By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—The Hagersville Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Volunteer Awards on April 11, 2019. Warren Burger was announced as the Citizen of the Year, Mackenzie Visser as the Junior Citizen of the Year, and Pharmasave as the Business of the Year.
Citizen of the Year: Warren Burger
Warren Burger was born in Hagersville and raised in Hamilton. He returned in June 1966 to join the Hagersville Police Department and in 1971, at age 28, he became the youngest police chief in Canada at the time. He has been an active volunteer, motivational speaker, humourist, auctioneer, and more for charitable organizations, serving on several boards and committees both locally and beyond. “I feel very honoured,” said Burger. “When the community takes ownership, you will never fail … If you do things because they’re right, you’ll be successful.”
Junior Citizen of the Year: Mackenzie Visser
Mackenzie Visser, student at Hagersville Secondary, has been a member of the Crime Stoppers program all four years, becoming a co-chair this year. Along with the many activities she volunteers with through HSS and Crime Stoppers, she has also volunteered with food banks and with the Parent Council of her elementary school, Walpole North. Mackenzie was recently featured in The Press as well as a Nifty Knitter, as she and her grandfather knit 321 hats for newborns. Visser said, “This award is such an honour. Thank you to the school for the opportunity to give back. It’s just so awesome.”
Business of the Year: Pharmasave
Pieter Wonder came to Hagersville in 1983 to work at the local pharmacy. In 1991, he purchased the store from his former employer and in 1997 he joined the Pharmasave franchise. Pieter is now a board member of the Hagersville Food Bank, Chair of the West Haldimand Hospital & Healthcare Foundation, and strong supporter of the Foundation’s annual auction. Pieter and his wife, Trixie, will be retiring this year as they hand the reins to one of their employees. He said, “A standing ovation is quite something, overwhelming, humbling … It’s been such a blessing and honour to have a pharmacy here all these years.” [masterslider id=”37″]
The Chamber also presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following:
CHURCH GROUPS
All Saints Anglican Church
Assembly of Friends – Congregation
Assembly of Friends – Janet Bonney Friendship Group
Hagersville Baptist Church
Hagersville Community Christian Reformed Church
Hagersville United Church
Highway Church
St Andrews Presbyterian Church Board of Managers
St Andrews Presbyterian Church Jessie Gordon Presbyterian Women
St Mary’s & St Ann’s Catholic Women’s League
YOUTH & MINOR SPORTS GROUPS
Hagersville & District Girl Guides
Hagersville & District Minor Ball Association
Hagersville & District Minor Hockey Association
1st Hagersville Scouting – Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers
Hagersville Arena Expansion Committee
Hagersville Skating Club
Haldimand 4 H Association
Haldimand Girls Hockey Association
Haldimand Youth Soccer Association
COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
100 Women Who Care Haldimand
Community & Children’s Safety Village of Haldimand-Norfolk
Forward Rebekah Lodge
Hagersville & District Lions Club
Hagersville Elementary School Parent Council
Hagersville Firefighters Station 2
Hagersville Food Bank
Hagersville Knights of Columbus
Hagersville Secondary School CrimeStoppers
Haldimand Agstravaganza
Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band
Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 319
HSS School Council
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 Ladies Auxiliary
St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School Parent Council
Victim Services of Haldimand, Norfolk & New Credit
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue
HEALTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Haldimand Abilities Centre
Haldimand Family Health Team Board
Haldimand-Norfolk Community Senior Support Services
March of Dimes
Powerhouse Project – Young Carers Initiative
West Haldimand General Hospital Auxiliary
West Haldimand General Hospital Board of Governors
West Haldimand Hospital and Healthcare Foundation
TWINKLE LIGHTS COMMITTEE
Greg & Bernie Thomas
Angie Schweyer
Barb Gee
Cameron Thomas
Tony Dalimonte
FLOWER COMMITTEE
Darlene Johnston
Alicia Campbell
Barb Gee
Cam Johnston
Mike Liscombe
Carrie Cronk
HAGERSVILLE ROCKS MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Alicia Hintenberger
John Elder
Robert Phillips – 2018 Chairperson/Treasurer
Samantha Purvis-Johnston
Shannon Veri
Tanya Ribbink – 2018 Vice-Chairperson
Valerie Phillips – Secretary
Additional Certificates
Tim Otterman – Santa Claus Parade Chairperson
Bonnie McKinnon – Evening with Santa Co-Chairperson
Barb Gee – Evening with Santa Co-Chairperson
Charlie & Barbara Jean Garvie – Community Centre / Ornament Donors
Karen Leatherbarrow – Community Centre
Daniel Schweyer – Flower/Planter Maintenance
