Dean Peachey has been instrumental in organizing tree planting events for Let's Tree Wilmot, a project of Garden Wilmot that started in 2020. To date, almost 6000 trees have been planted throughout Wilmot Township's parks and properties, as well as some private lands by LTW's dedicated Wilmot volunteers and residents. Dean, through successful grant applications, has brought over $200,000 into our community to plant trees and to purchase the supplies and equipment to support tree care that the Wilmot Township is unable to provide at this time.

Dean's enthusiasm to make Wilmot a better place through his various efforts has been demonstrated by the success of LTW activities and the relationship building with Township of Wilmot staff, and other tree planting groups in Waterloo Region.

Dean is also a member of Nith Valley EcoBoosters (NVEB), a not-for-profit, politically non-partisan volunteer group committed to achieving and supporting a long-term healthy environment in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships through education, action and collaboration.

He initiated the Morningside Community's EarthCare group to enhance the environmental sustainability of the neighbourhood where he lives. Through his leadership, EarthCare also has contributed to the broader community through events such as hosting rain barrel sales for the benefit of NVEB and Forest Glen Public School.

Dean worked for Elections Ontario in the most recent election and volunteered for Tim Louis in most recent federal election He is a former board member and President of the Morningside Village Homeowners Association. Dean has also been involved in many other events in Wilmot Township as a member of his church or other.

Krista has been actively participating in the Fight For Farmland campaign and has now become involved with the Wilmot Civic Action Network as well.

Krista is a warm, friendly individual who consistently demonstrates a significant commitment to important community issues. She does this while working full time as well as managing her family responsibilities.

A young, married professional horticulturist and arborist, Krista has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from University of Guelph. She has lived most of her life in New Hamburg where she now lives with her husband and two sons.

She volunteers at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church as an assisting minister, technical broadcaster and is very active on the Visioning Team working on big plans to keep Trinity relevant into the future.

Krista also participates in a local book club and is a positive and pleasant person.

Historically, Lisa Hagen is known as the founder of TCP (The Community Players). At the group’s 40th Anniversary celebration this past year, she was acknowledged for setting the artistic standard and community-centred tenets that hold to today. She guided the group for 14 years as Artistic Director. During this time, she touched literally hundreds of people involved onstage and backstage with each musical theatre production, and inspired many to stay in theatre, music, and dance whether professionally or in community settings. This was a voluntary position throughout.

Currently, Lisa Hagen is the founder and director of a popular a cappella choir in Wilmot called the Local Vocals. All 19 members of the choir have ties to the township whether they live(d), work, or have family here, with many singers veterans of the early shows of TCP. So strong are the artistic ties she has woven throughout the Wilmot community that singers continue to work with her.

Going into its third season, Local Vocals performs almost exclusively in Wilmot including fundraisers, churches, Castle Kilbride, adult retirement communities, and nursing homes. Next season they look forward to performing for LINC to raise money towards that group’s vision of building affordable housing at the old mill in New Hamburg. Lisa donates both her time and talent to this endeavour.

In the recent past, dismayed with the state of local newspaper coverage in Wilmot, Lisa spearheaded the launch and was the original editor of The Wilmot Post (now the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette). She served in this capacity for the better part of the first year of the paper’s existence establishing a stable of local writers and columnists to present the Wilmot story. Lisa refused any payment from the publisher of the paper because she felt so passionately about connecting the communities of Wilmot through a weekly paper.

Also this year, her second movie is premiering making her, to our knowledge, the only produced, feature film screenwriter in Wilmot. Dancing on the Elephant starring Sheila McCarthy (Women Talking), Mary Wals,h (The Grand Seduction),  and Amanda Brugel (Handmaids’ Tale)  was first an international, award-winning play before being professionally produced at Theatre Baddeck. Shortly after, it was picked up as a movie by a production company out of the States. Delayed by COVID, filming was completed in Halifax in 2024 where Lisa attended for re-writes and to appear in a cameo role. A local, invitation-only premiere took place in the summer. It is a crowning achievement for this incredibly creative person and will only open more doors for her in the future to flourish

What offers a more genuine representation of culture in Wilmot than a musician with the name of “Punkydoodles Steve.” Steve Todd, a resident of Punkydoodles Corners, is a musician with a heart of gold, and a passion for Wilmot’s agricultural roots, became a household name throughout Wilmot, Waterloo Region, and across Ontario. Inspired by the Region of Waterloo’s plan to purchase prime farmland in Wilmot, Steve channeled his musical talent to not only communicate the different emotions and frustrations he felt, but to also lend a voice to Wilmot’s agricultural community through the power of his story telling. Steve’s original song, “770 Acres”, gained widespread popularity, both within the community and local media.

Steve’s energy on stage brought hope and unity to a community, sharing stories of our rural fabric and resilience to push forward. His message strengthened bonds between urban and rural, fostered empathy, and reminded people that they are not alone in their struggles. Steve’s message resonated beyond reflection and became a rallying cry for fairness, transparency, preservation of our agricultural roots, and support for our local farmers. Steve’s music helped mobilize our community, raise awareness, and inspire collective action.

Steve’s contribution to Wilmot’s culture extended beyond his live performances, including song writing, music recording, and passion for his community, Steve showed a dedication to enriching the lives of others through his music. He regularly performed concerts and performances throughout the community month after month and even played in both the Baden and New Hamburg Santa Claus Parades this past year. His willingness to use his talent for the greater good, without any expectation of financial compensation, highlights his selflessness and genuine desire to support and uplift those around him.

Moreover, Steve Todd’s role as a cultural ambassador has had a lasting impact on the residents of Wilmot through his ability to connect people, inspire change, and advocate for important causes through his music and volunteer work.

Don has made a truly outstanding contribution to the Township of Wilmot through his long-standing role as a reliable and compassionate food hamper delivery driver.

Each week, he delivers food hampers to 11 different clients across the township, this is something he has been doing consistently for years. His work directly supports food security and community well-being, ensuring vulnerable residents have regular access to essential resources.

Beyond delivering, Don forms meaningful connections with clients and regularly goes above and beyond to meet their needs, providing both practical support and emotional care.

Don exemplifies outstanding achievement in the areas of public welfare, community engagement, and civic responsibility. His quiet leadership and deep human approach to service show what genuine community care looks like. He not only delivers food but also brings personal touches to his service, such as purchasing sparkling water each week for a client who enjoys it or helping others secure essential furniture like beds. He also delivers holiday hampers, seedlings, and more.

Don’s thoughtful acts show initiative, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to his neighbours, making him a model of engaged citizenship.

Don’s contributions are entirely volunteer-based. He donates his time, energy, and even his own resources to support those he serves. In addition to his weekly deliveries, he washes and returns used bags, brings a food donation every week, and provides in-kind support far beyond expectations.

His efforts are consistent, generous, and done entirely out of care for his community, without any compensation or recognition sought. Don is a powerful example of how one person’s steady, quiet dedication can have a profound impact.

Susan is a dedicated member of the Lions/Lioness Club, where she consistently ranks as one of their top sellers during every campaign. Her efforts in this role have made a significant impact on various community projects and initiatives.

In addition to her involvement with the Lions/Lioness Club, Susan is an active member of the Canada Day Committee, where she played a key role in securing contributions from local businesses, ensuring the success of our annual celebration. She is a constant presence at community events, always finding ways to lend her support and contribute in any way she can.

Susan also goes above and beyond in supporting local businesses, frequently purchasing meals from restaurants across town, and ensuring they feel appreciated and valued. In a true display of generosity, she collects cans, and uses the proceeds to contribute to causes that benefit our community.

Through her tireless efforts, Susan has shown time and again that she is a true champion for our town and its people. Her selflessness and dedication make her an exceptional candidate for Citizen of the Year in the area of Community Service.