The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Norma Barr knows exactly where she'll display her volunteer award from the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism. The Denare Beach retiree was in Regina recently to accept the provincial honour in recognition of her work with the Northern Gateway Museum. 'I think I'm going to put it in the museum,' Barr says. 'I think it's for everybody there _ it just happens to have my name on it.' Barr was chosen from three finalists across the province for the 2013 Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism award in the heritage and culture category. It goes to seniors who ensure history and tradition are preserved, and/or who further multicultural or intercultural awareness. Barr certainly fits that bill. She is a driving force behind Denare Beach's landmark museum, having been an active volunteer there for the past 22 years. 'I love the museum,' she says, adding that she is intrigued by the heritage and culture it celebrates. When Barr was invited to attend the Oct. 6 awards ceremony by the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, a volunteer non-profit, she had no idea whether she would win. Then her name was called to accept the attractive, personally engraved glass award. 'I was really surprised,' says a humble Barr. For Denare Beach Mayor Carl Lentowicz, Barr was the perfect choice. 'She's been a real anchor at the museum over the years,' he says. But Barr's community-minded efforts go beyond the museum. She has been a member of the Flin Flon Health Auxiliary for 25 years and has lent a hand to figure skating and Girl Guides. In 1992 Barr, a cancer survivor, received the prestigious Silver Award for her volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer Society. She is also active with the Northminster Memorial United Church, her place of worship for the past 70 years. The recent awards ceremony in Regina was meaningful to Barr not only because she was nominated and won, but also because of the company she kept. During dinner, she had the opportunity to sit beside Lloyd Robertson, the iconic retired news anchor who was the evening's guest speaker. Barr conversed with Robertson and found him to be a very nice man.
