College news
• Caleb Lisai of Bellows Falls graduated with a B.S. in marketing from Castleton University following the successful completion of the fall semester in December 2021.
• The following local students graduated from Champlain College after the fall 2021 semester: Trina Reynolds of Brattleboro earned a B.S. in accounting, and Lucia Turino of Putney earned an A.S. in accounting.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement for the fall 2021 semester at Vermont Technical College. Named to the President's List was Meka Dearborn of Brattleboro. Named to the Dean's List were Andrew Clark of East Dummerston, Hyim Savel of Westminster West, Alexandra Kennedy of East Dover, Lisa Ryan of Wilmington, Emily Mleczko of Putney, and Amy Moore of Brattleboro.
• The following local students have been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at the University of New England in Portland, Maine: Nicholas Campbell, Mollie Patenaude, and Leah Silverman of Brattleboro, and Olivia Lauricella of Saxtons River.
• Sam Cowles, a member of the Class of 2022 from South Londonderry majoring in environmental studies, and Hana Kusumi, a member of the Class of 2023 from South Londonderry majoring in government and philosophy, were both named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
• Addison Kujovsky of South Londonderry was named to the Dean's List at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., for the fall 2021 semester.
• Spencer Fowler of South Londonderry and Gabrel Vanni-Phillips of Newfane were both named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
• Claire Holmes of Wardsboro and Griff Waryas of Bellows Falls were both named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at the University of Rhode Island.
• Remus Harris of Vernon was named to the President's List for the fall 2021 semester at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
• Angel Baikakedi of Putney earned academic distinction for the most recent semester at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.
• Rosalena Carignan, a mathematics/business administration major from West Brattleboro, to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at Northeastern University in Boston.
• Emeline Stewart of Wilmington was named to the Dean's List at Fairfield (Conn.) University for the fall 2021 semester.
• Wyatt Gray Rosinski of Brattleboro was named to the President's List at Norwich University for the fall 2021 semester.
• Brenna LaDuc of Bellows Falls was named to the fall 2021 Adirondack Scholars list at Paul Smith's College in Paul Smiths, N.Y. She was also named to the college's Dean's List, as were Owen Edwards of Bellows Falls and Kendra Atkin of Bellows Falls.
• Kaylynn Marie Gaskell of West Halifax was named to the fall 2021 Dean's List at Springfield (Mass.) Technical Community College.
• Colin Costa-Walsh of Putney, Amelia Graff of Brattleboro, and Avery White of Townshend were all named to the fall 2021 Dean's List at Ithaca (N.Y.) College.
Obituaries
• Michael Edward “Mike” Cheslock Jr., 83, of Rockingham. Died at home on Jan. 30, 2022. Michael was born on May 3, 1938 in New Haven, Conn., the son of Michael E. Cheslock Sr. and Eva (Zuikas) Cheslock. Mike enjoyed a 22-year career at Green Mountain Power and was an active member of the community. Mike enjoyed spending time at the BPOE 1619 Elks in Bellows Falls. He was a past district deputy for the Southern Vermont Elks Clubs, past state ritual chairman, Vermont ritual judge, and past exalted ruler of the Bellows Falls club. He was also a member of the Bellows Falls Moose Club and the Polish American Club in Bellows Falls. He married Frances Crann in 1971. His father instilled in him a love of the outdoors, and Mike was an avid sportsman his entire life. He was a member of the Abenaqui Rod & Gun Club, and a past president. He very much enjoyed teaching hunter safety through the Abenaqui Club for many years. Mike was most grateful for his fishing trips to Costa Rica with his brother, Chuck. He also enjoyed many trips to the Salmon River with his buddy, John T. Stoodley, who has been a caring and constant support since Mike's disabling stroke 12 years ago. He lived by the sports seasons. The annual deer hunting trip to Maine with his wife, his son, Michael, and friends, Kevin and Pat, was a favorite tradition. He was never one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he loved his family dearly and although separated by many miles, he worried and cared for them always. Mike is survived by his wife, Fran; son, Michael Cheslock III and his wife, Debi, of Elkton, Md.; three daughters, Theresa Cheslock of Amherst, N.H., Dawn Ladd of Florida, and Julia Krulee and her husband, David, of Bloomfield, Conn.; brother Charles “Chuck” Cheslock, of New Haven, Conn.; and sisters Evelyne Cheslock,of St. Petersburg, Fla., Cynthia Caliendo of Fort Mill, S.C., and Eileen Heinig and her husband, Walter, of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Feb. 8 at the Rockingham Meeting House Cemetery. Donations to Kurn Hattin Homes, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Michael Emery Gelfan, 70, of Brattleboro. Died on Jan. 28, 2022 at Pine Heights Nursing Home after a long battle with thyroid cancer and diabetes. Michael was born May 1, 1951 in New Haven, Conn., the fifth child of the late Samuel and Harriet Moore Gelfan. He grew up in the New York City suburbs and spent summers at the family home in Grafton. He graduated from Scarsdale (N.Y.) High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. While living in Madison, Michael also worked for a tenants' rights organization. As a young man, Mike was an accomplished pianist/organist and played in several bands and at a jazz club in Madison. In the 1970s Michael moved to Grafton and, later, to New York City, where he earned his degree as a paralegal. He then worked in Manhattan for the New York Legal Aid Society, where his fluency in Spanish served him well both with his clients and in court. In the early 2000s, he moved to Brattleboro to live with and help his mother in her later years. He was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels until he became disabled by his illnesses. Michael was known for his wit, sense of humor, high intelligence, and eclectic knowledge. He could be the life of the party, when he was up for it, and a great conversationalist. He was loved and will be sorely missed by his family. Michael is survived by his five siblings: Carrie Gelfan (Michael Beh), Peter Gelfan (Rita McMahon), Deedee Jones (Marcy Jones), Jenny Gelfan (Frank Dolan), and Stephanie Gelfan (Wolfe Lowenthal); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: Burial services will be private and held sometime in the spring. Donations in his honor can be made to Brattleboro Meals on Wheels.
• Barbara Jadlowski, 81, of Putney. Died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Jan. 28, 2022 following a courageous battle against cancer. Barbara was born on April 29, 1940 in Staten Island, N.Y. Following graduation at Tottenville High School in 1958, she began working as a secretary at Allied Chemical in New York City. She married Donald Jadlowski in 1961, and Barbara and her family moved to Vermont in 1974. Barbara and Don celebrated 32 wonderful years of marriage until his death in 1992, and raised two beautiful daughters. She later met her companion, Peter Cross, with whom she happily spent the remainder of her life. She was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, American Legion, and the VFW. Barbara enjoyed her time shared with her family, gardening, dancing, reading, and traveling to the Caribbean. She is remembered for being a caring, generous, and happy person. She will be missed by all who knew her. Barbara is survived by her daughters Michele DuHamel of Stow, Ohio and Sharon Johnson of Putney; her son-in-laws, Mark DuHamel and Ed Johnson; her grandchildren Jessica Skylarsky of Bay Village, Ohio and Grant DuHamel of Seven Hills, Ohio; her brother Charles Bench of Charleston, S.C.; and her companion Peter Cross of Putney. Memorial information: Per her wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A memorial gathering to celebrate her life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, and the Putney Food Shelf, 10 Christian Square, P.O. Box 337, Putney, VT 05346. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Jonathan Michael Lescord, 36, of Brattleboro. Died January 28, 2022 at his home, with his partner Billy-Joe Hudgins at his side. Jonathan was born Feb. 1, 1985 to Gary Lescord Sr. of Saxtons River and Theresa Benson of Rockingham. Jonathan loved his friends, fishing and hunting. Jonathan always made friends wherever he would go. He had a smile and a heart of gold. In addition to his partner and his parents, Jonathan is also survived by his brothers Gary Lescord Jr. and Joshua Lescord, paternal grandparents Fred and Elaine Lescord, stepsisters and a stepbrother. Jonathan had many nieces and nephews which he loved very much. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents Leslie and Winifred Hitchcock. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Bernard C. Neil, 85, of Rockingham. Died at home on Feb. 1, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. Bernard was born Feb. 22, 1936, son of Walter Sr. and Florence (Chamberlin) Neil, in St. Johnsbury. Bernard graduated from Vermont Technical College before joining the Army, serving in France from 1957 to 1959. Bernard worked on the family's farm before he began working for St. Johnsbury Trucking as a trailer mechanic. Following closure of the trucking company, Bernard worked for the town of Rockingham before retiring in July 2003. Bernard was a member of the American Legion, Moose, Polish American Club and the VFW. Bernard enjoyed spending time at home where he could often be found tending the yard or relaxing on the deck with his best friend, Rick Fischer. Bernard was predeceased by his wife, Emilie; a son, Robert; his parents; and brothers, Walter and David Neil and Robert Fleming. He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Vancor and Mary Moore,of Bellows Falls, Lori Compton of Calhoun, La., and Dianne Milliken of Charlestown, N.H.; and a son, Leo “Rocky” LaCroix of Lyndonville. He leaves behind grandchildren, Fallon and McGregor Vancor and Michael Gideos of Bellows Falls; Ashley Gideos of Walpole, N.H.; Peter Craig and Jocelyn Delworth of Danville; Lauren Craig of Peacham; Justin Milliken of Charlestown, N.H.; and Shane LaCroix of St. Johnsbury. He is also survived by brothers James Neil of Cornish, N.H., and Bryant Fleming of Waterford, N.H.; and sister Muriel Clark of Barre. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, followed by a burial in the Rockingham Meeting House Cemetery. A reception will be at American Legion Post 37. Donations to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; or Hospice/VNA of Vermont and New Hampshire.
• Kevin Gene Robinson, 70, of Stratton. Died peacefully Jan. 28, 2022, with family by his side, at the Jack Byrne Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., after a two-year battle with cancer. Kevin was born on March 24, 1951 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. He was the youngest of four children born to Francine and Harry Robinson (Tip). Kevin grew up in West Wardsboro until age 12, when he and his family moved to Wilmington. Kevin was a phenomenal downhill skier, competing in giant slalom and slalom, and went on to race for Stratton Mountain. Kevin worked at GS Precision for 43 years, starting at the bottom and working his way up to management. Before that, he worked for Guy Nido in Wilmington, delivering oil. He was a very hardworking man and, when he wasn't at his day job, he was busy running Robinson's Repair, fixing small engines and selling chain saws from his Ray Hill home garage. Later, when Kevin's daughters were old enough to work, he built the creemee stand that was parked at the Viking Motel in Wilmington, so they could have summer jobs and learn how money can be made when you work hard for it. Kevin spent countless hours working alongside his daughters on nights and weekends. Kevin loved to give and help out in any way that he could without expecting anything in return. He enjoyed hard work - haying every summer so all the barns were full of hay for the winter, and making sure all the horses were well taken care of, and excavating land to create new gardens for Debbie or anyone who needed something dug up and moved. Kevin could fix or build anything. In 2002, he built his dream log home in Stratton with his wife, Debbie. Their fall was spent cutting wood and stock piling 20 cords for the long winters. He designed and built his own wood splitter and then the following year customized it to be fully controlled by his excavator. He was innovative and self-taught. Kevin loved to volunteer. He was the superintendent of the grounds for the Deerfield Valley Farmers Day Fair for many years, and a groomer for the Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers as well as a snowmobile safety instructor. Every Easter, he organized and put on the Mason's Easter egg hunt at the Wilmington Elementary School. Later, after moving to Stratton, Kevin became a firefighter, as well as treasurer, for the Stratton Fire Department. He also served on the Selectboard. He loved snowmobiling, camping, skiing, boating, water skiing, dirt biking/motorcycling, gardening, golfing, eating out, and cooking. He loved to hunt, fish, and go ice fishing. He enjoyed sugaring every spring and made the best maple syrup. He loved to travel and wanted to see all the sights from his RV with his family. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah Rose Cross; daughters Amber Robinson and her husband, Casey Munroe, and grandson Devin of North Haven, Conn.; and Ashton Robinson and her husband Scott Horwath and granddaughters Blaikie and Ollie of Searsburg; brothers Harry Robinson and his wife Clara of Jamaica, and Robert Robinson of Wilmington; sisters-in-law Connie Kmec of Augusta, Maine, and Jane Waldron of Wilmington; and brothers and sisters-in-law Mark and Donna Yule of Wilmington and Kevin and Amanda Butler of Whitingham; and nieces/nephews Alan Robinson, Travis Robinson, Adam Robinson, Jason Cross, Tanner Yule, Weston Yule, Katey Cross, Cody Yule, and Colton Butler. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Alan Scott Robinson. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 1, at 1 p.m., at Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington.
• Sigrid Scholz-Karabakakis, 66, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at her home on Jan. 29, 2022, after a valiant battle with brain cancer. She was surrounded by her family, pets, candles, incense, gentle music, and boundless love. Sigrid was an active member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and numerous community organizations. She was also a world traveler, an artist and a crafts person who sold at fairs and farmers' markets across New England and in California. She was married to George Karabakakis, the CEO of Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS). Born in Grafenwohr, Germany, Sigrid was educated in Germany and as a young woman traveled extensively around the world. On a backpacking expedition in Nepal, she met her future husband and as a first date journeyed to Mount Everest. After they married and made their home in the United States in 1983, Sigrid and George continued traveling internationally, eventually taking their children with them. Sigrid's family in Germany had instilled in her a love of nature, traditions, rituals and the power of loyalty and connection. During her travels, she developed a deep appreciation for all the rich and diverse traditions of cultures she encountered. She lived in Berkeley, Calif., for 10 years before moving to Brattleboro, Keene, N.H., and then back to Brattleboro. Sigrid was actively engaged with the Harris Center, Aveo, MoCo, New England Youth Theatre, and the Keene Amateur Astronomy Club among other organizations. She was an active rockhound, seeking treasures in the earth. She also had a deep appreciation of Star Trek and Lord of the Rings, attending conventions throughout the country and traveling to New Zealand to visit Hobbiton. Sigrid sought to bring a consciousness of multi-cultural diversity into her community. She spent years patiently, passionately, and lovingly teaching her children Jason and Alexander and homeschooling her daughter Habame. Sigrid imported jewelry and batik clothing from Bali and Thailand for 15 years and, with George, owned a store, Dance of Life, in Berkeley. She also sold crafts at markets and at gift shows across the country. Sigrid's whimsical crafts embodied her love of faeries, gnomes, the wonder of nature, and anything found in the earth and sea. Her pieces from across the world included everything from stepping stones to fantastical Fimo pins, hand dipped rainbow candles, felted creatures and scenes, birch bark fairy houses to hand painted silk scenes of dragons, flowers, faeries and children. Sigrid's spirit was simultaneously one of a warrior goddess and a fairy of the forests. Her compassion extended to all creatures including birds in flight, salamanders, hedgehogs, chipmunks and squirrels. Her love for the wonder of nature came from her deep spiritual connection to the earth and all living things. She saved thousands of salamanders as a team leader during the “big nights” at salamander crossings in Keene for over 15 years. Sigrid was a remarkable human being, selfless, kind and accepted people for who they are. She was a strong advocate for her children and cared deeply for social justice causes. Sigrid is loved by so many around the world and at home. Her family and friends will miss her immensely and know that her spirit, soul, and irrepressible presence continues in each of us and in her home, gardens, artwork and in the love and compassion she selflessly shared with each of those close to her. Memorial information: A memorial gathering in celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at the West Village Meeting House off of South Street in West Brattleboro, starting at 1 p.m. Donations to The Harris Center for Conservation Education, 83 Kings Hwy., Hancock, NH 03449, or New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Betty Jane Slater, 79, of Brookline, formerly of Stratford, N.H. and Saugus, Mass. Died peacefully in her home on Jan. 29, 2022, watching her birds and the snow, after a long battle with multiple myeloma. It would be wrong to say Betty lost her battle to cancer because she truly gave it a northern New Hampshire girl fight for the past seven years! Betty met her true love, Joe Slater, in 1965. They were married in 1966 and together they raised two children: Bruce Slater and Cheryl Slater. Betty received her bachelor's degree in education at Plymouth State College and absolutely loved being a teacher. She worked in various schools throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. However, she spent most of her career as a K-8 art teacher and lead art teacher in Chelsea, Mass. She loved her students and colleagues in Chelsea. She was known for the great parties with lots of food and drinks with her work friends she cherished. After 35 years of service, she retired from Chelsea to her beautiful home that Joe built for her in the Vermont woods. Here, she made wonderful friends and connections. Betty was an active member of the Newfane Congregational Church. She enjoyed volunteering and preparing food for the church and the food pantry. Betty was fantastic at making really anything with her hands. She was known for her delicious pickles and desserts. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time canning her garden vegetables and putting up preserves. She was a gifted artist, knitter, and crafter, making many lovely gifts for her grandchildren and family. Betty was incredibly proud of the Betty Crocker of New Hampshire Award she won in Stratford High School many moons ago, and wanted all to remember this recognition. Betty and Joe were avid world travelers. They visited 47 of 50 states as well as Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. She shared this love of exploring with her daughter and grandchildren. She spent many summers and vacations showing them the world and, ever the teacher, educating them on the importance of experiencing other cultures and areas. Probably more than any else in her life, Betty's greatest joy were her three grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, especially watching her grandsons play football and her granddaughter recently graduate from college. Her grandchildren will miss her dearly. They will remember her love and how well she expressed it in her making birthday cakes, pies, chocolate chip cookies, and animal shaped pancakes for them. Betty is survived by her husband, her son Bruce Slater, and her daughter Cheryl Slater and her husband Mike Walsh. She is also survived by her brother Sherwood, whom she loved so deeply. She was the devoted “Nana” to Veronica, Chris, and Harry Walsh. She leaves her loving sisters-in-law Jackie Fluery, Debbie Albright, Karen Ondusko, and Kathy Plummer, and her brother-in-law Ernie Martin. She was fortunate to be an aunt to many beloved nieces and nephews as well. She was preceded in death by her parents Cressey and Edith Fluery, sisters-in-law Maureen Hannan and Barbara Martin, and many fun, silly cousins and aunts all waiting to tell jokes and have biscuits and dandelion greens with her. Memorial information: A celebration of Betty's life was held at the Newfane Congregational Church on Feb. 5. Donations may be made to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Oncology Center for their oncology community support fund or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).