Nominations for the Spirit of The Vineyard Award are open. The award is given annually and honors those who have served for one or more non-profit organizations on the Island, and whose work has made a difference to individuals and to the community as a whole, according to a press release. “The criteria for selection include selflessness, the range and depth of service performed, the length of volunteer service and the effect on the quality of life of the individuals who received help and for the Island community as a whole.”
Vineyard Village at Home, award sponsor, relies on dedicated volunteers. “We appreciate them, and we appreciate the work of volunteers for other organizations,” coordinator Polly Brown said. “Such caring neighborly assistance enriches the lives of us all.”
Past recipients include Jack Ware, Estelle Surprenant, Ron Rappaport, Possible Dreams Auction Committees past and present, Nellie Mendenhall, Kerry Alley, Dorothy Bangs, Judy Williamson, the MV Harley Riders, Polly Brown, Melinda Loberg, Denys and Marilyn Wortman. Emily Bramhall, Greg Orcutt, Margot Weston and John Early.
Nominations can be emailed to pollybrown@verizon.net or sent to Spirit of the Vineyard, PO Box 1356, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Nominations will close on September 29.
