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Messages - Henry

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76
General Discussion / Re: corn stalk leaves
« on: October 25, 2017, 11:22:07 PM »
I rely on God’s lawnsweeper to remove the leaves from my lawn.  It is called a South Wind up here, but I still have one of fifteen maples left to lose its leaves.  Kelly had the corn cut behind my house before the high winds hit.  It’s been a crazy year.

77
Unofficial Results:

Yes - 412

No - 998

78
Current News & Events / Re: Yup!! Henry Empey Is My Grandson
« on: October 02, 2017, 11:10:20 AM »
We certainly all are Dave and also will be very happy when he is back in the US, safe & sound.

79
Current News & Events / Yup!! Henry Empey Is My Grandson
« on: October 02, 2017, 09:05:45 AM »
 

The Coaching Staff & Jonah wearing a 82 Airborne Division Hat to Honor U S Army Officer and former Terriers Henry Empey.

Lieutenant Empey is deployed with the 82nd in Afghanistan.



80
Meet And Greet Fellow Alumni / Class Reunion - Class of 1962
« on: September 30, 2017, 11:02:23 AM »
Some of our classmates had lunch at Cajun's snack bar in Lowell and on the way home one of them suggested that we check out where the mine was.   Here are a few pics.








81
Current News & Events / Sample Ballot For School Vote October 10, 2017
« on: September 23, 2017, 03:34:31 PM »
THIS IS A SAMPLE BALLOT



Fairfax Friends,
PLEASE BE INFORMED AND GO OUT AND VOTE TUESDAY! October 10, 2017

READ the BOLD PARAGRAPH

82
Current News & Events / SueBee Comette Obituary
« on: September 20, 2017, 07:26:40 AM »

Suzan Rita “SueBee” Comette, 63 of Fletcher, passed away on Monday September 18, 2017 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington after a brief and heroic battle with cancer. SueBee was admired by all that knew her for her selfless heart and her optimistic outlook on life. She touched the lives of many people and had a positive influence on anyone fortunate enough to know her.

SueBee was a Telecommunications Specialist at the University of Vermont full-time for nearly 25 years and part-time job as a Provider Access Service (PAS) operator at the UVM Medical Center for over 20 years. She truly enjoyed her jobs and loved those that she worked with. Her voice was as recognizable
at UVM and the Call Center where she spoke on the phone daily as it was at Holy Angels Parish in St. Albans where she enjoyed singing each week.

She is pre-deceased by her husband Gary Comette, her father Paul Cross and her mother Emily Cross. She is survived by her son Tony Fletcher and his wife Lisa, her daughter Emily French and her husband Cris, her step-daughter Michele Comette and her husband Bruno, her grandchildren Brady Blow, Brandon French, Criss French, Brianna King, Carter King and Taylor Fletcher. She is also survived by six brothers and sisters: Peter Cross, Jeanette Cadieux, John Cross, Cathy St. Pierre, Joseph Cross and Monica Cross.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday September 22, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main Street, Fairfax, VT 05454. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Angels, Lake Street, St. Albans with Reverend Maurice Roy officiating. The family invites you to share thoughts and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.

83
Current News & Events / Barbara Fondry Obituary
« on: September 20, 2017, 07:20:02 AM »


Barbara H. Fondry

Barbara was predeceased by her parents Samuel & Sara Hatfield, her brother John Rogers Hatfield and her eldest son Robert Fondry. She is survived by her two sisters, Margery Demay & Nancy Paige, her two sons, David and wife Patricia Fondry, John and wife Robyn Fondry, along with 10 grandchildren, Julie, Sam, Gabrielle, Ariana, Patrick, Elizabeth, Eve, Faith, Christiana, and Mercy and 6 great grandchildren, Adelaide, Fiona, Penelope, Caleb, Solveig and Inga, and nieces and nephews.

Barbara grew up in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. As a 16 year old she worked as a trigger guard inspector at the Springfield Armory. After graduating, she was a part of the Navel Reserve WAVES division as well as the Coast Guard Aux. Due to her knowledge of Morse code; she worked in the radio shack on a circuit board. She later worked as a telephone operator in Burlington for eight years. She married Walter W. Fondry and was a military wife and mother of her three boys, living on several bases until Walters' military retirement. They returned to Vermont and settled in Essex Junction, VT.

Barbara was born again at age 45 and joined Trinity Baptist church in Williston, VT, where she grew in her faith. Her last transfer of church membership was to Landmark Baptist Church, Easley, SC. She was also a very active member in politics in VT. She could always be found at the polling tables doing her civic duty.

Later Barbara moved to South Carolina, where she lived with her son John and wife Robyn and family until her passing. She was a loving soul and loved being with and seeing all her grandchildren and great grandchildren tremendously. She will be missed.

A graveside service will be held on Friday September 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery, Route 15 Colchester Vermont. There are no calling hours. Ready Funeral Home and Cremation Services 261 Shelburne Rd. Burlington, VT are handling the arrangements. Please visit www.readyfuneral.com to place on-line condolences.

When asked if she would change anything from her life, she said," The Lord is in control and it was His will for me to have all the experiences I've had. He has blessed me for many years. I thank Him for that."

Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
Published in The Burlington Free Press on Sept. 20, 2017

84
Current News & Events / G. Joseph Rogers Passes Away On September 8, 2017
« on: September 15, 2017, 01:02:21 PM »

Hi Henry,

Do you keep track of local IBMers who have passed away? I have in the back of my mind that someone in Fairfax was doing that.

The reason I am inquiring, is that G. Joseph Rogers of Jeffersonville, passed away unexpectedly last Saturday, and a celebration of life
is planned for Saturday September 16, 2017 at Robbie's Wildlife Refuge, Rt 15, Jeffersonville, VT. Friends can drop in anytime from 1 PM to 5 PM. Food will be served beginning at 3 PM.

I wanted to let the local IBMers know.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Peter Opstrup
Cambridge

85
Marty Lee <martyinvt@gmail.com>

Hello Henry, We attended the meeting concerning the BFA renovation project on September 7 and recently saw Ken and Joanne McAvey's letter on your forum. We completely agree with their assessment and are very concerned about our townspeople being fully informed about this issue. I would be happy to register on your site, if you would like. My husband and I live on Nichols Rd. and have been Fairfax residents for 35 years. We had 2 children who graduated from BFA. I am attaching a letter that outlines our concerns and would appreciate it if you would consider posting it on your website. Thank you, Henry. Sincerely, Martha Leech
To
vtgrandpa@yahoo.com
Today at 6:24 PM

BFA Fairfax Renovation/Expansion Project   
We completely agree with the sentiments expressed in Ken and Joanne McAvey’s recent letter regarding the Fairfax $16,000,000.00 school renovation/expansion project and bond vote intended to be held on October 10, 2017.

The scope of this project, and the $16 million price tag, is astronomical. As was mentioned in the McAvey’s letter, there is no breakout of costs on the 20-line item list. Furthermore, the list is not prioritized; a “new roof for the on the Middle/High School and add reinforcements” seems just as important to the planners as “redesigning the cafeteria with a courtyard and patio.” The breakout of costs should be made known to every taxpayer in Fairfax.

We want to stress that we are all for improvements or renovations that safeguard our students and support our students academically. Many of these renovation items reflect those goals such as modernizing the Science/STEM/Innovation Labs, accessibility upgrades for ADA compliance, and installing sprinkler systems. However, this 20-item list, which includes a 400-seat performing arts center, a new gymnasium, and new art room among many other items, exceeds reasonable expectations in both cost and scope.

Have competitive bids been procured? If not, then how can this $16 million figure be more than an estimate (the cost of which at the meeting we were assured would not be exceeded for the next 25 years. No one can guarantee such a claim). This cost needs to be further scrutinized before any vote can be intelligently made.

Furthermore, the flyer sent out in September is misleading in terms of cost and tax impact to residents. On the one hand it states, “there is no state aid available for school construction projects” and later states that “much of the costs of the project will be shared with other towns in VT.”

How was how the Fairfax community was informed of this project? We were told at the September meeting that flyers were put up at the Fairfax Post Office and local businesses. I heard that information was posted on the school’s facebook page. The first notice many (most?) Fairfax residents received about this was a flyer that was mailed to residents in September. This means a considerable number of residents, to whom this $16 million bond vote impacts considerably, were not informed of the 2 previous meetings held July 27, and August 19. Most of the neighbors we have talked to about this had no idea about these meetings and are unaware of the upcoming vote.

In sum, this renovation/expansion project at BFA Fairfax warrants greater scrutiny and discussion among Fairfax residents and should be vetted by the community, possibly at town meeting where more residents can be informed as to the extent of the plan and its cost.

It is essential to vote “NO” on October 10th so that we can have sufficient time for a cost analysis and community-wide input on this plan.
Mike and Martha Leech, Fairfax residents for 35 years

86
Current News & Events / Full Obituary & Photo For Norm Stinehour
« on: September 14, 2017, 06:03:15 AM »

Fairfax - Norm Stinehour, of Fairfax, died on Tuesday, September 12th.  Norm was the son of Norman P. and Vivian W. Stinehour. Fall in VT was Norm's favorite time of year and he died working outside on the most beautiful fall day with his beloved dogs nearby. Norm had been incredibly active his whole life and would never have wanted to slow down, so we take solace in the fact that although he left us too soon, he will never have to know anything different than living his life the way he most enjoyed.

Norm was born in New Haven, CT in 1940 and grew up in Madison, CT where he first learned to love boating and fishing with his dad.  Norm graduated from Bryant College. He got his Masters from Central CT and Certificate of Advanced Studies from UVM. He taught accounting and business courses at Essex High School for 39 years. He was proud that his classroom was the first in VT to have a computer.  He taught many computer classes over the years to colleagues and as an adjunct professor for St. Michael's.  He also taught a Data Processing and Accounting Program for the Tech Center and every year had a reunion of the graduates of the program.  He loved hearing from former students about their careers in the areas he had taught them and having them inspire new students.

Norm loved sports. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had many fond memories of his camp and friends in Wolcott and various hunting trips over the years. Later, he bought 100 acres at his home in Fairfax so he could just go out in the woods in his own backyard. Norm also loved baseball and was a lifelong Yankees fan.  He was a Little League coach for many years. He always said his biggest accomplishment coaching was bringing a team to NE Regionals that won the Sportsmanship Award.  Norm had been to all of the Major League Baseball parks and loved when a new one opened so he could go again. As much as he loved to see in person some great moments in baseball, such as Derek Jeter's 3000th hit and Nolan Ryan's 300th win, he loved just as much watching all of the kids in the family play ball. Many also remember the rink Norm built in his backyard when his children were young that the entire neighborhood enjoyed, including creating Lamell Hockey Leagues.

Norm absolutely loved teaching but when he retired he loved retirement! He bought several houses that he felt needed some love and did make-overs. This also included always making changes to the very old farmhouse that he and Joyce shared. Last year, he had recently finished an addition, that he said he'd been planning for 20 years, and was so enjoying "his" room and the wonderful views. He was having fun filling his new space with representations of many of Vermont's wildlife.  Norm volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and well as with Therapy Dogs of Vermont. He always felt so good about his visits to the hospital and schools with his goldens, Casey and Daniel. In retirement he was able to spend so much more time with family and friends and "Gramps" was called upon often to help in many different ways.  He was always there to do whatever any of us needed and he was really happy to do it. There were so many wonderful memories over the years with the Stinehour and Hakey families including trips, kids' performances, graduations, sports events, and numerous family gatherings including the Annual Jonesville Father's Day Fishing Derby which began with his children more than 40 years ago and is a loved tradition that he continued with each of his grandchildren.

Norm leaves his wife, Joyce Hakey, of Fairfax; children Mark Stinehour, wife Amy, and their children Nicholas and Benjamin; Karen Seaman, husband John, their children Jaylin and Zorion; Craig Stinehour, wife Megale, and their daughter Sierra; Bryan Stinehour, wife Melanie, and their children Chloe and Brady. Norm also had special relationships with the families of:  Marian and Joe Petersen, Robert and Rita Willard, Mark and Louise Hakey, Chris and Bill Gorman, Paul and Johanne Hakey, and with his treasured friends.   

Calling hours will be 4-8 pm on Monday, Sept. 18th at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19th at 11 am at the United Church of Milton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norm's memory can be made to Franklin Elementary School Student Activities Fund, Franklin Elementary School, P.O. Box 146, Franklin, VT 05457 or Therapy Dogs of Vermont, P.O. 1271, Williston, VT  05495.

87
Current News & Events / St. Luke's Children's Carnival - September 10, 2017
« on: September 12, 2017, 06:43:26 AM »
Brother Knights,
Yes, we had a busy weekend!  We had a lot of smiling faces show up for the children’s carnival on Sunday.  It was a beautiful day for a carnival.  I think Vince said we collected nearly $160 which tells me the carnival was very well attended.  I’m not sure if we have an exact number of kids or not.  The money that was collected will go toward the cost of food and prizes.  This has never been intended to be a money maker for the Council.  We had a hand full of exhausted Knights and family members on hand running games.  I know I will forget a few names but special thanks to the Redding Family, Billado Family, Pete and Karen Fitzgerald, Joshua and Jovanna McCusker and a few others for their dedication and hard work.  I have to say the substitute Penguin (aka – dunkee) was a huge hit and may have ousted the previous Penguin.  A lot of tickets were won, a lot of prizes were give out and a lot of little face left smiling from ear to ear.  Thanks again go everyone who helped out.  Take care!
 
Bob Thompson




















88
Dear Henry

Please consider posting the attached communication to your website.

Thanks

Ken McAvey

BFA FAIRFAX Middle/High School Renovation Project – Bond Vote ​​September 8th, 2007

To Fairfax Taxpayers and others this matter concerns:

I attended the Project informational meeting at BFA last night and came away with the opinion that there was little clarity regarding the merits of the project but there is a warning to Fairfax voters of a $16 million Bond referendum to be held on or before 10/10/17 inclusive of an early voting option.  One month from now!

It is clear that the board members fully support their Plan. It was presented in terms of subjective black and white justifications without any skepticism for grey concerns or need for answers, yet there was an appeal for additional community questions and comments.

I was surprised to learn that the requested $16 million was presented without a breakdown for the projects component parts including provision for cost contingencies.  From the presentation there is no way to differentiate the part of the project expenditure which addresses need to do versus nice to do items.  Any good, better or best alternative proposals were not discussed. As well, from the presentation, one could not understand if there was consideration and assessment of the possible risk assumptions associated with the project.

As a Fairfax resident I’m still trying to wrap my head around last year’s vote regarding garbage collection and the impact that has had on quality of service and increase in taxes.  Comparatively, this school capital project has huge implications.  From the information available I can’t tell if it is the greatest thing since sliced bread or just lipstick on a pig.  There was strong inference made that expenditure would have a positive impact on resulting student educational performance but I believe that it offers little in this regard compared with the quality of the schools educators.  Having talented, vibrant, dedicated and committed teachers is the ingredient that separates the comparative quality of a school.

During the meeting comments were made regarding the possibility that parts of the project scope duplicates other community resources currently available or being planning.  As well, I have a concern for the possibility or perhaps certainty that capital project will require commensurate growth in school spending in terms of maintenance, staff, administration and other overhead costs that have not been factored in at this point.

Bottom line for me is that the timing of project implementation has not provided adequate period for communication with the taxpayers of Fairfax who will be impacted.  In this regard, I am not convinced that the plan is particularly time sensitive.  I believe it would be appropriate to consider deferring Bond vote for one year in order to allow time to gather community inputs, provide additional supporting details and alternatives to afford proper opportunity for Voters to make a responsible and informed vote October, 2018.

Ken and Joanne McAvey
Residents for 38 years

89
Current News & Events / Dayle Roland Pigeon Dies At Age 64
« on: September 10, 2017, 08:38:08 AM »


Dayle Roland Pigeon


Westford – Dayle R. Pigeon, 64, died early Friday morning September 8, 2017, with his loving family by his side. Dayle was a man whose family came first and foremost, particularly in the life he shared with his beloved wife, Ann, and their two children, Anna and Danielle in Westford, Vt. Dayle also dearly loved his two grown children, Shauna and Jordan, now residing in Binghamton, NY.
Dayle was born in St. Albans on March 28, 1953, the son of Roland and Nettie (Burnor) Pigeon.

He served in the U.S. Navy and was a man of all trades. Whether it be a car, commercial vehicle or large equipment, Dayle could repair it. He was often found working in the garage alongside his father, Roland and sometimes his brother George, until the wee hours of the morning.  He established his own excavation business, and used his skills to lay the foundation of his home with Ann and the two girls. He put in a special effort to create a large yard for his daughters to play in when they were young. Square Dancing to the fiddle tunes of his father, Roland, and his Happy Ramblers, as well as fishing at the local streams and rivers in his hometown were his favorite pastimes. Unfortunately, Dayle suffered from a brain aneurysm in 2000 which prevented him from pursuing his chosen trade and favored activities in the following years.

But above all else, Dayle continued to love his family.

He is survived by his wife Ann Cavanaugh Pigeon and their daughters Anna and Danielle, all of Westford, his daughter Shauna and son Jordan and wife, Lindsey, all of Binghamton, NY,  his seven grandchildren, his mother Nettie Pigeon, his brother George Pigeon and wife Noreen, all of Westford, his sister Luane Pigeon and husband Andrew Jacob of Tempe, AZ., and all of his large extended in-laws, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Dayle was predeceased by his father, Roland Pigeon, in April, 2017.

Memorial  contributions in Dayle’s memory may be made to Love Your Brain Foundation, 109 Park Road
Windsor, VT 05089.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday September 12, 2017 from 4-7pm in the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday September 13, 2017 at 11am in St. Pius Catholic Church in Essex Center, with burial following in St. Luke’s Cemetery in Fairfax.

90

FAIRFAX — Vermont State Police Corporal Daniel Charles Marcellus passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 15, surrounded by his family, following a 10-month battle with brain cancer. He was 35.
A 14-year veteran of the Vermont State Police, Marcellus was hired at age 21 and dedicated his career to working the road as a trooper for the St. Albans and Williston barracks. In addition to his basic duties, he served as a field training officer, pre-basic instructor, Marijuana Eradication Resource Team member and crash reconstruction specialist.

\Known by his peers as selfless and dependable, Marcellus would answer his phone at any hour, dropping everything to respond to a call when his fellow brothers and sisters were in need. While he stood tall and intimidating in uniform, “Trooper Dan” was also known for his kindness, sense of humor, storytelling ability and genuine desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

Marcellus also served his country for six years as an infantryman in the Army National Guard. One of the highlights of his service was a three-month security detail in New York City following the events of 9/11.

Always an outdoorsman, Marcellus grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. He spent his free time hiking, camping and skiing. A lifelong New York Giants and Boston Red Sox fan, Marcellus visited Fenway Park every summer with his wife, Jessica. He was honored to throw out the first pitch at Fenway just 10 days before his passing.

Marcellus is survived by his wife, Jessica, and 7-month-old son, Sawyer; his mother, Bonnie, and step-father, Robert Gosson; sister, Melissa Bartholf, and her three children, Jocelyn, Jenna, and Aidan; grandmother, Dora Harrison; and four stepsiblings.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 18 from 4-7 p.m. at Brady & Levesque Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, St. Albans. Services will follow on Saturday, August 19 at 12 p.m. at the Collins- Perley Sports Complex.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jim Bashaw Memorial Cancer and Catastrophic Illness Fund (St. Albans) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at the funeral home website: www.bradyandlevesque. com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brady & Levesque Funeral Home and Commemorative Services.

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