Muriel Williams is such a presence at Poulsbo City Council meetings, she ought to have a reserved seat with her name on it. So often does she attend that her few and far between absences prompt the immediate question, “Where’s Muriel tonight?” The longtime community watchdog often takes her comments before the council: “Hello, my name is Muriel Williams and I live in this city…”

Residents like her make North Kitsap the finest place in the world. And folks of her caliber are the reason the Herald recognizes community standouts each year with its special Who’s Who section, which you’ll find in this edition.

Walt Elliot and Bobbie Moore are synonymous with serving in Kingston. The dynamic duo have beaten a clear path in the Little City by the Sea, making way for much needed trails in an area that is on the verge of booming.

Trails and nature are no strangers to Hansville’s Ken Shawcroft, the longtime Shore Woods resident who can easily be credited as one of the visionaries who saw the need to preserve the native environment in Hansville by creating the Greenway there.

Preserving the “native” environment takes on a different but equally important meeting for the S’Klallam Tribe’s Marie Hebert. The cultural resources director has worn so many hats for her people in her continued effort to educate and promote her heritage, one might think she has more than one head.

As far as education goes, one would be hard pressed to find someone more dedicated to that cause than North Kitsap School District’s Marylou Murphy. Her forward thinking and readiness to dive into her work can be seen in innovative programs and policies from Suquamish to Vinland.

Diving in is something Mark Van Huis has no problem with. The Piranhas swim coach overcame his childhood fear of the deep end and now helps young athletes throughout North Kitsap and beyond realize their dreams, both in the pool and out.

Craig Curtis knows all about helping people realize their dreams when it comes to designing homes and structures with a one-of-a-kind flair. The architect’s blue prints and finger prints are all over North Kitsap and his recent volunteering to create a multipurpose room for Spectrum shows that when it comes to serving, Curtis is first in line.

Lines are something Frieda Middleton and Sharon Kirkpatrick are used to seeing. The two Fishline Food Bank staples have stepped up routinely to serve the greater need by assisting families and individuals in making ends meet.

Serving is in Stan Overby’s nature. The creator of Kaffe Stua at the Sons of Norway knows that the weekly Norwegian lunch is yet another great way to promote his heritage. The long time supporter of the Sons now teaches the language of the culture he adores.