Three Lyndon State professors have attained the designation most sought after by college and university educators; they have been granted tenure. This year, two of those were also promoted.

Professor Janet Bennion (Anthropology), Harry Mueller (Visual Arts) and Patricia Shine (Psychology) have all achieved tenure. Bennion was promoted to professor, and Shine was promoted to associate professor. These changes take effect Sept. 1.

The North Country Animal League’s Board of Trustees announced that Deb Fennell was hired as Executive Director. Fennell has over 20 years leadership experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors as director of the Smugglers’ Notch Ski Club, camp director of YWCA of Vermont’s Camp Hochelaga and camp director of Windridge Camp at Teela-Wooket. Most recently she was in management at Smugglers’ Notch Resort.

Fourteen of the 37 senior attorneys at Downs Rachlin Martin are recognized in the recently published Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers 2009, and the firm is ranked in the top tier in all five practice areas the organization ranks in Vermont. Selections were based on extensive research, including peer and client evaluations, conducted each year by Chambers.

On May 30, 2009 the Green Mountain Club (GMC) elected new officers and awarded four Honorary Life Memberships and a President’s Award. The awards were presented at the Green Mountain Club’s 99th annual meeting at its new Visitor Center on Route 100 between Waterbury and Stowe. Marge Fish of Londonderry was elected as GMC President, replacing Richard Windish of Reading who completed his third and final one-year term. Jean Haigh of Craftbury was elected Vice President, Dick Andrews of Springfield was elected Secretary, and Bill Lyons of Bennington was re-elected Treasurer.

On a handshake and a promise, orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Minsinger committed to providing the Randolph area community 25 years of service. Twenty-five years later, Minsinger has made good on that promise and on Friday will hang up his surgical gloves in Randolph to fulfill some hobbies for which he is passionate and for some part-time work at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction.

Vermont Housing Finance Agency announced the selection of Paul Stewart, President of Stewart Property Management, Bedford, N.H., as the new owner of Rockingham Canal House in Bellows Falls.

"Paul Stewart has almost 40 years of experience in affordable housing, and he's been managing the Canal Street building since last fall, so we're confident he has the background and skills necessary to make this property a showpiece," said VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter.