Long-time Minden volunteer honoured

By Lisa Gervais - Editor  |  June 15, 2018

 

Maxine Snell is very deserving of recognition, and has been for many years, Mayor Brent Devolin said Thursday in naming her Minden’s senior of the year.

 

A resident of Minden for more than 65 years, and a volunteer for more than 50, the township caught her off guard with the honour at its June 14 committee of the whole meeting.

 

“This is a big surprise for me,” she said after receiving a certificate from Devolin.

She went on to say she didn’t know why granddaughter, Jennifer Hughey, had insisted she attend the meeting. But, she went on to say that she has enjoyed every bit of her volunteer work in the community.

 

Snell worked for local businesses, including the CIBC, the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Archie Stouffer Elementary School before retiring.

 

She has selflessly worked for numerous associations and organizations for more than half a century.

Some of these include the United Church Women’s (UCW) group. She was treasurer and volunteers for the UCW and the United Church’s pastoral care committee in various capacities.

 

She’s been a volunteer with the Minden Hospital Auxiliary for 17 years.

 

She regularly competes in the senior games, in four different categories, and has won at the provincial level. She also loves shuffleboard. She still goes to exercise class and also loves art.

 

She’s been hosting card parties at her home and at Hyland Crest for 15 years now, raising more than $3,500 with a goal to reach $5,000.

 

One of her biggest accomplishments is her work with the Minden Agricultural Society (MAS) and being on the board of the Haliburton County Fair, including an incredible 16 years as chairperson. She has hosted parties for them to raise money.

During those 20-plus years with the MAS and the fair board, she has assisted in trying to keep the fair running, even so far as to host pie-making bees in her home for the beef barbecue for the past 10 years.

 

Devolin concluded that Snell is a “supporter of Minden, whether it’s shopping local or advocating for residents’ quality of life.”

 

LISA GERVAIS is the editor for The Highlander.