BANGOR – Ilze Petersons received the first Hands of Peace award from the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine.

Petersons has been program coordinator for the center, and contributes dozens of volunteer hours each month. She received the award during the recent “Just Desserts!” event.

Petersons and partner Doug Allen have long been active in the anti-war movement.

Petersons coordinated the Social Issues Education Project, which produced a documentary about working conditions in the Maine woods; has helped low-income Mainers find decent housing; and helped displaced homemakers turn their lives around and find employment.

In 2000, Peace Action Maine honored Petersons with the Seeds of Peace award, that group’s highest honor.