The true nature of an all-American heart

Lee Wisniewski Downing is President of the Eastport Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC). She is a wife to Ed, a veteran, and mother of two -- Liam, active in Scouts and baseball, and Collin -- active in Cub Scouts and horseback riding. She is also mother to Bear the Dog, Smokey the Cat, and Tux the Cat.

A beloved mother in the neighborhood, it is not uncommon for several babies to grace Lee's house. She helps many other mothers out when they are in need. Being a homemaker, Lee can assure you, she is never away from her work.

Family is important to Lee. She says, "I'm a mom. As a mom you can lose your identity. I've chosen not to do that. My volunteering -- that's what I do." She considers the fire station her safe place, and an alternative space for her to be.

Eastport Volunteer Fire Company supports firefighting crews. They do community outreach, fundraisers, and promote fire and life safety within the community. Lee is at home in her role with EVFC. She has previous experience as an EMT. She is also certified as a swim defense leader for the Scouts and is trained in how to handle hazardous weather conditions.

As a volunteer with EVFC, Lee works to enhance the lives of those at the station. She also likes to involve her kids in her volunteer work. She encourages "anything that fuels their fire."

When Lee isn't doing extracurricular activities with her children or volunteering, she likes spending time outside with nature. She got a hummingbird feeder and it has been really successful. Her backyard is full of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Bear the Dog also enjoys this space with her.

When asked about her family's experience during Covid, she described the period as a "roller coaster of crazy" but notes that they "tried to hold it all together." She made the choice to get vaccinated and took the decision in stride: "I haven't grown a boob, I haven't grown a tail, I'm not glowing..." Lee does feel a bit more tired now.

Lee has always been on the go. Her education is in Kinesiology, which she describes as "the study of muscle movement and body control." Originally with the goal of being an athletic trainer, she gets plenty of action in her role as Mom, caregiver, volunteer, and sports fan. 

Lee values her family above all else. She takes her energy and promotes activities that her kids are already in love with. It's a keep it simple stupid approach that is highly effective that ensures that her family is strong, healthy and happy. 

Regardless of which way the ball bounces, Lee takes it as it comes: "If some days are good days, then they're good days. If some days are bad days, then okay. But isn't that life?"

(Author's note: photos courtesy of Lee Wisniewski Downing)