The Fair Association is seeking nominations for the awards, which are intended to recognize those who better their communities by performing "heroic deeds every day." Nominations for the award must be submitted by May 14.

Winners will be chosen by a selection committee of community leaders and invited to participate in the annual fair parade. They'll also be honored at an awards ceremony after the parade, which takes place June 26.

This is the fifth year the Fair Association has recognized Community Heroes from around the county, but the first time the award has been tied to sports.

"It's tied to our 'Come Out and Play' sports and competition theme," said April Chase, the fair's manager of marketing and partnership development. "We are looking to honor one adult and one youth in each community. It's a way for us to recognize individuals that do a lot of volunteering within our county."

Last year, the Community Heroes were selected from 10 communities, including Dublin, Pleasanton and Sunol.

In Dublin, Angela Fontes was named as a community hero for her work as treasurer of the Murray Elementary Parent Faculty Club.

One of several volunteer projects she undertook was to organize fund raising for donations for a computer lab at the school. She also worked with the school district staff to ensure the lab complied with technology standards.

Pleasanton resident Barbara Clink was named a Community Hero for several volunteer efforts, including work with the Children's Bereavement Program at Hope Hospice. There, she helped facilitate groups for children who have lost a parent, sibling or grandparent.

Clink also shared her love of books with elementary age children through the "Bookleggers" program at the Pleasanton library, and was part of the Pleasanton Police Department's citizens program.

Life-long Sunol resident Bud Hall was recognized for many contributions to his community -- including his involvement with the Sunol Depot Garden, the white picket fence downtown, the town bulletin board, the community clock and planting trees along Main Street.

Nomination forms for the Alameda County Fair Association's "Community Hero" awards are available online at www.AlamedaCountyFair.com, or by contacting program coordinator Janette Golomeic at (925) 426-7511. The nomination period ends Friday, May 14.

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