By Molly Oleson
The time has come for the Pacific Sun to put a call out for nominations for Heroes of Marin, our annual recognition of those who shine throughout the county—and beyond—in eight different areas (listed below), that range from Arts and Culture, to Environmental Stewardship to Innovation and Lifetime Achievement.
It’s an honor for us to spearhead an effort that champions Marin residents who are working passionately in their fields to make the county, and the world, a better place to live. Whether they are helping kids after school with art projects, saving marshes from development or delivering meals to the needy, our heroes usually have this in common: They care deeply about their work and they inspire those around them to achieve greatness as well.
From now until January 6, 2016, you, our loyal readers, can vote for who you think would make the county’s best heroes. Following the nomination process, a committee of community members will select the winners in each of the eight categories. And later in February, we’ll publish a commemorative Heroes of Marin issue that celebrates the winners and their work.
Take a look at last year’s heroes (below), and think about who you admire who might embody the qualities of a true hero. To nominate someone, go to our Heroes of Marin 2016 ballot and describe how your hero excels at what they do. We look forward to crowning Marin’s new Heroes in February of 2016.
Heroes of Marin Categories
Arts and Culture For achievements or contributions within the area of arts and culture.
Community Spirit For selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions that have enriched or improved the quality of life for the local community.
Courage For an act of bravery or for determination and strength of character to triumph over adversity.
Environmental Stewardship An individual who has shown, through their work, a deep commitment to the environment.
Innovation A person who introduces or applies innovative ideas or programs to enhance the community.
Rising Star An individual between the ages of 10 and 18 whose outstanding volunteer services directly benefit Marin citizens. He or she serves as a community mentor and demonstrates random acts of kindness.
Role Model A person who displays common sense, compassion and wisdom while teaching, coaching and mentoring others with a vision for people to strive to be the best that they can be.
Lifetime Achievement Award A person who has dedicated all, or part, of his or her career to bettering Marin and the lives of its residents.
2014-15 Heroes of Marin Revisited
Arts & Culture: Lucy Mercer Lucy Mercer, founder and executive director of the Throckmorton Theatre, won in this category for her dedication to bringing theater arts to Marin, and cultivating a vital piece of the artistic community.
Community Spirit: Madeline Hope Madeline Hope, artist, educator and administrator, won in this category for her work with the Tomales Bay Youth Center, Gallery Route One and the West Marin Coalition for Healthy Kids, among other organizations.
Courage: Matt Tasley Matt Tasley, former Buckelew client and accomplished artist, won in this category for overcoming alcoholism and pursuing his dreams.
Environmental Stewardship: Barbara Salzman Barbara Salzman, president of the Marin Audubon Society and founder of the Marin Baylands Advocates, won in this category for her work to acquire, protect and restore wetlands in Marin.
Innovation: Marv Zauderer Marv Zauderer, founder of ExtraFood, won in this category for his work to help end hunger in Marin by rescuing wasted food and delivering it to those in need.
Rising Star: Tyler Barbee Tyler Barbee, founder of a Marin Challenger baseball league, won in this category for work that led to the formation of the nonprofit Project Awareness and Special Sports (PASS), a program that advocates for the inclusion of the special needs community in sports.
Role Model: Emily Sims Emily Sims, founder of West Marin Advocacy, won in this category for her work behind the Marin County Human Trafficking Task Force.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Heidi Kuhn Heidi Kuhn, founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, won in this category for work that has led her around the world to replace landmines with vineyards.
