To celebrate Lincoln’s 50th anniversary year in 2020, Mayor Sandra Easton and Members of Council recognized 50 individuals who have made notable contributions to the community through the 50 Faces of Lincoln community recognition initiative. Recognition included a public-facing mural installation featuring all 50 recipients.
Recipients were selected by Members of Council with a focus on recognizing individuals from each of the four Wards. Recipients included representation from youth, older adults, business community, volunteers, sport & recreation, arts, culture & heritage, public service, community leaders, agriculture and education.
The unique mural installation is located along the walking track concourse in the upper level of the Fleming Centre (5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville) and features a photograph of each individual, accompanied by digital access to a brief biography which showcases the contribution they have made to the community.
List of Recipients
The following recipients were nominated by Mayor Sandra Easton.
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Roy Caja is a deeply devoted volunteer involved at all levels of Scouting for 1st Beamsville. He is passionate about everything Scouting and never hesitates to share his enthusiasm for outdoor adventures with others. Roy started as a Cub Scout many years ago and has been a full-time Leader now for 9 years. His main focus is on the outdoor aspects of youth activities like canoe events, survival skills, night hikes and geo-caching.
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Lloyd Clarke has been Scouting in Lincoln with 1st Beamsville for over 30 years and involved with the Lions Club since 2002, contributing to our community and youth for the better part of his life. He has been a mentor for many Scouters who have come and gone and all that are still with him. The Lions recognized him as president from 2016 to 2019, and you can find him at every community event in Lincoln working somewhere.
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Isabel Culp knows the importance of using her time productively and helping others. She is a shining example of how industrious children can be, how caring and concerned they are about the people who live in their community and how one person can make a significant difference in the world. One of her most successful plans was collecting old glasses and frames to give to the local Lions’ Club for their vision program.
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Trevor Donegan had a dream to have a skate park in Lincoln since he was 15. For 6 years he educated Council on the importance of the sport to youth, planned competitions and raised funds for the Skate Park Reserve. When the time came to plan the park, he was involved with public engagement, and the Skate Park at Rotary Park opened in October 2020.
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Fraser Earle has been on a long journey of collecting stories, photographs and vignettes about the Prudhommes property and has compiled these into a book. Neither an author not an expert in photography, Fraser determined the importance of this property to the history of Lincoln should not be lost. Proceeds from the book were donated to the Lincoln Fund.
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Cain Foster is a young boy who pulled his wagon up and down streets in Vineland to collect and deliver food for the Village of Hope Food Drive. He has been shown by his family the value of helping others by giving his own time and energy to help others less fortunate. He is a role model for children and adults and represents many volunteers in the Lincoln community.
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Jennifer Haines is a member of the Fry Family bringing her family legacy of the early Pennsylvania Mennonites who migrated to the Twenty Mile Creek to this project. As a local genealogist and historian, she has been called up to edit the work of others, and alongside her husband Lloyd published a newsletter for years that focused extensively on pioneer families. It is through her work that our Town and its roots will be remembered.
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At a time when we are celebrating 50 years of Lincoln, it is important that we recognize the legacy of the First Peoples who have lived in Lincoln. Brian Kon is a Métis visual artist and disability consultant. His unique artwork references the traditional beadwork of the Métis, and he often wears elements of traditional Métis clothing when attending ceremonies and events, including a sash and beaded vest.
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Margaret McClory is well-known for her leadership in bringing the world of fine art to Lincoln via the County Fair. The Fair was a big venue where many children were introduced to their own talents because of Margaret’s teaching, organization and encouragement. Art classes of different types have been enjoyed by many across West Niagara with many pictures created of our local area that will be appreciated for years to come.
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Fred McKenzie was the second Mayor of the Town of Lincoln from 1974-78 following many years in the political life of Louth and Clinton Townships as Councillor, Deputy Reeve, Reeve, Warden, and Niagara Regional Councillor. He was a farmer for 50 years taking great pride in his peach orchards. Fred had a great work ethic and was committed to his craft as a politician as well as being active in supporting local clubs and the community.
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Adrian Pennachetti is an enthusiastic cyclist who presented the idea for a Bike Pump track to Mayor Sandra Easton in 2016. He believed that a Bike Pump would be a great venue for children and adults. As the park design progressed alongside the skate park, he brought both knowledge and expertise to the project. The first municipal bike pump in Niagara opened at Rotary Park in October 2020.
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Isabella Pijl wrote a letter to Mayor Easton asking to have a guardrail placed near her home that had been pushed over as a result of an accident. Isabella judged it to be dangerous and wanted the Town to repair it as soon as possible. In taking the time to write and photograph her concerns, she influenced a speedy repair and demonstrated her concern for her community at an early age.
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For many years, Mike and Melanie Stevenson have been involved in both Scouting in Vineland and the Volunteer Fire Department in Campden. Mike’s passion inspired some of his children to join the Fire Department as well. They have continued their scouting involvement, training senior youth and adults in First Aid, and as a leader, helping to instill a knowledge of safety and love of the outdoors to youth in the community.
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James Wagner is known for his decades-long chronicling of Lincoln through the medium of photography. His photos demonstrate our changing landscape as a community as well as the people, buildings, and themes of multiple public events over many years. The value of James’ contribution to his hometown will be appreciated well beyond 2020.
The following recipients were nominated by Ward 1 Councillors Dianne Rintjema and Adam Russell.
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Jarod Brandon has spent a significant amount of time over the last five years pulling Lincoln Square residents together as a community and coordinating with the Town. He is currently Vice-President – Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and board member for the BELC local co-op daycare in Beamsville.
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Donna Burton’s ongoing volunteerism and strong support to Lincoln’s community includes her contributions as a member of the library board.
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Deborah Dueck’s work through Conversations contributes to the needs of local teens who have benefitted from the Youth Zone. Deborah, her family and volunteers have quietly committee their own finances and time continuously over many years with little reward except knowing that they are appreciated by those in need.
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Vernah Fleming’s contribution to the community includes service on the library board, active involvement with the Ontario Green and Lincoln Green initiatives, and involvement in the save the fairgrounds initiative. She is instrumental in the Val Fleming Butterfly Garden to be part of the upcoming Rotary Park.
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Rod Sinnott has been very involved with the Lincoln Square Community. He and his wife started to get to know Council several years ago when the Tim Hortons development went up behind their house. Since then they have continued to be connected and supported members of the Lincoln Square Community.
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Jennifer Toews has spent many years involved int eh community including her work on the ‘Save the Fairgrounds’ committee, the Lamplighter tour, Ontario Green initiatives and being active, vocal and helpful with local issues including being active politically during municipal elections.
The following recipients were nominated by Ward 2 Councillors Tony Brunet and John (JD) Pachereva.
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Bob Christie is a third-generation owner of Christies Dairy, a family-owned and operated business serving the Niagara Region with quality dairy products since 1945. He coached minor hockey and softball, was treasurer of Beamsville Minor Hockey and a director on the Chamber of Commerce. Bob sponsored numerous hockey, baseball and soccer teams, the soap box derby as well as community fundraising events, construction of the new arena and batting cage, and scholarships to BDSS and GSS graduates.
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As the manager of Grimsby Gas, Don Harvey brought natural gas to west Niagara. He was on the school board in the 1960s and 1970s and helped build Jacob beam school. He was the head of the Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club participating in numerous Ontario Championships. A member of Beamsville Fire Department for over 30 years. An umpire for OASA, referee for Jr A hockey in the 60s and for Erie in the IHL, developing the certification for OMHA referees and standards and training for USA hockey officials.
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Shirley Martin was elected in 1984 as MP for Lincoln. She became Minister of State for Transport in 19888 under PM Brian Mulroney and subsequently appointed Minister of State for Indian Affairs and Northern Development in 1990 before returning to Minister of State for Transport in 1991 and retiring in 1993.
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John and Teresa Pachereva owned and operated Jodel Supermarkets Ltd with brother-in-law Delbert Givens, employing and mentoring hundreds of youth. John sponsored countless sports teams, community events, organizations, and JR C Lincoln Blades. Teresa volunteered with Boy Scouts, Beamsville Nursery School, St John and Jacob Beam Schools, the Catholic Women’s League and the Beamsville Skating Club. They also made philanthropic contributions to the Fleming Centre and WLMH.
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Frank Pavlakovic and his family, including his two daughters, have owned and operated Beamsville Home Hardware for over 32 years. The store has been a mainstay in town with a reputation built on customer service. Despite a server fire in 2011, they continued to invest in the community. The extensive rebuilding project and reopening after only a few months was a testament to the spirit and perseverance of the family who were able to reopen with a new bright and freshly stocked store.
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Laurence Pyke was a beloved coach, mentor and Board member with Lincoln Minor Hockey for 40 years, as well as being a board member of the Niagara District Hockey League. Any event at the arena would have Laurence volunteering, organizing or executing as best as he could. Carola Pyke’s organizational skills led to various board positions with Lincoln Minor Hockey & Beamsville Figure Skating Club serving as area rep on the Niagara Skating Councill. She also coached on the Lincoln Soccer Club executive, a Beamsville Lioness, Beamsville BIA Secretary, WLMH Foundation and Dream Team Member, member of the Fleming Centre Building Committee and Senator Gibson School Parent Council Member.
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Doug Robinson owned and operated Doug’s Sports and barber shop and was known for his community activism and support of local sport. He sponsored numerous sports teams, and a hockey tournament, league and ball diamond bear his name. An active Beamsville Lion, he ran the chip wagon at the fair. He sponsored a stained-glass window at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church as well. He was committed to supporting his community in any way he could.
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Rudy Schindel worked at Ontario Hydro for 34 years but has now volunteered more years than he worked! A Sunday School teacher, property committee member, rose gardener at Trinity United Church as well as Academy St and community advocate. He volunteered at the Red Cross Blood donor clinics, the Lions CCWN food drive and was active in the Ivy Lodge. His favourite achievement was being involved in the Lamplighter Tour and playing curmudgeonly characters especially a role in the story about the Beamsville Basket Factory.
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Tallmans is a family owned and operated business started in 1941 that has served the changing needs of the community for over 78 years. Doug, Ron and Ralph are the second generation of three generations running the business today. After the original Chapel in Campden, The Vineland Chapel was built in 1961 followed in 1964 by the Beamsville Chapel. Ralph was part of the campaign committee for the Fleming Centre, and the business sponsors a number of local sport teams.
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Tonya Verbeek is a local Olympian who attended BDSS. Officially the most decorated Canadian Wrestler of all time and first woman to win a medal for Canada taking silver in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver at the 2021 Olympics in London. Also 3 medals from Pan Am Games and 2 World Championship medals.
The following recipients were nominated by Ward 3 Councillors Paul MacPherson and Mike Mikolic.
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Long-time member of Jordan Lions Club for 50+ years, Dick Catterall believed in community, especially kids. He helped develop Jordan Lions Park including the pool. He was instrumental in development of softball in Jordan, coached a softball team at the Ontario Summer games. He was the Chairman of Arena design committee, and first President of Jordan Lions Minor Hockey with an annual tournament held in his honour.
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Sandy Clinton, past President of Jordan Lions Softball Association, committed countless hours over 20+ years to provide softball to the youth of Jordan and Vineland. Instrumental in the development of the Jordan Junebugs Girl Softball team that represented Lincoln at the 2003 Canadian Girls Softball Championships taking home the silver medal. A huge supporter of youth development in Lincoln.
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Mike Ecker, President of Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd representing over 100 years of servicing its fruit growers and shippers, Mike is recognized for his leadership within the Co-operative and his support and strengthening of family farms in the Niagara region. He has overseen the Co-op’s tremendous growth and commitment to Lincoln.
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Former Mayor Bill Hodgson was elected trustee to Lincoln County Board of Education in 1993 and later char of District School Board of Niagara following amalgamation. Was Mayor of Lincoln from 2003 to 2014 at a time of considerable change. Elected to Niagara Regional Council in 2014 before leaving municipal politics in 2018. Currently Chair of the Niagara Source Protection Committee.
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A humble lifelong farmer, inventor and businessman Clarence Honsberger was always willing to lend a hand or offer support to those within the community. Founding partner of Jordan Frozen Foods and H&H&H Harvesting, while also being involved with the Vineland Growers Co-Op (his father, a founding member), he’s also the inventor of the Lincoln Lift, which you may have seen on farms throughout the area.
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Cheryl Keddy-Scott is a strong advocate for those in need of a hand, as Executive Director of the Village of Hope – whether it’s financial, emotional or daily living here in Lincoln. She was also involved for many years within eh education sector as a Trustee with the District School Board of Niagara connecting with residents on various issues including the consolidation of four schools in the Jordan, Vineland and Campden areas.
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Former Mayor Ray Konkle spent over 25 years in local politics and is Lincoln’s longest-serving Mayor. Recognized and decorated by many organizations for his leadership role and a strong advocate of all things heritage, working with the Lincoln Archives and Vice Chair of JHMTVA, preserving history for all to enjoy. He sits on several local boards and is retired from farming.
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Katherine McKeever was the co-founder of the Own Foundation in Vineland, she had dedicated many years of her life to assisting injured or orphaned owls by rehabilitating them back to health with the hopes of releasing them back into the wild. Her accomplishments were honoured throughout the years by receiving many awards, both locally and internationally, including the Order of Canada.
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Terry Phillips, along with his wife Paula, are the faces of Butterball’s in Jordan, serving many meals to hungry residents throughout the years while providing a unique flea market experience in Jordan. For many years Terry, along with his family, have helped many local charitable organizations through various fundraising initiatives as well as offering free community BBQs.
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Sue-Ann Staff is a successful, passionate, and inspiring woman raised on a multi-generational farm, and owns a winery. She’s been an active advocate for both the farming and wine communities by sitting on various boards and committees, representing not only the farming and wine industry, but also tourism here in Lincoln.
The following recipients were nominated by Ward 4 Councillors Greg Reimer and Lynn Timmers.
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Bill Berg was born in St. Catharines but grew up living and playing hockey in Beamsville. His junior hockey journey included stops in Beamsville, Grimsby, and Toronto before being drafted by the New York Islanders 59th overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in over 500 games from 1989 to 1999 with the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Rangers and Senators. Following his playing career, he became a hockey analyst for the NHL Network and Sportsnet FAN 590 radio station.
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Over the course of 40 years after serving in World War II, Oliver “Ollie” Bradt is known both locally and internationally as an exceptional breeder of grapes, peaches, nectarines and apricots. As part of the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario he started the Vinifera program in Vineland in 1946. Ollie’s many contributions to plant breeding, education and his ability to work with people have contributed to the advancement of Ontario’s agriculture industry, resulting in him being recognized by many agricultural, wine and horticultural bodies.
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Former Mayor Delby Bucknall lived his entire life on the family farm in Campden. Councillor for Clinton from the late 1940s for four terms, Reeve of Clinton Township in 1958 and Warden in 1962. In 1970, he became the first Mayor of the newly formed Town of Lincoln and held office until 1974. Instrumental in forming the Regional Government, he was also an active Director on the Federation of Agriculture for many years. A dedicated hard worker always putting the interest of the community first.
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Matt Giffen is the founder of Bench Brewing Company, situated in the historic Maple Grove schoolhouse on King Street in Beamsville. After a career as a Gloval executive for ScotiaBank, he followed his passion and opened the doors at Bench in June 2018. Bench beers have garnered attention worldwide, gaining accolades at the Ontario, Canadian and World Beer Awards events. Bench Brewing is a welcoming addition to the local landscape through active involvement in many area charities and local social endeavours.
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Born in Toronto, Edwin Barry “Skip” Gillham was a beloved P.E. teacher, coach and counsellor at BDSS in Beamsville for over 30 years before retiring in 9197. He also served in his church and the Board of the Welland Canal Mission, at Pioneer Camp and Cedar Campus. He wrote numerous books, thousands of articles for many newspapers, historical journals, corporate newsletters and online websites, but is best known for “Ships That Ply the Lakes” column in the St. Catharines Standard from 1970 until 2016.
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Senator Peter Harder spend his childhood in Vineland where, as a teenager, he worked in a grocery store owned by his parents. After nearly 30 years of federal public service he was named to the Senate of Canada in March 2016, serving as Government Representative until 2019. Prior to that, he served as a Deputy Minister under five different Prime ministers and 12 ministers. Senator Harder is the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals.
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Born in Brantford, former Mayor Gladys Huffman grew up on a farm. She started her career as a legal secretary before moving to Niagara. This led to her calling in Politics and she and her husband later settled in Vineland to raise their family. Through involvement in her community and wanting to help with the changes happening with the expansion of Victoria Avenue, she ran for Town of Lincoln Council and was elected in 195, and in 1978 became the first female Mayor of Lincoln.
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Paul Moyer is a fruit farmer whose family has farmed in the area since 1799. Moyer’s Apple Products based in Beamsville has been making candy apples since 1990, receiving a boost to production after appearing on Dragon’s Den in 2008. In 2012, Clean Works became a joint venture with Court Holdings Ltd. Resulting in the 2017 Premier Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. That same technology was retooled in 2020 to clean and disinfect N95 masks during COVID-19.
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Len Pennachetti is the President and Founding Partner of Cave Spring Cellars in Jordan. He pioneered wine production in Niagara and the transformation of Jordan Village as a tourism hub with the creation of hospitality businesses including On the Twenty Restaurant, building of Inn on the Twenty and removing the Jordan House tavern and hotel, as well as the creation of the Twenty Valley tourism Association. Instrumental in the founding of Vintners Quality Assurance (VQA) in 1989, he serves on many boards and is the recipient of many awards.
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Jen Smith is the President of Cherry Lane Farms in Vineland, established in 1907. Born and raised on the farm, she is the 10th generation of family to farm the land with 400 acres of fruit and a cherry and peach processing plant. Now known for their popular cherry tart juice and frozen fruit products. Her grandfather created the Jamaican Off-shore Worker program in 1966 that still runs today along with their continued support and giving back to the community.