The nominations for the 2012 Barriere Citizen of the Year, put forward this by area residents who recognize the people who make a difference in their community, are now closed. Four nominations were originally submitted, but two of the individuals have graciously declined their nominations (and requested we not publish their names), which leaves two outstanding community individuals to be recognized. This week three area service organizations will have been given the nomination information for each nominee. It will be their job to cast votes and decide who they feel should be recognized as Barriere Citizen of the Year for 2012. The name of the recipient will be published in our Thursday, Oct. 25, issue. 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 the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre. The nominees for the 2012 Barriere Citizen of the Year Award are:
Margaret Houben
Beverly Murphy writes, “I would like to nominate Margaret Houben for Citizen of the Year. This amazing lady has her finger on the pulse of most organizations in our community and has the warmest welcoming smile around. She helps behind the scenes of almost every community event. Margaret works hard and adds so much to our community.
“She is involved in the Garden Club, the Arts Council, the Catholic Women’s League, a grand supporter of Bandshell Fridays, loves to sing and promote the choir, is involved in the photography group, and attends every and any event in Barriere to show support, and of course take pictures.
“Her recent venture compiling a handbook of all services and groups in the North Thompson was a huge undertaking, and a much needed tool for all of us to use; she did an amazing job.
I am sure she is involved in many other great causes, because she is always out there. She is a very deserving candidate and I take my hat off to all her fine work.”
Keith Moore
Branch 242 Royal Canadian Legion has nominated Keith Moore for Barriere Citizen of the Year for 2012.
“Keith is a charter member of our Branch, where he has served two terms of two years each as president; he also served in other executive positions.
Keith is still an active member, taking part in our Remembrance Day Service held each year at the local schools; he gives a talk to the students of the elementary school on the meaning of the poppy and why we “Remember” on November 11th. Keith also takes part in our November 11th Service held each year at our branch.
Keith continues to attendmeetings when he is able, and actively supports fund raising events like our Saturday meat draws and fund raising dinners.
He is always available for us to ask for advice when we need it.
Keith will be receiving his 60 year membership pin this year at our Honours and Awards Dinner to be held on Oct. 26.
Keith was a charter member of the Barriere Lions Club, and one of the first drivers for the Ambulance Service in Barriere. He was an active member of the Barriere fire department, and served as Fire Chief. He held the position as president of the Barriere Senior’s Society for four years, and was an active Director for Barriere Rural Crime Watch.
As you can see, Keith was, and still is, an active member of our community.
This month he was honoured by being presented with the Queens Diamond Jubilee medal.
It is with great respect and pride that we, the Royal Canadian Legion, nominate Keith Moore for Barriere Citizen of the Year.