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.
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.
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.”
