11/14/2007 Getting to Know….Mary and Jack Ferry Ocean Pines is home to a new "First Couple." Mary and Jack Ferry received an award on November 7 at the Loews Hotel in Annapolis, MD, as the 2007 AARP Volunteers of the Year for the State of Maryland. They were nominated for broad community service by the Ocean Pines AARP Chapter 4507. Last year, the chapter was also honored by having its 2006 nominee, Robert Hein, win. However, Mary and Jack have the distinction of being the first couple selected as winners. Mary and Jack were born in Bethlehem, PA, and were high school sweethearts. Jack, a Korean War veteran, retired from Bethlehem Steel. Mary worked for twenty years as bookkeeper in a clothing factory. They are proud parents of six children: Jack Jr., Kathy, Karen, Jeffrey, Marguerite, and Patrick; and have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. During their 53 years of marriage the couple has been ready to help wherever needed. Jack stated "when we see something wrong in a community, we want to work to correct it". Mary added, "It is our way of life." When their children were involved with sports while living in Bethlehem Mary and Jack saw a need for improved recreation facilities. Jack decided the answer to the problem would be running for public office. He was elected and held the office of president of the city council for 17 years. The Ferrys later moved to Chadds Ford, PA. Mary was employed by the Longwood Foundation. Since their community was close to Wilmington, DE, Mary became aware of the Franciscan Center which assisted homeless and drug-addicted individuals. Through her connections, $300,000 was raised for the Center's cause and Mary was awarded four "Tiffany Gold Stars." The Ferrys also became involved with Delaware Veterans Post #1. They became aware that veterans at the Elsmere Veterans Hospital were in dire need of toiletries and personal clothing items. Jack, through personal contacts, supplied more than 300 free gift packages and with Mary's help bought personal clothing items for veterans at reduced cost to their organization. This led to Jack’s becoming Delaware's Veteran of the Year. Before leaving Pennsylvania, Jack was recognized with a total of seven awards from various organizations such as the American Legion, Little League Baseball and Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 2000 Jack and Mary moved to Ocean Pines. Wanting to become involved with their new community they joined AARP. Jack served two terms as president and held other offices. Mary has served as recording and corresponding secretary. They currently assist in coordinating the AARP Dial-a-Ride Program, sometimes acting as drivers for persons needing rides for medical appointments. Also Mary is on the AARP Nominating Committee and both are in charge of the Christmas luncheon. Mary, also a volunteer at Diakonia, continues baking pumpkin rolls and pastries to raise money for the center particularly since its disastrous fire. Earlier she had personally bought three large signs to place on the road indicating the building's entrance. Besides the aforementioned activities, the couple serve as Hospitality Chairmen for the local Democrat Club and have served as secretary and chairman on an Ocean Pines Association Advisory Committee on the Clubs. Jack is also active with the Knights of Columbus and during the summer helps with the "Tootsie Roll Drive." This spirit of working for others has rubbed off on their family. Their son Jack, Jr., is director of the United Rehabilitation Service in Hazleton, PA; daughter, Karen, volunteers to teach clients how to bake pumpkin rolls for that facility's benefit; daughter Marguerite is a Girl Scout adviser, religious school teacher, and works with the elderly; son-in-law Steve uses his pet Lab to visit nursing homes and works with autistic children; and a granddaughter is a special education teacher with another granddaughter following in that field after graduation. In conclusion Jack said, "How do you say 'thank you' for accepting an award for what you love to do."
Maryland AARP Volunteers of the Year
By Betty Cianci
During this period the Ferrys owned a candy emporium specializing in chocolates. Mary raised additional money by making candy, baking dozens of cookies, pies, and her famous "pumpkin rolls." These profits were turned over to help the veterans.
At the request of Worcester County Commissioner Judy Boggs Jack became involved with the Worcester County Developmental Center. Currently he is on their board of directors. Jack had seen the dire needs of the Center for tables and chairs. Through financial help from a friend furniture was provided.
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11/14/2007
