Mayor Tim Matthes awarded the first of six Points of Light during a two-hour ceremony Aug. 10 at the Port Orchard Marina Park.

He said Port Orchard is full of Points of Light and he wants people to be aware of the award inspired by “Points of Light” sung by Randy Travis. About 40 people attended the ceremony.

“I want to do these awards and for people to get used to it,” Matthes said. “I’m going to do it every six months for as long as I can.”

After 30 minutes of live music provided by Donn Allard and Renagade Train, the mayor announced Vivian Henderson as his first recipient

“She has been so inspirational in my life,” Matthes said. “She got me interested in local politics and got me going to meetings with her.”

Matthes said he and Henderson met for coffee one day and “now here I am.”

He noted Henderson recently had surgery on her back, but was able to attend the presentation. Henderson worked as executive director of Kitsap Alliance.

The mayor’s second recipient was Port of Bremerton Larry Stokes and his wife, Shirley.

“I want to give credit where credit is due. This beautiful area we’re in wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Larry and Shirley,” he said. “This should be called the Stokes Park as far as I’m concerned.”

Matthes said Shirley Stokes was instrumental in the park getting a gazebo and grandstands.

“Shirley drew it out on a napkin,” he said. “I think they are a team and any one element of that team wouldn’t work well without the other one.”

Downtown business owner Bobbi Stewart was the third recipient.

Matthes said known Stewart about three years.

“She’s little, but she’s mighty,” Matthes said. “I can’t tell you how much she does for this community.”

“This is such a surprise,” said Stewart, who owns the Olde Central Antique Mall and is active in the Chamber of Commerce and Port Orchard Bay Street Association.

Allan Mchaney, the Fathoms o’ Fun float director, was the mayor’s fourth recipient.

“I didn’t expect this,” Mchaney said.

Matthes said he selected Mchaney because he’s always working for the city and residents of South Kitsap.

“He doesn’t do it for money or attention,” Matthes said. “He’s truly an unsung hero in Port Orchard.”

Sharron King was the fifth recipient.

“I don’t know many people who haven’t had experience with Sharron,” Matthes said.

King is involved in the Fathoms o’ Fun, Soroptimist International and working with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

The final recipient —  Darryl Baldwin — was unable to attend the ceremony because he was in the hospital recovering from surgery. But Shelia Cline was busy providing a video feed of the presentation to him via cellphone.

Baldwins owns Moon Dog, Too.

Matthes said he’s know Baldwin for about six years and he has always helped when he was asked.

“Darryl is a generous man and helps volunteer with several organizations,” said the mayor. “He is that quiet volunteer that you don’t see a lot of times out front and always helping the city.”

Baldwin’s daughter, Melissa, accepted the award on behalf of her father.

Each recipient was awarded with a bouquet of flowers and a vase.

Matthes said since these awards are presented by him, he doesn’t need the city council’s approval.

“I just select the folks. All you can do is agree with me or tell me I’m off base,” said Matthes, laughing.

The next award ceremony is schedule for December.