The deadline is fast approaching for nominations for the 2021 Clallam County Community Service Award.
This past year, the extraordinary stresses put on every aspect of life by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to members of our community stepping up to help their neighbors.
The award presented by the Soroptimist International of Port Angeles-Noon Club and the Peninsula Daily News is a way to see their accomplishments recognized.
Nominations for the 42nd edition of the awards must be made using the accompanying coupon and must be submitted to the PDN — or made online using the coupon at www.peninsuladaily news.com/community-service-award — by 5 p.m. this coming Tuesday.
A letter describing the merits and accomplishments of the person being nominated must be included with the coupon.
The nomination should include supporting documents, such as copies (not originals) of other awards, newspaper articles or letters of support.
Anyone who lives in Clallam County can be nominated. Recipients of the Community Service Award in the past are not eligible for a 2021 award. But those previously nominated but not selected for a Community Service Award are eligible for renomination.
A panel of judges will review the nominations and select one to seven people to receive a Community Service Award at an evening reception in Port Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 21.
Past recipients of the Community Service Award have organized community efforts to clean up waterways, served as literacy tutors, raised money for the disabled, protected animals, organized food programs for the hungry, aided crime victims and their families, founded a cancer survivor support group, built a playground for special-needs children and were instrumental in the creation of teen activity centers.
“Each year the award recipients are recognized for their positive impact on this wonderful community they call home,” said Terry Ward, Peninsula Daily News publisher.
“Our hope for these awards is to draw attention to their contributions in making Clallam County better, and in the process, hopefully, inspire a new generation of community volunteers.”
If you have any questions about the program, please phone Ward at his direct number, 360-417-3500 (if he’s not in, leave a voicemail), or email Ward at tward@peninsuladailynews.com.
2020 honorees
Jayson Grice — A longtime community volunteer, he has been instrumental in a variety of Nor’Wester Rotary projects such as the Skate Park and the restoration of downtown Port Angeles murals.
Gary Gleason — Gleason has served on the Clallam County Planning Commission, the Discovery Trails Advisory Board, CCH Individualized Support Services, the Clallam County School Retirees’ Association (CCSRA) and the Washington State School Retirees’ Association.
Donald McIntyre — Better known on the North Olympic Peninsula as Santa Claus, he has volunteered for the role for some 50 years, 15 of them as a Toys for Tots goodwill ambassador.
Tim Tucker — A longtime volunteer, he is especially known for his work on sporting events.
Cherie Kidd — A three-term Port Angeles City Council member and former mayor, Kidd is a longtime volunteer and organizer who has left her mark on the city of Port Angeles.
River Jensen — The honoree in the Youth Category, she has amassed donations and created Christmas bags for those in need since she was 10.
