As we prepare to give thanks this week, consider an act of gratitude for a colleague, a neighbor, or just someone you've admired from afar by nominating him or her for Flagstaff Citizen of the Year.

The Daily Sun has been sponsoring the award for more than four decades, and it now includes three categories: Man, Woman and Organization of the Year. The award recognizes someone who has made Flagstaff a better place in the past year as a volunteer, not in their line of work. It might be some person who's well-known — but maybe not. The same goes for a group. But when you've come up with a name or two, sit down and nominate them for Arizona Daily Sun Citizen of the Year and Organization of the Year. We've made the nomination process easier than ever this year: A simple e-mail to Publisher Don Rowley will suffice. Mail and faxes are OK, too, but please limit your nominating letters to one page. There's no application form to fill out. Nominators should simply say why they think a certain individual or group has made Flagstaff a better place to live because of their volunteer efforts. The full list of previous honorees is printed below to avoid repeat winners.

Nominations in all three categories will be accepted through the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, and winners will be announced in the newspaper at the turn of the new year. Judging will be done by a panel of previous winners and not by the Daily Sun.

Please limit yourself to a one-page letter, but feel free to include supporting documents and a list of references the committee may contact. No nominations will be accepted after Nov. 28.

How to nominate:

Nominations can be mailed to the Daily Sun at 1751 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 or dropped off at the newspaper's office, care of the publisher, Don Rowley. The e-mail address is drowley@azdailysun.com. The fax number is 774-4790, and faxed nominations will be accepted. For more information, please call Publisher Don Rowley at 556-2240.

CITIZENS OF THE YEAR

Pam Turner and Bill Packard, 2008; Molly Munger and Dr. Richard Haag, 2007; Sister Elizabeth Carey and Dr. John Caskey, 2006; Susie Garretson and LaVelle McCoy, 2005; Stephanie Rust and Mike Cromer, 2004; Marj McClanahan, Jim Driscoll and Chris Bavasi, 2003; Jan Newton and Danny Neal, 2002; Patricia Hecht, Patrick Nackard and David McKay, 2001; Julianne Hartzell and Jim Dykes, 2000; Catharine B. Adel and Bill Williams, 1999; Florence Karlstrom and Dr. Walt Taylor, 1998; Hazel Robinson and Joe Donaldson, 1997; Barbara Cline and Paul Sweitzer, 1996; Lee Harsh and Douglas Jackson, 1995; Kay McKay and George McCullough, 1994; David Vaselaar and Peg Hebets, 1993; Jack Duffy and Doris Harper White, 1992.

Also, Judy Feldstein and Pastor Harry Benson, 1991; Harold Weller and Nina Poore, 1990; Katherin Chase and John Montfort, 1989; Eugene M. Hughes and Barbara Conley, 1988; Dr. William Gaylord and Nancy Warden, 1987; Pat B. Curry and Nancye Setser, 1986; Marshall Knoles and Lorraine Curry, 1985; Anne Tinsley and Manuel D. DeMiguel, 1984; Frances B. McAllister and Dr. J. Otto Berg, 1983; Helen Earnshaw and David D. Chase, 1982; Rayma Babbitt Sharber and John J. Gisi, 1981; Phyllis Manning and Dr. Frank Besnette, 1980.

Others include Billie Williams Yost and the Rev. William Denlinger, 1979; Robert Blaser, 1978; Henry Giclas and Robert Nauman, 1977; Platt Cline, 1976; Agnes Allen and John W. Stilley, 1975; H. Stuart Houston and Virginia Downum, 1974; Ralph Bilby, 1973; Dr. Garland Wood, 1972; Bernice Giclas and Sturgeon Cromer, 1971; Harry Brown, 1970.

Other previous winners are Dr. Minnie Roseberry, 1969; State Sen. T.M. Knoles Jr. and Douglas Wall, 1968; Mayor Rollin Wheeler, 1967; J. Lawrence Walkup, 1966; Viola Babbitt, 1965; Ethel Sechrist and John G. Babbitt, 1964; No recipient, 1963; H.V. Emblen and Ione McCauley, 1962; and Walter Bennett, 1961.

ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

Raymond Educational Foundation, 2008; Flagstaff Community Foundation, 2007; Court-Appointed Special Advocates, 2006; Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, 2005; The PEACE Project, 2004;Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth, 2003; Northern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, 2002; Theatrikos, 2001; Toys for Tots, 2000; Museum of Northern Arizona, 1999; Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1998; Victim/Witness Services of Coconino County, 1997; The American Red Cross, 1996; Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County, 1995; Northland Family Help Center, 1994; Flagstaff Family Food Center, 1993; Northland Hospice, 1992; The American Legion and Legion Auxiliary, 1991; The Flagstaff Sunrise Lions, 1990; The Flagstaff Elks Lodge, 1989; Soroptimists Club of Flagstaff, 1988;

Also, Flagstaff's Sheriff's Posse, 1987; No winner in 1986; Flagstaff Exchange Club, 1985; Assistance League of Flagstaff, 1984; Big Brothers of Flagstaff and Big Sisters of Northern Arizona, 1983; Pilot Club of Flagstaff, Inc., 1982; Flagstaff Corps, Salvation Army, 1981; Borad of Directors, Flagstaff Symphony, 1980; Flagstaff Civitans, 1979; United Way of Flagstaff, 1978; Sunshine Rescue Mission, 1977; Flagstaff Hospital Auxiliary, 1976; and Coconino County Search and Rescue, 1975.