What does it take to earn a Spirit of the Vineyard award, chosen annually by Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard? Well, this year’s winner has been a volunteer fireman for 40 years, a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for 20 years, a West Tisbury selectman for 30 years, a board member for Island Elderly Housing for 14 years, and a vice president and longtime board member for Vineyard House. And that’s just for starters.

With so much public service, it’s a wonder John Early found the time to actually earn a salary at his construction company.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard lists the criteria for their Spirit of the Vineyard award as “selflessness, the range and depth of service performed, the length of volunteer service and the effect on the quality of life of the individuals who received help and for the Island community as a whole.”

Mr. Early must have been a very easy choice.

A lifetime Islander, Mr. Early graduated from Cornell with a degree in political science. He then spent four years in the Peace Corps, working in India on irrigation projects. Upon returning to the Vineyard, he started his own building and contractor business, as well as becoming involved in the numerous Island organizations to which he would end up devoting a large portion of his life. Longevity seems to be the key word in describing his contributions to both the public and private sectors. Many of his employees have been with him since the 1970s.

Mr. Early will be honored for his service to the Island at a ceremony on Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. at the West Tisbury Library.