So Laura Bajuk, the executive director for the Museums of Los Gatos, took the time to chronicle the efforts of the Milburns in her bid to nominate the Los Gatos couple for the 2004 Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Seniors of Distinction Award. The list of their selfless exploits filled pages with the events highlighting their volunteer spirit.

The résumé was impressive, indeed--so impressive, in fact, that Joann and Leon were unanimous selections as winners of the top award last year. Now they join a committee of eight that will go through the process to select their successor.

For the ninth straight year, The Terraces of Los Gatos and the Los Gatos Weekly-Times will co-sponsor the Seniors of Distinction Award, which recognizes the achievements of older adults in the Los Gatos and Monte Sereno communities.

Past winners include the Milburns, Clare Dinno, Jim Sugai, William Cilker, Beverly Rouse, Dale Hill, Emerson N. Shaw and Knowlton K. Shore. Prior to the Weekly-Times' participation, The Terraces presented two awards each year--one to a resident of The Terraces, and another to a community member. Dick Peryam and Bill DuSel won The Terraces awards, and Bill Miller and Dr. Ed La Veque won community honors in 1995 and 1996.

Residents of Los Gatos and Monte Sereno ages 65 and over are eligible for nomination for the award, which honors "senior citizens who have enriched the lives of others through outstanding contributions," said Pam Bancroft of The Terraces.

The Seniors of Distinction will be selected by a committee of judges made up of community and sponsor representatives and will be recognized at a champagne reception on May 23 at 4:30 p.m. at The Terraces. Los Gatos Mayor Mike Wasserman and Monte Sereno Mayor Curtis Wright will make the presentation.

Nomination forms are available at Los Gatos Town Hall, Monte Sereno City Hall, the Monte Sereno post office, the Los Gatos Town Library, Whole Foods, The Terraces of Los Gatos, the Neighborhood Senior Center, the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce office and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Department of Community Education and Recreation.

Forms must be mailed, delivered or faxed to Pam Bancroft at The Terraces of Los Gatos, 800 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, 95032. The fax number is 408.356.9647. The nomination deadline is May 11, 5 p.m.