Robert D. Taatjes and Norma F. Taatjes, Honorary
Dedication to Business and Community Service
Since arriving in Milton in 1961, Norma and Bob Taatjes have been advocates, supporters, volunteers, and leaders to their town and their fellow community members.
They both lived much of their young lives in Kingston, NH and their families were well acquainted; (we were told that Bob babysat for Norma and her two brothers on a couple of occasions). Robert served in the Navy during the Korean War and upon returning home to Kingston, he was reintroduced to the now “grown up” Norma, and as they say, the rest is history!
Norma and Bob married in 1956. Bob began pursuing his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, while Norma worked as a bookkeeper and administrator for a couple of Kingston businesses. In 1958, the first of their five children was born, followed quickly by number two in 1960. Their little apartment in Rochester was soon too small for the growing family. Graduation from UNH and a job at Eastern Air Devices in Dover, NH as Chief Electrical Engineer (where Bob worked for 38 years) prompted the search for a new home and town in which to raise their family.
They found the old “Dr. Hart” house in the middle of Milton to be a perfect size and location, and this was the beginning of their years of devoted community service and their many wonderful friendships in this beloved town. Each of their five children attended the Milton School District from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and Norma could be counted on to do whatever needed to be done for the teachers and schools as her children grew. Not only were they committed to the schools, but they also became an integral part of the Community Church of Milton and the American Legion. Bob was a Boy Scout leader for many years and Norma began a small dance program teaching young kids to love acrobatics. Girl Scout leader, Milton Women’s Club, Ski Patrol, Nute Library Trustee, School to Work Committee, Sewer Commissioner, Wall of Distinction Selection Committee…and the list goes on.
Their dedication to the community was also highlighted when they bought the Milton Hardware Store from Norma’s Dad in the late 1970s. This became “Norma’s Store” as Bob was still working at Eastern Air Devices. The store eventually outgrew the four walls downtown, and when their youngest son Michael declared an interest in carrying the family business, the present-day hardware store was built and continues to thrive. Just because they didn’t own the store any longer didn’t stop them from staying involved! Bob was often called upon to solve someone’s electrical problem or clean a furnace, sage advice was always given! As a matter of fact, if you need to catch up with Norma, you can still go down on Tuesday mornings and catch her in there stocking shelves and chatting with the customers!
Bob passed away in April of this year, and he is sorely missed by all. Norma continues to be an active and instrumental member of the community. Although she may be getting better at saying “no”, if you need a helping hand, you know who to call!
Jamie J. Berry
Technology & Public Service
Jamie J. Berry attended Milton schools from grades 1-12. He graduated from Nute High School as part of Class of 1993. Jamie attended Grantham University and graduated in 2007 with a A.S. in Software Engineering.
In 1993, Jamie began his career with the United States Army. Upon completion of basic training and Military Police School, he served 10 years assigned to various duty stations. Those duty stations included the Sierra Army Depot, CA, Taegu South Korea, West Point, NY, Bad Kreuznach Germany, and Fort Gordon, GA. While on active duty he was assigned to perform duties in security, combat support roles, and law enforcement. In 1998 he completed the U.S. Army, Military Police Investigators Course which enabled him to perform criminal investigation duties, process crime scenes and investigate serious crimes that were of interest of the U.S. Army.
Jamie left the U.S. Army in September of 2003 and became a Deputy U.S. Marshal after he completed his training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Upon completion of his training he was stationed in the District of New Hampshire. As a Deputy U.S. Marshal, he was assigned to the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force which resulted in the arrest of hundreds of wanted fugitives which included murders and other dangerous felons wanted on State and Federal offenses. He was also tasked with protecting the New Hampshire Federal Judiciary and members of the U.S. Supreme Court on numerous protection details. He also played a pivotal role in a 9-month tax protester standoff in Lebanon, NH and was recognized nationally with several U.S. Marshals Directors Awards for his participation in the case and its peaceful resolution. He was also tasked with supporting several nationwide events and international extraditions such as the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Task Force, the 2015 Upstate New York Manhunt, and Mexican Cartel Extraditions from Spain to name a few.
In June of 2017, Jamie retired from the U.S. Marshals Service and is now employed as a sub-contractor supporting the U.S. Marshal Service’s Capture case management and criminal booking software development efforts. He is currently assigned as a Software Product Owner, is in charge of data migration, and a Reports Developer.
Jamie, currently lives in the Northern Virginia area with his wife Cheryl, and two sons, Jameson and Samuel. He volunteers as an Assistant Scoutmaster at his son’s local troop.
Luella Snyder, Nute Graduate, 1965
Community Service
Luella grew up on Long Island, New York. She moved to Milton with her mother and two younger sisters in 1964. Lue enrolled in Nute High School for her senior year. After graduation Lue worked at the Jiffy Diner in Rochester, and then at Hubbard Shoe in East Rochester, Rochester Shoe and Thompson Tool, retiring when Thompson Tool closed. It was after retirement that she was able to became actively involved in the political scene in Milton. A fond memory for Lue was meeting Ronald Reagan at the home of her friend Julie Brown of Rochester before he became president.
Luella began actively serving the community of Milton in 2001 as a member at large of the Milton Budget Committee. She served seven years and then was elected to the Milton School Board in 2006 for a three-year term. While on a year’s hiatus from the School Board Lue decided to serve again on the Budget Committee in 2010. Lue was re-elected for three consecutive, three-year terms in 2010, 2013, and 2016. During these years Luella was also a very active member of the Friends of Nute, helping to complete important renovation/restoration work in “Old Nute”.
On February 4, 2017 Lu attended her final Milton School District Meeting, where she continued to be an active advocate for residents of Milton and especially students at Nute High School and Milton Elementary. Luella Snyder passed away on May 18, 2017 after a two- year battle with cancer. She is survived by her son Gordon Snyder of Kentucky, two grandsons, her sister Debbie Manning of Strafford, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and nephew.
Martha Plummer Sheehy Honorary Member Education
Martha grew up in Milton Massachusetts with four brothers and one sister. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and enough education classes to land her first teaching position in Milton Mills. Martha taught a combined class of children in grades one through four. Her teaching partner worked with children in grades five through eight. The small classrooms were both on the first floor, the second floor being off limits. Her next teaching position was in Goffstown N. H. Continuing her education, Martha earned a Master’s in Education at Boston University.
Martha returned to Milton, married Bard Plummer, 17 years her senior, and they had three children Bard, Nancy and Elizabeth. The family lived in a small cottage across the road from the Plummer Farm, until 1960 when Mrs. Plummer, Bard’s mother, died. The family moved into the big farm so “Grampie wouldn’t be alone.”
While raising her own young ones, Martha began a project that made a tremendous impact on the education of all Milton children. In 1963, encouraged by other parents who recognized the need for pre-first grade education, Martha became the first teacher of the Milton Community Kindergarten. For four years, three mornings each week, Martha would head for the American Legion hall stopping to pick-up many of her students on the way. In 1967 Martha moved on to teach third grade at Milton Elementary. In 1969, the Milton Mills school was reopened and where all first-grade students would attend. Martha moved with them and remained until 1980.
These were special years for Milton’s children. If your child had Mrs. Plummer in first grade they were very fortunate. Martha is remembered for her creativity, and compassion. School holiday celebrations and special projects demonstrated her talent for making learning powerful and fun, like when Martha went to Mexico and brought Mexico back to the classroom.
Martha also served in many leadership roles in the community. She was a member of the Board of Trustees of Nute High School and Library, an officer and member of the Milton Womens’ Club. When special events happened in town, Martha was usually involved. The 1976 Bi-centennial, American Legion suppers, Memorial Day Parades, Woman’s Club Bazaar, and the introduction of the NH Farm Museum in Milton are a few of her many gifts of time and talent.
Husband Bard passed away in 1977, and in 1980 Martha married Bill Verville and moved to Hopkinton. For 38 years Martha has always maintained her ties to Milton. In February, Martha celebrated her 90th birthday, surrounded by friends and her ever increasing family.
We are proud to honor Martha Hefler, Plummer, Verville, Sheehy by recognizing her as an Honorary Member of the Nute High School and Library Wall of Distinction.
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David M. Rodrigue, Nute Graduate, 1986
Engineering and Public Service
David M. Rodrigue, Nute Graduate, 1986
Engineering and Public Service
David Rodrigue, son of Richard and Elaine Rodrigue, grew up in Milton Mills with his five sisters. He attended Milton Schools and graduated from Nute High School with the class of 1986. While in high school David had many part time jobs including one, working for Carl Siemon. After high school he attended the University of New Hampshire and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Upon his graduation in 1990, David started his career as a civil engineer with Weaver Brothers Construction Company in Bow, New Hampshire. David then began his career with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation where he has continued to serve the State of New Hampshire for 27 years. Beginning with the Bureau of Construction for ten years, and moving on to the New Hampshire Traffic Division in Districts around the state which included Gilford, Lancaster, and Belmont David was promoted in 2012 to the position of Assistant Director of Operations for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. In 2016 David became the Director of Operations. One project of interest that David is currently supervising is the construction of the Public Workers Memorial on Hazen Drive in Concord. This Memorial will honor the 34 New Hampshire Public Works employees who have lost their lives in job-related incidents over the past 50 years. David and his wife Jodie live in Sanbornton NH.
Homer E. Vachon - 1951
Community Service & Business
Homer was born June 22, 1932 in Milton, NH to Emile J. Vachon and Emma P. (Custeau) Vachon Ramsey, the youngest of seven children. Homer was raised and educated in Milton, graduating from Nute High School in 1951. He served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955. He returned home to New Hampshire where he and his mother, Emma P. Ramsey, opened the Tri-Echo center in Milton. In April of 1957 he married his wife, Eileen M. Hourihane and together they had three daughters, Elizabeth, Mary and Maureen. Homer was a member, Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher, Lector, and held other positions at St. Mary's Church in Rochester. He devoted his life to serving his church and community. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus of Rochester. Following the death of his wife Eileen in 1975, he married Linda I. Carswell and was a step-father to Elizabeth J. (Whalen) Bowker and Eric E. Whalen. Upon selling the store, Homer explored other career opportunities, before returning to the grocery business from which he retired in 2008. Homer loved to travel and was an avid reader. He continued to serve his church and community by assisting the elderly in getting them to appointments and providing transportation whenever needed. Homer and Linda retired to Florida, where he became an active member of the St. Vincent DePaul’s Church. Homer enjoyed retired life in his new community, until his death on June 19, 2011.