Busy year ahead for Dunnville community partners

DUNNVILLE—On Saturday, February 1, 2025 the Optimist Club of Dunnville hosted their annual Dunnville Partners in Action breakfast meeting. 

Approximately 70 people attended the morning event that Don Zynomirski, Optimist Club President, said “has pretty well doubled over last year…. Everybody’s excited about it!”  

DUNNVILLE—A diverse and dynamic group of individuals with a strong interest in community involvement and engagement.

During the meeting, community partners had a chance to speak about their organization and the events they have planned this year – and in many cases the need for volunteers. The consistent theme was connection, collaboration, and contribution with club members and attendees offering suggestions, donations, and ongoing assistance to each other. 

  Haldimand Mayor Shelly Ann Bentley attended and said she is pleased with the efforts of the groups: “Our community partners are the backbone of our community.… It’s wonderful to see our volunteers that make it such a success.” 

DUNNVILLE—Ward 6 Councillor Patrick O’Neill poses with Jr. Optimist Club members (l-r): Jacklyn Nagel (11), Ava Pinnegar (9), Sabrina Nagel (8), all of Dunnville, and Jaslynn Dhimans-Smith (11) of Hamilton.

Also in attendance were Ward 6 Councillor Patrick O’Neill, Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin, Central Ontario’s Optimist Governor Bonnie Scheer-Porteous, and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady. 

“Within our small community there are so many small groups doing amazing things,” added Brady. “We are all working together to make sure everybody has their piece of the pie. I think every community should follow this lead.”

Zynomirski concluded, “When you do a meeting, make sure that you leave with them wanting more … you need help, we’re here to help!”

There are 26 committee members participating in the 2025 community partners initiative and from February to December there are 43 events scheduled, with nine of those being multi-day events. 

Look for a list of community events and sponsors on the Optimist Club website optimistclubofdunnville.org, on their Facebook page, and in the It’s a Date section of The Haldimand Press.