Peabody Area Chamber Announces Community Service Award Winners

Annually, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals and businesses who routinely go above and beyond, to contribute to the greater good, all while ultimately serving as a role model to others. 

 The following individuals or businesses will be honored at a reception in March: Mary Bellavance will receive the Mary Upton Ferrin Award, now in its 18th year, the award is presented by the Chamber to a woman who demonstrates leadership, serves as a role model and champion of humanitarian based efforts.

Mary is one of those rare individuals that so freely gives of her time and talents on behalf of many non-profit organizations in the community.  She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave at any fund-raising event.  In the past 25 years, she has served in leadership roles in various civic organizations as well as non-profit groups such as Haven from Hunger and Progeria Research.

Terenzoni Construction will be honored with the Business Leadership Award for demonstrating a high standard of excellence in business leadership and community involvement. Though a small business, owner Dan Terenzoni makes a big impact in the community from stepping in to help a  family in need,  providing skilled labor to work on Habitat for Humanity Housing or simply speaking out on behalf of the business community to make Peabody an easier place to conduct business.  Terenzoni Construction is a role model.

Community Spirit Awards will be also be presented to Michelle Talisman of Peabody House for her diligent and proactive representation at Peabody City Council meetings and her involvement in the Blue Ribbon Downtown Committee to make Peabody a better place. Kay Morrocco of the Council on Aging will also be recognized for her many years of devotion in helping families navigate the services available to care for elderly family members.

 In light of the fact March is also Women’s History Month, the chamber’s community service committee added another award this year, the Desire King Award. King, who happened to be the aunt of Mary Upton Ferrin, was one of the first women business owners in Peabody operating a successful hog farm. 

The award recognizes a woman business owner who embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and serves as an inspiration to others.  This award will be presented to Ms. Linda Salalayko, owner of Walnut Mart, who with no prior experience taught herself to navigate the often complex permitting and licensing process, operate a retail store from managing employees to bookkeeping and tax records.   She is an advocate for downtown businesses and actively involved in youth sports and church events, cheering and inspiring all to succeed.

 “It is a tribute to our community to have so many people willing to contribute their time and resources to helping others in so many ways,” said Deanne Healey, president and CEO of the Peabody Area Chamber. “The chamber is proud to be able to honor this distinguished group of individuals and businesses who were nominated by their peers.”

The recipients will be honored at the Mary Upton Ferrin Community Service Award Ceremony on March 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wiggin Auditorium at Peabody City Hall.  Guest speaker is Louise Rothery, a local author-illustrator from Marblehead, who will share the challenges, triumphs and lessons Baby Boomer women learned as they chose careers in addition to family life.

Family, friends and business colleagues are invited to share in the celebration of honoring the award recipients.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased by contacting the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, 24 Main St., Peabody, MA 01960, via FAX: 978-532-7227 or email: pcc@peabodychamber.com.  Advance reservations and payment are strongly suggested.

Submitted by Deanne Healey, president and CEO of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce.