It is that time of year, when we need to look around and notice those rays of sunshine, those worker bees, those gentle souls – yes, Duxbury volunteers. 

The 17th annual Duxbury Community Volunteer Award recognition event is underway. The event started in 1995 by the Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group as a way to give back to the community by providing a forum for recognizing the important role volunteers play in a community. it has been a wonderful tradition for the community of Duxbury to recognize citizens who commit their time and talent to make our town and its organizations a better place to live. Our volunteers show their devotion to civic causes, environmental issues, youth programs, historical endeavors and more. Volunteers touch so many aspects of our lives here in Duxbury. If it were not for the passion and devotion of so many town volunteers, many initiatives would never have been started and so many programs would not be as successful as they are.  

Please consider nominating a volunteer. You don't have to look far to see a neighbor, friend, or fellow committee member to find one. The Duxbury Community Volunteer event is a chance to recognize members of our community whoa re passionate about their work. Volunteers usually don't expect a "thank you," but this is our chance as a community to recognize the myriad people who make our schools, youth groups, civic boards and so much more a remarkable community to live in and to improve.  

Nominees will be honored at an awards banquet in May. Nominees need to be Duxbury residents and their volunteer contributions should benefit the town of Duxbury. Nomination forms can be found on the Duxbury Clipper Web site, Senior Center Web site and The Village of Duxbury  Web site. Forms are also available at the Senior Center, Town Hall, Duxbury Library, The Village at Duxbury and Westwinds Bookshop. Can't find a form? Send in your own letter with your name, address and phone, along with your nominee's name, address and phone and information regarding how your nominee's volunteer contributions have impacted the community and why you think your nominee should be recognized. Nomination forms can be mailed to: Maureen Crowley at The Village at Duxbury, 290 Kings Town Way, Duxbury. Questions, please contact: Maureen Crowley at 781-585-2334 or by email at mcrowley@villageatduxbury.com or by fax: 781-582-2274.