Jefferson County Heart of Service award

PORT TOWNSEND — Each of the four saw needs in the community and took action, without the expectation of recognition or rewards.

But today each of them will receive heartfelt thanks and applause as they receive the Jefferson County Heart of Service award for 2011 for outstanding public service.

The Heart of Service honors the “dedication, sacrifice and accomplishments” of community leaders and volunteers “who have made a difference in Jefferson County, who have made our communities a better place by doing extraordinary things for their neighbors, their community or

the environment.”

The four will receive framed award certificates and heart-shaped medals at today’s ceremonies.

Open to the public, the award luncheon begins at noon in the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St., in downtown Port Townsend.

The recipients are:

n Nora Porter of Port Townsend for a lifetime of vast and tireless service in Jefferson County.

She has been a passionate and fiery board member for Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County and an outspoken supporter of many other causes, from the Port Townsend Foundation and Port Townsend High School Scholarship Foundation (both of which she helped create) to being a member of the Port Townsend School Board to longtime service on the Fort Worden Advisory Board.

■ Joe Carey, hands-on commander of American Legion Post 29 in Port Townsend.

He was a leader of efforts (and repairs) that allowed the legion building to be used as a winter homeless shelter and by the JC MASH free medical clinic.

Awards

He also led a campaign that resulted in construction of the new Scout House in American Legion Park.

■ Deborah Stinson of Port Townsend, the driving force behind many environmental and community sustainability efforts through the Local Investing Opportunities Network, EarthDay EveryDay, Local 20/20, the Climate Action Committee, Jefferson County Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Groups and the Quimper Mercantile Group.

■ Myron Vogt of Port Ludlow, one of the founders of the Boeing Bluebills, a retiree group composed of former Boeing workers known for their community work, especially on behalf of the elderly and disabled.

Vogt also works with almost a dozen senior agencies and community organizations in a partnership to serve those in need.

Awards luncheon

Tickets to today’s awards luncheon can be purchased at the door. Lunch costs $12 for a full meal, $9 for soup and a salad.

This is the sixth year for the Heart of Service award, sponsored by the Peninsula Daily News, the Rotary Club of Port Townsend (noon club), the Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club and the East Jefferson Rotary Club.

A judging committee selected the four Heart of Service recipients from nominations made by individuals, clubs, churches, businesses and other organizations.

“These four are truly local heroes, working to make community life stronger, tighter, happier, richer,” said John Brewer, PDN editor and publisher.

“They represent the backbone of the community — busy people who always seem to be able to make time to offer a hand or a shoulder.

“And they may be people whose names many residents don’t know.

“They don’t give to our communities because they expect either reward or recognition.”

More in News

C.J. Conrad and Chris Orr of A&R Solar take solar panels from a lift on top of the Port Angeles Senior and Community Center on Peabody Street to be installed on the roof. The 117 panels are mostly made of silicone and will provide electrical power to the center. The crew members are each tied in with ropes to prevent any problems on the slippery slanted roof. The panels are 42 inches by 62 inches and weigh about 16 pounds. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Solar installation

C.J. Conrad and Chris Orr of A&R Solar take solar panels from… Continue reading

Port Townsend Food Co-op board president resigns

Rowe cites unresolved tensions, calls for change

Recompete projects aim to close gap for workers in prime age

Goals include reducing barriers, creating up to 1,300 jobs

Carrie Heaton.
Governor appoints Heaton to PC trustees

Five-member board governs college’s policy, strategic planning

Finalists named for Port Angeles community awards

The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce will announce the… Continue reading

Fort Worden Hospitality ceasing operations

No longer viable amid PDA financial and legal challenges

Phyllis Becker of Port Hadlock, foreground, and Wendy Davis of Port Townsend, volunteers with the Jefferson County Trash Task Force, pick up litter along Discovery Road on Sunday during the first trash pickup of the year. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Litter patrol

Phyllis Becker of Port Hadlock, foreground, and Wendy Davis of Port Townsend,… Continue reading

Jefferson County defers oversight role for homelessness grant

OlyCAP will continue to be lead agency for Commerce funding

Members of Trail Life USA, a boys Christian adventure organization, salute the burning retired flags and holiday wreaths from veterans’ graves. This joint flag retirement and wreath burning ceremony took place Saturday at the Bekkevar farm in Blyn. (Emma Maple/Peninsula Daily News)
Flags, veterans’ wreaths retired at ceremony

Boys, girls organizations attend event at farm

One person taken to hospital after three-car collision

Two people were injured following a three-car collision on… Continue reading

Jefferson Conservation District seeking board candidates

The Jefferson County Conservation District is accepting applications for… Continue reading