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 2016 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 11th 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.
Nominations must be made using the accompanying coupon and must be submitted to the PDN’s Jefferson County office, 1939 E. Sims Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, by 5 p.m. Monday, March 21.
A letter describing the merits and accomplishments of the person being nominated must be included with the coupon.
This letter 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 additional letters of support.
Individuals, clubs, churches, businesses or other organizations can 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 2016 award.
But those previously nominated but not selected for a Heart of Service are eligible for renomination.
A panel of judges will review the nominations and select one to six people to receive a Heart of Service at a luncheon at Fort Worden Commons on Tuesday, May 10.
If you have any questions about the program, please phone Terry Ward, PDN publisher, at his direct number, 360-417-3500 (if he’s not in, there’s 24/7 voice mail).
Or email him at tward@peninsuladailynews.com.
2015 honorees
Six Heart of Service awards were given in 2015. They were presented to:
■ Paul Becker, a man who has conquered many obstacles to keep the Humane Society of Jefferson County running smoothly.
■ Helen and Ken Brink, the indispensable couple known for getting projects done for the Kiwanis and Elks clubs.
■ Karen Jensen, the thoughtful force behind the “Backpack for Kids” nutrition program of Jefferson County. She is also an AARP tax aide.
■ Ruth Merryman, who gives her heart to mentor Habitat for Humanity homeowners and women of the Working Image clothing bank.
■ Bonnie Story, an inspirational volunteer who has promoted several South Jefferson County charities and organizations with her Internet know-how and get-it-done attitude.
■ Kim Wilcox, the visionary of free meals for everyone at the Irondale Church Community Soup Suppers in Port Hadlock.
■ The late Christopher Martin, credited with ushering the Chimacum School District into the age of technology and providing essential tech support for the Port Townsend Film Festival.
■ The late Nik Worden, tireless volunteer with the Peninsula Trails Coalition in the continued development of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail and the Olympic Discovery Trail and insightful contributor to other nonprofits.
2014 recipients
In 2014, judges selected six recipients.
■ 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 keeps 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.
Other recipients
■ 2013 — “The Three Amigos”: Don Bolen, Ernie Jaap and Fred Spann; Cass and Tom Brotherton; Jim “Kiwi” Ferris and the late Charlie Moore; Linda Kostenbader; Christopher Pieper; and Seth Rolland.
■ 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.