Azra Haqqie is reporting for the Times Union nominations are now being accepted for the Jefferson Award for public service. The prizes has been given since 1972, honoring ordinary local people who do extraordinary things for others in the community. For the past 15 years, the Times Union, St. Peter's Health Partners and WNYT have worked together to honor volunteers in the Capital Region. Past honorees have given countless hours to improve the lives of refugees, taught educators about LGBT, volunteered during disasters, advocated for Alzheimer's patients, organized trips for children of color to learn about their heritage, established an arts venue, helped with substance use disorders, supported people who have experienced sexual assault, created awareness of domestic assault, worked to improve their neighborhoods and have helped veterans. Finalists are celebrated in the spring and then one person is then selected to represent the region at the national Jefferson Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in June. The deadline for nominations is February 23. Information is available at 518-454-5792. Read more in the Times Union.