Lisa Painter, a longtime Marrowstone Island resident, has been honored by AAUW Port Townsend and its affiliate, the University Women's Foundation of Jefferson County (UWF), as their Woman of Excellence for 2016.

The annual award is given to a Jefferson County woman who has made significant contributions by being a role model, change agent, teacher or mentor and community activist.

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 supporter in a letter.

After retiring as a social worker, Painter became an RN in order to serve as a Red Cross disaster responder across the country. She and her partner organized an all-volunteer trained local 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 EMT responders.

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. This relationship between education and land trusts continues to serve as a model for similar efforts, according to a press release.

For years, Painter has quietly been making small loans to low-income women unable to get mortgages to buy mobile homes. 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.

Her recent gift to UWF has established the Lisa T. Painter endowed scholarship for local women interested in studying health care, law or fine arts.

Many other local entities and service organizations have benefited from Painter's support and donations, including the 4-H Club, Port Townsend High School Sustainability Club, Chimacum High School Band members, Giving Circles, Habitat for Humanity, 91.9 KPTZ-FM, Northwind Arts Center, Quimper Mercantile, Elks scholarships, and All Breed Canine and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

"In my opinion,” said another supporter, “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 various scholarships and awards, middle school career days, and elementary school projects in literacy and math. For more information on AAUW projects and membership, visit pt-wa.aauw.net or contact Anne Englander at 360-390-5896.