by Mary Feidner and Margaret Howland
Marge Carter was a member of the AAUW Bennington Branch in the early 2000’s. She had moved to Bennington from West Point, where her husband Bob taught at the U.S. Military Academy. Marge was a tour guide at the Academy and was also an active member of the book group she had started there. When Bob retired from military duty they found a house they loved in Shaftsbury, VT and planned to live out their retirement in Vermont. Unfortunately, that dream ended when Marge died unexpectedly in 2011. Marge’s enthusiasm for books had resulted in the initiation of the AAUW Book Group, which grew in numbers during her AAUW tenure.
When Marge died, the group established the Marge Carter Book Award in her memory. The Bennington Branch already had established a scholarship program for non-traditional women students seeking a college degree. They had learned that the cost for books in the courses students were taking increased almost every year. The Marge Carter Book Award has helped with this need every year since then. The AAUW Book Group has made contributions to the Award every September with Bob matching that amount to supplement the scholarship program.
This year we are inviting all Branch Members to contribute to the Marge Carter Book Award in any amount she may wish, starting at $10. Please make out your check to AAUW with “Marge Carter Book Award” in the memo section. Mail it to our Treasurer, Norma McShane, 329 Elm Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Thank you very much for your support of women’s education.