Nine Orangeville residents recognized for decades of community service at inaugural awards ceremony

Recipients were nominated by fellow residents and selected by a volunteer committee

Nine Orangeville residents were honoured for years of community service at the Town’s inaugural Community Recognition Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, at Town Hall. The recipients — volunteers, coaches, artists, athletes and everyday neighbours — were nominated by fellow community members and selected by an independent volunteer committee.

The awards recognize outstanding achievement across four categories: Volunteer Service, Citizen Achievement, Community Champion and the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award. Each award was handcrafted by a local artist, a deliberate choice to root the recognition in the community it celebrates.

“The inaugural Community Recognition Awards are a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the people and groups who help our community thrive,” said Mayor Lisa Post. “These recipients embody the spirit of Orangeville through their generosity, leadership, perseverance and commitment to others. What makes these awards especially special is that the nominations came from fellow community members. These awards are a true reflection of how deeply each recipient’s contributions are valued.”

The evening was hosted by Mayor Lisa Post, Councillor Joe Andrews and Councillor Rick Stevens, with community member Rick Arsenault serving as master of ceremonies. Well known to many in Orangeville, as co-owner of Bluebird Café & Grill alongside his wife Michelle, Arsenault brought warmth, humour and genuine community spirit to the event. The Town extends its sincere thanks to Rick and Michelle for their ongoing support of the Orangeville community.

2026 award recipients

The Volunteer Service Awards recognizes individuals who have contributed significant time and energy to community life across three categories:

• community and social services

• sports and recreation

• arts and culture

Community and social services: Jane Lightle and Sandy Brown

Jane Lightle served as Chair of the Friends of the Library from 2017 to 2025, contributing more than 1,000 volunteer hours and helping raise nearly $20,000 in support of library programs and resources. Sandy

Sandy Brown has dedicated more than 20 years of service to Orangeville through organizations including the Orangeville Lions Club, Orangeville Minor Hockey Association, CNIB Lake Joseph Camp and the Dufferin Board of Trade.

Sports and recreation: Jaime Daniels and Brian Hooper

Jaime Daniels has made a lasting impact through her leadership as a team manager and volunteer with Orangeville Minor Hockey, and through her work with box lacrosse.

Brian Hooper has turned a personal passion into a community resource, providing donated and repaired sports equipment to local families at no cost.

Arts and culture: Heather Holmes and Joan Borden

Heather Holmes has served as Orangeville Music Theatre president for six years and as its music director for more than 25 productions since 2012.

Joan Borden has led the Orangeville Show Chorus for more than 30 years, earning international recognition as a master director with Sweet Adelines International while building an inclusive space for women of all ages.

Citizen Achievement Award: Sports Achievement, Olivia McConnell

The Citizen achievement award recognizes Orangeville residents who have attained notable success beyond the local level.

Olivia McConnell represented Field Hockey Ontario’s U16 Team Ontario at the 2025 National Championships, serving as co-captain and earning recognition on the Tournament 11 — awarded to the top athletes in Canada. She was also named Most Valuable Player in Team Ontario’s match against British Columbia. McConnell has also helped establish a field hockey team at Westside Secondary School.

Community Champion Award: Adrian Maes

The Community Champion award recognizes a select individual whose continued efforts, volunteer or otherwise, have significantly enhanced community life over time.

Adrian Maes has volunteered in Orangeville for more than 50 years. He played a key role in launching the Orangeville JackRabbit program at Monora Park, was instrumental in establishing the Maple Syrup Festival at Island Lake and has been a cornerstone of the Orangeville Optimist Club for nearly 50 years.

Mayor’s Special Achievement Award: Jennifer Betz

The program’s highest honour, this discretionary award recognizes an extraordinary, timely or singular achievement or contribution that brings distinction to Orangeville.

Jennifer Betz, owner and operator of Déjà vu Diner, is the first-ever recipient of the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award. Through her “Feed it Forward” program, her support for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her ongoing work supporting local families and charitable initiatives, Betz has made an extraordinary impact on the Orangeville community.

About the Community Recognition Awards

The Community Recognition Awards are an annual program that honours outstanding contributions to the well-being, cohesion, safety and cultural vibrancy of Orangeville. Award categories include Volunteer Service (community and social services; sports and recreation; arts and culture), Citizen Achievement, Community Champion and the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award. Nominations are submitted by community members and reviewed by a volunteer selection committee.