The recent death of community all-star Chris Galvin was a shock to people around Port Clinton and Ottawa Community. It was no surprise last week, though, when Galvin’s memory prompted the strongest applause of the night at the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce Awards at Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery.

“Chris Galvin dedicated her life, personally and professionally, to the community and people she loved in and around Port Clinton,” said a statement by chamber officials. “A lifelong volunteer, she has been a part of over 40 organizations, serving in several capacities. Chris was a believer, she believed in love, gratitude, family, friendship, God, science, magic, creativity, redemption, the power of people coming together to change their world for better and that ‘words matter.’”

Galvin had recently retired as the director of United Way of Ottawa County. After taking a special holiday trip to Bogata, Columbia, she became ill on her return home and died.

The annual award winners honored by the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce included:

• Lighthouse Award – Bay Point Resort & Marina
• Beautification Award – Twin Oast Brewing
• Outstanding New Business – Lakelynn Design
• Business Member of the Year – Shoreline Properties

Main Street Port Clinton also announced its awards. They were:

Business of the Year – Ohio Telecom

Volunteers of the Year – Jerry Tarolli and Larry Holman

The chamber’s new executive board is Chairman Todd Almendinger of Magruder Hospital; Vice Chair Curt “Shorty” Frabbot of Shorty’s Custom Remodeling; and Treasurer Deb Wierzba, a retired businesswoman.

The Main Street Port Clinton Board is now Vice Chair Mike Roder of Catawba Island Brewing; Treasurer Casey Madison of Croghan Colonial Bank; and Secretary Lori Madison of Frederick Insurance.

The late Chris Galvin, aa stellar community activist and former head of United Way who passed away recently, was given a rousing round of applause and the Outstanding Citizen Award. Accepting it for here were her daughter, Beth Gillman, granddaughter Evelyn Gillman and daughter Chris Galvin.

Bay Point Resort & Marina in Marblehead won the annual Lighthouse Award, which was accepted by, left to right, Dave Barth, John Paul Dress and Mark Gallavan.

Twin Oast Brewing on Catawba Island was selected as the winner of the Beautification Award. Cory Smith (right) received that award, with nominees Jeff Wingate and Judy Peters of Rock Ledge Inn.

Abbey Fox and here downtown Port Clinton boutique, Lakelynn Design, was presented with the Outstanding new Business Award.

Jerry Tarolli, let, and Larry Holman were chosen by Main Street Port Clinton as Volunteers of the year at the annual Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

Ohio Telecomm was named Main Street Port Clinton’s Business of the Year. Brooke Kelly accepted the ward.

Erie Shoreline Properties in Port Clinton were named the Business Member of the Year of the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Accepting the award wer, left to right, Sarah and Wille Moore and Eric and Theresa Schramm.