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 2015 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 10th 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 must be made using the accompanying coupon and must be submitted to the Peninsula Daily News’ Jefferson County office, 1939 E. Sims Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, by 5 p.m. Monday, March 23.

■ A letter describing the merits and accomplishments of the person being nominated must be included 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 in the past are not eligible for a 2015 award.

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

What happens

A panel of judges will review the nominations and select one to six people to receive a Heart of Service at a luncheon May 12.

The recipients receive framed award certificates and heart-shaped medals designed by Steve Rafoth, past president of the Rotary noon club and former 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.

2014 honorees

In 2014, judges selected six recipients from 19 nominations made by individuals, clubs, churches, businesses and other organizations:

■ Carol Christiansen and her late husband, Jim. They made themselves indispensable to the Quilcene Historical Museum, Linger Longer Stage project, Quilcene Community Center, Quilcene/Brinnon Garden Club and other South County groups through thousands of hours of volunteer work.

■ Karen Ciccarone, a retired nurse and Port Hadlock resident whose organizational skills and passion for community service benefited the Port Townsend Boiler Room, JC MASH, YMCA Building Futures and NAMI.

■ Virginia Johnson, DVM, who shared her talents, energy and passion for animals with Olympic Mountain Pet Pals, Humane Society of Jefferson County, Peninsula Friends of Animals, Rescue Every Dog and Welfare for Animals Guild.

■ Fred Kimball, a skilled builder who donated time and energy to benefit the community through Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Home Builders Association.

■ Vince Verneuil, a dedicated and motivated volunteer who portrayed Santa Claus at Christmas events every year and kept the holiday spirit alive all year through work with the Vincent de Paul Society in Port Townsend, East Jefferson Rotary Club and Port Townsend Yacht Club.

2013 recipients

2013’s honorees comprised the largest recipient group in the Heart of Service’s history — and the first time one of the awards was presented posthumously:

■ “The Three Amigos”: Don Bolen, Ernie Jaap and Fred Spann.

A telecommunications business executive, an airline pilot and a rocket scientist, all retired, they quietly and unassumingly made themselves indispensable at Dove House Advocacy Services in Port Townsend through hundreds of hours of volunteer work and by forming positive relationships with Dove House’s clients.

■ Cass and Tom Brotherton, a couple with their hands elbow-deep in everything Quilcene who, since moving to the close-knit community eight years ago, worked unflinchingly to improve their adopted home.

■ Jim “Kiwi” Ferris and the late Charlie Moore, Port Townsend business owners with boat-building in their blood and community service in their hearts who spent years donating their time and energy to fundraising and nonprofit efforts.

■ Linda Kostenbader, a longtime member of the East Jefferson Rotary Club who shared her talents, energy and passion for community service with the student members of Chimacum High School’s Rotary Interact Club.

■ Christopher Pieper, who, as a dedicated and motivated Chimacum High School senior, devoted much of himself to community service.

■ Seth Rolland, a local food advocate whose organizational skills helped secure sustainable sources of fresh fruit for both Port Townsend students and the city’s food bank.

Other recipients

■ 2012 — Judith Alexander, Melanie and Steve Bozak, Bob and Winona Prill, Anne Schneider and Bill Wise.

■ 2011 — Nora Porter, Joe Carey, Deborah Stinson and Myron Vogt.

■ 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.