NOW IS THE time to nominate your local hero.

We are looking for people who make a difference in Jefferson County, individuals who have made our communities a better place.

The three Rotary Clubs in Jefferson County and the Peninsula Daily News invite nominations for the 2013 Jefferson County Heart of Service Award.

The Heart of Service recognizes the dedication, sacrifice and accomplishments of local people who do extraordinary things for their neighbors, their community or the environment.

The award — now in its eighth year — is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Port Townsend (noon club), the Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club, the East Jefferson Rotary Club and the PDN.

“This award gives us the opportunity to highlight the good works of ordinary people in Jefferson County who unselfishly give their time and energy to help others,” said John Brewer, PDN editor and publisher.

“These build community. They are truly local heroes, working to make life here stronger, tighter, happier, richer.”

How to nominate

■ Nominations should be made using the accompanying coupon and must be returned to the Peninsula Daily News’s Port Townsend office — it is located at 1939 E. Sims Way — by 5 p.m. Monday, March 25.

■ A letter describing the merits and accomplishments of the person being nominated should be submitted with the coupon.

It should cite examples of the individual’s special dedication, sacrifices and significant accomplishments in community service.

■ If possible, the nomination should include supporting documents, such as copies (not originals) of other awards, newspaper articles or letters of support.

■ Individuals, clubs, churches, businesses or other organizations may nominate.

But only individuals, not organizations, can be nominees.

■ Anyone who lives in Jefferson County can be nominated.

Recipients of the Heart of Service Award in the past are not eligible for a 2013 award.

But those previously nominated but not selected for a Heart of Service Award are eligible for renomination.

A panel of judges will review the nominations and select one to six people to receive a Heart of Service Award at a luncheon in May.

The recipients receive framed award certificates and heart-shaped medals designed by Steve Rafoth, past president of the Rotary noon club and president and CEO of Enclume Design Products in Port Hadlock.

If you have any questions about the program, please phone Brewer at his direct number, 360-417-3500 (if he’s not in, there’s 24/7 voice mail).

Or email Brewer at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.

2012 honorees

Last year, judges selected three individuals and two couples from more than two dozen nominations made by individuals, clubs, churches, businesses and other organizations:

■ Judith Alexander of Port Townsend for her leadership in many environmental and community sustainability efforts, including Local 20/20, Citizens for Local Food and the Food Resiliency Action Group.

■ Melanie and Steve Bozak, a husband-and-wife duo that has been a driving force behind the Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival. The couple also have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to the Jefferson County community through the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club.

■ Bob and Winona Prill of Quilcene, cited in nomination letters for their “goodness and generosity” and “patient and quiet leadership” with the Quilcene Food Bank, Quilcene Historical Museum, Quilcene Community Center, Quilcene Garden Club, Quilcene Fair and Parade Association, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County and many other organizations.

■ Anne Schneider of Port Townsend, whose “insight, vision, analytical skills, ability to organize procedures and skill in working harmoniously with others are what make her a true change agent” with nonprofits ranging from the Centrum board of directors and the Port Townsend chapter of the American Association of University Women to Working Image, the Northwest Maritime Center and other groups.

■ Bill Wise, visionary co-founder and chairman of EDC Team Jefferson, the county’s public-private economic development organization.

Other honorees

Receiving the 2011 Heart of Service:

■ Nora Porter of Port Townsend for vast and tireless public service in Jefferson County. (Six months after receiving the award, Porter died of lung cancer at the age of 75.)

■ Joe Carey, hands-on commander of American Legion Post 29 in Port Townsend.

He was a leader of efforts (and repairs) that allowed the legion building to be used as a winter homeless shelter and by the JC MASH free medical clinic.

He also led a campaign that resulted in construction of the new Scout House in American Legion Park.

■ Deborah Stinson of Port Townsend, the driving force behind many environmental and community sustainability efforts through several local groups. (She is now an elected member of the Port Townsend City Council.)

■ Myron Vogt of Port Ludlow, one of the founders of the Boeing Bluebills, a retiree group composed of former Boeing workers known for their community work, especially on behalf of the elderly and disabled. Vogt also works with other groups to serve those in need.

■ 2010 — Shirley Moss, Gay Eisenberger, Mike Blair and Margaret Matheson.

■ 2009 — Robert Rosen, Janet Emery, Dr. James Rotchford, Larry Robinson and Wayne Chimenti.

■ 2008 — Candy Johnston, Virgil Porter, Sue and Bill McIntire, Helen Kullman and Alison Capener.

■ 2007 — Linda Ferris, Kim Hammers, Dyrk Lansdon, Martina Richard and Dr. John Barrett.

■ 2006 — Andy Mackie, Peggy Schafran, Bruce Marston and Pat and Ralph Williams.