Town recognizes outstanding volunteers

They are unsung heroes. They are dedicated and selfless. They are the heart of Pelham. They are volunteers.

Celebrated during the annual Volunteer Appreciation Gala on November 21, at the Meridian Community Centre, volunteers from various groups and committees were acknowledged for their invaluable contribution to the Town of Pelham and its residents.

“Each of you – our volunteers, our corporate citizens – give of yourself, without any personal benefit, to help other people and to make Pelham a better place for all,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn. “And, that’s why our theme “Imagine, Believe, Achieve” is so important. First you had to imagine something better, then believed that you could do something about it, and then worked to achieve it.”

This year’s theme drew inspiration from the evening’s featured guest speaker, Michael Jacques, a local author who wrote and published his book, “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s my Book”.

Pelham is home to many volunteers, from those representing service clubs and sports organizations to Town committees and resident-led groups, all offering their time and expertise to enhance the quality of life in Pelham.

“On behalf of Council, thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving our town,” said Augustyn. “Your actions embody the vision of a vibrant, innovative, and caring community. Your efforts are the heart of our town.”

Among these groups are certain individuals who stand out, individuals who go the extra mile for their group and their community. In recognition of this, the Town has established Peer Awards as part of the recognition.

The Peer Awards recipients are nominated by their community group or organization, honoured as the most exemplary volunteers from their respective groups.

This year’s Peer Award winners were: Dave Arbour (Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club), Doug Freeland (Fonthill & District Kinsmen), Cheryl Werner (Fonthill Lioness), Mary Lou Hilliard (Fonthill Lions), Elisha Niece (Girl Guides of Canada in Pelham), Sharon Cook (Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee of Lincoln, West Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Grimsby), Bea Clark (Pelham Active Transportation Committee), Edie Pett (Pelham Art Festival), Tracy Holmwood (Pelham Cares), Bev Youngblut (Pelham Farmers Market), Wendy Audette (Pelham Garden Club), Peter Behring (Pelham Minor Baseball Association), Brian Bleich (Pelham Panthers Basketball Association), Gail Hilyer (Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee), Derek Wall (Pelham Soccer Club), Frank Adamson (Rotary Club of Fonthill), Shawn McKelvie (Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613), Bill King (Town of Pelham Canada Day Committee), Dianne Gibson (Town of Pelham Public Art Advisory Committee), and John Wink (Town of Pelham Summerfest Committee).

This year's corporate award winners were: Bryan Durst (Bry-Anne Farms), Linda Calamus (Calamus Estate Winery), Loe DeVries (DeVries Fruit Farm), Mike Konderka (Enviro Niagara), Rob Baxter (Food Basics), Joe Palmerino (Giant Tiger - Fonthill), Colin Gillespie (Good Sports Excellence), Tina Sidler (James L. Pedlar Funeral Home), Jim Casson (Jim Casson Musical Artist), Mike Law (Kirkpatrick Stoneworks), Vince Forbes (LaFarge Canada Inc.), Dr. Andrew Marando (Marando Family Dentistry), Shirley Cordiner (Niagara Children's Safety Village), Kelly Sauriol (Pen Financial), Andrea Stubbings (Pleasantview Funeral Home and Cemetery), Jeremy Julie (Sawmill Golf Course), Ron Kore (Sobeys Fonthill).