The Brattleboro Reformer du lieu suivant : Brattleboro, Vermont • 10

10 Brattleboro Reformer Tuesday, October 23, 2007 www.reformer.com OBITUARIES AND FUNERALS Bern Friedelson TOWNSHEND Bern Friedelson, ,84, formerly of Newfane and Brattleboro, died on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, at Grace Cottage Hospital hospice. He was predeceased by his wife; Lil Farber. Arrangements are incomplete. A full obituary will appear in an upcoming editon of the Reformer.

Normand J. Knight ATHENS Normand J. Knight, 77, of Athens, died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 at his farm. He was born in Jamaica May 28, 1930, and was the son of Irene (Wright) and Frank Knight of Jamaica.

He attended Knight schools in Jamaica, and then worked as a logger until he enlisted in the Army in 1952. During his eight years in the Army, Mr. Knight served in Virginia and Missouri, and worked to help build levies on the Mississippi River. Upon his discharge from the Army, he married Walfreda Karlson in Peru on Nov. 6, 1960, and together they began a life in Athens.

As a resident of Athens for nearly 50 years, he served as a Road Commissioner for 5 years, a Lister for 24 years, and a Justice of the Peace for 36 years. Mr. Knight was an entrepreneur, a farmer, a logger and he operated a sawmill. He loved to hunt, fish and make deals, but his greatest pleasure was in meeting people. His daily routine often included breakfast and lunch with his many friends at the Golden Egg Restaurant in Saxtons River.

Mr. Knight is survived by a son, Normand Knight Salo, of South Carolina; four sisters, Irene Smith of Jamaica, Catherine Dauchy of Jamaica, Virginia Varnum of North Carolina, Barbara Doyle of South Londonderry; a brother William Knight of Jamaica; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his special nephew and constant caregiver, Jim Trimble, and two sisters-in-law, Johanna McDermott of Athens and Juanita Neathawk of Bellows Falls. His wife Walfreda of 36 years, and brothers and sisters predecease him. Arrangements are by FENTON AND HENNESSEY.

A memorial service is planned for a later date. Bernard McNevins BONDVILLE Bernard J. McNevins, 85, died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, after an unexpected illness. He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., the son of Rose (Pauze) and Edward McNevins.

He grew up in Harrington Park, N.J. with his mother, father and sister Janet. He attended Dumont High School where he developed his AND FUNERALS lifelong love for music and his talent for playing the clarinet and saxophone. He began his own musical combo and played locally until he enlisted in the Navy. Destined to carry his music with him, he was assigned to the Entertainment Department in the Seabees and was stationed in Guam and Alaska.

He spent most of his time in the service playing his music, putting on and singing in the shows he organized to entertain the troops. While on leave, he fell in love with a girl from his own town and later married Veronica Mary Pinkert 1 in April 1946, after the war. In May 1947, their daughter Kathleen was born and joined Ronnie, her small son Brian and Bernie and settled in Tappan, N.Y. With a new young family to think of, Mr. McNevins abandoned his thoughts of a career in music and apprenticed with his uncle in the Steamfitter's Union in New York City.

He became an accomplished welder in his trade and was known to be a skilled craftsman at whatever he set his hand to. During those early years, he would continue to play the sax and clarinet, moonlighting with his small combo at weddings and other gatherings. About 10 years later, the family moved to Old Tappan, N.J. when Mr. McNevins decided to go into business for himself and open an auto repair and Mobil station.

After several years, he decided to return to the building trade in New York and worked on many skyscrapers, including the World Trade Center. The family lived in Pearl River, N.Y., until his early retirement to Tuscon, in 1977. In 1980, the McNevins returned to the East to be near family, and came to Bondville, where they have resided near their daughter Kathleen and her family for the past 27 years. Mr. McNevins is survived by his daughter, Kathleen M.

Velsor and her husband, Douglas, and his two grandchildren, Emilie and Tim, and Emilie's husband, Erik Holverson; and by stepson, Brian Donohue and his wife Carolyn, their three children Brian, Robert and Tracy and their families, and other nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by his J. dear sister, Janet Hettinger of Vero Beach, who died in August of this year, and by a brother, Raymond McNevins, and sister Leona Kenny, who both died many years a ago. All who knew Mr. McNevins will remember him as a man of great principal and integrity, with a gift for music and a genuine love and dedication to his family.

There will be a burial service at the Bondville Cemetery on Wednesday at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad, 24 Sherwood Forest Road, Londonderry, VT 05148. WHITE FUNERAL HOME of Townshend is directing arrangements. by EAST HAMPTON, Conn. Alice B.

Strange, 69, of Colchester, companion of 41 years to the late Bert Greene, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, in East Hampton. She was born Nov. 2, 1937, in Newfane, and had lived in Colchester the past 18 years. She is survived by seven children and their spouses, Cathy and Paul Cannon, Richard and Judy Strange, Ann and Budge Sullivan, Theresa and Don Earp, Dede Strange, Kim and Jeremy Dix, and Danny Gervais; 16 grandchildren, Robby, Otis, Shannon, Amanda, Sarah, Myra, Ashley, Tiffany, Natasha, Christy, Juanita, Donny, Dylan, Travis, Missy and Kaitlyn; four great-grandchildren with two on the way; two sisters, Ruth Guyette and Grace Moffitt; a special friend, Jerry Dezolt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by siblings, Stewart Carey, Marian Hodgdon, Layton Carey, Lillian Garfield, Myron Carey, Vern Carey, Earline Nesbitt and Merton Carey; and a great-grandson. Her family will receive friends at the POTTER FUNERAL HOME, 456 Jackson Rte. 195, Willimantic on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 106 Rte. 32, Franklin Commons, Franklin, CT 06254. Visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guestbook. Cushman services.

Alice Strange VERNON Committal services for Nellie (Doucette) Cushman of Rockingham will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at the North Cemetery on Route 142 in Vernon. Mrs. Cushman, 82, died Oct.

13, 2007, at the Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend. Le Claire services BRATTLEBORO- The Liturgy of Christian Burial for Rene J. LeClaire was celebrated Saturday morning at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church on Walnut Street.

The Rev. Francis E. Connors, pastor of St. Michael's, was celebrant, assisted on the altar by Edmund Maloney, ecclesiastical minister. Music for the service was provided by the St.

Michael's Church Choir who sang entrance hymn, "Amazing Grace." The Old Testament scripture reading from Isaiah was read by Peter LeClaire, a grandnephew. The New Testament scripture reading from St. John was offered by Joseph LeClaire, a nephew, followed by the gospel reading from St. Matthew, read by Rev. Connors.

Those attending the Mass Abortion clinic buffer zone expansion eyed BOSTON (AP) Growing support for a measure to expand protest-free zones around abortion clinics has anti-abortion activists decrying it as a severe restriction on their right to free speech. The bill, scheduled for Senate debate Tuesday, would give Massachusetts among the strongest "fixed buffer zone" laws in the nation, creating a hard 35-foot perimeter around a clinic's entrances and driveways. "It's an insult to all of us," said Marie Sturgis, executive director of Massachusetts Citizens For Life. "This buffer zone almost puts people across the street (from clinics). I don't know that one can fully communicate from across the street.

The bottom line for us is free speech." The existing law prohibits anyone within 18 feet of the entrance or driveway to an abortion clinic from approaching another person within 6 feet to hand out a leaflet Custom Homes Electrical Supply Guaranteed Prices Garages Sheds Plumbing Fixtures Prof. Delivery Srv. Kitchen Bath Paint Sundries Floor Coverings Professional Staff Installed Services Windows Doors Special Order Svc. Custom Pine Hardware Tools Free Estimating la Valle BUILDING SUPPLY, INC. (1-800-LAVALLEYS Custom Homes Garage Packages Design Services, Estimating.

Complete Packages Including Concrete WWW.LAVALLEYS.COM Claremont joined in reciting the prayers of the people, after which Rev. Connors gave the homily. The responsorial hymn was, "The Lord is My Shepherd." The presentation hymn was "How Great Thou Art." Special music featured soloist Agnes Marine singing communion hymn, "Ave Maria." The Mass concluded with the final commendation and incensing of the urn. Committal Rites and burial with full military honors followed in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery, where Rev.

Connors offered committal prayers. Full military honors were accorded at graveside by members of the American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 Joint Memorial Unit under the direction of Cmdr. Herb Meyer. The American flag was presented to Mr.

LeClaire's wife Ada by Cmdr. Meyer. Following the 21-gun salute, bugler Richard Guthrie played taps. Serving as honorary bearers were Michael LeClaire, Edward LeClaire, Steven LeClaire and Brian LeClaire, all nephews. A reception followed the services held in the Community Room at Melrose Terrace.

On Friday evening at the funeral home, Rev. Connors led a Catholic Vigil service. Mr. LeClaire, 78, of Melrose Terrace, died Oct. 14, 2007 at Vernon Green Nursing Home.

Arrangements were under the direction of the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME. Moore services BENNINGTON Funeral services were held on Saturday at the Covey and Allen Funeral Home in Wilmington for James A. Moore. Jon W. French was the celebrant.

Mr. Moore's son, John Moore, shared his thoughts and memories on what a giving and caring man his father was and also shared some memories of his father's life. Mr. Moore's grandchildren, Jim and Ralph LoMando, whom Jim raised as a surrogate father, and Judy Sweeney also shared memories and their own feelings of their grandfather. Some of Mr.

Moore's favorite songs were included in the service. "Moonlight in Vermont" opened the service. "Dream (When You're Feeling Blue)," was played while people reflected on his life, and "Imagination," as people paid their final respects. A graveside service followed at the Jacksonville Village Cemetery in Jacksonville with Jon French offering the committal ceremony. Serving as pallbearers were grandsons Cameron Ranslow, Ralph and Jim LoMando, Wally Sweeney, and Bob and Fred Gropper.

Mr. Moore, 92, died Oct. 17, 2007, at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington. COVEY AND ALLEN FUNERAL HOME IN WILMINGTON was entrusted with the arrangements. for a buffer zone after John Salvi walked into two Boston-area clinics in 1994 and opened fire, killing two receptionists wounding five others.

He killed himself in prison in 1996. In 2000, former Speaker Tom Finneran, who is anti-abortion, negotiated a compromise bill creating the 6-foot "bubble zone" within the 18-foot buffer zone. The Senate had passed a 25-foot fixed buffer zone. The U.S. Supreme Court in April 2005 declined to hear an appeal by anti-abortion protesters who challenged the Massachusetts law.

The law prohibits anyone from approaching a person without their consent for the purpose of passing leaflets or "engaging in oral protest, education or counseling." The law created an exemption for clinic workers so long as they're "acting within the scope of their employment." SALVAGE Call for Will Remove pricing on 4 For FREE! vehicles 7 brought to1 HOURS us! 8-12 1-5 Saturday 8-12 402 VALLEY ROAD WALPOLE, NH 03608 603-756-9863 Feds reject states' requests for fisheries disaster help in N.E. By KEN MAGUIRE Associated Press BOSTON The federal government on Monday dealt a setback to New England fishermen, denying requests from the governors of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine for financial assistance to help the groundfishing fleet survive while stocks rebound. The governors had asked for a declaration of "fisheries resource disaster," the first step in obtaining funds, arguing that the industry has been badly damaged by the government's own restrictions on the number of days at sea for groundfishermen. But the fishermen and the states will have to turn to Congress to seek financial help because U.S. Department of Commerce officials weren't persuaded.

"It's obvious the New England groundfish stocks are rebuilding," William Hogarth, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospher-25 ic Administration's Fisheries Service, said in an afternoon conference call. "Fishing ports in these states are among the most productive." New Hampshire recently indicated it would seek a disaster declaration, but has not officially applied yet. "It was a disappointment, but not a total surprise," said Commissioner George Lapointe of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. He said federal officials narrowly interpreted the requirements for a disaster declaration governing the fishing industry. Lapointe said that with fewer boats in port, only two active groundfishing permits east of Rockland and decreased landings at the Portland Fish Exchange, Maine's fishermen need help to remain in business.

The next step, he said, is for the state's congressional delegation to press for funding "that's not so narrowly prescribed under the Magnusson Act." Frank Rose, co-owner of Rose's Marine Service in Gloucester, said government regulations are killing the industry. Just 5 percent of his repair shop's business comes from commercial fishing, compared to 100 percent 15 years ago, he said. "They don't allow the fishermen to fish," he said. "The thing that's ripping our guts out is this needn't happen. It's a combination of bad science and poor decision making." Gov.

Deval Patrick argued rules passed last year to protect vulnerable groundfish stocks such as cod and flounder sharply reduced the number of days at sea for groundfishermen, costing the industry $22 million in Massachusetts. Ian Bowles, the state's environmental secretary, said he and Patrick are disappointed but pledged to "work with our congressional delegation to seek much needed relief for Massachusetts groundfishermen." U.S. Sens. John Kerry and Edward Kennedy said a Senatepassed spending bill in Congress contains $15 million to help groundfishermen. It's awaiting action in the House.

NOAA officials cited increased The governors had asked for a declaration of "fisheries. resource disaster," the first step in obtaining funds, arguing that the industry has been badly damaged by the government's own restrictions on the number of days at sea for groundfishermen. fish stocks and some increases in fishing revenue. Only four of 18 groundfish stocks have not increased, they said. They acknowledged that groundfish revenue declined between 15 and percent in Massachusetts and Maine from 2005 to 2006, but said that doesn't constitute a fishery failure.

"There has to be a significant reduction," said Sam Rauch, deputy director of NOAA's Fisheries Service. "The majority of groundfish fishermen are making less money than they were before. We have taken that into account. That is not the same thing as to say the commercial fishery has failed." Groundfish revenue in Rhode Island ports increased by 73 percent from 2005 to 2006, NOAA officials said, noting that there are far fewer Rhode Island groundfishermen compared with Massachusetts and Maine. The current system tries to protect fish by making it harder for fishermen to catch them.

But after about 13 years under those rules, key species such as cod and flounder are still struggling. The New England fishing fleet has steadily shrunk the number of boats fell from 990 to 773 between 1996 and 2004. And some fisherman are allowed to fish just 24 days a year. The industry has benefited from such disaster declarations in the past. President Clinton announced $30 million in emergency funding to the Northeast fishing industry and affected communities in 1994 following the collapse of commercial fisheries.

Another $25 million followed a year later, distributed mainly through economic development programs. Declarations typically follow natural disasters, such as when U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez in June 2005 declared the Massachusetts shellfish fishery in commercial failure because of a red tide bloom. Congress must appropriate the funds. Patrick said the 18 percent decline in revenues of Massachusetts groundfish vessels in 2006 compared with 2005 was greater than the decline that prompted declaration of a fishery resource disaster in 1994.

In May, Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri made a similar request, arguing that 13 years of tightening rules, including reductions in fishing time and closed fishing areas, have made it difficult for fishermen to survive. or counsel that person without their consent. Abortion rights advocates and clinic officials have said the "floating buffer zone" law unwieldily and hard to enforce. "It doesn't restrict their free speech rights because they're shouting and screaming as it is," Sen.

Harriette Chandler, a Worcester Democrat and leading sponsor in the Senate, where a majority has signed on as cosponsors. "It restricts them from bumping into a patient entering a reproductive health clinic." Patrick administration officials have testified in support of the measure. Patrick's predecessor, former Gov. Mitt Romney, didn't support the change. Abortion rights advocates say the bill could be taken up by the House as early as this week.

A spokesman for House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi did not comment. State lawmakers began pushing State Police seeks help with 26 missing persons cases WATERBURY (AP) The Vermont State Police is asking for the public's help in solving a string of 26 missing persons cases the oldest of which dates to 1971. Vermont State Police commander Col. James Baker said troopers regularly get reports of missing people. Most are solved, but some are suspicious.

And now the state police are tracking the closes more closely. One example is the 2004 case of Brianna Maitland, who was 17 when she disappeared in Montgomery after getting off work at a local inn. Her car was found, although she hasn't been found. The state police are highlighting the missing cases at the agency's Web site. "We cannot stress how important it is for the public to understand that no matter how trivial they might perceive their information to be, it could be the one piece of information that is needed to solve this mystery and locate Brianna," the Web site said about Maitland's case.

The Web site includes 16 profiles of missing people, all but the most recent cases, are available on the Web site. "The cases that stand out are when folks have gone missing and they're not accounted for," Baker said. "We know their families are out there struggling. Brattleblogs.com CHECK IT OUT!.