The event was the first of the season at the Governor Jonas Galusha Homestead, and Historical Society
President Mitch Race has said that he hopes to make it an annual event.
The announcement came as a complete surprise to Levin, who was presented by Sen. Dick Sears and
Shaftsbury Rep. Alice Miller a resolution, signed by the Vermont General Assembly, which listed her many
accomplishments, and read, "Therefore be it resolved: That today, April 13, 2014, is declared Ordinary
Heroes Day in Shaftsbury and is devoted to honoring Ruth Levin, whose public recognition is long
overdue."
After Sears and Miller finished presenting the resolution, which had been framed, Levin exclaimed, "I think
you're talking about the wrong person!"
Levin, now in her late 80's, moved to Shaftsbury in the 1950's. In 1977, she wrote "Ordinary Heroes: The
Story of Shaftsbury," the book for which the event was named, which to date is the only published history
of the town. She was a founding member of the Shaftsbury Historical Society, and remains active in the
organization despite retiring from its board of trustees, and as its secretary, almost a year ago, after
serving for 45 years. "She retired last spring, but she still shows up to every meeting," said Race.
The resolution praises the role Levin has played in the community, describing her as "a dedicated citizen
of Shaftsbury and the greater Bennington community [who] has dedicated countless hours to various
community organizations, including the former Bennington League of Women Voters, and she has always,
in a non-didactic manner, spoken of the importance of citizenship, voting, and equality," and as a person
who, "has always been generous in her concern for others with no expectation of anything in return."
"It's been a pleasure to know you over the years, and I'm so proud to be here today to celebratet this,"
said Sears to Levin.
Tyler Resch, historian and former editor of the Bennington Banner, who worked with Levin on "Ordinary
Heroes," praised the hard work she had put into the book. "This is a wonderful occassion," he said, "and I
can't think of anyone more deserving than Ruth."
The Shaftsbury Elementary School chorus, led by Sue Green, was on hand to open the ceremonies with a
performance of Vermont's state song, "These Green Mountains." Shaftsbury Elementary School student
River Scoggins then recited Calvin Coolidge's "Brave Little State of Vermont."
Race asked anyone with ideas for nominees for next year's Ordinary Hero to send them to the historical
society. The nomination period will close in September.
Derek Carson can be reached for comment at dcarson@benningtonbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter
@DerekCarsonBB