Commission names seven local women ‘Unsung Heroes’

The Boston-based Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women has named seven local women “Unsung Heroines.”The women, included among 287 nominees, have distinguished themselves in diverse areas including education, the environment and housing.Nahant resident Polly Bradley, who was nominated by Kathy Leahy of the Mass Audubon Society, is best known as the founder of Safer Waters In Massachusetts. In her nomination letter, Leahy outlines the work Bradley has done over the years to protect Broad Sound and the waters off the North Shore.Swampscott resident Carole Shutzer, who works at the Harrington School in Lynn, was nominated by her daughter Elise Shutzer for her dedication to literacy, the students at Harrington and the town of Swampscott. Shutzer, a former member of the Board of Selectmen and former Library Trustee, currently serves as president of the Friends of the Swampscott Public Library.Linda Gaieski, who is vice-principal of the Belmonte Middle School in Saugus, was nominated by a group of teachers at the school.”Mother Theresa could have been describing this educator when she said, ‘None of us ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love and together we can do something wonderful,'” Joy McCauley wrote when she nominated Gaieski for the award.Another veteran educator is also being honored. Carol Haney, who taught math at Revere High School for 30 years, was nominated by Revere Mayor Thomas Ambrosino for her dedication to the city.Haney, who is retired, currently serves as chairman of the Cultural Council and heads up the Revere Beautification Committee. She also serves as secretary for the Revere Beach Partnership.Swampscott resident Joan Sawyer was nominated for her work with The Caleb Foundation, a non-profit real estate corporation designed to help struggling families. Sawyer was instrumental in bringing Habitat for Humanity programs to North Shore churches and has volunteered with numerous other social service organizations on the North Shore.Lynnfield resident Darlene Drutman, who is the only female on the Board of Selectmen, was nominated by Rep. Mark Falzone for her commitment to the town. In his nomination letter, Falzone mentioned her commitment to the schools, open space and a sound housing policy.Former City Councilor Judith Selesnick of Peabody was nominated for the award by D.A. Jonathan Blodgett.”For more than 25 years, her involvement in the life of her community has enriched the lives of her fellow residents and has promoted diversity in Peabody,” Blodgett wrote when nominating her. He went on to say Selesnick served on the “No Place for Hate” committee and worked to promote tolerance and diversity.The awards will be presented at the Fifth Annual Unsung heroine Celebration at the State House on May 14.