CONNOR M. MENNING 

Connor Michael Menning, of Huntington, born May 31, 1995 in Burlington, left us unexpectedly on Jan. 18, 2011. Connor was devoted to his friendships and greatly enjoyed the time he spent with his friends or communicating with them. Lacrosse and football were a focal point of his life, and he had many friends throughout the area's lacrosse and football communities. His defensive play in lacrosse was a matter of great pride, and during informal summer lacrosse games, he and his two brothers formed a fearsome defense line. He was anticipating this year's lacrosse season, and was doing conditioning runs on the snow-covered trails of Camels Hump, as well as enjoying time on the slopes riding his snowboard. Connor expressed interest in becoming a Vermont State Trooper after college. He also had a great interest in science and had many questions about subjects such as the nervous system and physiology. Connor showed a natural talent for language in his German studies and wanted to begin study of Russian next year; he hoped to study abroad at some point during college. He was looking forward to locating an early Ford Mustang, restoring it, and driving it extensively. We all relished his sense of humor, which was both dry and kind. On the playing fields, his coaches knew him as a serious athlete who remained focused during training and games. He did all he could individually and as a leader to do his best and to bring out the best in his team-mates. Connor's immediate family includes his sister, Amber; his brothers, Will and Austin; and his parents, Joyce and Bill Menning; as well as his close friend of the family, Ashley Potvin. His closest friends of many years were David Hodge and Sundance Stadtler, but his larger circle of friends was extensive. A celebration of Connor's life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Richmond Congregational Church. There will be no visiting hours. Flowers may be sent to the Richmond Congregational Church, 20 Church Road, Richmond, VT 05477. 

Leah Short's obituary from the Brattleboro Reformer:

EAST DUMMERSTON Leah Claire Short, age 16, of U.S. Route 5 in East Dummerston, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Leah was born in Brattleboro on September 7, 1994, the daughter of Terry and Kelly Merrigan Short. She was raised and educated in Dummerston and was currently a sophomore at Brattleboro Union High School.

She was an exceptional, grade A student at the high school, and active in varsity sports. Because of her outstanding athletic ability, as a freshman she was selected to play on the varsity soccer team and was currently on the varsity basketball team. Leah traveled to the Netherlands to play soccer with her Storm team in 2008. Leah excelled in everything she set her mind to, both academic and athletic. She was a sweet, kind, loving and compassionate girl with a very outgoing personality. In conjunction with her love for sports, she cherished time with her many friends as well as with her family. She was a member of the Windham Community Bible Chapel in Dummerston and had plans to travel to Haiti this year to assist the many children and orphans in need.

Besides her parents, she is survived by, three sisters, Katelyn Short of Brattleboro, and Tessa Short and Anna Short both at home, her maternal grandmother, Julie Merrigan of Brattleboro, paternal grandparents, Howard and Clarice Short of Dummerston, and a niece Alexis Short of Brattleboro. Additionally she leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael's Catholic Church on Walnut Street with pastor Duffy Johnson of the Windham Community Chapel, officiating. Burial will follow in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Leah's name may be made to, The Children of Haiti, Hartline Ministries, P.O. Box 898, Sunnyside, WA 98944.