PORT TOWNSEND — A longtime Marrowstone Island resident is the Port Townsend AAUW’s Woman of Excellence for 2016.
Lisa Painter was given the recognition by the Port Townsend branch of the American Association of University Woman (AAUW) and its affiliate, the University Women’s Foundation of Jefferson County (UWF).
The annual award is given to a Jefferson County woman who has made significant contributions by being a role model, change agent, teacher/mentor and community activist, according to an AAUW news release.
Painter is described by those who nominated her as a caring, thoughtful giver who is committed to the community.
“With her gentle loyalty, determination, strength and caring generosity she is a role model for everyone,” said one of the letters in support of Painter.
After retiring as a social worker, Painter earned her registered nurse’s degree to serve as a Red Cross disaster responder across the country.
She and her partner organized an all-volunteer, trained ambulance service that was free to Marrowstone residents and also inspired volunteers to construct an ambulance building next to the fire station where she became one of the trained emergency medical technicians, the AAUW said.
Donated home
Painter has donated her 26-acre home, Twin Vista Ranch, to Washington State University, and through an agricultural easement with Jefferson Land Trust has protected the land in perpetuity as an agriculture resource focused on heritage seed and animal conservation.
For years, Painter has made small loans to low-income women unable to get mortgages to buy mobile homes, the AAUW said.
She has served on the Marrowstone Island Foundation Board, which awards scholarships to those interested in service to the community, and on the AAUW/UWF Scholarship Committee, which awards scholarships to young women pursuing higher education.
A gift to UWF has established the Lisa T. Painter endowed scholarship for area women interested in studying health care, law or fine arts.
She also has supported such organizations as 4H Club, Port Townsend High School Sustainability Club, Chimacum High School Band members, Giving Circles, Habitat for Humanity, KPTZ Radio, Northwind Art Center, Quimper Mercantile, All Breed Canine and Guide Dogs for the Blind and provided funds for Elks Club scholarships.
“In my opinion,” another supporter said, “she is one of the most quiet yet effective giving, caring and sharing persons on this planet.”
AAUW Port Townsend and UWF promote education and equity through scholarships and awards, middle school career days, and elementary school projects in literacy and math.
For more information on AAUW projects and membership, see pt-wa.aauw.net or contact Anne Englander at 360-390-5896.
