3 Stoughton Women Named 2020 Commonwealth Heroines

STOUGHTON, MA — Three Stoughton women recently recognized as a 2020 Commonwealth Heroines: Peg Carbon, Selectwoman Debra Roberts and Teresa Tapper.

The annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration recognizes women from across the state who "perform unheralded acts daily that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live." State legislators are responsible for recommending women within their districts for the honor.

Here's a little about each heroine:

Peg Carbone

Carbone, nominated by State Sen. Walter Timilty, was recognized for her dedication in fighting hunger in Stoughton. In 2011, Carbone noticed that the town food pantries needed help getting donations, so she started volunteering. And then in December of that year, she took out an ad in a local paper to announce that she would pick up food donations and checks from residents who were unable to make their way to St. Anthony's Free Market. As a result, the donations started to pour in, Timilty said.

"People were so moved and inspired by her selflessness that the number of volunteers at the pantry increased as well," Timilty said. "For nearly a decade, she has spent her Thursdays driving around in her own car to help feed those who are in need. Peg once said, 'In this world of plenty, a child should not be going hungry.'"

Debra Roberts

Roberts, nominated by State Rep. Louis Kafka, was recognized for trying to make Stoughton a more inclusive community.

"Along with her colleague Teresa Tapper, Debra has done a phenomenal job in building the Stoughton Diversity & Inclusion Organization in a very short time," Kafka said. "Recognizing that Stoughton had a need for this type of community group, Deb leaped in with both feet to plan, raise awareness, and become heavily involved in town wide events, most recently the celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her commitment and hard work to build a more inclusive Stoughton truly makes her a Commonwealth Heroine."

Teresa Tapper

Tapper, nominated by State Rep. William Galvin, was recognized for supporting diversity in Stoughton and the mental health of its residents.

Tapper serves as the clerk for the Stoughton Diversity and Inclusion Organization and has worked with the Stoughton farmers market, community garden initiative, and OASIS (Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton). Tapper has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked at the Stoughton Youth Commission since 2006.

Her prior experience includes work as a rape crisis and domestic violence counselor, specialized foster care and adoption, and community-based counseling.