Nominations due Sept. 7
Interesting times make interesting heroes, and few times in recent memory have been as interesting as the COVID-19 pandemic.
So tell the world about your community heroes by nominating those who have helped their neighbors through selfless acts of service for the 2021 Clallam County Community Service Award.
“COVID-19 created a lot of challenges in our community, and there have been many local heroes who stepped up their service to the community to make Clallam County a better place to live, work, and thrive,” said Terry Ward, Peninsula Daily News publisher.
“Now is the time to nominate these individuals to give them the recognition they deserve.”
The award presented by the Soroptimist International of Port Angeles-Noon Club and the Peninsula Daily News recognizes the dedication, sacrifice and accomplishments of local people who do extraordinary things for their neighbors, their community or the environment.
Over the past year, people in our communities have responded to a lockdown and the threat of an unknown and potentially deadly infection by making face masks, delivering food, providing vaccines and finding many way to help children, seniors and all adults survive or even thrive.
“Clallam County is one of the most giving communities in the country,” Ward said. “Some people give their financial resources, and many give their time through service.
“The Clallam County Community Service Awards are designed to honor those amazing people and their ongoing commitment to the community. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate their outstanding accomplishments.
This is the 42nd year for the award, begun by the PDN and now co-sponsored by the Soroptimist noon club.
Nominations must be made using the accompanying coupon and must be submitted to the PDN by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7. Or a nomination can be made using the coupon at https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/community-service-award/.
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,” Ward said.
“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 voice mail), 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 good will 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.
Past West End recipients
Edna Leppell, Cheri Tinker, Jaye Moore, Sharon Fox, Manuela Velasquez, Pat Soderlind, Betty Soderlind, Ginger Haberman, Sue Shane, Dave Robinson, Barbara Kelso, and Dorothy Hegg. Since 1980 over 150 residents have been recognized for their contributions to their communities and Clallam county.
