Barriere's 2011 Citizen of the Year, Carol Patton, has now been officially awarded with that honour at a banquet held for her on Jan. 28, at the Lions Hall.
Friends, family, supporters, and dignitaries turned out to toast Patton, and enjoy a little good natured roasting from those who know her best.
"I have to speak nicely about her," said Leslie Stirling, "She does my taxes. If I roast her I may end up with an unwanted visit from Revenue Canada."
However, Stirling did in fact gently roast Patton, receiving some hearty laughs from those in attendance as she did so.
"I have had a good time making mock of Carol," said Stirling, "But I also want to say that she is one of those extremely active volunteers that sees work that needs to be done and just quietly goes about doing it. Many organizations in Barriere would be poorer without her participation."
Patton received congratulations and presentations during the evening, not only came from friends and family, but also from MLA Terry Lake, MP Cathy McLeod's office, Mayor Bill Humphreys, Barriere and District Chamber of Commerce president Scott Kershaw, NT Volunteer Centre president Donna Kibble, NT Star/Journal editor Jill Hayward, NT Fall Fair & Rodeo Queen Hannah Allan, and Emergency Social Services presented by Virginia Smith and TNRD rep Ron Storey.
Runner-up for 2011 Citizen of the Year, Wim Houben, also received a presentation and thank you's for his hard work within the community.
Patton said she appreciated the honour of being named Citizen of the Year, but felt that the people who work with her in the volunteer organizations she is involved in really are the ones who deserve the recognition. "Without them I am nothing," said Patton.
The annual Barriere Citizen of the Year is sponsored by the North Thompson Star/Journal, the North Thompson Volunteer Centre, and the District of Barriere
