Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce's Community Awards were held Thursday, Oct. 15 in at Boothbay Railway Village Museum. Many of the 150 attendees climbed aboard one of the Village trains to the Antique Car Museum for the event. There, guests took in the antique vehicles and memorabilia, from old gas pumps to original Maine license plates. 

There were appetizers and light entrees by Mine Oyster Catering.

BHRCC Board President Lisa Walby greeted everyone and began an informal meeting that included members' approval of new board members Florin Brisetto, Kelly Campbell, Laura Blake and Andrew Hawke.

Walby grew tearful as she announced Julie Roberts' term as board president and board member was ending after Roberts' six years of service. Owen Sterrs will be Chamber board president and Walby's daughter, Taylor Walby, was announced as the new marketing and events coordinator.

Award recipients

Business of the Year: Pier One Pizza and Pub

New Business of the Year: Harbor Blooms

Citizen of the Year: Larry Brown

Most Notable Nonprofit: Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library

Rising Star in Business: Andrew Hawke

Rising Star in Community Service/Young Adult: Will Sledge

Rising Star in Community Service/Youth: Lexie Hughes

Educator of the Year: Chip Schwehm

Charitable Giving Community Award: The Van Der Veen Family

Boothbay Region High School Student Community Service Award: Ronan Drage

Special Commendation Award: Jesse Peters

Chamber Appreciation Award: The Student Aid Fund

Following the awards presentations, some joined the lines for food and drink while others danced as sax player Darren Whitney meandered around.

“I am always grateful to see everyone come out and celebrate our community," Walby said post event. "Being nominated into the top five in each category is such an honor itself, and it’s wonderful to give awards to the winners and recognize them.”