Seven Inspiring Residents Honoured with 2025 Mississippi Mills Community Awards

Business, youth and community leaders were recognized for making Mississippi Mills a better place to live, work and play during the fourth annual Mississippi Mills Community Awards ceremony.

Recipients were celebrated by family, friends and members of Council at the Almonte Old Town Hall on May 22. Afterward, guests enjoyed refreshments and a selection of desserts and snacks purchased from Mississippi Mills businesses. 

This year’s recipients:

• Richard Skrobecki – Business Champion
• Charlotte Kennedy and Maeve Kerwin – Inspiring Youth
• Sue Evans and Renée Kokonya Sullivan – Welcoming Community Champion
• Gord MacDonald and Doris Rankin – Community Builder

“Our 2025 recipients are mentors, leaders and collaborators who have all demonstrated passion and excellence,” said Mayor Christa Lowry. “Their unwavering commitment to the Mississippi Mills community has set a remarkable standard for all of us.”

Presented for the first time, the Business Champion award celebrates inspirational local business leaders who set positive examples. Recipient Richard Skrobecki, who opened General Fine Craft in 2013, has used his dedication and deep understanding of Canadian fine craft to develop his gallery. During the pandemic when many businesses suffered, General Fine Craft thrived due to Richard’s drive to increase online promotion for his artists. His support extends to the community and organizations, including Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Destination Almonte Association, Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival and more. 

Also being awarded for the first time in 2025, two recipients earned the Inspiring Youth honour, which recognizes youth aged 12-21 who inspire and motivate others. Charlotte Kennedy is a longstanding member of the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre (MMYC) whose community engagement and civic action has been felt through the youth centre’s THRIVE program, Truth and Reconciliation Vigil and the creation of the MMYC Land Acknowledgement. They are a quiet but powerful leader and mentor focused on helping to shape a more youth-centred community that is empowered, heard and supported.

Another youth willing to go above and beyond for her community is Maeve Kerwin. Volunteerism began at an early age for Maeve in the Girl Guides organization and has continued with the Almonte Civitan Club, as a leader with the Almonte Junior Civitan and the MMYC’s THRIVE program. Also, a student ambassador, athlete and student council member at Almonte District High School, she has accumulated more than 830 community service hours. 

The third award presented for the first time in 2025 was the Welcoming Community Champion honour, which is given to those who lead initiatives that help shape Mississippi Mills into a welcoming community for newcomers. A patient and tireless volunteer, Sue Evans helped found The Centre for Creative Living and Mississippi Mills All My Relations (MMAMR). Supporting the mind, body and spirit, Sue has served as promoter, scheduler and recruiter for creative workshops at the centre. She helped form MMAMR to educate the community on Indigenous history, residential schools and more. A milestone was accomplished through the creation of The Seven Gifts public art installation in 2023. 

Since moving to Almonte in 2017, Renée Kokonya Sullivan quickly became a community builder. A stay-at-home parent with three children, she organized intercultural music playgroups and volunteered at Naismith Memorial Public School promoting multiculturalism and inclusivity. In 2020, Renée and her husband Bart launched the Black History Month dance party, which raises cultural awareness for Black communities, and she continues to give back through The Inclusion Project. 

Two Community Builders were saluted to cap off the evening. The Community Builder award recognizes individuals who have made long-lasting contributions to the Municipality and shown leadership, vision and commitment. Gord MacDonald, more commonly known as Sensei Gord, operates the Almonte Judo Club, which just wrapped its 56th season. Having never missed a class in 30+ years, Gord has mentored youth through his calm and caring approach to teaching in a safe and supportive environment. He also runs the Almonte Arm Wrestling Club and Almonte Grip Competition Club, which both hold several world titles.

A shining example of community spirit, Doris Rankin is a pillar of Pakenham. A founding member of the Pakenham & District Civitan Club and Bridging Generations – Age-Friendly Pakenham, Doris has shown leadership, vision and positivity in every project she touches. Whether it be campaigning to save Pakenham Public School, being an active member of St. Mark’s Anglican Church or fundraising for library renovations, Doris always puts community first. 

Stay tuned to the Municipality’s newsfeed and social media channels for full profiles of these amazing Mississippi Mills residents:

• Richard Skrobecki - May 29
• Charlotte Kennedy - June 3
• Maeve Kerwin - June 5
• Sue Evans – June 10
• Renée Kokonya Sullivan – June 12
• Gord MacDonald – June 17
• Doris Rankin – June 19

Nominations for the 2026 Mississippi Mills Community Awards open in early 2026. For more information: www.mississippimills.ca/communityawards.