At UGN we know that volunteers are essential to the successful delivery of services that help to improve lies and build a stronger community! To honor the essential role that volunteers play for our nonprofits, UGN will present its 2016 Good Neighbor Award to an individual or group of volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to Jefferson County during the past year. The presentation of the award will be made during the Annual Day of Caring kick-off event at the Cotton Building on the morning of September 16.
2016 Good Neighbor Award Nomination form:
2016GoodNeighborAwardNomination
Please complete the nomination form and submit to: United Good Neighbors, 201 West Patison, Suite B, Port Hadlock, WA 98339, 0r e-mail to: emily@weareugn.org
Congratulations to the 2015 Good Neighbor Award Winners!
2015 Jefferson Award Winners: From Left to Right: Richard Nordberg, Judy Alexander and Sam Vierra, with Steve RaFoth, 2015 UGN Board Chair
Sam Vierra
Sam is a 17 year old, Quilcene High School student who has done extensive volunteer work related to fire safety at the Quilcene school district and in the community. Sam was recommended for the award by Dr. Gary Stebbins, Principal, Quilcene School District, and by Chief Carp, East Jefferson Fire District. Chief Carp reports that as a 17 year old Sam is too young to be a true member of the volunteer fire district. Instead he helps as needed. If he is in or around the station when they get a call he jumps on the vehicle and responds with the East Jefferson fire fighters. He assists with whatever is needed on the scene. On the barn fire we recently had on Zion View, Sam assisted our tender operator secure water (filling the tank). His assistance frees up fire district members to do other critical fire-fighting jobs. Dr. Stebbins said that Sam has also shared his fire safety and knowledge on many occasions with students in the Quilcene schools.
Rich Nordberg
Rich Nordberg who was nominated by Vicky Grauberger, of First Presbyterian Church, Port Townsend. Vicky reports that Rich goes above and beyond to help the less fortunate in our community. Rich has opened his own home to provide shelter and try to help people get back on their feet. Every Thursday at noon, year-round, Rich provides a free meal and conversation for anyone needing it at the Kah Tai Lagoon park. Recently a single mother and her four young children, all under age 5 came to town in an old motorhome that broke down alongside the road coming into Port Townsend late on a Friday night. With no money, and nowhere to stay Rich gladly went to the store to get the family food and towed the family off the road and worked with the family further to try to get them settled.
Judy Alexander,
Judy was nominated by Deborah Stinson, City Council member and member of Local 20/20. Deborah described the critical leadership role Judy plays in ensuring the sustainability of Local 20/20. At its 10 year mark, this constantly evolving organization was in need of re-energizing. Judy’s enthusiasm, vision and inclusiveness throughout the year garnered new recognition, new membership and renewed energy to ensure Local 20/20 is here for the long haul. She constantly keeps the big picture in mind and is always the one to discover or envision opportunities to move the mission forward. That usually takes form through strengthening relationships and forging new partnerships. Local 20/20 has been further strengthened by individuals now actively engaged due to Judy’s personal outreach and invitation. Her natural inclusiveness and ability to connect the dots has been instrumental in keeping Local 20/20 a viable and impactful community resource.