By Olivia Snyder
The Haldimand Press
FISHERVILLE—Thursday, October 12, 2023 marked Haldimand County’s 21st Volunteer Recognition Night.
Welcoming the approximately 200 staff, volunteers, and community members attending, Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley expressed the excitement in the room, exclaiming, “It’s great to be back and do this again.”
FISHERVILLE—Over 30 nominations were received for 11 award categories at the 21st annual Volunteer Recognition Night, hosted by Haldimand County. Holding their award paddles are Rob Phillips for Volunteer Year of the Award and Eliza McNeice. 
Youth Volunteer of the Year. They are shown with Haldimand Council members. 
Patti McMaster and Perry Martindale (centre) received the Haldimand County Award of Distinction on behalf of their mother, the late Barbara Martindale. —Haldimand Press photos by Olivia Snyder.
The evening included friendly conversation among new and old friends, delicious catered dinner and dessert, and a lively awards ceremony hosted by Rock ‘N’ Ray Michaels of 92.9 The Grand radio station. Haldimand County’s Community Development and Partnership team worked tirelessly to communicate how important the community’s volunteers are.
This year’s theme, “Growing Stronger Together,” was illustrated in every aspect of the event. As Mayor Bentley emphasized that Haldimand’s “hundreds or even thousands of volunteers help make our community stronger, more vibrant, and more engaged,” the décor reiterated the theme of growth. Cherry birch saplings, an at-risk Carolinian tree native to Haldimand County, formed the table centrepieces across the room. Each guest was also greeted with a custom deck of playing cards illustrated with photos of Haldimand County scenes.
Haldimand’s municipal, provincial, and federal government representatives all participated in the event.
Mayor Bentley and councillors Dan Lawrence, Marie Trainer, Rob Shirton, and Patrick O’Neill presented a certificate and painted canoe paddle to each award winner.
MP Leslyn Lewis and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady also attended to show their appreciation for the volunteers.
Over 30 nominations were received for the 11 award categories related to sports involvement, community projects and events, and individual volunteer efforts.
First, for their commitment to minor sports, Bill Matthies, Ron Batenburg, Dave Larmour, and Randy and Pat Smith were admitted to the Caledonia and Dunnville Walls of Fame.
Next, 12 community groups, events, and projects were recognized with the Heritage Haldimand, Community Culture, Caring Haldimand, Community Project, Community Festival and Event, and Not-for-Profit or Organization or Group awards.
Finally, individual awards for Haldimand County’s Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, and the Award of Distinction were presented.
Rob Phillips of Hagersville is Haldimand’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year, recognized for his ability to “think big on behalf of the community, while never losing sight of the practicalities and details” in his involvement with Hagersville Rocks, the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre fundraising campaign, the annual Santa Claus Parade, and many more community projects.
Eliza McNeice, Haldimand’s 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year, worked above and beyond during her four years at Hagersville Secondary School (HSS), becoming deeply involved in the community while maintaining an excellent academic record. McNeice volunteered with Haldimand Norfolk Crime Stoppers, planned community-oriented school events, led the HSS annual Cereal Drive, and worked with the Hagersville and Jarvis Lions Clubs, Hagersville Chamber of Commerce, Hagersville Food Bank, and the Jarvis Caring Cupboard.
The Haldimand County Award of Distinction is not given annually, but only awarded for distinctive service in the community. This year, the County honoured Barbara Martindale posthumously for “her contributions to making … Caledonia a more vibrant, engaging place to live, work, visit, and play.”
Martindale’s children, Patti McMaster and Perry Martindale, received the award on her behalf. Martindale lived in the Caledonia area her whole life, from 1941 to 2022, and served the community as a writer, historian, politician, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, member of the Caledonia BIA, Chair of the Ruthven Park Management Committee, and more. Martindale was “a model of quiet generosity and leadership” who always worked to “make Caledonia better,” whether that meant documenting and celebrating the past or welcoming the future with excitement.
The 21st Recognition Night celebrated that the Haldimand community is tied together and made better by a network of passionate, dedicated people who love working to make their home a wonderful place to live.
The Wall of Fame Inductees are:
- Caledonia Wall of Fame – Bill Matthies
- Dunnville Wall of Fame – Dave Larmour
- Dunnville Wall of Fame – Pat & Randy Smith
- Dunnville Wall of Fame – Ron Batenburg
The award winners are:
- Volunteer of the Year – Robert Phillips
- Youth Volunteer of the Year – Eliza McNeice
- Haldimand County Community Project Award (Under $ 10,000) – Friends of LaFortune Park Birdhouses
- Haldimand County Community Project Award (Over $ 10,000) – Thompson Creek Eco Centre
- Haldimand County Festival/Event Award (minor – under 500 people) – Axtion Sports Jam and The Snowflake Tour
- Haldimand County Festival/Event Award (major 1-day) – Jarvis Christmas Finale
- Haldimand County Festival/Event Award (major multi-day) – JarvisFest
- Heritage Haldimand Award – The Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
- Community Culture Award – Caledonia Music in the Park and Canfield Roots
- Caring Haldimand Award – Barbara Bell (Individual) and Hagersville Catch the Ace
- Not-for-Profit, Organization, or Group – Dunnville Tim Hortons – Smile Cookie Campaign
- Award of Distinction – Honouring Barbara Martindale
