2005 Woman of the Year Awards

The 2005 Woman of the Year was Loreen (Rice) Lucas, above left, shown being handed a bouquet by Sherry Douglas, our 2004 recipient of the award.

Shown above is the 2005 recipient of the Young Woman of the Year Award, Lisa Brooking, being presented her award by Lucy Steward, 1st Vice President of the OBWA.

Loreen (Rice) Lucas - 2005 Woman of the Year

Loreen has achieved excellence in her place of work. At a very young age, Loreen took on the task of compiling a yearbook for Midland High School in 1930. This "take charge" and "lead by example" approach has been demonstrated many times since then. As a mother of 5 and homemaker she kept an "old fashioned" home, made up of good old fashioned home cooking, vegetable gardens, patchwork quilts, preserves, reading, writing and music. Loreen and her husband took over a decrepit old country store located at Mitchell Square, in Oro Township. They worked very hard to bring it backto life, and it subsequently thrived. She became the confidant of many women who came not only to shop, but to gain support and encouragement. Loreen took over a relatively modest insurance business in Hawkestone, studied hard to obtain her insurance licence, and also became the first woman in the area to get her real estate broker's licence.
At the age of 80, Loreen felt she should write her memoirs. The task was daunting. Her first book, Outhouses and Apple Pie, not only contains her memoirs but also many sketches she drew to illustrate the narrative. Since then, she has produced 4 more books containing reminiscences. Loreen's present business venture is her publishing company called Inky Fingers Studio.
Loreen has been a tireless worker in the United Church in Hawkestone, and has been active in the Women's Institute, becoming Regional Chairperson. She has taught Sunday School throughout her adult life, and initiated the Oro 4H Club in 1946.
Acknowledgements Loreen has received from the community are: Plaques for Citizen of the Year of Oro-Medonte Township in 1983; the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 1992; Life member of the Oro Horticultural Society. It is clearly evident that Loreen continually strives to improve herself and her community. She has set many goals for herself and achieved them, not just once or twice in her lifetime, but many times over! It is obvious that Loreen exemplifies the qualities for Woman of the Year - we congratulate you!

Lisa Brooking - 2005 Young Woman of the Year

A Twin Lakes Student, Lisa holds an 80's average and is heading for universit in the fall. She holds the highest mark in the Grade 12 Triathlon course, and struggles with, but has mastered Data Management and Calculus.
When sports committees necessitated her missing one day per week of school for two months, her strong work ethic had her studying on buses, at noisy race competitions, and on pool decks.
At a young age, Lisa became responsible for her younger sister and the running of the family home - laundry, dishes, cleaning and cooking.
Described as intelligent, loyal, conscientious, mature, spiritual and kind, Lisa volunteers at OSMH in continuous and palliative care area, at the Canadian Cancer Society, Kids of Steel Triathlon, and elementary cross-country meets. She has initiated "Relay for Life", a fundraising activity with donations going directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Lisa is also an active member in cross-country running, swimming and track and field, and enjoys sewing and quilting as hobbies.

2005 Women of Distinction

The two other nominees for the 2005 Award were Heather Tuline-Alden and, Julianna Hawke.

2001 marked the 10th anniversary of the Woman of the Year Award. Some previous winners are: top row, left to right: Pat Hehn (1995), Marg Lebarr (1998), Audrey Rodger (1994), Sandi Johns (1993), Chief Lorraine McRae (1996). Bottom row, left to right: Shirley Bagley (1977), Lucy Stewart (1991), Donna Hewitt (1999), and Phyllis Roberts (1992).