PORT TOWNSEND — Public service participants’ biggest award is the community’s respect and encouragement, a Jefferson County Heart of Service award recipient said at ceremonies Tuesday.
“We contribute, but that would not be possible without the support of the community around us,” said Christopher Pieper, one of 10 recipients of the 2013 award for outstanding and inspirational public service.
“It’s really incredible,” he added, “how we can meet here in Port Townsend to recognize people who aren’t here, because of not what they can do on their own but because they’ve been empowered by the community around them.”
Pieper, valedictorian for the Class of 2013 at Chimacum High School, was recognized as a dedicated and motivated student who has devoted much of himself to community service.
It was the first time in the eight-year history of the Heart of Service that a high school student has received the award.
Maritime Center
About 140 people attended the awards luncheon at the Northwest Maritime Center.
The Heart of Service awards are 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.
“These are everyday people who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors and our communities,” said PDN Publisher and Editor John Brewer, who was master of ceremonies.
“They are role models for all of us, not only because they’ve aspired and dreamed but because their achievements are within our own reach and that all of us can be part of something greater than ourselves.”
Nearly one-third of those present were from Quilcene, showing up in support of award recipients Cass and Tom Brotherton, lauded for their work in the rebirth of the Quilcene Village Store and volunteer work with a multitude of south-county educational, gardening and community-building groups.
“I would like to thank the people of Quilcene today for leaving enough chairs here for the people of Port Townsend,” quipped Chuck Henry, a Port Townsend attorney and one of the award judges.
“We’ve always wanted to give back to the world in some way, even with just a smile or a flower,” Cass Brotherton said.
“We are grateful that Quilcene provides us a place where we can get that done,”
Jim “Kiwi” Ferris and the late Charlie Moore of Port Townsend’s Edensaw Woods Ltd. were honored for their years donating their time and energy to fundraising and nonprofit efforts.
Moore died of cancer March 11. His award was accepted by his widow, Gayle.
Ferris continued the theme of thanking the community for their support of the award recipients.
“There are so many people here with heart, which is what makes this community strong,” Ferris said.
“Those of us who are honored here today represent the tip of the iceberg of what is available here.
“It is important that we get young people to stand up and do the same.”
Other award recipients:
— Seth Rolland, a local-food advocate whose organizational skills have helped secure sustainable sources of fresh fruit for both Port Townsend students and the city’s food bank.
— “The Three Amigos,” Don Bolen, Ernie Jaap and Fred Spann.
A telecommunications business executive, an airline pilot and a rocket scientist, all retired, they have quietly and unassumingly made themselves indispensable at Dove House Advocacy Services in Port Townsend through hundreds of hours of volunteer work and by forming positive relationships with Dove House’s clients.
— Linda Kostenbader, a longtime member of the East Jefferson Rotary Club who shares her talents, energy and passion for community service with the student members of Chimacum High School’s Interact Club.
A judging committee selected the 10 Heart of Service recipients from more than two dozen nominations made by individuals, clubs, churches, businesses and other organizations.
Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
