The Village of Pinehurst celebrated the dedication and impact of its volunteer community during the Annual Volunteer Luncheon held at the Fair Barn, where residents, staff, and Village leadership gathered to recognize the individuals who help strengthen the Village through service and civic engagement.
Village Manager Doug Willardson welcomed attendees and highlighted the vital role volunteers play in Pinehurst’s success.
“Volunteers are truly a strategic advantage for the Village of Pinehurst,” Willardson said in a news release. “Their time, expertise, and commitment help shape the quality of life our residents value so deeply. Pinehurst is stronger because of their service.”
On average, Village volunteers contribute between 40 and 45 hours of service annually, supporting boards, committees, programs, and initiatives that enhance community life, public safety, planning, historic preservation, recreation, and neighborhood engagement.
During the luncheon, the Village recognized volunteers serving across numerous groups, including the Beautification Committee, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Planning and Zoning Board, Citizens on Patrol, Historic Preservation Commission, Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation, Risk Management Committee, Welcome Center, and the Pinehurst Fire Department Relief Fund Board.
The Village also announced the nominees for the 2026 Volunteer Champions’ Award, which honors individuals who exemplify the Village’s core values of service, initiative, teamwork, and improvement.
This year’s nominees were:
Ray Angelier, Citizens on Patrol
Linda Hamwi, Beautification Committee
Bruce Hockman, Risk Management Committee
Ann Hughes, Pinehurst Fire Department Relief Fund Board
Charles Wood, Citizens on Patrol
For the first time, the Village inducted three outstanding volunteers into the Volunteer Champions’ Hall of Fame.
The 2026 inductees are:
Linda Hamwi, Beautification Committee
Bruce Hockman, Risk Management Committee
Ann Hughes, Pinehurst Fire Department Relief Fund Board
“Our volunteers bring heart, creativity, and leadership to Pinehurst,” Willardson added. “Their contributions leave a lasting mark on this community, and we are honored to recognize their legacy of service.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Village of Pinehurst, visit www.vopnc.org.
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Contributed article/photo.
