BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro branch of the American Association of University Women has bestowed its Woman of Distinction award on Norma Redstone Shakun in recognition of her many contributions to education, international relations, the Brattleboro community, and AAUW.
Branch president Mary Hawkes presented the award at the branch's 41st annual dinner meeting held recently at Dalem's Chalet.
The organization told The Commons that Shakun has served many years on the AAUW Scholarship Committee where she has shared her wisdom on cultural understanding and her commitment to education for girls and women. She often presents the scholarships herself at area high school class nights.
Shakun also was lauded for her dedication to the branch's annual book sale, which raises funds for the scholarships.
An expert on French culture and language, Shakun has lived in France and has taught French in the United States. She and her husband are world travelers, and she has long participated in the Windham World Affairs Council.
Moreover, she contributes to the cultural life of the Brattleboro Area Jewish community and is an active participant and host in the ¡Adelante! multicultural book discussion group.
Shakun took her bachelor's degree in French from Cornell University, her master's in French from Columbia University, and her master's in teaching from The School for International Training. She has worked as a volunteer in Newfane Elementary School, where she attained the honor of being named “Queen Norma.”
Speaker at the annual meeting was Orly Munzing, founder and executive director of the Strolling of the Heifers, who told the story of the development and expansion of “the Stroll,” which now offers community events related to such programs as the slow living initiative, farm/food business development, student agricultural internships, and more from its program center at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden.
Officers elected; book sale set
During elections held at the annual meeting, the following officers were elected: president, Vivian Prunier; vice-president for programs, Louise Luring; vice-president for membership, Hawkes; vice-president for publicity, Dee Keller; treasurer, Jenifer Ambler; and secretary, Bob Keller.
Plans were announced for the Annual AAUW book sale to be held at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro from Sept. 4 to 6. A pre-sale book drop-off location and date are being planned.