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 2017 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. There are two categories for nominations, youth and adult.
The award — now in its 12th 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 Terry Ward, PDN publisher.
“These build community. They are truly local heroes, working to make life here better.”
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, or online at www. peninsuladailynews.com/heart-service-nomination by 5 p.m. Monday, March 20.
• 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 2017 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 award at a luncheon Tuesday, May 16.
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 voice mail).
Or email Ward at tward@peninsuladailynews.com.
2016 honorees
Youth:
• Ben Rolland, a Port Townsend High School senior who co-founded the Port Townsend Youth Entertainment Coalition, a 4-H/WSU-chartered club aimed at providing safe and drug-free activities for young people.
• Olivia Ejde, a Chimacum High School senior whose volunteer work has encompassed everything from bringing holiday cheer to assisted living community residents and raising funds through the school’s Interact Club to serving on the 4-H Robotics Team, the Roboctopi, which has received national attention.
Adult:
• Elma Beary, Chimacum School’s indefatigable volunteer who, nominators say, is “the heart of our school.”
• Helen Cleveland, longtime volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity Furniture and More Store, the Port Townsend Film Festival, Centrum and the Port Townsend Visitor Center.
• Linda Herzog, who established Quilcene Conversations, which led to a number of improvements in her adopted hometown, and who continues to work for a better, safer community.
• Bill Putney, who provides engineering and technical expertise to many organizations, including volunteering as the project manager for installation of an automated weather station for Jefferson County International Airport.
• Bruce Starr, who is in his 12th year of volunteering for the Gatheringplace, a private nonprofit that offers enrichment programs for adults with disabilities, and who had provided services to the Tri-Area Food Bank Association for 27 years.
