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Bradley Allen McDonald Sr. 47, of Georgia passed unexpectedly on January 22, 2024 in South Burlington. He was born on June 23, 1976 son of Ethel (Gaudette) McDonald and the late Clement McDonald.

While Bradley left us far too soon, the impact that he had on his family and friends will be felt for many years to come. He had always had a mission to make any inoperable car into a brand new one. Just like an optimist, Bradley would always see the good in everyone around him. Bradley had a lot of roles in his life, being a devoted father to his children Bradley and Carly, an adoring son, a beloved brother, an avid hunter and fisher and motorcycle enthusiast. He was a member of Vietnam Vet MC Northeast and left many cherished brothers behind.


He is survived by his children Bradley McDonald Jr and Carly McDonald, his mother Ethel McDonald, a brother Brian McDonald and wife Christine, two sisters Penny McGrath and husband Patrick, Pam McDonald, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, many friends and a faithful companion Tank. He was predeceased by his faithful companion Diesel.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. Burial will be held the family lot in Sanderson Corners Cemetery in the spring at the convenience of the family with a celebration of life to follow. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting awrfh.com

Fairfax Community Library Programs in February

Youth Events

Tuesday, February 6, 3 pm: Lego Club
Kids ages 6+ enjoy themed Lego play after school. Please register.

Tuesdays, February 13 & 27 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. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Monday, February 5 - 26, 3:30 pm: Chess Club
Chess Club is starting up again! Learning chess has been proven to have many benefits: such as building creativity, problem solving and concentration! Ages 7+. Space is limited, so please register! You can email libraryfairfax@gmail.com to sign up!

Wednesday, February 7, 3 pm: Collage Art
Use bits and pieces of old magazines, newspapers, and cards to create something new! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesdays, February 7, 14, 21 & 28 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, February 14, 1 pm: LED Rose Bouquet
Make a bouquet of roses that light up! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, February 21, 3 pm: Yarn Letters
Create some colorful yarn wrapped letters! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, February 28, 3 pm: DIY Zoetrope
Learn how to make one of the oldest moving picture devices, and draw your own mini-movie! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 

Adult Events

Saturday, February 17, 10:30 am: Needle Felting with Nicole Bachand
Join Nicole to learn the basics of needle felting, and make a fuzzy creation! Materials provided. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27, 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!
 
Thursday, February 22, 4 pm: Library Book Club
The book this month is The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson. 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!

Find more information and updates about programs at fairfaxvtlibrary.org or on the library Facebook page!

Mary Shaw
July 13, 1933 — January 9, 2024
SWANTON - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Shaw, a beloved mother, esteemed nurse, and cherished member of the community. Mary Ellen departed from this world on January 9th, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 90 years old.

 

Born on July 13th, 1933, in Saint Albans, Vermont, with a determination to make a difference in the world, she pursued her education at 'The original BFA' in Fairfax and went on to enlist in the United States Navy as a nurse on March 23rd, 1956. She proudly served her country with unwavering loyalty and dedication, achieving the rank of Lieutenant before her honorable discharge on February 15th, 1963.

 

Following her military service, Mary's thirst for knowledge led her to further her education at Wichita State University, where she obtained her Master's Degree in Nursing. Armed with her expertise and passion, Mary embarked on a remarkable career in the healthcare industry, becoming a registered nurse who was greatly admired by her colleagues and patients alike. Her unwavering dedication and compassion brought comfort and healing to countless lives during her tenure of over three decades with VA hospitals in Kansas, California, and Delaware.

 

Throughout it all, her infectious smile, kind-hearted nature, and zest for life endeared her to everyone she crossed paths with. Mary had a genuine love for engaging in lively conversations, and sharing laughter with those she held dear.

 

Left to cherish her memory is her loving sons, Henry A. Shaw of Maryland, Robert G. Shaw of Delaware, Richard J. Shaw of Swanton, and John T. Shaw and his wife Nancy of North Carolina; two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Julianna Shaw; brothers-in-law, Warren Blacklock of Chicago, and Chuck Hayden; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, John Shaw; daughter-in-law, Lisa Shaw; brothers, Robert Gillin and his wife Virginia, and Francis "Rusty" Gillin and his wife Fran; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Blacklock, and Nancy Hayden; and brothers-in-law, Alden Shaw, and Robert Shaw.

 

Friends & family are invited to Mary's life celebration to include visitation on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4-7:00 PM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Lake Street, St. Albans, VT. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery in Fairfax.

 

For those who wish, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to the Franklin County Home Health Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 or to Missisquoi Valley Rescue, P.O. Box 222. Swanton, VT 05488.

Fairfax Community Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM


Call to Order
Approval of Minutes from November 16, 2023, meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Correspondence


Updates:
Highlights from our Library since last meeting
2024-2025 Budget Update
Elementary Book Distribution (Literacy Project)
Openings on Library Board
Impact of school renovation on public library


New Business
Library Staffing
Meeting dates for 2024
Other

A Zoom link will be available for those who would like to attend remotely. Please contact the library at 802-849-2420 for more information.

Alfred "Mac" Varney McLane, Jr.
September 21, 1931 — January 1, 2024
Milton
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Alfred “Mac” Varney McLane Jr, 92, of Milton died peacefully at home early New Year’s Day 2024 surrounded by loving family. Alfred was born September 21, 1931, in Colchester, VT to Alfred Varney McLane Sr. and Florence Winona (Huntley).

Mac spent his early years in Fairfax, VT, where he attended Bellows Free Academy and graduated in 1949. After high school he attended Norwich University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completion of his degree, Mac was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. On May 29th, 1954, Alfred married the love of his life, Betty Joyce (Manley), of Milton.

Mac and Betty headed south shortly thereafter, where they established their first home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. While there, Mac was stationed at Fort Knox, serving as a small arms instructor at the Armored School for troops deploying to Korea and for which he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. In March 1956, Mac resigned his Military commission and headed to Detroit, Michigan to work as a Mechanical Engineer for the Ford Motor Company. While there, Mac and Betty’s first child was born.

Their time in Michigan, however, was short lived, as the longing to be near family and their enjoyment of outdoor activities offered by their home state drew them back to their roots. Alfred and Betty settled their now growing family in Milton and built their long-term home on a parcel of land on Betty’s parent’s family farm. Mac spent the remainder of his career working as a Project Engineer in the Armament and Electrical Systems Department at General Electric Company in Burlington Vermont.

While growing up, Mac developed a love for outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, and trapping, which he enjoyed doing with his father and beloved younger brother “Win”.  Mac’s passion for hunting and fishing were passed onto his children and grandchildren and he delighted in sharing their success. Mac also enjoyed hobbying as a bee keeper, providing the family the occasional enjoyable treat.

Together Alfred and Betty raised 4 children. Mac really loved his family and proudly shared with others what his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were doing. Alfred loved sports and he and Betty regularly attended and cheered on their family during sporting events.

During most summers Mac took the family to Lake Champlain, where everyone enjoyed swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing at the family “camp”. This love of the water also caused Mac and Betty to haul their kids to Florida most spring breaks to escape the cold Vermont winters. Their love of Florida eventually resulted in them purchasing a 2nd home in Englewood and spending several subsequent winters there.

Mac involved himself in many community activities and served on the Milton school board and as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He was an active member of the American Legion and the Masons.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Florence McLane Sr., by his brother, Winfred “Win” McLane, brothers-in-Law: John Fitzgerald and Frank Bullis, sisters-in-law: Jane Fitzgerald and Nancy Bullis and lifelong friend Armand Martin.

In addition to his wife of nearly 70 years, Betty (Manley), he is survived by his children: Michael McLane (Emma) of Mesa Arizona, Scott McLane (Melodie) of Georgia Vermont, Kelly Paquin (Cal) of Milton Vermont, Matthew McLane (Sharlene) of Albuquerque New Mexico;

Grandchildren: Michael McLane (Amber Courtney), Vanessa Dennis (David), Kayleigh McLane, Joshua McLane (Cathy), Justin McLane (Megan), Caleb McLane (Ryleigh), Collin McLane, Shannon Rivard (Bryan), Lindsey Preston, Christopher Preston (Allie), Amanda McLane (Alek Trae Lucero), Brendan McLane;

Great Grandchildren: Dakota Dennis, Colton Dennis, Lauren, Lucas McLane, John McLane, Sophia McLane, Eleanor McLane, Isla Rivard, Simon Rivard, Maren Rivard, Etta Preston, Parks Preston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brother-in-law: James Manley Jr. and  two sisters-in-law: Lorraine Manley and Joyce McLane.

And Mac’s four-legged companion: Murphy, the cat.

The family appreciates the care provided to our husband and father by our live-in caregiver Jennifer Fletcher and the special care provided by the staff of The Arbors in Shelburne, we would also like to thank UVM Home Health and Hospice for their care.

Mac’s visiting hours for family and friends will be Friday January 5th, 2024 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Minor Funeral Home in Milton, Vermont. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 11 am at the Milton United Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity of choice in Mac’s memory.

Philip Martin Ide, 93, a past resident of Fairfax and Hartland, Vermont, died on December 17, 2023 at The Arbors in Shelburne. He was born on December 1, 1930 in Wayland, Massachusetts son of the late Nicolas and Arme (Martin) Ide. Family and friends from his youth called him Marty, and those who knew him later in life called him Phil.
Marty attended public schools in Wayland and Framingham, Massachusetts, and received his BS in Animal Husbandry in 1956 from the University of New Hampshire, where he also worked toward his Master’s degree in Education later in life. He served in the Army for two years prior to college, having joined up with his buddy John Barrell in 1950. In 1958 he married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Spear.
He will be remembered by many as the Vocational Agriculture teacher and FFA leader at Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans, a job that gave him great satisfaction. Prior to that he held many different jobs, running his own logging operation and sawmill, raising heifers, and selling farm insurance. Most of them centered on the outdoors and farming.
Phil was the Town Moderator in Fairfax, Vermont, for many years, and a select board member in the town of Fletcher. He belonged to the Underhill Rod and Gun Club and was a prize-winning skeet shooter. He was also an avid fisherman and nature photographer, setting up a make-shift darkroom in a closet at his home.
He introduced his children to the outdoors. Linda fondly remembers learning the locations of many wild flowers, and both Scott and David loved to hunt and fish with him.
Philip is survived by his son David Ide, daughter Linda Ide and her husband Brad Vietje; daughter-in-law Susan Ide; brothers James Ide, Nicolas Ide and his wife Jackie; grandson Philip Vietje and his wife Dr. Phuong “Fiona” Vietje; his granddaughter Clara Ide, two great-grandchildren Chase and Colt Vietje, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Philip was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (Spear) Ide, son Philip Scott Ide, sisters Margaret Whitney and Sally Keller, and his sister-in-law Virginia Ide.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday January 4, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. Inurnment will be held this spring or summer in Hartland at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Philip’s memory may be made to BFA Fairfax – Philip Scott Ide Memorial Fund, 75 Hunt Street, Fairfax, VT 05454. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

Linda Ann Caron Belofski
November 19, 1947 — December 16, 2023
Concord
 

Linda Ann Belofski, 76, of Concord, NC passed away at home on Saturday, December 16, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. 

Linda was born November 19, 1947 in Plattsburg, NY to the late Joseph Caron and the late Irene Bell Caron.
She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Melia Marie Belofski in 2019.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Donald Gerard Belofski of the home; daughter, Michelle Belofski; son, Steven Belofski; and son, Kevin  Belofski, all of Concord, NC.

Linda was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who touched the hearts of so many people. Linda was a picture perfect homemaker for the majority of her years who always made her home feel warm, special and welcoming to all. Linda loved her family unconditionally and truly valued all of her wonderful friends throughout her years and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Thursday, December 28, 2023 at St. James The Greater Catholic Church. The memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 am, officiated by Father Glen Parker.  Burial will follow at the St James Catholic Cemetery on Gold Hill Road in Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County, 2010 Wilshire Ct. SW, Concord, NC 28025; or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Belofski family.

Fairfax Community Library Programs for January 2024

Youth Events
Tuesday, January 2, 3 pm: Lego Club
Kids ages 6+ enjoy themed Lego play after school. Please register.

Tuesdays, January 2, 16 & 30 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. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, January 10, 3 pm: Popsicle Stick Wall Hangings
Make a wall hanging with creative use of yarn and popsicle sticks! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 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, January 17, 3 pm: DIY Snowmen Plushies
Build cute snowmen out of socks - no sewing required! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, January 24, 1 pm: Salt Painting
Make a textured piece of art with glue and salt! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Wednesday, January 31, 3 pm: Slime Making
Have fun making different kinds of squishy slime! Materials provided. Ages 8+ Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!
 
Adult Events
Saturday, January 13, 11:30 am: DIY Mason Jar Oil Lamps
Learn how to make beautiful yet simple oil lamps out of mason jars! Materials provided. Please email libraryfairfax@gmail.com or call 849-2420 to register!

Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23 & 30, 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!

For updates or questions about the library programs, please contact the library or visit fairfaxvtlibrary.org. Happy New Year!

Curtis Charles Minor, 54 of Hyde Park, Vermont, passed away peacefully at Copley Hospital after fighting a hard fight with cancer on Monday December 18, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Saint Albans on May 15, 1969 to Gail and Larry Minor. Curtis was the baby out of 4 children. He grew up in Fletcher, where he attended local schools. Curtis worked at Fonda's, Sticks & Stuff, Wolcott Auto & Riverview Garage in his prime. He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed four wheeling, mudding, hunting & fishing.

Curtis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. His family will remember him as loving. He gave more love than most people will experience in a lifetime. He loved and laughed hard. He was a fighter and was rougher and tougher than most, but the love he raised all his children on was by far his greatest attribute. The ability to love that he instilled in us is greater than anyone can explain. It has leaked into every facet of our lives. Any acquaintance the family has met has felt that genuine love of life taught to us by him. Death is hard, but we hope yours was a beautiful one.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife Jenifer Minor, and his children Morgan (Brendan) Howrigan, Branden (Sara) Minor, Hillary (Matthew) Minor, Megan Douglass, Maddie & Hannah Lockamy, his mother Gail, sisters Amy & Julie, brother Larry, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved grandbabies.

Please join us celebrating his life on Saturday December 30, 2023 at 12pm at the Binghamville United Methodist Church in Fletcher.

The Fairfax Community Library has two openings on the Board of Trustees in 2024. If you are a Fairfax resident and interested in public service, please consider becoming a Library Trustee.

A Library Trustee serves on a five-member board to provide support for the library's mission and as strong advocates for the library. Responsibilities include directing the library's funds and policies, hiring and evaluating public library staff and supporting the library director, participating at Board meetings, and occasionally sharing tasks between meetings. The Library Board of Trustees typically meet once every other month. Since our public library and school library share the same space and mutual interests, representatives from the Board of Trustees also attend Joint Committee meetings twice a year with school and town representatives. Library Trustees serve for three years.

If you wish to be on the ballot on the Fairfax Town Meeting Day 2024 for one of two open positions, obtain a petition at the Fairfax Town Office as soon as possible and submit it to the Town Clerk with the required information in late January, 2024. For more information, contact Lisa Griswold at: grisvt15@gmail.com.