Staff Report

The Brownsville Community Church is holding a fundraiser Sunday, May 26 at 9 a.m. for the victims of last Monday’s deadly tornado in Oklahoma.

The church, located on Brownsville-Hartland Road, will serve coffee and muffins and take donations for those who lost their homes and possessions when a massive tornado struck the town of Moore, just south of Oklahoma City.

Laurie Hall, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, said the tragedy in Oklahoma touched the church’s congregation.

“We went through the flood and people helped us,” Hall said. “We just thought, let’s give them our support and help them rebuild.”

Hall is working on getting some entertainment for the gathering.

Donations will go to the United MEthodist Committee on Relief special fund for the disaster.

Albert Bridge students enjoyed an afternoon of trucks and heavy equipment. The students and teachers were encouraged to climb on, in and around the vehicles and explore.
Ava Emerson Photos

A portion of these photo first appeared in the May 23, 2013 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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Come What May
Albert Bridge School and Reading Elementary School students held a May Day celebration April 30 at Reading’s school.
Rick Russell Photos

A portion of these photo first appeared in the May 9, 2013 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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Enjoyed Sewing and Making Her Own Clothes
BROWNSVILLE — Graveside services for Eleanor Mary Thomas Hannah, 100, who died Thursday evening, April 18, 2013 at her and her daughter’s home in Brownsville, will be held at a later date, Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m. in the Brownsville Cemetery in West Windsor.
She was born May 19, 1912 in Sheddsville, VT the daughter of Robert A. and Margaret J (Aiken) Thomas. She attended school in Brownsville. She married Andrew Hannah on September 19, 1931. They lived their entire lives in Brownsville. Eleanor helped her husband operate their dairy farm for many years. Later after they sold the farm in 1964, she went to work at the Brownsville General Store. After taking accounting and bookkeeping courses with her daughter Margaret at the Lebanon Community College in Lebanon, NH, Eleanor went to work as a secretary/bookkeeper at Hanover Hardware in Hanover, NH. She worked there until her retirement.
Eleanor enjoyed sewing and made many of her own and her daughter’s clothes. In her later years she loved to go shopping with her daughter, Margaret.
She was predeceased by her husband, who died April 28, 1995 and by three brothers, Edmund Thomas, David Thomas and Loren Thomas.
She is survived by her daughter Margaret Ann Hannah of Brownsville, VT and a brother Robert Andrew Thomas of South Royalton, VT and many nieces and nephews.
At her request there will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Activity Fund at Mt. Ascutney Skilled Nursing Facility, 289 County Road, Windsor, VT 05089 or to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, P.O. Box 702
Brownsville, VT 05037.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to her family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

This obituary first appeared in the April 25, 2013 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

Authorities are now reporting at least 134 injured and two dead in this afternoon’s two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. One of those dead was an eight-year-old child, according to CNN.
Race organizers issued the following statement this evening:
“The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by todays events.
Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy …and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.
We can confirm that all of the remaining runners who were out on the course when the tragic events unfolded have been returned to a community meeting area….we would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.”

Associated Press

Authorities have arrested a Windsor man accused of entering at least two New Hampshire homes and stealing cash.

Police were called to a home in Hanover early Sunday. They said the homeowners awoke to find a man inside.

WMUR-TV reports the burglar left without a confrontation, but the residents later discovered that cash was missing.

Police said they were called to a similar incident at another home in Hanover a short time later.

They said in both cases, the burglar got in through unlocked doors.

Based on a description of the break-ins, officers arrested 21-year-old Dean Carvalho of Windsor, Vt., and charged him with several counts of burglary.

The West Windsor Town Forest Committee will hold a meeting Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.at the Town Hall to discuss the possibility of creating a snowmobile trail from Coaching Lane Road to Kimball Farm Road. The committee oversees the more than 1,300 acres of forest in West Windsor.

A Moose, A Tree, A Musical Treat Albert Bridge School held its annual program of holiday music Dec. 18 at the West Windsor Town Hall.
Rick Russell Photos

Holiday Art Show, West Windsor
Every Saturday and Sunday now through December 16 you can visit Lynn VanNatta’s Studio on Shattuck Hill in West Windsor and shop for gifts made by Lynn and her friends Paula Waters, Brownsville, and Nancy Lanove, Springfield. VanNatta, who teaches at the ArtisTree in Woodstock, specializes in oil with a focus on pet portraits. Waters enjoys working with wood and Lanove loves to paint in watercolors.
Nancy Nutile-McMenemy Photos

A portion of these photo first appeared in the December 6, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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WEST WINDSOR — Funeral services for Josephine Bernatchez, 59, a longtime resident of West Windsor who passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22 at her home, will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. Committal services will be in the family lot in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Windsor.
She was born August 28, 1953 in Windsor, the daughter of Joseph P. and Mary G. (Keeney) Bernatchez.
She received her early education at the Albert Bridge Elementary School in West Windsor and later attended a private girl’s school in Connecticut. She attended Horticultural School in Boston before returning to West Windsor. She was employed at Cider Hill Green House in Hartland for many years.
Josephine loved gardening, caring for horses and was an avid reader.
Survivors include several cousins.
She was predeceased by her mother in 1979; her father in 1980; and a brother, David J. Bernatchez in 2006.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society at PO Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
This obituary first appeared in the December 6, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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WEST WINDSOR – A funeral service will be held for Martin Lihl, 90, who died at home in West Windsor on Friday Nov. 16 with his family by his side will be held Friday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. Burial will be in the Brownsville Cemetery in the Spring. Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, on Friday, Nov. 23 from 6-7p.m.
Martin was born Jan. 4, 1922 in Germany, a son of Oscar and Marta (Bode) Lihl.
He moved to the United States with his family as a young boy, but remained proud of his German heritage. He attended schools in West New York, NJ where he met his childhood sweetheart, Doris Hammock, they were married September 26, 1942. Martin served in the US Army for six years during World War II, most of that time as an instructor in the Signal Corps. After he returned from his military service he began a family with his wife in Ridgefield, NJ. He worked at Alco-Gravuare as a photo engraver, serving several newspapers including the New York Times. After retiring the Lihl’s moved to Vermont where they have lived for the past 25 years.
Mr. Lihl held his private pilot’s license and was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association. He enjoyed guns and shooting sports as a member of the National Rifle Association. He was a longtime amateur photographer and talented woodworker and sculptor. He especially enjoyed sculpting rifle stocks and grips for handguns.
Martin leaves his wife of seventy years, Doris, of West Windsor as well as his daughter Bunny Demidio and her husband Rob of Mendham, NJ; two sons John Lihl of Ventura, CA and Dale Lihl and his wife Sharon of Weathersfield; seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Martin’s memory to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, P.O. Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037.
Condolences may be made to Martin’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com
Go to www.thevermontstandard.com to view this obituary and leave condolences.

WEST WINDSOR — A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. for Robert “Bob” Byron Smith, Sr., 82, who died at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center on Friday evening, Oct. 26, surrounded by family members. At Bob’s request, he will be buried in the family plot in Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington, NY.
He was born Aug. 2, 1930 in Manhasset, NY, a son of Thomas Smull and Alice (Eriksen) Smith.
Mr. Smith attended schools in Great Neck, NY and Port Washington, NY.
He was married to Loretta (Brower) Smith. Bob and Lori made their home in Port Washington where Bob worked at Plandome Country Club for many years. After retiring in 1977 due to ill health, the Smiths moved to West Windsor, VT where he worked at Property Management for numerous local residents.
Before moving to Vermont, Bob was actively involved in the fire service with Flower Hill Hose Company in Port Washington and as a volunteer with the Ambulance Service. He was also actively involved with the Manhasset Bay Sportsmen’s Club in Port Washington.
After moving to West Windsor, VT, he joined the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. He was a charter member of the West Windsor Conservation Commission. Although failing health restricted his active involvement with both of these organizations, he was very proud to be a member of them.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Smith of West Windsor; a son from a previous marriage, Robert Byron Smith, Jr. and his wife Pam; and granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sarah, all of Kinnelon, NJ; one stepdaughter, Kathie Lawrence of Woodstock; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Edward, Montroville, Carl and John (infant) and sister Minerva Strockbine.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Department at PO Box 85, Brownsville, VT 05037
Condolences may be expressed to Mr. Smith’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com
This obituary first appeared in the November 1, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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As of 9 a.m. Green Mountain Power is reporting the following outages in our area:

Barnard – 242

Bridgewater – 19

Hartford – 231

Hartland – 120

Killington – 149

Reading – 2

Pomfret – 30

Plymouth – 25

West Windsor – 4

Woodstock Village – 1

Woodstock Town – 106

BROWNSVILLE — A graveside service for Frederick C. Menzenhauer, 95, who passed away at his home in Brownsville on Sunday, Oct. 21, surrounded by his family, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Sheddsville Cemetery in West Windsor. The Rev. Norman MacLeod, Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Woodstock, will officiate.

He was born Feb. 28, 1917 in Jersey City, N.J., the son of Theodore and Evangeline (Bender) Menzenhauer.

He received his schooling in Rutherford, N.J. where he graduated from Rutherford High School in 1934. He graduated from Rutgers University School of Engineering in 1938.

He married Marguerite Rietze in Oradell, N.J. on Sept. 23, 1939.

Mr. Menzenhauer was employed with the New Jersey Department of Health and was later employed with the Wallace and Tiernan Consulting Firm in Bellville, N.J. He most recently was employed with the Havens and Emerson Consulting Engineering Firm in Manhattan, N.Y. for several years until his retirement in 1985.

Mrs. Menzenhauer passed away in 1984. He moved to Vermont in 1987.

Fred had many hobbies, which kept him very busy including, photography, and working with a lathe making model steam engines. He was an avid ham radio operator. He enjoyed boating and being on the water. He truly enjoyed living in and enjoying the beauty of Vermont. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include one son, Robert Menzenhauer of Brownsville, two daughters Carol Patton of Quechee and Virginia Novick of Brick, N.J., two grandchildren, Scott D. Patton and his wife, Robin of Clinton, N.J. and Dyan C. Earle and her husband, Bruce of Hartland, four great grandchildren Tyler and Caitlyn Patton of Clinton, N.J. and twins boys, Jameson and Gregory Earle of Hartland.

He was predeceased by two son-in-laws, Jerome Novick in 1984 and David Patton in 1995.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Bayada Hospice for the wonderful care given by them to Mr. Menzenhauer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Ascutney Hospital Hospice Room Renovation Project at 289 County Road, Windsor, VT 05089.

The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

Go to www.thevermontstandard.com to view this obituary and leave condolences.

Circus 101
The students at Albert Bridge School participated in a weeklong circus residency with Vermont’s Circus Smirkus. Throughout the week, performer Rick Davis taught the students circus skills. The residency culminated with a performance last Friday.
Ava Emerson Photos

A portion of these photo first appeared in the October 4, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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A 5K-”9″race along with a one-mile run/walk was held on the grounds of Lucy Makenzie Humane Society. A cookout for the race participants as well as an open house for the Humane Society were also held.
Donna Taylor Photos

A portion of these photo first appeared in the October 4, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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West Windsor, Vermont – Peter Jon Novello, 58, died at his home on September 30, 2012. He was born on June 12, 1954 in Orange, NJ. He graduated from Rutger’s University. He was the founder of Far Hills Group based in New York City.
Peter is Survived by his wife Renee Johannensen Novello, West Windsor, his children; Benjamin, and Peter Ross, of Burlington, Phoebe and Stephen Flynn of West Windsor, his Mother Clementine of Fort Lauderdale, his brother Benjamin of Tampa, Fl, his sister Lori Cortese of Fort Lauderdale, Fl, and his nieces and nephews. He is pre deceased by his father James Fiore.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday October 4th from 6 to 8 at the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. A funeral service will be held on Friday October 5th at 3:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Chapel in Woodstock, Vermont.

Memorial donations may be made to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.

A complete obituary will appear at a later date

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock. Condolences may be offered at cabotfh.com.

This obituary first appeared in the October 4, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

A Gang For the Game
Brownsville’s Wild Game supper was held at the Coon Club in Windsor on Saturday as people came to sample the stews and take part in a life auction. They were served dishes that included; venison, bear, moose, bison lasagna; moose and venison meatballs; corn chowda; and game stew.
Rick Russell Photos

A portion of these photo first appeared in the Septemmber 20, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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By Tony Marquis, Standard Staff

Mitt Romney spent three days in Vermont and pretty much kept to himself — spending most of his time in a friend’s West Windsor home, practicing for the presidential debates.

It wasn’t until he left for a private TV appearance in New Hampshire about halfway into his time here that anyone in Vermont saw him or spoke to him.

Gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock was one of a handful of Vermonters to speak — or even see — Romney. For about 15 minutes in a corner of LaValley Building Supply in West Lebanon, N.H., Brock had the presidential candidate’s full attention, he said.

“He said that — obviously — he was in Vermont to do his debate preparation and that he enjoyed it and found it relaxing,” Brock said. “And I invited him to come back when he had time to spend some time visiting with Vermonters.”

It wasn’t the first time the two have met. They have mutual friends in Boston. But this was the longest conversation they’ve had, Bock said.

“We talked about some of the issues in the campaign,” Brock said. “He wanted to know what the major issues were in the Vermont campaign.”

Brock told Romney the issues were jobs, the economy and taxes. Brock, a Republican, is running against Gov. Peter Shumlin this November. Brock has been a state senator since 2009 and was the state auditor from 2004-07.

Brock told Romney that Vermont’s 5 percent unemployment rate — the fifth lowest in the nation — is misleading.

“I hear that all the time, but I don’t see that in actuality,” said Brock of unemployment.

WEST WINDSOR — A graveside memorial service for Werner Weber, 87, who died, Sept. 10 at his home in West Windsor surrounded by his family, following complications from heart surgery, will be held, Saturday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. in the Sheddsville Cemetery in Brownsville. Rev. Susan Langle, Rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Claremont, NH, will officiate. A potluck supper for family and friends will follow at “the cabin” in Brownsville.
He was born April 10, 1925 in Lucerne, Switzerland the son of Hans and Margret (Weber) Weber.
He was raised and received his schooling in Switzerland. He graduated from Ecole Hotelier in Lausanne. He came to the United States in 1949 and had resided in Westport, CT for most of his life. He had managed the Weeburn Country Club in Darien, CT for many years. He married Brenda Hudspith in 1951 and she passed away in 1993. He married Elizabeth (Evarts) Cornell in 1995. They moved to West Windsor that same year.
Survivors include his loving wife of seventeen years, Elizabeth Cornell Weber of West Windsor, three sons, Mark Weber and his wife, Cathy of Florida, Peter Weber of Massachusetts and Christopher Weber and his wife, Yang of Connecticut, three stepchildren, Mark Cornell and his wife, Elizabeth Taggart of Illinois, Timothy Cornell and his wife, Elizabeth of New Hampshire and Elizabeth Burrows and her husband, Justin of Vermont, eight grandchildren, Lauren Weber-Lettrich and her husband, Stephen, Josh Weber and his wife, Kristen and their son, Brendon, James Weber, Elizabeth Weber, Avery Weber, Ian Weber, Zachary Weber and Monica Weber, five step grandchildren, Max Cornell, Molly Cornell, Ruby Cornell, Jasper Burrows and Lee Burrows, one niece, Charlotte Christ-Weber of Switzerland.
He was predeceased by one brother, Harry Weber.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Breakfast Program at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 120 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743, earmarked for the diaper program in memory of Werner Weber.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

This obituary first appeared in the September 13, 2012 print edition of the Vermont Standard.

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