Nominations for the Spirit of the Vineyard Award are open. The award, presented 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 includes 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.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard sponsors the community award, and like many other organizations on the Island, Hospice relies on dedicated volunteers. Past recipients are 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. Emily Bramhall and Greg Orcutt.

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