NOW IS THE time to nominate your local hero. The deadline is today at 5 p.m.
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 Peninsula Daily News invite nominations for the 2011 Jefferson County Heart of Service Award.
The Heart of Service was created to recognize 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 sixth year — is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Port Townsend (noon club), 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 are truly local heroes, working to make community life stronger, tighter, happier, richer.”
Such individuals clean up waterways, serve as literacy tutors, raise money for disabled people, protect animals, organize food programs for the hungry and aid crime victims and their families.
How to nominate
Nominations should be made using the accompanying coupon and must be returned to the Peninsula Daily News, 1939 E. Sims Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, by not later than 5 p.m. today, March 21.
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 2011 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 persons to receive a Heart of Service Award at a luncheon in May.
The recipients will 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 contact Brewer at his direct number, 360-417-3500 (if he’s not in, there’s 24/7 voice mail).
Or e-mail Brewer at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
2010 honorees
Last year, judges selected four recipients from nominations made by individuals, clubs, churches, businesses and other organizations.
Receiving the 2010 Heart of Service:
Shirley Moss, the hands-on assistant manager of the Port Townsend Food Bank.
Gay Eisenberger of Port Townsend, the driving force behind an innovative kindergarten phonics program at Chimacum Creek Primary School since 2006 and one of the founders of an educational consortium for the county.
Mike Blair, then the Chimacum School District superintendent and the leader of a coalition that won a ruling that the state of Washington is not fulfilling its constitutional duty to fully pay for basic public education.
Margaret Matheson of Port Hadlock, whose vast and tireless contributions — from her wheelchair — to the Chimacum-Irondale-Port Hadlock community stretch over 60 years.
2009 recipients
The 2009 Heart of Service recipients:
Robert Rosen, manager of the Quilcene Community Center, Meals on Wheels volunteer and mentor to South County youth.
Janet Emery, driving force behind numerous community events, including Port Townsend’s annual Kenetic Sculpture Race. She also helps oversee the Jefferson County Winter Shelter for the homeless.
Dr. James Rotchford, medical director and one of two physicians who treat patients at the JC MASH free medical clinic in Port Townsend.
Larry Robinson, volunteer firefighter, chairman of the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation District 1, manager of its Laurel B. Johnson Toandos Community Center and, with his wife, Pat, a leader of the Quilcene area food bank.
Wayne Chimenti, licensed master mariner and skipper of tall ships who teaches young men and women about the sea and led the Port Townsend Community Boat Project in which Chimacum and Port Townsend high school students built a 24-foot vessel.
More honorees
Other Community Service Award honorees:
2008 — Candy Johnston, teacher and stalwart community leader in Brinnon for the South Jefferson Little League, Brinnon Booster Club, Brinnon Loyalty Days and other groups; Virgil Porter of Port Hadlock, then in his 10th year of driving vans and coordinating van service for the Disabled American Veterans; Sue and Bill McIntire, tireless volunteers for the Jefferson County Fair Association; Helen Kullman, driving force and manager of the Port Townsend Food Bank; Alison Capener, outspoken advocate of homeless rights in Jefferson County and president of COAST, the organizing team behind the emergency winter shelter in Port Townsend.
2007 — Linda Ferris, “inspiration and guiding light” for the Gathering Place, a nonprofit organization that helps developmentally disabled adults; Kim Hammers, volunteer for St. Mary Star of the Sea Church and COAST; Dyrk Lansdon, community leader for United Good Neighbors and other groups and adviser to start-up businesses; Martina Richard, veteran counselor; Dr. John Barrett, activist since 1982 who also eliminated the use of mercury and other toxic metals in his dental practice.
2006 — Andy Mackie, Jefferson County’s “music man”; Peggy Schafran, organizer of free medical screenings in Port Ludlow; Bruce Marston, whose volunteer efforts encompass numerous groups; Pat and Ralph Williams, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.
