PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
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 Peninsula Daily News invites readers to make nominations for the 2004 Jefferson County Community Service Awards, created to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and accomplishments of local people who do extraordinary things for their neighbors, their community or the environment.
“These awards give us an 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.
“They are the backbone of the community — busy people who always seem to be able to make time to offer a hand or a shoulder.
“And they may be people whose names many residents don’t know.
“They don’t give to our communities because they expect either reward or recognition.”
These 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.
They create a playground for special needs children, start a youth sailing class, found a cancer survivor support group, volunteer in health and education programs on Indian reservations and were instrumental in the creation of teen activity centers.
How to nominate
* Nominations should be made using the coupon published in the PDN and must be returned to the Peninsula Daily News by not later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11.
* A letter describing the merits and accomplishments of the person being nominated should be submitted with the coupon.
* 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.
A panel of judges will review the nominations and select one to six persons to receive a Community Service Award at a luncheon in March or April.
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 voice mail).
Or e-mail Brewer at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com
PDN’s commitment
“One of our personal joys is recognizing individuals and groups that enrich our communities,” said Brewer.
“We do this through news stories and features — chronicling events from Quilcene and Brinnon to Port Townsend — and through programs like the Jefferson County Community Service Awards.
“We also help sponsor Centrum, the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, Jazz in the Olympics and other cultural events, youth award programs plus other agencies and volunteer groups.
“This year’s annual Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund raised a record-breaking $77,608 during the holidays to make life better for children, teens, families and the elderly in Jefferson County and across the North Olympic Peninsula.
(See story today, page C1.)
“In addition, this newspaper awards $25,000 each year to charitable, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
“We break the $25,000 into individual grants of $500 to $5,000, and a committee of PDN employees and members of the public awards the grants.”