Nominations for 2010 Jefferson Awards closed on Monday, but the awards ceremony isn't until April - so you may be wondering what happens between now and then. First things first: judging has already begun! Our panel of judges will choose our five Washington winners, who will be honored at the breakfast awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 27.

However, we'll still need to choose one person, of those five, to send to Washington DC as our National Nominee from Washington State. To do that, we're going to ask for your help. During the week of April 5, the five Washington winners will be featured on King 5's Evening Magazine. Once you've heard everyone's stories, you'll be encouraged to vote for your choice online. The person who is chosen as National Nominee will be announced at the breakfast on April 27 (save the date!).

Our fantastic panel of community leaders who will be taking part in the judging process is as follows: Shannon Boldizsar, Government&Civic Affairs Manager, Global Policy&Advocacy, Starbucks Coffee Company; Mark F. Dederer, Vice President, Director Safeco Insurance Foundation, Manager, Safeco Insurance Community Relations; Eric A. Riddle, Segment Producer, KING-TV Evening Magazine; Jane Broom, Community Affairs Director, Microsoft; and Lora Lee, Vice President, The Fearey Group and Chair, CityClub Program Committee.

And if, after hearing all of their stories on Evening Magazine, you are feeling a refreshing wave of inspiration to get involved in your community, here are a few organizations that offer opportunities for community involvement:

• United Way of Washington (with links to county United Way affiliates)
• HandsOn Network
• Volunteer Washington