Alnwick/Haldimand Township held their Canada Day celebrations on Sunday, June 29, 2025 in Grafton.
The festivities kicked off with a beautiful Canada Day parade along County Road 2 to the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena.
Town Crier Liam Cragg kicked off the festivities inside and the singing of O’Canada.
After the award ceremonies it was time to cut the cake and listen to the beautiful sounds of the Ukelele band.
Outside there were a number of things happening including approximately free 500 hot dogs supplied by Enbridge Gas Incl.
There was also a number of activities including a Kid Zone, Auto Extrication Demonstration, Fire Prevention Table, Children’s Obstacle Course and a Fire Truck Display.
Senior of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding senior who, after age 65, enriches the social, cultural or civic life of the community.
The 2025 Senior of the Year Award is presented to Heather Holtby.
This well-deserved recognition is a reflection of your tireless dedication, deep compassion, and the positive impact you’ve made on the lives of so many in our community.
Your willingness to help neighbours with errands or accompany them to appointments speaks volumes about your empathy and reliability. Whether offering a steady arm or a listening ear, you show up consistently and wholeheartedly.
Your volunteer work at Bridge Hospice is particularly moving. Providing emotional support during such critical and vulnerable moments is a rare and meaningful gift. In creating a grief support group, you’ve also extended that care beyond the bedside, building space for healing and connection at a time when it’s needed most.
Beyond that, your contributions to the Food Bank, Aron Theatre, and the Roseneath Fair highlight your wide-reaching generosity and commitment to community life. In every role you take on, you do so with kindness, bringing people together and reminding us what service truly looks like.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Anwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Outstanding Community Spirit (Award Presenter: Laurie Deviney, 2024 Award Winner)
This award is given to an individual or business that has gone above and beyond to provide help in the community.
The 2025 Outstanding Community Spirit Award is presented to June Brown.
This recognition not only honours June’s unwavering dedication to the community, but also her inspiring commitment to nurturing environmental awareness in future generations.
June’s creative efforts to engage students in nature through gardening, hands-on activities, and storytelling have sown the seeds of environmental stewardship in young hearts and minds. By connecting children with the natural world in such meaningful and imaginative ways, she has made a lasting impact that will grow for years to come.
June’s enthusiasm and tireless spirit have brought people together, fostered a deeper appreciation for the environment, and strengthened our community’s sense of connection and purpose. She has reminded us all that real change begins with education, inspiration, and a love of the earth.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Outstanding Community Service (Award Presenter: Mary Catherine O’Neill)
This award is given to individuals or organizations who, through their actions of social and/or philanthropic community engagement, improve the quality for life for a targeted segment of Alnwick/Haldimand’s population, or for the community at large.
The 2025 Outstanding Community Service Award is presented posthumously to Shelley Newton.
This award is a tribute to a life lived with purpose, generosity, and deep dedication to the community.
Shelley made a lasting and meaningful impact through years of service, mentoring young people through youth sports and summer camps, contributing to the Roseneath Fair Board, and preserving community heritage through involvement with the Merrill Cemetery Board. These contributions have touched many lives and helped strengthen the fabric of our community.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Outstanding Athletic Achievement (Award Presenter: Councillor Greg Booth)
This award is given to Individuals or groups that achieve success in athletic endeavours.
The 2025 Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award is presented to Owen Harnden.
This recognition celebrates Owen’s remarkable talent and accomplishments on the field as well as the outstanding character and dedication he’s shown as an athlete and student.
His journey in sports – particularly his excellence in baseball – has been marked by a true commitment to sportsmanship and teamwork. Owen has consistently demonstrated what it means to play with integrity, lift others up, and work hard, all while maintaining the balance and discipline needed to succeed academically.
Excelling in both athletics and education is no small feat, and Owen’s ability to manage rigorous team commitments while achieving in the classroom speaks volumes about your work ethic and determination. His advancement to play post-secondary baseball in the United States is a tremendous achievement – one that reflects his passion, persistence, and the strong foundation he’s built through hard work.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Outstanding Achievement in the Arts (Award Presenter: Kerri Virgani, 2024 Award Winner)
This award is given to Individuals or organizations who gain acceptance or recognition of outstanding achievement in one of more of the arts requiring considerable discipline, skill and training, (or where adjudicators or judges have publicized their awarding opinion or decision).
The 2025 Outstanding Achievement in the Arts Award is presented to Ingrid Schumacher Anderson.
This distinguished honour recognizes not only Ingrid’s exceptional talent but also her invaluable contributions to enriching the cultural life of our community.
Through Ingrid’s creative vision, dedication, and passion for the arts, she has inspired others, elevated local artistic expression, and helped shape a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape. Whether through her broadcasts, paintings, teaching, or mentorship, Ingrid’s work has left an enduring impact on those fortunate enough to experience it.
The arts play a vital role in bringing people together, fostering understanding, and expressing the deepest parts of our shared human experience. Ingrid, your commitment to that mission embodies the true spirit of civic engagement and artistic excellence.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Junior Citizen of the Year
(Award Presenter: John Grozelle, 2024 Citizen of the Year)
This award is given to a youth between the ages of 12 and 19 who, through their involvement in community activities and events is demonstrating the qualities of good citizenship.
The 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to Alina Minifie.
This award reflects Alina’s outstanding contributions, leadership, and commitment to making a positive difference in our community.
Alina’s dedication to volunteering, active participation in after-school programs, and enthusiastic involvement in both the 4-H Club and the Centreton Life Skills Club truly sets her apart. She is a shining example of what it means to give back, stay engaged, and grow through service and learning.
Whether Alina is lending a hand in our community, developing new skills, or encouraging others with her energy and kindness, she is making a real impact. Alina’s efforts are noticed and appreciated by those around her, and this award is a well-deserved celebration of her hard work and community spirit
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Citizen of the Year Award (Award Presenter: Mayor John Logel)
This award is given to a community member who demonstrates outstanding service and contributes to the community. One can accumulate such service over many years, or it can relate to a significant project or event that brings recognition and value to our community.
The 2025 Citizen of the Year Award is presented to Rob Kennedy.
This prestigious honour reflects Rob’s exceptional leadership, tireless dedication, and meaningful contributions to both the environment and the well-being of our community.
Through Rob’s leadership at the Northumberland Land Trust, he has helped protect and preserve some of our area’s most natural spaces. His advocacy for environmental stewardship has inspired others to think more deeply about conservation and the importance of safeguarding the land for future generations.
Equally commendable is Rob’s work in promoting the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature. When many are seeking connection, balance, and wellness, Rob has reminded us that nature is something to be experienced, enjoyed, and valued.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, thank you for your vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making the Township a greener, healthier, and more connected place. Congratulations.
Outstanding Athletic Achievement (Award Presenter: Councillor Greg Booth)
This award is given to Individuals or groups that achieve success in athletic endeavours.
The 2025 Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award is presented to Owen Harnden.
This recognition celebrates Owen’s remarkable talent and accomplishments on the field as well as the outstanding character and dedication he’s shown as an athlete and student.
His journey in sports – particularly his excellence in baseball – has been marked by a true commitment to sportsmanship and teamwork. Owen has consistently demonstrated what it means to play with integrity, lift others up, and work hard, all while maintaining the balance and discipline needed to succeed academically.
Excelling in both athletics and education is no small feat, and Owen’s ability to manage rigorous team commitments while achieving in the classroom speaks volumes about your work ethic and determination. His advancement to play post-secondary baseball in the United States is a tremendous achievement – one that reflects his passion, persistence, and the strong foundation he’s built through hard work.
On behalf of the Council of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, thank you and congratulations.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
