Local residents receive recognitions for humanitarianism

HARDWICK – Master of Ceremonies Sherry Lussier opened the 2025 Hardwick Humanitarian Awards Program February 23 by recognizing current and past Kiwanian’s in the room, then sharing the exceptional quality of the evening’s award recipients, “as they are every year,” she said. 

She was assisted in presenting the awards by Kiwanis President Audrey Grant. 

Greensboro Fire Chief David Brochu presented the first award to Jen and Landon Thompson who were nominated by the Greensboro Fire Department and community friends, then Audrey Grant presented an award to John and Sally Bellavance who were nominated by the Kiwanis Club.

The St. Norbert’s Community Handbell Choir then performed before presenting an award to long-time choir Director Jean Hackett who was nominated by the Hardwick United Church.

Gail O’Brien was nominated by Hardwick Academy Hazen Union Alumni Association and Karen Hall presented her award, then Jeannine Young of Mary Queen of All Saints Parish presented an award to Gail’s husband David O’Brien.

David Upson and Kristen Leahy from the Town of Hardwick presented an award to John and Joyce Mandeville, followed by Upson, who presented Larry Hamel with a second award from the Town of Hardwick.

The East Hardwick Neighborhood Organization’s Dave Gross presented Mike Lance with an award.  

Lucille Emmons and Heather Brooks presented Kathy Burnor with an award for which she was nominated by community friends.

Bethany Dunbar, recently retired from the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), was nominated by her former co-workers. A CAE Community Connections team of Allie Howell, Haley Williams, Kate O’Neill, Reeve Basom and Hardwick Resilience and Adaptation Coordinator Kristen Leahy presented her with the award.

Helen Beattie then presented Ron and Norma Wiesen with an award for which they were nominated by Hardwick Trails.

Jen and Landon Thompson’s nomination said they, “exemplify dedication to the community. They are constantly there with food, water and supplies for the fire departments, while we are busy fighting fires, in all kinds of weather without exception. They respond to any of the surrounding towns to help, calling in extra staff if need be. Their dedication is a welcome sight for the exhausted personnel. Friends say they are a team and they share a deep connection to their community while never asking for anything in return. They are supportive, and work tirelessly, prepare holiday meals and deliver to folks in the hospital or home shut-in’s, they plow driveways for folks in need, donate ice cream to pre-school children and collect or purchase bicycles so visitors from out of state can ride them. They are a team that contributes to strengthening our community.

Audrey Grant said of John and Sally Bellavance, “John started giving back in Scouts and attending the annual town meeting as a Scout to learn more about local government. He served on the school board and has committed most of his time to Rescue and Kiwanis. He and Sally are also big supporters of local Hazen Union athletics and attend many games. Sally does the books for the Rescue Squad and donates her time there. Both John and Sally have been fixtures at the Hardwick Blood Drives to check in blood donors, tend the blood drive canteen for post donation, and setting up before and cleaning up after. As Kiwanis members, John has been president and treasurer. Sally has been official photographer, and both have been eager workers for too many events and service projects to mention. We are grateful for all their community commitment and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives.

Praise of Jean Hackett from Hardwick United Church said she, “brings her analytical mind, gentle humor, common sense and faith to everything she does. Her love of God, children, education, sports and community has been played out all her life. She graduated from UVM as a math teacher and became head of Hazen’s high school math department. She was named Vermont Teacher of the Year and was one of the first winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics or Science Teaching. She used her award money for other Hazen faculty members’ benefit. 

“As for sports, Jean was no less distinguished. For years she coached girl’s field hockey, basketball and softball and several of her teams became state champions. Jean served for many years as a Justice of the Peace, on the town select board and as a lister. 

“Her lifelong love of music has been shared for many years with The United Church of Hardwick where she leads worship and plays piano. She is the frequent contact person for programs and projects and serves faithfully as a council member. She takes her tum facilitating adult Bible study and is the director of St. Norbert’s Community Hand Bell choir. 

“We are blessed to know her!”

Gail O’Brien was recognized by Karen Hall as “a member and secretary of the Hardwick Academy/Hazen Union Alumni Association, as well as the recreation chair for East Hardwick Neighbors Organization. She is part of the liturgical committee at St. Norbert’s Church, and she is a member in standing of the Hardwick Historical Society. She volunteers for the Hardwick Area Food Pantry, and she established a local quilting group.

“Gail is a graduate of the Hardwick Academy Class of 1969. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 1973 with a degree in physical therapy. She and David O’Brien were married in 1972 and have two sons and four grandchildren. Gail and David live in East Hardwick.”

Mary Queen of All Saints Parish said of David O’Brien that he “moved to Hardwick in 1963 when his father became the superintendent of schools. He graduated from Johnson State College and completed his master’s degree in counseling at Assumption College. He began his career at Bennington United Services, a private, non-profit community mental health center. Gail and he met while he was at St. Michael’s and she was at UVM. David became deacon in the Vermont Catholic Diocese while in Bennington. He now serves Mary Queen of All Saints Catholic Parish. David is a skilled craftsman who has dedicated his talents to Homes For Humanity and serving his community. He loves playing hockey, skiing and pickleball. He enjoys playing guitar and singing.

The Town of Hardwick said, “John and Joyce Mandeville have contributed many years of professional expertise and volunteer service to the Hardwick area. John has supported small businesses, workforce development and community-based economic growth across Vermont. He has been deeply involved in local service, including the Hardwick Development Review Board, East Hardwick Fire District, the Hardwick Electric Department, Salvation Farms, and the Grassroots Art and Community Effort. 

“Joyce Mandeville is a published novelist and short story writer. She has dedicated significant time to community service, including the Hardwick Planning Commission, the Northeast Kingdom Arts Council and the East Hardwick Neighborhood Organization. Through EHNO, she has been involved in annual spring flower planting, the cookie project and the children’s parade. She volunteers with the local food pantry and other community efforts. 

“Together, John and Joyce have been active supporters of their neighbors, often contributing quietly through donations of food, clothing, time, and personal support to individuals and families in need. Much of this generosity has taken place outside formal programs and public recognition. 

“Through their professional work, volunteer leadership and everyday acts of kindness, John and Joyce Mandeville have made lasting contributions to Hardwick and East Hardwick.

Larry Hamel’s nomination said he “has served the town with distinction as resource officer, town constable and animal control officer, consistently stepping forward to meet the needs of the community.

“Known for his steady leadership and solution-oriented mindset, Larry approaches every challenge with professionalism and the belief that communities are strongest when people rise to the occasion together. In addition to his public safety service, Larry has played an important role in revitalizing several downtown buildings, contributing to the economic and civic renewal of the community.

“His dedication to both public service and local investment, reflects a deep and lasting commitment to the town and its residents.

Dave Gross said, “After retiring from the business world, Mike and Kris Lance moved to East Hardwick. Besides working on his novel, Mike also has become connected to his new community. He can be counted on to help with the children’s parade and events held by our local civic groups. Mike also does much that goes unnoticed by most because when he sees a need, he quietly does what he can to address it. Mike is being honored tonight specifically for his long-time care and concern for one neighbor who often needed occasional help with life’s challenges. A ride to a store, a trip to the barber or dealing with an emergency, Mike was there for this neighbor. 

“Recently, when it became apparent that a supportive living arrangement was necessary, Mike sought out a new residence for him, facilitated the move from his apartment and helped with the sale of his excess belongings. East Hardwick Village is lucky to have Mike as a member of our community. Thank you, Mike.”

Lucille Emmons and Heather Brooks represented the community friends who nominated Kathy Burnor, saying, “Kathy Gabaree Burnor’s heart has always been with organizations whose goals were to help others, and she has volunteered in them most of her life. She started volunteering in her teens at the Waitsfield United Church of Christ teaching Sunday school. As a young adult she worked on The Waitsfield Ambulance service and helped man a suicide prevention phone. She has worked with the foster care system helping children in need as a foster parent and as an instructor for prospective foster parents. When she moved to Hardwick 37 years ago, she quickly became involved. She helped start Care Bear Day Care with Debbie Cook. She has worked as a paraprofessional at Hardwick Elementary school, and then as a behavioral interventionist for Lamoille County Mental Health. She had children with autism riding the pony at her home. She joined the United Church of Hardwick and has worn many hats. She taught Sunday school and became superintendant of the Sunday school. She has been the treasurer and managed the yearly auction and rummage sale. She and Debbie Messier started the very successful Angel Outfitters Thrift Shop, the success of which is often measured by the joy it brings people, not the amount of money it generates. Kathy has often shown her love and caring in her sewing projects. She has been helping the holiday project by making Christmas stockings for the children they serve. Last year she and her grandchildren made 150 stockings. This year the goal is 200. Kathy’s motto is “If there is a need, she will fill it” and she has proved that time and again.

Bethany Dunbar’s nomination said her “background is in journalism and agriculture. She is a former president of the Vermont Press Association, award-winning investigative journalist, editor, photographer and photo editor with some experience in radio and television as well. She is the author and photographer of a book of agricultural profiles and a town history book for the town of Lowell, Vermont. She and her first husband owned a small dairy farm with Jersey cows, which is what led her to concentrate on covering agricultural stories and economic trends. Covering the beginnings of the Center for an Agricultural Economy drew her to want to join the CAE team, and she served as the community programs manager there from 2014 until her retirement in December 2025. In her role at CAE, Bethany worked to build community every day, emphasizing relationships, shared learning, care, listening and empathy and finding hope in the shared efforts to make our local food systems function better for our farmers and community.”

Hardwick Trails said “Ron and Norma Wiesen have been devoted volunteers with Hardwick Trails since 2003. They were co-chairpersons when the first strategic plan was created. Although they have been a part of the steady growth across all aspects of trails’ development, they have also spearheaded a few beloved events. Ron takes the medal for the individual who has transported the most pumpkins in our community, estimated to be 33,600 “pumpkin touches” over the past 21 years. 

“Norma has been busy in her own right, developing the naturalist program each season, providing a window into flora and fauna. She also was instrumental in creating and maintaining the poetry walk. Over the past 23 years, Ron and Norma have stood at the ready to do what was needed for every on-going program, every special event and many of the mundane tasks that managing the trails requires. They serve as the institutional memory and inspiration for the Trails Committee and continue to be devoted educators and community members.”

Following the awards, some left to catch the basketball game while other friends and family stayed and socialized over snacks from the Village Restaurant and Kiwanis members.