Heather Latter
Each year, Alberton council selects a senior from the community to recognize as an outstanding citizen.
This year it was Barney Maher who received the honour, accepting the “Senior of the Year” award during last week’s council meeting.
“It’s quite an honour and it was quite a surprise,” said Maher, a retired teacher and long-time member of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter.
“Your influence on the children of Alberton and that of the entire district through your teaching and coaching skills have influenced all that have had the opportunity to be one of your students at the Fort Frances High School,” Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond said to Maher during the award presentation.
Reeve Hammond noted Maher also coached generations of area children, instilling in them not only sports skills but also personal achievement and development, values, and community spirit.
“Although you don’t remember all the names and faces of your past students, your warm smile and humour, whether in a grocery store or on the street, does remind your former students of you,” he told Maher.
Reeve Hammond added Maher spent numerous years volunteering as chair of DU to help preserve and protect the district’s natural environment and resources.
Maher also participated in consultations for the Report of the Advisory Board on the Volunteer Sector.
“Barney’s enthusiasm for people, community, the environment, and life makes him a highly worthy recipient of this award,” reads the community newsletter from earlier this year.
Maher thanked council and those on hand for last week’s meeting as he accepted the award.
“I’m not sure I did all those things but I’ll take it,” he chuckled modestly.
Maher, who was quite impressed with the framed award he took home, spent 28 years volunteering with DU and 30 years teaching, retiring back in 1980.
“I enjoyed doing all those things and it is nice to be recognized,” he remarked.
“I’m really happy.”
Past recipients of the “Senior of the Year” award in Alberton include Roy Forsythe (2006), Wes Jacobs (2007), Nelson Rogoza (2008), Tony Weir (2009), and George Ray Watson (2010).
