We invite all our readers to nominate people who have made a difference through community service for the annual Daily Hampshire Gazette Person of the Year award and a new Young Community Leader award.
Nominations are due by Feb. 28 and will be reviewed by a committee representing community members, the Gazette and its partner, United Way of Hampshire County. The winners will be announced March 7.
This is the third time that a Person of the Year will be named. Nominees must be Hampshire County residents who have shown “a profound commitment to selflessly helping others.” Jack Finn, who founded A2Z Science and Learning Store in Northampton, was honored in 2015, and Yvonne Freccero, past president of Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, was last year’s recipient.
This year, a second award was added to honor volunteerism by community leaders between the ages of 15 and 30 who live in Hampshire County. “There just seems to be some good work being done by young people — from high school students to young professionals,” said Michael Rifanburg, publisher of the Gazette.
Nominations can be mailed to 115 Conz St., Northampton, MA 01060, using a form published in the Gazette; emailed to nominations@gazettenet.com; or completed online using a form available at www.gazettenet.com.