Click here to make a one-time donation to support your not-for-profit community news source
Every week, The Commons mails newspapers to libraries and schools throughout Windham County, and beyond. Of course we do! Part of our mission is make sure that honest, award winning reporting is available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
Now you can help further our mission. Only $75 guarantees a library or school delivery of The Commons for a full year. Join our Sponsor-a-Library program today! Click here (and select “Sponsor a Library” when asked “Apply My Donation To.”)
Now you can look great, and show the world your support of The Commons! Click here to visit our online store.
Make a recurring donation today.
• Send to Milestones (obituary, wedding, birth, academic achievement)
Items sent to this address are presumed to be intended for publication.
• Write a letter in response to a story
• Contribute a Viewpoint, Essay, or Memoir
• We would love local artists to submit work to illustrate the section.
Items sent to this address are presumed to be intended for publication.
Items sent to this address are presumed to be confidential communications with our editors.
• Please book your ad space before Friday at 3:30 p.m.
• We are happy to design your ad. If you would like that, please make sure we get your copy by that time.
• If you are designing your ad, please send by Monday at noon.
We’d love to help you with your ads! Please let us know a little bit about your advertising and your needs, and one of our team will be in touch promptly. You can also call us at 802-246-6397 (please leave message for advertising)
Nuts ’n’ Bolts (home improvement)
The Commons is the public face of a larger nonprofit organization, Vermont Independent Media, Inc.
We came to life from the ground up in 2004, as members of the community became increasingly concerned about the consequences of absent corporate ownership of the daily newspaper in town and the need for local people to have access to the skills to create their own grassroots media.
VIM came to life lovingly and carefully thanks to indefatigable volunteers. The first public programs of the Media Mentoring Project began in 2005, and the first issue of The Commons was published in 2006. The newspaper was published monthly until 2010, when we began a weekly schedule. We are published on Wednesdays 51 times a year.
Recognizing that a vigorous exchange of ideas and information allows democracy to function and is the lifeblood of a community, Vermont Independent Media:
• creates a forum for community participation,
• fosters civic engagement by building media skills
through publication of The Commons and commonsnews.org, and through the Media Mentoring Project.
By law, every 501(c)3 nonprofit organization must make its IRS filings available to the public. Here are ours.
Owing to the pandemic, our office is open by appointment only, and masks are required at all times.
We're at 139 Main St., Brattleboro, Vermont (the Hooker-Dunham Building).
The Commons P.O. Box 1212 Brattleboro, VT 05302
Connecting all departments: 888-511-5150
Email for general inquiries: info@commonsnews.org
Submit items for publication in the news sections (News, Arts, Milestones, Around the Towns): news@commonsnews.org
Submit items for publication in the Voices section: voices@commonsnews.org
Submit news tips and story ideas (not for publication): tips@commonsnews.org
General advertising address: ads@commonsnews.org
These PDFs are built from the final files that were printed and represent an accurate facsimile of the issue’s content.
Please be warned: These files are very large and not at all suitable for dialup connections.
We maintain files of a limited number of back issues in our office. Please email info@commonsnews.org, and we will make them available if we can.
• James Surfus of Brattleboro earned Dean’s List honors for the spring 2022 semester at Emerson College in Boston.
• Chris Andres, 72, formerly of Putney. Died peacefully on May 20, 2022 in Derby, Vt., after a period of declining health and well-being. Chris was born on May 23, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio to Paul and Kaye Andres. Chris picked apples in Vermont and citrus in Florida in the 1970s. He then settled in Putney and worked at a variety of jobs. Chris was generous with his time and money. In addition to tending his own crops of asparagus, garlic, and squash in the Putney Community Garden, Chris nurtured the entire gardening community by maintaining paths and preparing beds. He danced at the Vermont Jazz Center and wherever music was playing. His response to turmoil and suffering in Bosnia was to volunteer as a supply truck driver. A long-term member of Putney Friends Meeting, Chris was active on committees. He enjoyed spiritual discussions as well as festive events. He was a most attentive caretaker of the Meeting House. Chris was eccentric, talkative, and quick to smile. Chris was both kind and challenging, both thoughtful and impulsive. His words and actions were at times considerate and, at other times, hurtful. Chris leaves many friends at the Putney Friends Meeting, the Community Garden, and throughout the community. Chris is survived by his siblings Tim Andres, John Andres, and Laurel Andres. Memorial information : All are welcome to a memorial service at the Putney Friends Meeting House, 17 Bellows Falls Rd., on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. To join the service via Zoom, contact ministry@putneyfriendsmeeting.org. Chris was deeply moved by suffering in Palestine. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the American Friends Service Committee to provide school supplies for children in Gaza.
• Ronald S. Andrews, 89, of Jacksonville. Died unexpectedly at his home on Aug. 4, 2022. Known to many of his friends as “Ronnie” or “RA,” he was adamantly independent, loved animals (especially cats), possessed a dry humor, was a devoted (step) father, and had a generosity of spirit that he shared with family and friends. Although he could be a very private person who never wanted to accept help from others, RA was always willing to lend a hand to somebody who needed it. Born March 27, 1933 in Rochester, N.Y., he spent his early childhood in Irondequoit, N.Y., with his parents and younger brother Charles. Later, his family moved to Webster, N.Y., where his father and grandfather built the family home. RA and Chuck were inseparable and would save their money from an after-school job with a local landscaper, Mr. Witt, to buy a motorbike. Together they souped up the bike’s motor and sped around the neighborhood. After graduating from Webster High School in 1951, RA was drafted into the Army and served in Korea. Decades later, he would teach his young stepdaughter, Olga, to meticulously dry between her toes after swimming to guard against jungle rot [trench foot]. He’d say, “Always take care of your feet, little babe. You can’t march far without them.” RA landed in Hawaii after the war and was hired by a Ducati motorcycle dealer as a salesperson. Some of his favorite memories were of traveling the islands via motorcycle. Upon his return to the Rochester area, RA received training at the Rochester Institute of Technology before taking a job in Eastman Kodak’s A&OD Research Department. While at Kodak, he was part of the team that built cameras for the early Apollo space missions. A 1966 edition of Kodak’s company newspaper Kodakery (Vol. 24, No. 40) featured RA receiving a financial bonus for perfecting a method for anodizing parts. When not at Kodak, RA, Chuck, and a gang of friends operated a motorcycle racing team. RA was the manager-mechanic, and Chuck raced. The team attended tournaments from Canada to Florida, with Chuck winning several awards. In later years, RA’s mechanical prowess kept his cars on the road long past the 250,000 mile mark. “250,000 miles, the car barely has fingerprints,” he’d say. Despite all his skills, he claimed that modern technology — answering machines, cell phones, touch-screen coffee makers — was beyond his capacity. He often called Olga to reprogram his TV remote. RA relocated to Wilmington in the late 1970s. He and a business partner purchased a historic stagecoach inn, The Vermont House, on West Main Street. Under RA’s 30-year ownership, the Vermont House was known for its good sandwiches, a copper-top bar, and awesome Christmas eggnog. RA’s favorite part of being an innkeeper was the people, and he often greeted visitors with a big smile and a “Hey, guy!” or a “Hey, hon!” RA also owned Cane’s Tavern. The restaurant closed after being damaged by a fire. RA maintained a 5 a.m. coffee klatch with friends he called “The Storytellers” after retirement. He loved the Cup ’n’ Saucer’s cinnamon rolls and turnovers. As a father, he ensured his daughter understood how to maintain a car, throw a punch, and stretch a dollar. He never gave up hope that she would, someday, grasp the mathematics behind driving for an hour to pay two cents less for a gallon of gas actually saved money. RA stressed the practice of saving money. He made a few exceptions to that rule: “Never skimp on your feet, teeth, or education. You’ll need them to carry you through life.” Like many good people, RA will be sadly missed by his many friends and acquaintances. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Olga Elizabeth Peters; ex-wife Beverly J.T. Cable; niece-in-law Isobel Johnson; and numerous friends who were always there when RA needed them (even if he’d never admit it). He is predeceased by his brother Charles E. “Chuck” Andrews; his parents, Catherine J. (Voelkl) and Stuart F. Andrews; and nephew Charles “Chuckie Jr.” Johnson. Memorial information : Per RA’s wishes, there will be no formal memorial. RA and Chuck’s ashes will be interred in Cutting Cemetery in Jacksonville at the family’s convenience. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Better yet, RA would want you to take a friend to breakfast, order the diner’s “lost leader” item, tip well, and pay cash.
• Regis George Caouette, 76, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died peacefully on July 31, 2022 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, after a period of declining health. He was born on Oct. 31, 1945 in Brunswick, Maine to Lucille (Menard) and the late Raymond Caouette. He attended schools in Winslow, Maine and received his GED in 1971. Regis enlisted in the Army in November 1963 and was stationed in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist-5 in October 1975. He was a recipient of the Good Conduct, National Defense, and Vietnam Service medals, as well as the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the sharpshooter badge for the M-14 and M-16 rifles. While living in Bellows Falls, Regis worked as a police officer from 1975 to 1977. In 1977, he moved to Jasper, Ind., where he was captain of security/district manager and was responsible for getting contracts from other coal mines in the area and to be sure that all were well-protected with guards and attack dogs. From 1979 to 1980, Regis was deputy sheriff at the Chatham County Jail in Georgia and was a private investigator in Savannah, Ga. In May 1998, Regis moved to Hinsdale, where he was reunited with Donna (Larabee/Blake) Manch, whom he met in 1977 in Bellows Falls. On Sept. 10, 2000, Regis exchanged vows with Donna in Lihue, Hawaii. He was formerly married to Susan Barrett, Catherine Potter, and Pamerla Bolduc. Regis had many hobbies in life, such as woodworking, fishing, going camping with family and friends, and traveling. He especially enjoyed playing the role as “Santa” at the Hampshire Mall in Hadley, Mass., and loved seeing the excitement in the children’s eyes. Regis is survived by his mother, Lucille Caouette, of Winslow, Maine; his wife Donna Caouette of Hinsdale; his two children Heidi L. Caouette of Elmore, Ala., and Brian K. Caouette and his wife, Kasie of Midway Park, N.C. He is also survived by children from his previous marriages: Mary Celland of Pembroke, Ga., Daniel G. Blake and his wife, Rebecca, of Brattleboro, Steven D. Blake and his significant other Lisa Martin of Swanzey, N.H., and Sheri L. (Blake/West) Higgins and significant other Lance Davis of Guilford; his nine siblings: Rose Marie (Caouette) Mixer, Isola (Caouette) Anctil and husband Norman, Joanne (Caouette) Hatch-Lee and husband William, Jeaninne (Caouette) Wentzell and husband Edward, Pauline (Caouette) Rancourt and husband William, Richard Caouette, Ronald and Bonnie Caouette, Michael Caouette and Marilyn Diehl-Gilbert, and Patricia (Caouette) Caron and husband David; 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, godson Ben Caouette, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his father; a son, Phillip Celland; a brother in-law, Donald Mixer; and a grandson, Tyler Erik Dane McCue. Memorial information : A graveside service was held Aug. 12 at the New Hampshire Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen. Donations to Disabled American Veterans (secure.dav.org). Arrangements were handled by Cheshire Family Funeral Home of Swanzey, N.H.
• Emily Grace (Shover) Deuso, 83, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died at her home on Aug. 4, 2022. Emily was born on July 24, 1939 in Richford, Vt., to the late Ernest and Gertrude (Sanborn) Shover. Emily attended Richford High School and then married the love of her life, Kenneth Deuso. Many will fondly remember Emily from the many years she spent working at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Emily was a woman of strong faith and a long-time member of the North Hinsdale Community Church. Emily had many passions. She loved coloring, cooking, playing cards, camping, riding motorcycles with her husband, watching all types of sports (especially the Yankees), and volunteering at her church. Above all else, Emily enjoyed spending time with her large loving family, attending all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. Emily is survived by her husband of 66 years, Kenneth Deuso of Hinsdale; her four daughters, Peggy Deuso of Hinsdale, Ellen (Henry) Gero of Hinsdale, Julia Deuso (Blessed) of Keene, N.H., and Bonnie (Brian) Miller of Keene; her son-in-law Chris Reynolds of Hinsdale; her grandchildren Janet (Gerren), Hank (Cassie), Thomas (Amy), Mikelle, Lauren, Sofia, Scarlett, and Alyssa; her great-grandchildren Olivia, Noah, Myeligha, Elijah, Cheyenne, and Lilyian; her siblings Gilbert Shover, Alexander Shover, Gloria Gagnon ,and John (Eleanor) Shover; her sister-in-law Verna (Roger) Peckl and her brothers-in-law Clifford Deuso and Raymond (Jeanne) Deuso. In addition to her parents, Emily was predeceased by her brothers Roy and Donald Shover, her sisters Shirley Supernault and Geraldine Foster, and her special niece Linda Crown. Memorial information : A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m., at North Hinsdale Community Church, 127 Meetinghouse Rd. Internment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Hinsdale. Reception to follow at the church. Donations to North Hinsdale Community Church’s Operation Christmas Child fund. To view an online tribute and leave a message of condolence, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Edward F. “Ed” Fenton Jr., 96, of West Dummerston, formerly of Medford, Mass. Died Aug. 8, 2022. He was born in Medford in 1926 to M. Pearl (Cafrella) and Edward F. Fenton Sr. Ed had two nicknames, “Squeaky” and “Whiskers,” during his long, productive, and admirably involved life. He graduated from Medford High School in 1944 and then entered the Navy, serving on the USS Ostara in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Ed married Edith Cleaver in June 1946 and they moved to Vermont in 1953. He started out working for Estey Organ, then moved onto Stockwell’s, Marcott’s, and Cocoplum as an appliance repairman for 30 years. Ed and Edith were active volunteers in the Brattleboro area for many years. He sang at the Winter Carnivals and other productions, and at area nursing homes. He sang anytime, anywhere, for anyone. Ed was a devoted member of the Masons, at Unity Lodge 89 in Jacksonville, and the Shriners at Cairo Shrine Temple in Rutland. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Oriental Band and was Past District Deputy of the 8th Masonic District. Ed was a competitive archer for 40 years, teaching younger archers and competing in state, regional, and national competitions. He was a life member of Sportsman, Inc. Ed belonged to the National Archery Association, and was past president of Abenaki Archers and Vermont Bowman. Ed was also an avid golfer. He leaves behind his sister, Luella (Lucy) Thompson of Arizona and his brother Charles Fenton of Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith M. (Cleaver) Fenton; his brother John Fenton; and his sisters Edith Fenton of Halifax and Mildred Shaffer of Massachusetts. He also leaves behind many friends and his “adopted” Village Pizza family. Memorial information : Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be sent to Shrine Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choosing. To view an online tribute and leave a message of condolence, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• William Ellis “Billy” Fitzpatrick, 42, of Guilford. Died at home surrounded by his family on Aug. 9, 2022, after a four-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on June 18, 1980 in Brattleboro, the son of William B. Fitzpatrick and Debra A. Fitzpatrick of Putney. Billy graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1999. He attended a trade school in Connecticut briefly, but decided that working was more suited for him. He began working for Rod’s Towing and Repair in Putney in high school where he helped pump gas and drove the wrecker for several years. He then worked at Bond Auto Parts and for Derrig Excavating until 2005, when he and his father formed Fitzpatrick Transport, LLC, where they were partners together for 17 years. He was most commonly seen in the red Peterbilt with yellow flames but, over the last few years, had fallen in love with hauling logs. On July 2, 2011, Billy married the love of his life, Danielle (Clark) Fitzpatrick, in Dummerston. They welcomed their son, Westen, in 2012, and their daughter, Lyla, in 2017. Together they lived in Dummerston until February 2022, when they moved to Guilford. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and his family was the most important part of his life. From the moment he could walk, Billy fell in love with trucks, which turned into a rewarding career spent playing and working with them. He had an amazing ability to create and fix anything he wanted, from the lawnmower he made into a wood splitter, to the 1967 Chevy pickup he jacked up and put a diesel motor in. If he was not working or spending time with his family, he could be found at home tinkering on a project. He enjoyed four wheeling with his wife, kids, friends, and even could occasionally be found four wheeling with his trusted companion, Diesel (the family dog) who also enjoyed riding with Billy in all of his trucks. A family favorite was going for Sunday drives in his 1969 International truck. Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 11 years; their children, Westen and Lyla; his parents, of Putney; sister Jennifer Fitzpatrick of Bolton, Mass., her husband, Jonathan Tenney, and their daughter Olivia; his grandmother, Rosalie Derrig of Putney; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and an entire community of friends. Billy’s family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support since his diagnosis in April 2022, from the car shows held at Harlow’s Sugar House, to the Truck Parade and the numerous calls and cards over the last four months. Billy was one of those genuine “one of a kind” guys. He would do anything for anyone and was truly loved by anyone he came in contact with. This was evident with everyone who has shown up in support over the last several months. His death has left a significant hole in hearts of his family and the community. Memorial information : A celebration of his life will take place on Aug. 20, at 10 a.m., at Lynde Well Drilling, 5345 Hinesburg Road, Guilford. Donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, who provided guidance to his family every step of the way; the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, who provided care to Billy throughout his cancer diagnosis; The Hand to Heart Project, who provided relaxing massages to Billy at the end of his life; and Bayada Home Health Care, who provided comfort to Billy and his family during the last two weeks of his life. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute or leave a message of condolence, visit www.csnh.com.
• Frederick Emil “Fred” Zinn, 85, of Swanzey, N.H. Died Aug. 7, 2022 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H., following a lengthy period of declining health. Fred was born in Keene on Nov. 25, 1936, the son of William and Marjorie (Thompson) Zinn. He was raised and educated in Spofford and was a graduate of Keene High School, Class of 1954. He went on to serve his country in the Army and upon his return home went to work as a chef at several area restaurants that included the former Crystal Restaurant in Keene (18 years), Hinsdale Greyhound Park (12 years) and the White House Inn in Wilmington. For several years, Fred owned and operated his own restaurant located in West Brattleboro. Prior to moving to Swanzey, he was a resident of Wilmington. Fred was an avid golfer, holding membership at Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford, N.H. He also loved to play cribbage, especially with his children. Survivors include his five children: sons, Paul of Marlborough, N.H., Ty of Spofford, and Shawn of Keene, and daughters, Brenda Hastings and Bonnie Zinn, both of Keene; two brothers, Rupert Zinn of Winchester, N.H., and Gary Zinn of Guilford, Maine; and two sisters, Marjorie Zuverino of Swanzey, N.H., and Jean Auger of Keene. Additionally, he leaves nine grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, William Zinn, Jr. Memorial information : In keeping with Fred’s final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A memorial gathering in celebration of his life will be held at his son Ty’s home in Spofford at a time and date to be announced. Donations to Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in care of the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 No. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.act.alz.org). To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
We rely on the donations and financial support of our readers to help make The Commons available to all. Please join us today.
Originally published in The Commons issue #677 (Wednesday, August 17, 2022). This story appeared on page A4.