‘Unwavering dedication to serving our community’: Outstanding Northumberland citizens honoured
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
From veteran volunteers and those who go above-and-beyond in the name of community, to an outstanding youth who answers the call for duty, there is no shortage of extraordinary residents in Northumberland.
This was the message shared during a recent ceremony for Northumberland-Clarke MP Philip Lawrence’s first-ever Civic Awards held at his constituency office in Cobourg – all with the goal of recognizing residents who’ve made outstanding contributions to local communities and the region through volunteer service, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and civic engagement.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for your community,” Lawrence told all six inaugural award recipients. “Your achievements (are) truly impressive.
“You deserve every bit of recognition and much, much more.”
Lawrence said he previously attended a couple similar gatherings initiated by former MP Erin O’Toole in the Durham area, including in O’Toole’s hometown of Bowmanville. It was a showcase of terrific people, he noted.
Of course, Northumberland also has more than a few shining stars when it comes to answering the call across the county. Still, as Lawrence and his team put out their first call for nominations, he admitted he anticipated a couple people for each category for a first-year initiative.
The response was anything but.
“We’ll be doing this every year for as long as I am elected,” he’s since said, noting applications came in groups of five, 10 and even dozens.
Lawrence noted for every single category there was tight competition but there was also unity for the selected winners.
“It was unanimous amongst the judges and for good reason.”
And here is the rundown for the first-ever MP-led Civic Awards.
For the Senior Civic Award, the winners are duo Margaret Hanlan and Susan Smith.
The duo has been recognized for “their unwavering dedication to serving our community.”
This includes their incredible commitment to giving back through support of the Brighton Fare Share Food Bank, as just one example.
Their generosity also goes beyond dollars-and-cents and fundraising – although, they did raise $5,000 through just one silent auction alone last year. Through their patchwork quilts they raise monies for local charities, as well as knit baby caps and blankets for newborns in local hospitals.
“Margaret and Susan are also dependable leaders at many community events (and) always willing to step up and lend a hand,” said Lawrence. “Their kindness, leadership and dedication to helping others have made a meaningful difference in Brighton (and) across our community, and I am pleased to recognize them with the Senior Civic Award.”
For the Arts and Culture Award, Jeff Halligan took the honours.
“Jeff has made outstanding contributions to the arts and culture in our community through both his leadership and his volunteer work,” said Lawrence.
He recalled reading Halligan’s nomination as one of the first submissions, and “I said to my team, ‘this one’s going to be hard to beat.’ And sure enough, we were right.”
According to his winner’s bio, Halligan secured the award for his unwavering commitment to supporting local youth to pursue the arts.
Currently, Halligan is the executive producer of the VOS Theatre – a non-profit, volunteer-run theatre company that awards more than $7,000 each year to students who have contributed to local arts or plan to pursue the arts in post-secondary education. He’s also credited with implementing an accessible “pay-what-you-can” program so those who would otherwise not be able attend productions can experience the arts.
In other words, he’s also created opportunities for young people to be involved in the arts and chances for students to make meaningful contributions in their community.
The VOS Theatre marks 35 years in 2026.
Halligan also volunteers his digital expertise to other arts programs and at schools, helping to set up their AV areas, projection systems, and more. From producing videos to support student productions, to fundraising efforts, he does it all.
“Jeff’s willingness to share his talents has helped make arts more accessible, supported young performers, and strengthened our local creative community,” said Lawrence, while reflecting on Halligan’s “noble pursuit.”
Meanwhile, Wandlynn Tinney – also known as Wanda – is shining with the Sports and Recreation Civic Award.
“Wanda spent many years creating opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in sports, recreation and community life,” said Lawrence.
According to Tinney’s winner’s bio, she’s in the spotlight for her organizational involvement in Community Living and Respite and organizing sports and recreational activities for residents living with disabilities. Think softball, bowling, lawn bowling, skating, basketball, and more.
“Her work has (had an) impact far beyond the activities themselves, she has helped create opportunities for friendship, inclusion, physical activity and a true sense of belonging for participants, families, caregivers, volunteers and staff,” said Lawrence.
Tinney’s commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate and be a part of their community makes her a deserving recipient of this year’s Sports and Recreation Civic Award, added Lawrence.
Another long-time familiar and prominent name – Rose Wilton, founder of the Rose Quest – picked up the Volunteer Civic Award.
Lawrence said she “definitely deserves all the recognition in the world for her selfless sacrifice … for our community.” Those who know Wilton know she’s dedicated “an extraordinary amount of her time and energy to helping others.”
According to her bio, Wilton was selected for her relentless dedication to serving those who need it most. Her quest started after a multi-day power outage, which gave Wilton a glimpse into how people struggling with homelessness with no hygiene products may have felt.
This is the origin story of her starting the Rose Quest, a charity dedicated to donating health and hygiene products to anyone in need. Her devotion has also expanded help to schools, shelters, social services and many more.
“As the founder of Rose Quest, she has built an organization centred around supporting people in need and strengthening the community around her,” said Lawrence. “What is especially remarkable is the amount of personal time Rose contributes to devote to her work.
Her commitment is not simply occasionally – it is something she consistently gives her heart and energy through.”
“Through (the Rose Quest) and many volunteer efforts, Rose has touched the lives of countless individuals and families. Her compassion, generosity and commitment to serving others is a wonderful example of service, and it is a pleasure to recognize Rose with this year’s Volunteer Civic Award.”
And finally, Robert Hildebrand picked up the MP’s first Youth Civic Award.
“For those of you who don’t know Robert, he’s an exceptional young leader whose dedication to our community has been demonstrated (through) service, perseverance, and remarkable willingness to help others,” remarked Lawrence.
Hildebrand “stands out as an exceptional youth” in the community for several reasons.
He rose to become the highest-ranking cadet in the Northumberland 88 Corps, for one. And he has taken on significant leadership responsibility, including serving as a regimental sergeant major, noted Lawrence.
His winner’s bio states he has navigated challenges that demanded perseverance and personal growth. He also views the youngest cadets as the lifeblood of the program and has devoted his time and energy into nurturing the next generation.
Further, he’s become the public face of several community events, “all while balancing the responsibilities of being a teenager.”
Lawrence said he’s demonstrated extraordinary commitment to dedication and leadership, consistently giving of his time and energy to support his fellow cadets and contribute to the success of the Corps. And he’s also helped under recruitment efforts, with training under the important and long-standing tradition of standing sentinel at cenotaphs and regularly volunteers to help sell poppies to support Remembrance Day initiatives and veterans, continued Lawrence.
“Robert has already demonstrated an impressive commitment to leadership and public service at a young age. He is extremely deserving of the recognition with this Young Youth Civic Award,” said the MP, adding he can’t wait to see what he excels in next.
Lawrence said the ceremony served as a small but important step in recognizing “the amazing community that we have.”
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