2025 Award Recipients

Alana Nuedling is a dedicated leader in Huntsville’s arts community, serving as former teacher, director of the Muskoka Philharmonic Orchestra, co-organizer of the Huntsville Festival of Music, and conductor of the Muskoka Rock Singers, in addition to offering wellness courses.

Behind the scenes, she is thoughtful, respectful, and supportive, inspiring others to pursue excellence in the arts. Alana’s commitment, generosity, and leadership have fostered cultural celebration and strengthened the community through music and creative engagement.

Allison (Ally) Myers exemplifies long-term commitment and impact through her dedication to youth development, education, and community service in Huntsville. Since 2008, she has served as a guidance counsellor, student success teacher, and special education life skills teacher with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, while also coaching the Huntsville High School swim and Nordic teams and coordinating youth programs with the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club.

Ally co-founded Paddle to a Cure and coordinates environmental education initiatives such as Engage Muskoka: A Climate Action Film Fest. She promotes active living, environmental stewardship, and personal growth through gardening, outdoor adventure, and sustainability programs, encouraging participants to engage with their community and the natural world.

In all her roles, Ally inspires confidence, teamwork, and resilience. She mentors students academically and personally, fosters social and physical development through athletics, and strengthens community capacity through her volunteer and environmental efforts. Her energy, positivity, and holistic approach have created a lasting impact across Huntsville.

Brandon has dedicated himself to sharing his professional hockey experience and passion with young players in Huntsville. A former NHL player with the San Jose Sharks, he brings both elite skill and firsthand understanding of the importance of mentorship to his coaching.

Through Coaltz Ultimate Edge, Brandon has worked with hundreds of youth across Muskoka, helping them develop hockey skills, confidence, and a love for the game. Beyond athletics, he emphasizes teamwork, resilience, discipline, and overall well-being, shaping players into well-rounded individuals.

What sets Brandon apart is his genuine care for every child he coaches. With patience, encouragement, and respect, he invests fully in each player’s growth, leaving a lasting impact on both their athletic and personal development. His dedication makes him a remarkable coach and mentor in the Huntsville community.

For more than 46 years, Debbie Knobelsdorf has been a pillar of the Huntsville community. As owner and operator of Westside Fish & Chips—the town’s longest-running family-owned restaurant—she has served thousands of meals while fostering connections that make Westside a true community cornerstone.

Debbie’s commitment extends far beyond her business. A longtime Rotary Club member and past president, she volunteers for numerous community initiatives, from Rotary Bingo to local events, always giving quietly and generously. After the loss of her son Kyle in 2007, she became a Hospice Muskoka grief support facilitator, helping families navigate profound loss with compassion and strength for nearly 18 years.

Known for her humor, humility, and heart, Debbie has supported countless charitable efforts, mentored young staff, and enriched the lives of those around her. As Westside Fish & Chips closes its doors, Debbie leaves a legacy of generosity, resilience, and connection—truly embodying what it means to serve a community with heart.

Erin was solely responsible for creating all video content for the Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame Induction Night, spending months preparing biographies, photos, and mentor videos. The final product was incredibly professional and played a major role in the success of the event—all while she continued to work full-time.

In addition, Erin designed and produced the printed program for audience members, another major project that required significant time, detail, and dedication.

Her hard work, talent, and commitment are invaluable, and the committee is truly fortunate to have her.

Jennifer Jerrett is a dedicated community leader whose efforts have greatly enriched Huntsville. She founded Rotary People of Action Huntsville, serving as President for its first five years and now as Past President, fostering a spirit of service, inclusion, and collaboration.

Beyond Rotary, Jennifer is known for helping individuals access housing and employment, supporting local businesses, and promoting inclusivity, such as coordinating wheelchair ramp installations. In her role with Community Living Huntsville, she advances inclusion and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.

Her volunteerism spans Muskoka Victim Services, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and The Door Youth Centre, always ready to support the community in any way needed. She also manages social media for her family businesses and Rotary and enjoys caring for her grandson on weekends. Jennifer’s leadership, compassion, and commitment have left a lasting impact on Huntsville and its residents.

Karen Litchfield founded the free Clothes Closet at Huntsville High School nearly 10 years ago, providing students with access to new and gently used clothing, shoes, and seasonal wear. She has transformed a space on the third floor into a private “store” with racks, displays, and a change room, where students can shop freely at lunch or book private sessions with Karen and her volunteers.

If an item isn’t available, Karen goes out of her way to purchase it for the student, ensuring all needs are met. Her dedication has created an invaluable resource for families in economically fragile situations and reflects her commitment to supporting the school community.

Lauren Rodrigues has been the heart of Huntsville’s arts community, serving as President of the Huntsville Theatre Company and leaving a lasting impact on local theatre. Under her leadership, HTC has become a hub of creativity and connection, offering productions and programs that welcome people of all ages and experience levels.

Lauren has shaped programming that reflects the community’s diversity, fostered collaborations with schools, businesses, and arts organizations, and ensured theatre remains a vibrant part of Huntsville’s cultural life. She leads with passion, humility, and inclusivity, mentoring others and inspiring participation on and off the stage.

Through her tireless volunteerism and dedication, Lauren has strengthened the town’s cultural fabric, built community through the arts, and ensured theatre thrives as an accessible, meaningful part of Huntsville life.

Lynne Doyle has long dedicated herself to supporting those in need in Muskoka, volunteering with food banks in Bracebridge and Huntsville and serving with the Rotary Club of North Muskoka. Recognizing the growing demand for food assistance, she collaborated with community partners to establish the Corner Lighthouse.

Since opening in April 2025, with Lynne as General Manager, the Corner Lighthouse has provided a “hand-up” approach—offering nutritious food, personalized support, and access to local professionals for health, financial, and emotional guidance. Its mission is to help individuals and families regain stability and independence.

In just seven months, this volunteer-run organization has supported 268 families—over 600 people monthly—and become a trusted community hub. With 97% of donations going directly to essential services, Lynne’s leadership and compassion have created a model that is already attracting national attention and transforming lives in Huntsville and beyond.

Margaret Dollar is a dedicated volunteer with the Alzheimer Society’s Minds in Motion program in Huntsville, where she supports facilitators and participants through exercises, conversation, and moments of joy, often singing, joking, or sharing a gentle dance.

She also volunteers weekly at the Alzheimer’s Coffee Drop-In, creating a warm, welcoming environment for caregivers and their loved ones, and has supported the annual Alzheimer’s Walk for many years through fundraising and event assistance. Her kindness extends beyond scheduled programs, stepping in to help caregivers by spending time with their loved ones and assisting others in need.

Margaret’s compassion is evident in every interaction, including her volunteer work at Fairvern Long Term Care. She gives her time simply because she “loves the people,” making her a true gem of the Huntsville community.

Michelle Smith, owner of The Waggin’ Wagon – Muskoka Tail Walker, brings joy to both pets and the Huntsville community. She turned her creative idea of a “school bus for dogs” into a beloved local business, giving pets a fun and memorable experience while spreading happiness throughout the town.

Beyond her business, Michelle is a generous and dedicated community supporter. She donates monthly, sponsors events, volunteers, and consistently contributes to local causes—always with a genuine desire to see people, organizations, and the community thrive.

Michelle’s creativity, generosity, and commitment make Huntsville a brighter, stronger community. She exemplifies what it means to be a business owner, neighbour, and true community champion.

Mike Welsh is a multi-business owner whose generosity, leadership, and community spirit have made a lasting impact in Huntsville and across Muskoka. A proud Rotary Club member, he has contributed to Riverside Park’s remodeling, sponsored events like Dockfest, the Fall Fair, Santa Claus Parade, local sports teams, and the Food Bank, and created an E-Waste fundraiser with Community Living Huntsville. He also quietly supports families in need, especially during the holidays.

Mike’s dedication extends beyond sponsorship—he mentors, uplifts, and fosters a positive, inclusive culture in every venture. Respected across the community, he exemplifies kindness, commitment, and the true spirit of giving.

Myke Malone is an exceptional volunteer whose leadership, organizational skills, and dedication have greatly benefited Huntsville for over three decades. He has contributed to a wide range of events and organizations, from the Santa Claus Parade and Bathtub Derby to provincial sporting events such as the Ironman and Ontario Senior 55+ Winter Games, where he serves as leader of the Group Organizing Committee.

Beyond event coordination, Myke has served on numerous boards and committees, including Festival of the Arts, Community Living, Children’s Foundation Muskoka, Muskoka Community Foundation, and Rotary Clubs. In all his roles, he mentors other volunteers, ensures events run smoothly, and works tirelessly behind the scenes—often without seeking recognition.

His impact is felt across the community, from fundraising for local causes and supporting those in need to enhancing Huntsville’s cultural and recreational opportunities. Highlights of his involvement include the Huntsville Flood Disaster Relief, Terry Fox Run, Men of Muskoka Hospital Fundraiser, Chrysalis House and Christine’s Place fundraisers, the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, and Trimuskoka. Myke Malone exemplifies the spirit of community service, inspiring others to contribute their best while making Huntsville a better place for all.

Paula is the first point of contact at the Corner Lighthouse Community Hub and Food Bank, where she supports individuals and families through food access, education, and connection. She oversees daily operations, coordinates volunteers, manages donations, and builds partnerships to ensure hundreds of local residents have reliable access to nutritious food and essential supports.

Paula greets everyone with warmth, dignity, and compassion. She goes above and beyond to develop programs that empower clients, from meal-planning support to collaborative initiatives with local agencies.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication, Paula has helped transform the Corner Lighthouse into more than a food bank—it’s a trusted, inclusive community resource.

Steve has been an active member of the Huntsville community for more than 30 years. During his time as Scotiabank Manager, he served as a Rotarian, coached basketball, and sat on the boards of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and Chrysalis Women’s Shelter.

Since retiring, Steve has only increased his contributions. He teaches financial literacy in local schools through the Junior Achievement Program and volunteers with Meals on Wheels, Hospice Huntsville, and the Terry Fox Run Committee. He also helps coach his grandson’s basketball team.

Steve is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Susan is a dedicated personal support worker and owner of Chickadee Home Care, providing compassionate and essential services to residents in Huntsville. She is known for her kindness, gentle approach, and the joy she brings to every visit. Clients trust her deeply and look forward to her care.

Susan consistently goes above and beyond—whether paying for groceries when a client forgot their PIN, hemming pants at no cost, or taking homebound clients for scenic drives simply to brighten their day. When one longtime Canadian Tire employee was isolated and losing hope, she brought him to the store he loved to lift his spirits.

Susan chooses this work because she wants to support her community, and it shows in everything she does. Her compassion, generosity, and dedication make her an absolute gem.