WARM WORDS were followed by congratulations as longtime resident and volunteer Yvonne Moen was named Freeman of the City of Terrace during Riverboat Days 2015 opening ceremonies held July 31 at George Little Park.
Mayor Carol Leclerc listed a long series of activities and accomplishments undertaken by Moen who moved here in 1959.
Those activities ranged from being involved in sporting and other activities with her children through to being president of the Greater Terrace Beautification Society and being involved in the collection and publication of the area’s history through her volunteer role as a community historian.
Moen was also, for many years, a regular columnist with The Terrace Standard, recounting the stories of local citizens.
The honour “is reserved for those individuals who have exemplified the values of integrity, honour, commitment and leadership along with a love for the community of Terrace,” said Leclerc of the Freeman designation.
Moen is just the fifth person in the city’s history to be named as a Freeman. It means she’s placed first on the municipal voters’ list and is invited to all special functions hosted by the city.
The Freeman designation dates back to the medieval practice of granting respected citizens freedom from serfdom, explained Leclerc.
The award comes with a pin in the shape of a key and was presented to Moen by the person who nominated her, city councillor Michael Prevost.
“I just hope I can do a little bit to follow in their footsteps and do as much as they did,” said Moen of previous Freeman recipients – former mayor Jack Talstra, educator Vesta Douglas, businessman Bill McRae and former city chairman Emil Haugland. “ They believed in Terrace.”
Moen also took the opportunity to encourage young people to step forward and become involved in local events and activities.
The opening ceremonies kicked off 10 days of Riverboat Days of activities which include a parade this morning and fireworks tonight.
