On Saturday, November 18, the Walloomsac River and Downtown Walk will highlight an organization and an individual who are making valuable contributions to the Bennington community. The walk will include a presentation of an Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes individuals who have quietly served and made a significant positive impact on the community.
Darlene Cumm will receive this month's award. As the President of the American Legion Post 13 Auxiliary, Cumm has "exemplified the spirit of 'Service, Not Self', the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, which supports the American Legion and honors the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad," said ALA member Donna Stone. Cumm also organizes card, gift, and fundraising campaigns to benefit the residents of the Vermont Veterans Home, and has also organized fundraising events for Vermont Paws & Boots.
The featured organization this month is the Vermont Department of Health's Bennington office. Meagan Snide will share information about VDOH activities in Bennington including administration of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, investigation of reportable diseases, administration of immunizations, and support for healthy lifestyles.
November's walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Rotary/Bennington Station Park on Depot Street between Main and River Street. The walk will follow the Walloomsac Pathway to School Street before winding back on Main Street by the Department of Health, with the walk concluding with light refreshments at the Bennington Community Market.
Walloomsac Walks take place on the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. The walks are pet-friendly, and people of all ages are invited to attend and enjoy this ongoing community event. In the case of inclement weather, cancellation notices will be placed on the Front Porch Forum and the Bennington Blotter.
Nominations for future Unsung Hero Award awardees may be submitted at https://tinyurl.com/bennhero.