PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Main Street board recently announced its collaborator, volunteer and Main Street Champion awards for 2015.
Beverly Malagon, owner of the Kuhn Building and outgoing board member, was named the Main Street Champion at the annual member and volunteer holiday party Dec. 9 that about 50 people attended.
‘Excellent steward’
“Malagon is an excellent steward of her downtown building,” said Mari Mullen, Main Street executive director, in a news release.
“She has been a valuable board and committee member, and is very committed to the Port Townsend Main Street Program.”
“When you call Beverly for help, she steps in with smart insights and a positive attitude,” said Xoe Huffman, board president.
“Even though her board term is up, she will continue to serve as a volunteer on our Design Committee.”
Huffman said that Malagon has provided funds for Main Street Design projects, has volunteered at many Main Street events and is a hands-on Design Committee member.
Malagon received a gift certificate night out on the town to Alchemy Bistro and The Rose Theatre, and a framed certificate.
Volunteer of year
Bickie Steffan of Bickie’s Cotton Casuals, was named the Port Townsend Main Street Volunteer of the Year.
“When I contact her for assistance Bickie says, ‘I can do that,’ ” Mullen said.
“She is a problem-solver, an active Main Street member and a savvy Promotion Committee member who offers great input.”
Steffan was unable to attend; board member Paul Rice read a thank-you speech she had sent.
Steffan received tickets for the Starlight Room, dinner at The Silverwater, and a framed certificate.
Collaborator award
KPTZ 91.9 FM, Port Townsend’s community radio station, was named Main Street Collaborator “in recognition of the station’s collaborative spirit which serves and strengthens our community,” Mullen said.
“KPTZ has a small staff, a dedicated board, and 60 active volunteers who keep it ticking,” Mullen said.
“They connect with our community in numerous ways, and offer exemplary service.
Huffman said that the station is a sponsor for Main Street’s Concerts on the Dock and the holiday promotion.
“Their live broadcasts add excitement to Port Townsend events,” she said, and “are the go-to spot for emergency preparedness.”
Colin Foden, KPTZ board president, accepted the award.
During 2015, the Port Townsend Main Street Program marked its 30th anniversary, Mullen said
Year’s highlights
Some of the year’s highlights noted at the party were that the program collaborated with 25 nonprofits, coordinated 26 events and adopted the Uptown Street Fair and Parade.
The program also encouraged merchants to stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer and posted on its website at ptmainstreet.org a Building and Business Inventory.
Also new this year were such holiday decorations as the light at the top of the Bell Tower and 5-foot-tall snowflakes in the archways of the Jefferson County Courthouse.
The holiday promotion — Look Here First — is one of the program’s biggest efforts of the year, Mullen said.
Mullen noted that 39 businesses participated and $7,000 of in-kind contributions were received.
For more information, see www.ptmainstreet.org.
