The nominations for the 2013 Barriere Citizen of the Year have been put forward by area residents who recognize the people who make a difference in their community. Nominations were submitted recognizing three outstanding community individuals and are now closed. A number of area service organizations will be given the nomination information for each nominee and will cast their votes to decide who they feel should be recognized as Barriere Citizen of the Year for 2013. The name of the winning recipient will be published in our Thursday, Oct. 24, issue. The nominees for the 2013 Barriere Citizen of the Year Award are:
Al Fortin
Denise, Lisa and Bev write, “We would like to nominate Al Fortin for Citizen of the Year 2013.
“Al is a very community minded and spirited individual who helps out in many different ways. He is currently the Legion president and has been for the past two years, he has good comradeship with the LA and the community as a whole. He has worked tirelessly for the Legion, always willing to take on any job from dishwashing to plumbing, while always promoting and keeping the aims and objectives of the legion as his number one priority.
“Al can be found taking care of the Legion grounds, helping out at all the dinners and fundraisers and has organized countless events such as the Legion Golf Tournament, Remembrance Day celebration, dances, community BBQs, fundraising dinners and auctions. He assisted with the RCMP bike rodeo and promoting the Legion in various events such as the Rural Expo, Legion Week, etc. His visions are endless and always follows through with his ideas.
“Besides the work for the Legion you will see Al all over Barriere. He organizes and cares for the Ice Rink which includes yard maintenance, flooding the rink and lots and lots of snow removal. He maintains the property year round always ready for the next freeze.
“Al also finds time to organize floats for the parades and encourages the kids to get involved. He helps with the Barriere Toy Run and does work at the Fall Fair; organizing lawn and tractor races and this year he built a new brick wall for the FF grounds. He also helped refurbish the “Welcome to Barriere’ sign.
“Al is always very confident in his work encouraging to anyone who would like to assist. As a friend and neighbour, if you need him he always there he never expecting anything in return. His great attitude and endless efforts make him a perfect candidate for Citizen of the Year.”
Monica Ireland
Nominator Wim Houben writes, “Monica Ireland is very active in the community, volunteering her time with many different groups.
“She is currently president of the Barriere and District Seniors Society as well as Barriere Crime Stoppers.
“She is a member of the Red Hat Ladies Red Hot Mamas and the Community Consultative Group to the Barriere RCMP.
“Monica was also president of the Barriere Rural Crime Watch, a group which has only recently become inactive.
“She has done a lot to make our community a better place to live.”
Drew McMartin
Al Kirkwood writes, “Drew McMartin is an active member of our community.
“He championed the First Responders program for the District of Barriere and is a trained responder himself.
“He is also currently the president of the Barriere Search and Rescue Society.
“Drew started volunteering with the Barriere Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16 (seven years ago) and is now the training officer for the Fire Department.
“He is always volunteering his time for a number of community initiatives and has done a lot to make Barriere a better place to live.”
Dates for the resultant Citizen of the Year Banquet will be announced in a future issue, including ticket information and where they can be purchased. The Barriere Citizen of the Year Award is sponsored by the North Thompson Star/Journal, with assistance from the District of Barriere, and area volunteers.