North Glengarry Celebrates Community Achievement at 17th Evening of Excellence Awards Gala

MAXVILLE, ON – September 24, 2026 – The Township of North Glengarry celebrated the people, businesses and organizations helping shape the community during the 17th Evening of Excellence, held September 24 in Maxville. 

The annual event brought together residents, business and community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, family and friends to recognize achievement in business, agriculture, community service, youth leadership, culture and heritage, and lifelong civic involvement. 

The evening also provided an opportunity to reflect on North Glengarry’s progress over the past year. During the Celebrating Success, Showcasing Growth presentation, Director of Community Services Stephanie MacRae and Economic Development Officer Margaret Babinok highlighted local initiatives, new businesses, community investment, revitalized public spaces and partnerships contributing to the Township’s continued growth.  

“Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations who help shape our community in so many meaningful ways,” Mayor Jamie MacDonald told guests during his opening remarks. The Mayor noted that the recipients represented the dedication, leadership, creativity and service that continue to make North Glengarry stronger and more connected.  

2026 Evening of Excellence Award Recipients 

Citizen of the Year – Barry MacDonald 
A sixth-generation Glengarrian, Barry MacDonald was recognized for decades of community service, leadership and heritage preservation. His contributions include more than 25 years of stewardship of Alexandria’s historic Priest’s Mill, involvement with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, St. Finnan’s Parish, the Kinsmen Club and Glengarry Memorial Hospital, as well as fundraising for Maxville Manor, CHEO, cancer research and other community causes.  

Community Service Award – Glengarry Encore Education Centre 
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, Glengarry Encore Education Centre was honoured for creating opportunities for lifelong learning and social connection. Entirely volunteer-run, the organization offers workshops, classes, clubs and outings covering everything from technology and cooking to history, gardening, travel and wellness.  

Business of the Year – Sadie & June 
Located on Main Street in Maxville, Sadie & June was recognized for entrepreneurship, creativity and strong community involvement. Owners Kendall Valerio and Steve McCrimmon began the business in 2015 and are known for their hand-embroidered heart maps representing more than 1,200 locations. Since making Maxville home, they have also become active contributors to the local Chamber of Commerce, Recreation Association, farmers’ markets, community events and other initiatives supporting a vibrant downtown.  

Excellence in Agriculture – Bourdon Feed & Grain Inc. 
Bourdon Feed & Grain was recognized for more than six decades of family farming and agricultural innovation in Maxville. Beginning with Marcel and Louise Bourdon in 1961, the operation has grown across three generations and today includes poultry production, cash crops, feed manufacturing and renewable energy. The family business also supports more than 30 employees and continues to play an important role in the regional agricultural economy.  

Youth of the Year – The Panoramic 
Formed in 2024, local band The Panoramic was honoured for the energy, creativity and community involvement its five young musicians have brought to North Glengarry and the surrounding region. The group won the top prize at the 2025 Glengarry’s Got Talent competition and has since performed at numerous community events throughout Glengarry and Cornwall.  

Leader Under 40 – Émelie Sauvé, The Athletic Bar 
Émelie Sauvé, co-owner and head coach of The Athletic Bar in Alexandria, was recognized for leadership, entrepreneurship and her commitment to making health and fitness accessible within the community. Through fitness classes, personal training, seniors programming, nutrition and specialized coaching, Sauvé has created an inclusive environment serving people across a wide range of ages and abilities.  

Champion of Culture and Heritage – Leonard Thévenot 
Leonard Thevenot was honoured for his work preserving and promoting Glengarry’s history and heritage. Since becoming President of the Glengarry Historical Society in 2023, he has helped grow membership, expand programming and strengthen collaboration among local museums, historical organizations and archives. Attendance at the Society’s presentations has grown from approximately 40 to around 125 people per event.  

Lifetime Achievement Award – Réjean Boulanger 
Réjean Boulanger was recognized for decades of volunteerism, community service and civic engagement. His contributions have touched recreation, culture, education, social services and community development through organizations including Community Living Glengarry, Carrefour de formation pour adultes, the Glengarry Soccer League, the Optimist Club and Centre culturel Les trois p’tits points. He has also frequently shared his professional expertise as an accountant with local non-profit organizations.  

Legacy Award – Royal Canadian Legion Alexandria Branch 423 
Alexandria Legion Branch 423 received the Legacy Award in recognition of 80 years of service and community involvement. The Branch supports numerous local causes each year, organizes remembrance activities throughout North Glengarry and continues to create opportunities for residents to come together through events, entertainment and community programming. In 2026, the Branch also completed a major renovation and saw its membership double.  

The Township also expressed its appreciation to the sponsors and community partners whose support helped make the Evening of Excellence possible. 

Caisse Desjardins Ontario served as a Platinum Sponsor, with Judy Wilcox Law Office as a Gold Sponsor of the event. Silver Sponsors included the Alexandria Legion, Lakeside Green Environmental Consulting, Boulangerie Lanthier Bakery and MacEwen Petroleum. Bronze Sponsors included ACC Futures, GIAG, Mainville’s Your Independent Grocer, the Maxville Chamber of Commerce and The Palace Retirement Community.  

The Township also thanked Sunwheel Farms for the evening’s floral arrangements, Dr. George’s Kitchen for catering, Derick Viau for sound and entertainment support, and Chris McPherson for piping in the evening’s dignitaries and honourees.  

The Evening of Excellence is an opportunity for the Township of North Glengarry to recognize the individuals, businesses and organizations whose leadership, service, creativity and commitment continue to enrich the community. We look forward to celebrating with our community once again in 2027! 

Back Row (left to right) : Martin Doyle, Réjean Boulanger, Kendall Valerio, Steve McCrimmon, Barry MacDonald, Leonard Thevenot, Madelynn Reijmers, Andrew Wilshire, Emelie Sauvé, Melissa Bourdon, Andrew Valance  Front Row (left to right) : Francine Lalande, Carol Bellware, Susan Latreille

Contact: 
Margaret Babinok 
Economic Development Officer 
Township of North Glengarry 
m.babinok@northglengarry.ca