LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The first list of nominees for this year's of Stars of Lake County Award nominees has been released.

The deadline for nominations for the 15th annual Stars of Lake County Community Awards is Friday, April 13.

Nomination forms are available on line at www.lakecochamber.com , just click on the Stars of Lake County banner on the home page; or you can just phone the Lake County Chamber at 707-263-5092 and they will email or fax you a form.

Melissa Fulton, chamber chief executive officer, urges community members not to let worthy nominees go unrecognized because you didn’t put in the nomination.

“We know there are many worthwhile persons, organizations and businesses that are working for our communities, not because they have to, but because they want to,” said Fulton. “Those entities deserve the recognition that Stars of Lake County nominations afford. Even more important is the work they do may encourage others in Lake County to pitch in and do the same.”

Open categories currently: Student of the Year (Male and Female); Youth Advocate of the Year – Volunteer; Agriculture Award; Environmental Award; New Business of the Year; Arts Award – Amateur and Professional.  Categories with one nominee only: Humanitarian; Senior; Volunteer; Youth Advocate – Professional; Organization – Nonprofit and Volunteer; Large Business; Lifetime Achievement.

Nominations may be made by anyone. In the case of the students, those may be made by counselors, teachers, parents, etc.

Take time to think about the people, organizations and businesses who give of themselves to better our communities and be help us provide them the recognition they deserve.

Tickets for Stars of Lake County being held at PSI Seminars on May 6 go on sale soon. For more information, contact the Chamber at 707-263-5092.

The current list of nominees is below.

STARS OF LAKE COUNTY NOMINEES

Marla Ruzicka Humanitarian of the Year
1. Dr. Paula Dhanda, Kelseyville

Senior of the Year
1. Janet Taylor, Lakeport

Volunteer of the Year
1. Edward McDonald, Lakeport

Youth Advocate of the Year-Professional
1. Patty Chandler, Lakeport

Organization of the Year-Nonprofit (has paid staff)
1. Hospice Services of Lake County, Lakeport

Organization of the Year-Volunteer (all volunteer staff)
1. Any Positive Change, Lower Lake

Small Business of the Year
1. Tatonka Trading & Mini Golf, Clearlake
2. Here for the Holidays/Accents on the Lake, Kelseyville

Large Business of the Year
1. Mendo Mill Home Center & Lumber Co., Lakeport

Best Idea of the Year
1. Window Treatments for Vacant Storefronts, All Around Lake County
2. Funtown at Lakeside Family Fun Center, Lakeport

Local Hero of the Year
1. Amy Zingone, Clearlake Oaks
2. Gabriel Lopez, Hidden Valley Lake

Woman of the Year
1. Susan Cannon, DVM, Lakeport
2. Linda Burton, Clearlake

Man of the Year
1. Charles Davis, Clearlake
2. Gary Dickson, Lakeport
3. Joey Luiz, Clearlake

Lifetime Achievement
1. Griffie Ratterree, Clearlake