Who Will Be Peabody's Next Mary Upton Ferrin Honoree?

The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for its annual community service awards, which includes the Mary Upton Ferrin Award.

Every March, in conjunction with Women's History Month, the Chamber recognizes one local woman who demonstrates the same fearless drive, leadership and humanitarian advocacy as 19th century Peabody suffragette Mary Upton Ferrin.

Last year, Peabody High Vocational Director Maria Ferri was added to the company of Ferrin honorees, including late Holocaust survivor Sonia Weitz, Audrey Gordon (co-founder of the Progeria Research Foundation), former city councilor Judy Selesnick and present and former Haven from Hunger directors Alyse Barbash and Trudy MacIntyre.

The other service awards are for business leadership, community spirit and the Desiree King Award, which recognizes local women who own or operate a Chamber member business and who demonstrate business excellence, embody an entrepreneurial spirit and are inspirational to others.

Nominations are due Feb. 4. You can find more details here.

Mary Upton Ferrin Award Winners

• 2013 Maria Ferri
• 2012 Alyse Barbash
• 2011 Mary Bellavance
• 2010 Sonia Weitz
• 2009 Dr. Mary Yutzy
• 2008 Cathy Gravel
• 2007 Elaine Kirby
• 2006 Audrey Gordon
• 2005 Grace Martins
• 2004 Camille Bartlett
• 2003 Natalie Maga
• 2002 Judy Selesnick
• 2001 Sgt. Sheila McDaid
• 2000 Trudy MacIntyre
• 1999 Mary Richardson
• 1998 Nancy Crowder
• 1997 Paula Alexander
• 1996 Donna Healey
• 1995 Susanna Levine
• 1994 S. M. "Sudi" Smoller
• 1993 Karen McCafferty