2021 Volunteer Recognition Awards announced in Riverview

(RIVERVIEW, NB) – To pay tribute to outstanding volunteer service, the Town of Riverview announced its 2021 Volunteer Recognition Awards last night.

In a virtual presentation shared on Facebook, Mayor Ann Seamans commended all volunteers in the community for making a difference.

“This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week – the value of one, the power of many – really says it all,” said Mayor Seamans. “It reminds us that each of us can be a part of a collective effort that impacts our world in a positive way.”

Riverview organizations had the opportunity to select one volunteer who went above and beyond in their group dedication to receive a Riverview Volunteer Recognition Award.

Recipients included:

• Leo Paul Leblanc, Riverview Pickleball
• Karen Reynolds, Salvation Army Lakeview Manor
• Jason McManaman, Riverview Soccer Association
• Wendy Publicover, Riverview Public Library
• Daniel DeLong, Friends of Mill Creek Committee
• Marty Moore, Riverview Tennis Club
• Melissa Gill, Riverview Middle School
• Ash Arrowsmith, Fundy Hiking Trails Association
• Gary Aguianga, Riverview Lions Club
• Kelly Frizzell-Cormier, Riverview Ringette Association
• Stephen Schmidt, Riverview Scouting

Mayor Ann Seamans also announced the Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to civic life in Riverview and who, through their commitment and volunteer service, have had a positive impact on the lives of those living and working in Riverview.

The award was named after Jim DeWolfe, one of the driving forces behind the development of the Dobson Trail, a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society and a senior goodwill ambassador with the Province of New Brunswick. DeWolfe died in January at the age of 93.

Mayor Seamans announced Riverview’s Janna MacLellan as recipient of the 2021 Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award. MacLellan has been teaching children how to skate for 30 years as a coach with the Riverview Skating Club.

“The job of a coach isn’t only to teach about a given sport – it’s to help kids grow as people,” said Riverview Deputy Mayor Andrew LeBlanc, who assisted with the award announcement. “Janna fits that bill.”

LeBlanc noted that MacLellan made a specific impact in her coaching of teenage girls, by offering synchronized skating.

“Janna has turned a sheet of ice into a home-away-from-home for so many children and youth,” said LeBlanc. “She believes in them, and helps them to build the confidence to believe in themselves.”