Ed Santos, who died two years ago at 93, was renowned for his philanthropic and volunteer efforts during an era when once-sleepy Plymouth was “coming of age.”
One of his admirers was Michael Gallerani, a former longtime resident who in 2023 established the Edward W. Santos Community Service Award. It “recognizes individuals for their life of service to Plymouth, whether it be a lifetime, or a year.”
The inaugural winner, Michael Landers, is best known for his work with Project Arts, which produces free summer concerts on the waterfront that have become hugely popular.
Bob Hollis, this year’s recipient of the Santos award, also is a major player in the town’s cultural scene. Most notably, Hollis was instrumental – no pun intended – in the opening of the Spire Center for Performing Arts a decade ago. Today, with its beautifully restored exterior and eclectic roster of musicians, the venue is a downtown jewel.
Hollis was honored during a ceremony at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting at Town Hall.
“Bob’s efforts and leadership brought the Spire to reality. His knowledge and
commitment have made the Spire a sustainable keystone of the historic Main Street
and Waterfront District and its rebirth,” Gallerani said in a press release.
Gallerani noted that Hollis “has been part of the community experience for more than 40 years by giving his time, knowledge, and resources. He has served on various town boards and committees, local nonprofit boards of directors, as [a] member of the Plymouth Rotary Club, and long-time member of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.”
He also started the Plymouth Recovery Center on Main Street Extension, motivated by the “tragic loss of his son,” Gallerani said. Hollis’s son, Rob, a 2004 graduate of Plymouth South High School, died of a drug overdose in 2016.
Bob Hollis, Gallerani said, “best exemplifies the spirit of Ed Santos and is worthy of standing on Ed’s shoulders as he continues to make Plymouth better.”
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.