Nominations are now being accepted for the 2005 Governor's Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

This marks the 27th anniversary of the program that showcases North Carolina's most dedicated residents. Through the years, North Carolinians have proven their concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local communities. Last year 347 awards were presented to recipients statewide.

Each county may select five individuals, businesses, and/or groups to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. A local committee evaluates the nominations.

The service categories are:

* Arts and Culture - art, music, theater, dance, historical preservation, museums;

* Education/Literacy - improving knowledge and skills by teaching, mentoring or tutoring;

* Environment - litter education, recycling, and conservation;

* Health - medical/nursing care, health or disease prevention/advocacy;

* Public Safety - crime prevention, fire protection/rescue or disaster relief;

* Social Services - family services, shelters, counseling, referral or legal services; and

* Special Events - recruiting, training or coordinating volunteers for a major event.

Nomination forms are available in Bladen County at the local office of Cooperative Extension located in the Powell-Melvin Agricultural Service Center on 450 Smith Circle Drive in Elizabethtown.

Completed forms should be returned to Brenda Gooden, County Extension secretary, P.O. Box 249, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 postmarked no later than Friday, April 29.

The state awards will be officially presented at regional ceremonies to be held later this year.

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