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My Dad would have so appreciated all your efforts on this website that you continually do! I personally cannot thank you enough! You were and still are a very special friend to the Raymond family and Fairfax is blessed to have you in the community!

THANK YOU!!! ~ Mary Kay Raymond, PMP

Fairfax Community Library Programs in November!

Youth Events:
Tuesday, November 7, 3 pm: Lego Club
Kids ages 6+ enjoy themed Lego play after school. Please register.

Tuesdays, November 7 & 21 5:30 pm: D&D Club
Dragons! Danger! Dice! The library is now hosting a middle school D&D club. Join our DM, Nic, and create a character to take on exciting magical adventures! No prior Dungeons and Dragons knowledge is necessary, and players of all experience levels are welcome. Materials provided. Grades 5 - 8. Club meets every other Tuesday from 11/7 onwards. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, November 8, 1 pm: Yarn Art
Use yarn instead of paint to create a beautiful, textured work of art! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 10:30 am: Preschool Story Time
Join us for stories and songs! Children's books will be available to check out as well. Before you leave, pick up an activity to make at home!

Wednesday, November 15, 3 pm: 3-D Dino Puzzles
It's Dinovember! Unlock your inner paleontologist and reconstruct some dinosaur skeletons! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, November 22, 3 pm: Shaving Cream Art
Create lovely swirly designs with just shaving cream and food coloring! Materials provided. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, November 29, 3 pm: Mini DIY Artbook
Make a miniature book to fill with whatever art or writing you please! Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Adult Events:
Saturday, November 25, 11:30 am: Canva 101
Canva is a great resource for designing personalized cards, posters, and other graphics, but it can be a bit daunting for new users. Join Elizabeth LaRosa at the library for a basic crash course on how to get started with Canva, and a step by step walkthrough of how to design your own greeting card. If you would like to follow along, the library does have a few laptops to loan, but bringing your own is recommended! No registration required.

Thursday, November 30, 4 pm: Library Book Club
The book this month is currently TBD. Book club will meet in the library. A Zoom link will be available for anyone who wants to attend remotely. If you would like to borrow a copy of the book, or request the Zoom link, please contact the library at fairfaxlibrarian@gmail.com or call us at 849-2420. All are welcome!

Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21 & 28, 5:30 pm: Mandarin Club with Keyuan Xiang
Interested in learning Mandarin, or just want to know more about Chinese culture? Join Keyuan Xiang at the library for lessons!
You don't need to come to each club meeting, but registration is required for the day or days you would like to attend. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Family Events:
Thursday, November 16, 4 pm: Dinoman!
Dinosaur tracks lead right to your school! Have no fear, Dinoman is here! With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent props, the audience is taken on a trip throughout the Mesozoic era. How do we know dinosaurs were here? What is a fossil? How are they made? This program is fun and informative for all ages! No registration required.

Please visit the library website for more information and updates: https://fairfaxvtlibrary.org

Barbara S Mayotte, 91, passed away on October 5, 2023, following a brief illness, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. Born in Fletcher VT on September 3, 1932, to Raynold and Marguerita (Tinker) Sweet, Barb lived her entire life in Fletcher. Upon graduation from BFA Fairfax, Class of 1950, Barb worked at TJ McGovern Stores in Cambridge VT from 1950 to 1959. While working at McGovern's Store, she met David. They were married in October 1959 and spent 64 years together, raising a family and running their two businesses together. They operated a jersey dairy farm from 1959 to 1997. After that they continued working side by side and ran a very successful business selling maple sugaring equipment and supplies, until retiring in 2013.

Barb leaves behind her husband David, son Richard Mayotte and Sandy of Fletcher, daughter Debbie Davis and Dave of Underhill, 2 granddaughters Anna Gabaree and Kyle of Fletcher, Colleen Butler and Kohlton of Underhill, 3 great-granddaughters, Maya and McKenzie Gabaree of Fletcher and Marina Butler of Underhill, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, brother and sister in law, Ernest and Catherine Sweet, and nephew Robert Sweet.

Barb loved to watch the many varieties of birds that would come to her feeders, all throughout the year, taking beautiful pictures of them. She loved being outside and taking care of her flowers, and mowing her lawn. She spent many hours on her lawn mower every summer, including last summer at the age of 90.

Barb was incredibly proud of her family and treasured the times when the family was together. She had many fond memories of taking Anna and Colleen on special summer vacations when they were young, teaching them so many of life's lessons along the way. She and David attended countless softball games for them both, giving their support and encouragement. Special times with Maya and Mckenzie were spent after school when they got off the bus at her house, and she often had a special task or project she would engage them in, passing along her patience and guidance to them also. She got to enjoy nearly the entire first year of Marina's life, watching her grow, and always had a big big smile when Marina was in her lap. She taught all of us the true meaning of love and kindness, and had a gentleness that we will treasure forever.

The family would like to express a very special sincere thank you to close family friend Nancy Cardinal for her care and support during Barb's final days. Also to Franklin County Home Health.
Per Barb's wishes, services will be private for immediate family.

In Barb's memory, contributions may be made to the Binghamville United Methodist Church in Fletcher, and can be sent to Charles Tinker, 629 Fairfax Rd, Cambridge VT 05444. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

The Fairfax Community Library and BFA School Board Joint Library Board meeting will be held at the library on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome! To attend remotely, a Zoom link is available upon request at the library at 802-849-2420.

Agenda:
Call to Order
Approval of minutes for April 20, 2023, Joint Board Meeting
Correspondence
Highlights of Quarterly Reports – Librarians

Updates:
             Community Library Staffing
Early Literacy Project/Elementary Book distribution

New Business:
   Highlights of school policies/procedures which impact the library
School Renovations (impact on library space & operation)

Other:

Fairfax Community Library Board of Trustees Budget Planning Meeting
When: October 12, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Where: Fairfax Room in Library

Agenda:
Call to Order
Opportunity for Public Comment
Budget Planning for 2024-2025
Executive Session
Other

If you would like to attend remotely, please contact the library at 802-849-2420 for the Zoom link.

Norma P. Cherrier, 98, of Fletcher, Vermont passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 31, 1924 in Westford, Vt daughter of the late Bernard and Marion (McLane) Parker.

Norma graduated from BFA – Fairfax, Class of 1943. She married her high school sweetheart on November 2, 1946 in Essex Jct., Vermont. Norma was a stay at home mom, and eventually went to work at Sears in Burlington for 15 years.

She loved her flowers, watching the many different kinds of birds she had coming to her feeders, crocheting, knitting, sewing, reading and the past few months putting puzzles together.

Norma leaves behind her five children and their spouses, Edmund and Diane Cherrier of Isle LaMott, Linda Sweet of Fletcher, Judy and Allan Salter of Westford, Lorraine and Brian King of Fairfax and Gary and Angel Cherrier of Milton. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren Douglas & Angela Cherrier, David & Sarah Cherrier, Kelly & Joan Sweet, Karrie Ann & Bill Sweet Werneke, Brandy & Shawn Lawrence, Scott & Jessie Salter, Jamie & Michelle Salter, Matthew & Michelle King, Daniel & Chassidy King, Melissa and Adam Minor and Amanda Cherrier and Kalan Ingalls, 22 great grandchildren, her sister Margery Koslowski and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Reginald in February 2023 and her son-in-law Robert Sweet.

A big thank you to Home Health and a very special thank you to Nancy Cardinal for their loving care afforded to mom.

Visiting hours will be on October 11, 2023 from 11:30 AM until the hour of services at 12:30 PM at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. Burial will follow in the family lot in Sanderson Corners Cemetery. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting awrfh.com.

Fairfax Community Library Programs for October!

Youth Events:
Tuesday, October 3, 3 pm: Lego Club
Kids ages 6+ enjoy themed Lego play after school. Please register.
 
Wednesday, October 4, 3 pm: No-sew Pumpkin Pouch
Make a cute little pumpkin pouch to hide your secret stash of candy! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 
Wednesdays, October 4,11, 18 & 25 at 10:30 am: Preschool Story Time
Join us for stories and songs! Children's books will be available to check out as well. Before you leave, pick up an activity to make at home!
 
Wednesday, October 11, 3 pm: Spooky Marionettes
Make ghostly marionettes! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 
Wednesday, October 18, 1 pm: Haunted Gingerbread House
Build and decorate a haunted gingerbread house! Materials provided. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 
Wednesday, October 25, 3 pm: Halloween Escape Room
Enter the evil scientist's lair and solve puzzles to find and destroy his research! Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 
Adult Events:
Thursday, October 26, 4 pm: Library Book Club
The book this month is The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, by Dorothy Gilman. Book club will meet in the library. A Zoom link will be available for anyone who wants to attend remotely. If you would like to borrow a copy of the book, or request the Zoom link, please contact the library at fairfaxlibrarian@gmail.com or call us at 849-2420. All are welcome!
 
Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 6 pm: Mandarin Club with Keyuan Xiang
Interested in learning Mandarin, or just want to know more about Chinese culture? Join Keyuan Xiang at the library for lesson!
You don't need to come to each club meeting, but registration is required for the day or days you would like to attend. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 
October 1 - 30: Halloween Candy Donations
The library is collecting Halloween candy to help homes in high-traffic areas keep up with all the trick-or-treaters! If you would like to donate candy, feel free to drop it off during library hours. To sign up to receive donations, please call 849-2420, or email libraryfairfax@gmail.com. The deadline to sign up to receive candy is October 30th!

Please visit the library website for more information and updates: fairfaxvtlibrary.org

Ande (Andrea Mason) White of Fairfax, Vermont, who spread love, laughter, and caring to her wide circle of family, friends, and students died on September 21, 2023 at the University of Vermont Medical Center of sudden onset Leukemia.

She is survived by her beloved partner of 26 years Marty (Martin) Minor with whom she shared an incredible relationship of mutual support and delight, and by her sister Pamela (Pam) Mason White with whom she was intertwined like honeysuckle vines. She is also survived by her brothers Douglas and Phillip White; three nephews— Ming Huei White Fisher (for whom she was a second mother), Quintin White, Douglas White; three nieces— Roxanne White Timsit, Simone White, and Sarah White; her new grand-niece Dylan Timsit; her devoted Uncle Gil and Aunt Bili Mason; her cousins; sisters-in-law; the marvelous Minor family; and Ande’s enormous ‘village’ of friends who worked tirelessly to bring her positive energy during her life and final days. All adored Ande, and Ande adored them. A very special relationship was with her cherished eldest brother Don White who predeceased her in 2021.

Ande was born on January 1, 1957 in Newport, RI, the state’s first baby that year, to Gloria and Donald White. She grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts and graduated from the Cambridge School of Weston. An avid skier since childhood, the family had a vacation home in Franconia NH from where they skied Canon Mountain, and Ande became a ski instructor. For college, she moved to the Rockies where she gracefully skied the powder while earning a degree in art history from the University of Utah.

But from high school, her passion for equestrianism grew and she chose to pursue what became an illustrious career in dressage. In 1982 Ande moved to Vermont to be groom for Carol Lavell. Together they travelled to the Barcelona Olympics and won the first US medal for dressage in Olympic history.

Ande soon became an avid Vermonter. When Carol retired, Ande built a successful business teaching dressage. To her generations of students, she was not only instructor but also mentor and dedicated friend. She cherished and maintained those friendships throughout her life.

Ande’s loving, laughing presence will remain forever with Marty, Pam, and all of us whom she touched so profoundly. Ande modeled how to live a compassionate, committed, fully present, and exquisitely joyous life. Her sun, her sparkle will never dim in our memories and in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heifer Foundation https://myheiferfoundationgiving.org/ or the charity of your choice.

Saint Albans – Scott Paul Popple a lifelong area resident passed away Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, at the UVM Medical Center following a brief illness with his family at his side. Born in Montpelier, Vermont on December 14th, 1953, he was the son of the late Howard and Barbara (Stewart) Popple, Jr. Scott was 69 years old.

On September 23rd, 1995, Scott married Betty Towle, who survives him.

Scott was a 1972 graduate of Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax and then went on to serve his country in the US Air Force, receiving his honorable discharge in April of 1978. He will best be remembered for his sense of humor, best jokes and generosity. He loved being a PAPA facetiming almost every day and spending time in Myrtle Beach with Sam & his little buddy Noah. Scott always enjoyed his time with Brad and the boys at Buck ‘N Horn camp in The Gibou.

Scott was employed by the St. Albans City Fire Department, Heald’s Ambulance Service, Engleberth Construction, Local Sprinkler companies, Runamok Maple, and few other companies after semi-retirement, as his buddy Johnny would say another one for the books Pop! He was a longtime member of Green Mountain Post #1, American Legion. Served a term as second Vice. and AKA the Egg man with the breakfast crew.



Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Betty of St. Albans; Daughter Samantha Popple and her son Noah Scott of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; sons, Cory Popple and family of Highgate and Josh of St. Albans, Stepson Serge and his partner Jason of Brooklyn, NY; Sister Sheri Rainville and her husband Mark, Of Georgia; his in-laws Robert Towle of St Albans; Jane Towle and Jean Schefer of Vienna, VA; Laura and Donald Gilbert of Swanton; as well as nieces and nephews, Lauri Bellows Fisher (Dale), Nate Bellows (Sherry & family), Matt (Mira), Adam (Renee), Brenon (Rachael) Rainville and families, Nicholas Bouchard (Karissa), Makayla Gilbert (David), & Kyle Gilbert.

In addition to his parents, Scott was predeceased by his brother Herbert S. Popple on August 3rd, 2017, and Father and Mother-in-law Wellington and Theresa Towle.

A Celebration of Scott’s life will be on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, at the American Legion Hall, 100 Parah Drive, St. Albans beginning with military honors at 4:00 PM with an open house continuing until 7:00 PM.

Betty and family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Dr’s and staff @ UVM Medical Center on Miller 4 & 5 for their exceptional care during his illness.

Scott’s family asks in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Grady’s Golden Goodness, 652 Metcalf Pond Road, East Fairfield, Vermont 05448.

Honored to be serving the family of Scott Popple is the Heald Funeral Home, messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.

Lawrence Parsons  "Tex"
 
Lawrence (Tex) Parsons, 71, died on September 10, at his home in Fairfax, VT.  Lawrence was born April 27, 1952 in Amarillo, TX.  Given his birthplace he quickly aquired the nick name of “Tex” a name that suited him well and the name by which he would forever be known.  Tex leaves his brother Charles and his wife Gail of Swanzey, NH, sister Sue of Conway, SC, brother David and his wife Linda of Columbia, SC, a nephew, Drew Parsons of Manchester, NH, a niece, Kate Coyle, her husband Gary and their sons, Ryatt and Raider of Columbia, SC.  Tex also leaves many good friends and acquaintances.  Tex is predeceased by his parents Larry and Carry Parsons formerly of Fairfax and a nephew, Christopher Parsons, formerly of Clifton Park, NY.

Tex grew up in Fairfax and graduated from BFA, Fairfax in 1970.  After school he went to work in the construction trade working for J&L Foundations, Griswold, and Ireland.  Former co-workers said that they enjoyed working next to Tex.  Tex was also a dedicated lifetime member of the Fairfax Fire Department and reached the rank of Captain.

While he enjoyed anything outdoors, he loved to fish, and was skilled with a bow, his true passion was anything to do with guns.  He loved to hunt and was an expert Skeet shooter winning or placing in many contests.  Tex was a life-time member of the Underhill Rod and Gun Club.

Always a lover of dogs and owning many through his life, Tex could often be seen driving around accompanied by his furry companions.  Tex was a loner who enjoyed small groups of friends and avoided formal gatherings.  It is with this in mind that honoring Tex’s wishes, there will be no formal services.  A very informal “celebration of life” may be held in the near future.