Area residents, out of town guests, and family members gathered together on Jan. 19, to toast Barriere’s Keith Moore, as the Citizen of the Year for 2012. The attendees filled the Lions Hall, and everyone was ready and looking forward to not just toasting, but doing a little roasting as well of this man who has spent many of his 91 years in the Barriere area.
Long known for his ceaseless volunteer work and willing attitude to help out, all agreed Keith was a perfect choice for the award.
The evening’s festivities began a wonderful meal prepared by Bob and Crystal Sorenson. It was served at table by NTVIC After School Program young people. The youth truly looked and acted the part of servers in a top-notch restaurant, as they placed the elegantly garnished plates of food in front of the guests.
Judy Armstrong, who is the NTVIC facilitator of the group, commented, “Those kids have worked hard to get everything right, and it certainly paid off, we are all proud of them, and it seems they are also having a good time.”
In fact there were so many well-wishers who turned out for the banquet, the kitchen found themselves running a little short of the meat, but no one complained, and those who missed out took it in stride.
Master of ceremonies, Beverly Murphy, said, “Now that we are all fed and watered, we will settle in and let the roasting begin. We’re here to honour this fine Citizen Keith Moore, who has had a big part in shaping many service groups in Barriere. Tonight you will hear it all, the good the bad, and sometimes maybe even the ugly.”
What followed was a line-up of speakers, all there to congratulate Keith. North Thompson Star/Journal publisher Al Kirkwood presented the newspaper’s Citizen of the Year Award, to Keith, as well as an award recognizing Keith’s accomplishments from the Barriere Fire Department, where he served as fire chief many years ago.
Dignitaries, such as MP Terry Lake, Mayor Bill Humphreys, and TNRD Director Bill Kershaw gave the Citizen of the Year much well-deserved praise in their addresses, as did a number of others who came up to speak or make presentations.
In the middle of the program, the MC interrupted to announce the arrival of messengers from the War Front of many years ago, the USO Girls (Babes, Cathy, Jude and Beverly), who gave a rousing rendition of “The North Atlantic Squadron”. The words had been somewhat changed to suit the occasion, but Keith and all present enjoyed it all.
Moore wore his ‘Crown’ through the ceremonies with much good humour, proving he really is a “King” within the community.
“I believe the Citizen of the Year Banquet is a wonderful celebration of community that honours all volunteers,” said MC Beverly Murphy who also represents the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre (NTVIC) on of the supporters of the event, “Even though there is always one main honouree, it is amazing how many past Citizens of the Years, and fellow volunteers are there to support the current year’s recipient. There is always a wonderful magic that surrounds the evening and makes you proud to be a part of this community. I really felt that for Keith Moore’s dinner, with all his family, friends, peers and dignitaries coming together with a glowing tribute, I was very happy to be a part of it.”