Every year on New years Day, the Mayor hosts a levee where dedicated volunteers in Miramichi receive the Community Volunteer Long Service Awards.  They are nominated by fellow citizens, and vetted by the city and must have at least 15 years of volunteer service to be eligible.  This year's recipients are below:

Anne Bracken is a lifelong champion of Miramichi's downtown and a true pillar of the historic Chatham business district. For years, she’s poured her energy into building a stronger, more connected community, both as a dedicated entrepreneur and as one of the district's most reliable volunteers. Anne has served on numerous boards and committees, all showing up with steady leadership, practical wisdom, and a "let's get it done" spirit.

What sets Anne apart is how naturally she gives back. She consistently is the first to lend a hand, the person who notices what needs doing when anyone asks, and someone who makes others feel welcome and supported. Her contributions have helped shape the heart of downtown Shadow, not just through her business presence, but through the countless hours she has invested behind the scenes to keep local initiatives moving forward.

As Anne begins to slow down and step back from the pace she's been maintaining for so long—decades in fact—this nomination is a meaningful way to recognize the legacy she's built. Her impact is lasting, her service has been selfless, and her love for downtown has made the community better for everyone who works and gathers here.

Anne thanked her nominator, Kim Harris, and acknowledged that it has been difficult recently after the loss of her husband.

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Marilyn Briggs nominated by Maureen LeBlanc. For more than 20 years, Marilyn volunteers at the breakfast program at Nelson School and has 30 years’ involvement in the Miramichi Girl Guides. She is also involved in CWL as treasurer and helps plan events. She is always ready to help the homeless and support causes for people in vulnerable situations. Marilyn said it was an honor to receive the recognition and thanked everyone, especially Maureen for nominating her.

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 Bernard Bunny Dempsey, has devoted decades of his life to the service of his community, consistently giving his time, energy, and leadership to initiatives that support children, families, and civic life. His volunteer contributions span education, youth development, health and wellness, faith-based service, and community remembrance. One of Bunny's most meaningful contributions was being the founder of Camp Sheldrick, where he helped create local employment opportunities while fostering an environment filled with positive, lasting memories for generations of children. His commitment ensured the camp was not only a place of recreation but also a cornerstone of community pride and opportunity. 

In the late 80s and early 90s, Bunny implemented the Jack Rabbit Program in partnership with the Cross Country Ski Club, promoting physical wellness and healthy lifestyles for both children and adults. At a time when structured community wellness programs were less common, this initiative encouraged participation, inclusion, and confidence across age groups. His dedication to youth extended further through his service as a Big Brother in the early 90s, where he provided mentorship, stability, and guidance during formative years. In parallel, Bunny served for many years as a religion teacher, educating hundreds of grade 5 students, and helping instill values of compassion, responsibility, and respect. Through this role, he shaped not only religious understanding but also character and community awareness.

A long-standing and active member of the Knights of Columbus, Bunny consistently supported charitable initiatives and community outreach efforts, embodying the organization's commitment to service, faith, and fraternity. From the early 2000s onward, Bunny also took on an important role in civic remembrance, visiting local schools each Remembrance Day to read poems and engage students in reflection. Through these visits, he helped preserve historical awareness, honor those who served, and instill respect and gratitude in younger generations.  

In addition, Bunny has been an active participant in civic life as a long-standing member of the Liberal Party, reflecting his belief in community engagement, public service, and democratic participation. Across decades, Bunny has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service. His contributions have strengthened community bonds, supported youth, preserved shared history, and modeled the values of generosity, responsibility, and leadership. His legacy is defined not by a single act, but by a lifetime of meaningful and sustained volunteerism. Please join me in a round of applause to acknowledge Bunny.

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Jeff Morris was nominated by Terry Doyle. Jeff's contributions include being a board member of the Miramichi Minor Hockey Association, the Greater Miramichi Panthers Association, and Miramichi Minor Baseball. He's currently the tournament director for Miramichi Minor Hockey. He is the past vice president and was the volunteer of the year for 2020-2021 for Hockey New Brunswick. He runs the Ivan Matchett Tournament, the Salmon Tournament, the Two Panthers Cups, and Timbit Tournaments. He's currently the tournament director for the Greater Miramichi Panthers Hockey and has volunteered to run the first-ever female hockey tournament in Miramichi, in addition to the many other minor hockey tournaments. 

In addition to being on the boards, he's regularly serving as a coach in baseball. He's volunteered coaching with Miramichi Minor Baseball for the past 10 years, at times coaching multiple teams in the same season. He's also coached Team New Brunswick Boys Baseball and was the under-15 development assistant coach for the 24-25 season and the under-15 assistant coach in 25-26 as well, the assistant coach to the under-15 Triple-A Baseball this year, and has won two provincial championships and one elimination with this group.

He also helps coach the under-9 and the under-14 girls as time permits outside of his board duties and Triple-A coaching. He also coaches hockey, including positions coaching in the girls' and boys' hockey programs for the past nine years. He's currently assistant coaching with the under-15 Double-A girls, the under-15 Double-A boys, and the under-9 Tier-2 girls. 

Jeff is, on a year-round basis, contributing an average of 35 hours a week volunteering with these community organizations, so it's basically a full-time job for him in addition to his real full-time job as a local businessman and entrepreneur. And through his business, he donates regularly to these and many other nonprofit organizations as well as community events. Truly, as a local businessperson and dedicated community volunteer, Jeff, it’s a real pleasure to honor and acknowledge you with the Community Volunteer Service Award.

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Shaun O'Reilly was nominated by his daughter, who wrote the following:

For nearly two decades now, Sean has served as the president of the Miramichi Natural History Museum, a volunteer position which I view as an extraordinary and sustained commitment to community service, education, and historical preservation for the city of Miramichi. As a teacher, instead of spending his summer vacations taking trips or relaxing in the sun, he spends his days maintaining the museum, managing donations, securing funds, supporting summer student staff, and ensuring the museum remains a welcoming and relevant space for the public in the summer months, respecting and highlighting the vast history of Miramichi and surrounding areas. 

It's also worth mentioning that he was instrumental in the tough decision of having to move from its original building, securing its current space, and transforming it into the great, organized, and well-maintained museum that we see and know today.

Due to his passion for preserving the history of Miramichi and longstanding volunteer service as president of the museum, I believe this reflects not only personal dedication but a profound commitment to the cultural and educational well-being of the city. Because of this, I can't think of anyone else more deserving of this community service award.

After accepting the award, O'Reilly said, "I'd just like to say thank you to the mayor and everyone, my daughter especially. I'm very privileged to be part of an entity, the museum, which has been on the Miramichi since 1897. And I also would like to thank the city for their ongoing support, and also the province for their ongoing support that keeps us going year to year. Thank you."

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Gina Skidd was nominated by Norma Turnbull of the Rotary Club. She's a major ticket seller, where the proceeds are contributed to many community groups. Gina also volunteers with the Rotary Community Kitchen, where she helps prepare a meal for the less fortunate once a month. Gina's also an active volunteer with St. Michael the Archangel Parish, scheduling the weekend mass collection counters and is a counter herself. She is also a volunteer for Percy's Place Hospice and the Percy's Place Boutique. Gina volunteers also with the Josie Foundation, where she helps organize social events that raise money for the cause. She's also an active member of the Miramichi Golf and Country Club, and Gina manages a ladies group during the season and is very involved in organizing events for this group. Gina is a retired school teacher and a very active member of the community. "I feel that Gina is a very deserving recipient of the Volunteer Award," said presenter Adam Lordon.

In acceptance of the award, Skidd said, "I think 2026 is going to be a great year. I want to thank Norma for nominating me. That was wonderful. And I want to say to everyone else, I just want you to do one thing this year. For 2026, be kind to everything. That is my motto."

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Janiska and Rudolphe Rousselle were nominated by Line Thibodeau.  They were honoured for their years of initiatives that built, shaped and supported the community.  As early as 1982 they were part of the founding group that established Carrefour Beausoleil and never stopped participating in planning and supporting events at the school and community centre.  They have supported families, students and teachers and continue to contribute any capacity that is needed  They are an inseparable duo that are driven by a deep desire to help and make a difference.  The continue to leave a lasting and essential mark on the heart of the community.  Janiska said she was surprised and honoured at the award. 

Other photos from event

Mayor Lordon makes a great host for these events and interacts well with the musical stylings of Ron Doiron, the perennial back-up musician for the event.

Lordon said 2026 would see two recreation facilities open in the city, the Arbec Multiplex and the splash pad on Howard Street.  He also reminded people it was an election year and if anyone wanted a rewarding and challenging job thay should consider running for council or mayor in the mucipal election in May.  He was asked if he was re-offering, but would not divulge his plans.