Riverview Recognizes Community Contributors In A Night to Remember

(RIVERVIEW, NB) - The Town of Riverview held a special Awards Gala on Tuesday, April 29th. Recognizing Riverview combined all community awards under one roof in an evening of immense celebration of volunteerism, athletics, youth, business and community spirit.

Alongside their special recognition, Serviceberry Trees will be planted around the biosphere in honour of the award recipients. Thank you to the UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Region for donating these trees. Serviceberry is part of the Wabanaki Forest, a unique forest type only found in the Maritimes, and it is one of the many climate-resilient species Fundy Biosphere Region is planting to restore biodiversity and improve climate resilience in our forests as part of their Forest of the Future program. These trees contribute to 45,000 trees that will be planted by the Fundy Biosphere Region over three years and count toward the federal government's commitment to plant 2 billion trees by 2031. 

Volunteer Recognition 

For over 40 years, the Town of Riverview has been recognizing its incredible volunteers by asking the groups and organizations within the Town to select their most deserving volunteer for that year, and put their name forward to receive a recognition certificate for their dedication and commitment to the growth and development of our community and its residents. Congratulations to all who give freely of their time to make Riverview a better place. Happy National Volunteer Week!

• Anil Joshi – Riverview Pickleball Club
• John Pereira - Riverview Scouting
• Madelyn Gale - Girl Guides of Canada
• Eleanor Mlodecki - Town of Riverview Parks & Recreation Department
• Sarah Hebert - Riverview Ringette Association
• Gerald Pike – The Salvation Army Lakeview Manor
• Joanne Bazin – Grass Home
• Sarah Dixson – West Riverview Elementary School Breakfast Program
• Carrie Bayerle - Riverview Veterans and Armed Forces Association
• Ryan Beers – Riverview High School
• Madison MacElwain -  Frank L. Bowser Elementary School
• Angele Courchesne-LeBlanc – Riverview Public Library
• Marlene Steeves – Riverview Seniors Club
• Patrick O’Neil - Riverview Knights of Columbus
• Sheila Jack – Riverview Arts Centre
• Adam Douthwright – Friends of Mill Creek Committee
• Pamela O’Brien - Town of Riverview Seniors’ Roundtable
• Susan & James Hudson -  Albert County Food Bank 
   

Volunteer of the Year awards were given out in the following categories; 

• Schools & churches  - Sheila Jack, Saint Paul's United Church
• Sports & youth organizations - Joan Dimock, Riverview Skating Club
• Essential services  - Captain Craig Fitzgerald, Riverview Fire & Rescue
• Committees & service clubs - Jerry Kirkpatrick, Riverview Lion's Club
• Charities & non-profits - Tanya Cormier, Fundy Hiking Trails Association

Youth Appreciation Awards  

Organizations also nominated Riverview youth in Grade 12 who make a difference in the community. Awards were presented in the following categories at the event;

• Sports & Athletics  - Carlie Best & Benjamin Robinson
• Arts & Culture - Riley Loney & Anna Stocker
• Community Service - Silver Lee & Liam Walsh
• Academics - Samantha McKenzie & Samson Green

Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award 

The Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award celebrates a Riverview resident, group, organization or business for their valued contributions to creating and strengthening our vibrant community. Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award winners go above and beyond in devoting their time, energy and care to making Riverview an exceptional community. 

The Town of Riverview is pleased to announce Sarah Hale as the 2025 Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award recipient. 

Riverview Business Awards

Earlier this year, the community voted for their favourite local businesses across three categories - Food & Beverage, Retail, Service and Business Longevity (25+ years). The winners were announced at last night's event.

• Best in Service - Sylvia's Natural Way Skin Care
• Best in Retail - The Covered Bridge Quiltery
• Best in Food & Beverage - Kwong's Chinese Restaurant
• Business Longevity - The Homestead Restaurant

The top five business finalists in each category were also honoured last night, as voted by the public. Congratulations to all of the top Riverview businesses of 2025.

• Aaron's Coffee House
• Giant Tiger
• JEM Beauty Salon
• Dayzee's Fashions
• Made With Love – Janet's Bakeshop & Crafts
• SE Mutual Insurance
• Canadian Tire
• The Covered Bridge Quiltery
• Neroli Salon & Spa
• The Homestead Restaurant
• The Fox & Hound Neighbourhood Pub
• Five Bridges Bar & Grill
• Kwong’s Chinese Restaurant 
   

2025 Sports Wall of Fame

The final awards of the evening were years, and in some cases decades, in the making. Four incredible individuals were inducted to the Town of Riverview’s Sports Wall of Fame. From athletes to coaches to champions of change for Riverview’s recreation landscape, the impact of the 2025 inductees is far-reaching. The Sports Wall of Fame can be found proudly displayed inside the Byron Dobson Memorial Arena.

Congratulations to the following contributors to Riverview's sports, athletics, and recreation landscape on their induction into the Sports Wall of Fame.

• Mike Miller
• Andrew Mitton
• Peter Stuart 

Congratulations to all award recipients on their commitment to making Riverview a Great Place to Grow. Thank you to all partners, vendors, and team members who made the Recognizing Riverview gala a monumental success. Stay tuned for the nomination openings for the 2026 awards.

All photos captured by Jason Bowie Photography.