Mississippi Mills honoured nine residents for their outstanding volunteer work, business leadership, and community building during the fifth annual Community Awards ceremony on May 28, 2026 at Almonte Old Town Hall. Family, friends, and council members gathered in the historic building, constructed in 1885, to celebrate neighbours who help make the town a vibrant place to live.
Five Exceptional Volunteer awards were handed out to Jenny Sheffield, Allan Goddard, Jennifer Hoy, Bonnie McBain, and Don Willey. Sheffield is a lifelong resident known for her work with the ADHS Drama Club and local arts. Goddard, a retired landscaping expert, has led beautification projects and contributed to the Almonte Alameda. Hoy serves as President of the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre and volunteers with Home Hospice North Lanark. McBain gives her time to the Naismith Foundation, Puppets Up!, and Almonte General Hospital. Willey, affectionately called “Mr. Light Up the Night,” has been part of the holiday tradition for over 30 years.
Two Business Champion awards went to Kris Riendeau and Sanjeev Sivarulrasa. Riendeau has co-operated theHumm with her husband since 1998, while Sivarulrasa, a Sri-Lanka born former lawyer turned artist, runs a local gallery. The Community Builder category recognized Brent Eades and Mary Rozenberg. Eades has been the driving force behind The Millstone community news platform for more than a decade. Rozenberg led the Mississippi Mills Community Poppy Project and the Honouring Our Veterans Banner Program.
Mayor Christa Lowry praised the recipients, saying they “embody the very best of Mississippi Mills” and calling them “mentors, leaders and collaborators.” This year’s group is the largest since the awards program launched in 2022, reflecting the growing number of residents being nominated for going above and beyond.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments, desserts, and snacks sourced from local Mississippi Mills businesses. Residents who want to recognize a deserving neighbour can look ahead to early 2027, when nominations for the next Community Awards open.
