Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is asking for nominations for the Spirit of the Vineyard Award. This award, given annually, honors those who have served for one or more nonprofit organizations on the Island, and whose work has made a difference to individuals and to the community as a whole. 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.

The sponsor of this award, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, is a free, community supported program whose mission is to meet the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all who are facing advanced illness and loss, and to give them hope, comfort and compassion. Like many other organizations on the Island, Hospice relies on its dedicated volunteers. Such caring, neighborly assistance enriches the lives of us all.

Past recipients include Jack Ware, Estelle Surprenant, Ron Rappaport, the 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, and Emily Bramhall.

Nominations can be e-mailed to pollybrown@verizon.net or sent to Spirit of the Vineyard, P.O. Box 1356, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.