Dinny Hawksworth, Enosburg, VT: 2024 Preservation Award Winner

Small towns depend on volunteers to get things done. In Enosburg, the Friends of the Opera House has benefited from the tireless efforts of one volunteer in particular: Dinny Hawksworth.
A nurse by training and instrumental in creating Franklin County’s Home Health Care, Dinny has been a volunteer for more than 30 years at the Opera House. And she has done EVERYTHING.
Dinny has been a dedicated member of the board. She has been responsible for annual fundraising events and has managed the annual appeal for many years. She has led the way in seeking support from the community and has demonstrated to other board members that it is ok - and fun even - to ask the community for support.
Not only does she work on making connections, Dinny has also personally been a major contributor to the Opera House and has been instrumental in creating sustainable revenue streams that will form the foundation of an endowment to support future work at the opera house.
Dinny is a steadfast participant of the events at the Opera House. It doesn’t matter if it is the community theater musical, a children’s summer camp, or a murder mystery dinner, Dinny is right in the middle of it helping in any way she can. She has worked on costumes, sets, and rehearsals. She will usher, dress in costume, dance, and march in a parade. She is as eager to step up and host an event as she is to bake treats for a bake sale. She will do whatever is required. More than anything, her gift of joyful enthusiasm for any event is infectious.
Not only is the Friends of the Opera House in a better position due to her support and guidance, but the Opera House itself is more structurally sound because of her contributions. Recent restoration work was made possible in part by her efforts.
Dinny’s outstanding contributions demonstrate how devoted volunteers are a critical part of keeping all of Vermont’s historic resources in good condition, active use and high spirits.
Preservation Award to: Dinny Hawksworth, Enosburg Falls