsville. Wife of the late Ralph P. Tobey. Mother of Carl Tobey and his wife, Sue, of Manchester, N.H., Francis Tobey and his wife, Susan, of Bedford, N.H., Edith Dunham and her husband, Henry, of Hinsdale, N.H., Barbara Romious and her husband, William, of Huntsville, Ala., Beverly Hasting of Maine, and the late Betty Ragna. Sister of the late Clyde and Francis LaPlante, and Hazel Saczawa. Born in North Heath, Mass., the daughter of the late Frank and Almedia Barnes Arabia, she was a longtime resident of Hinsdale before moving to Alabama in 2000 to be closer to her daughter. She was educated in the Hinsdale school systems. She was employed for many years as a housekeeper at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital until her retirement. She was a member of the senior citizens club in Hinsdale. She enjoyed gardening, reading, watching TV, and was an avid animal lover. She especially loved spending time with her two cats, Cappuccino and Sophie. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on June 14 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to Hospice of the Valley, 12521 Alabama 157, Moulton, AL 35650 or a charity of one's choice.