DAYTON - Every community has its dedicated core of volunteer workers.
Because of the manner in which they go about performing their good deeds, their diligence and commitment toward their chosen causes often go unrecognized.
The Dayton Regional Advisory Council, however, periodically honors nominated individuals deserving of special recognition for efforts beneficial to the community.
Judy Harris, a 14-year resident and consummate volunteer, was the council's most recent recipient of the Dayton Community Award.
Nominating her for the award, Bob Milz said, "Judy has always volunteered for the sake of others, and to benefit her fellow man, and her community. Since I have known Judy, quietly behind the scenes, she has been there to help others.
"She has been involved with Friends of the Library, and responsible in a large part for the final location, the design and fund raising for our Dayton Library."
Harris' many volunteer efforts include 10 years with the Dayton Kiwanis Club, including serving as secretary and treasurer and being honored as Kiwanian of the Year; assistance in the founding of the high school Key Club; active participation in the Dayton Historic Society; Dayton Valley Days from its inception 10 years ago; community pool committee; and Friends of the Dayton Valley Library organization.
She has also found time to be membership chairman of the Sierra Philharmonic League, a member of the Capital Community Concert Association and serve as an organist at the Dayton Baptist Church.
In 1998, Harris was presented the Utility Shareholders Association of Nevada Good Neighbor Award.
At that time, Shareholder Association President Don Peckham said, "It is hard to imagine anyone who's better qualified to receive our good neighbor award than Judy."
Receiving her community award at the January advisory council meeting, Harris said, "Everything I do, I learn from it. In Kiwanis I learned to use the computer because I had to. As a volunteer organist for the church, I had to practice again and got better. Volunteering helps me more than anyone else."
Any resident may submit a letter of nomination to the advisory council citing individuals they feel deserving of the community volunteer award. Call 246-5151.