ON April 28, locals packed the Terrace Room at the Erie Beach Hotel for Port Dover Board of Trade’s Citizens of the Year dinner honouring Pam and Andrew Schneider. The couple was recognized for their decades of contributions to the community as volunteers, leaders, organizers, donors, businesspeople, and more.
After some mingling, attendees sat down for a family-style meal of perch, roast beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salads, and the restaurant’s signature celery bread prepared and served by Erie Beach Hotel staff.
Citizen of the Year committee member and friend of the family Darryl Swarts emceed the dinner, introducing the head table, family table, and the evening’s speakers. Fellow organizers and committee members Nora Taylor and Stephanie Misner ensured everything came together and went smoothly.
Ward 6 Councillor Adam Veri attended the event to honour the Schneiders on behalf of Norfolk County. Coun. Veri gave a speech commending them for their character and community spirit, sharing that the duo have always made him feel welcome in Port Dover, and that he knows they’ve done the same for countless others. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider will receive a scroll from the county to recognize their community work.
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady spoke about the local impact the Schneider family has made over three generations of Citizen of the Year recipients, praising the pair for continuing a legacy started by Mr. Schneider’s grandparents. MPP Brady bestowed them each with a scroll recognizing their achievements on behalf of the province.
Family friend Alexis Copeman delivered a heartfelt address about the difference the Schneiders have made for her throughout her life. Ms. Copeman expressed profound gratitude for their unending compassion, support, and generosity to not just her, but anyone in the community who needs it.
Port Dover Board of Trade co-president Paul Morris told the crowd about some of the many ways the Schneiders have served Port Dover, pointing out that they’ve benefitted the town through their businesses and their volunteerism, often behind the scenes and always without seeking attention. Mr. Morris presented them with a plaque in recognition of their work on behalf of the organization.
The couple’s daughters Kylie, Alexis, and Abby gave a speech together that was equal parts sweet and funny. They shared their unique perspective on their parents’ community work, which they said on one occasion went as far as selling the family’s furniture for a worthy cause.
The MP was unable to attend and honour the Schneiders on behalf of the country due to the election on the same day.
The last speech of the night came from the event’s honourees. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider expressed their gratitude for being named Citizens of the Year, explaining that everything they’ve done for
Port Dover has been because they thought it was the right thing to do. They said that when we collaborate and support each other, be it in business or otherwise, we’re all better for it.
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Originally published May 7, 2025
