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.
The first annual local International Women's Day and Woman of Honour Award Luncheon was held yesterday at R.J's Motel banquet room. The luncheon was co-hosted by Women's Safe Haven, Flin Flon Friendship Centre and the Mind, Body and Soul Committee. In other years there has been a luncheon, but this is the first time these groups have gotten together to present the Woman of Honour Award. Colleen Arnold, the director of the Women's Safe Haven, along with Christa McIntyre from the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority Health Promotions, and Aimee Deans who works with the Flin Flon Recreation Department, co-hosted the event this year. Arnold welcomed the over 100 women who attended the luncheon and thanked Rhonda Scott from the Bulk Bin, Meryl Guymer from Women's Safe Haven, Jason Mandes from the Flin Flon Friendship Centre, as well as Christa and Aimee for their contributions towards making this luncheon the huge success that it was. Then Arnold introduced the 13 ladies who were nominated for the Woman of Honour Award. She gave a short bio on each of the women, stating: "It is wonderful to let these women know how much they are valued and to recognize the achievements that they have made to our communities." Arnold went on to say that these women, "are a shining example to all Canadians and especially our young people." She then thanked them for all that they do and for all that they are! These 13 women were nominated because of their selflessness, willingness to give of their time and talents, and for putting other's needs ahead of their own. Their dedication to their families, to people who need them, to their faiths and to their community makes them a valuable asset benefiting society and enriching our community. The nominees were: Cheryl Boucher, Lois Cantin, Linda Clark, Joyce Hall, Crystal Kolt, Lorraine Krokosz, Lori Lawrence, Bev McCrimmon, Deb Odegaard, Lorraine Poirier, Jane Row, Francine Vandergucht and Noreen Watson. Chosen for the Woman of Honour Award was Lorraine Krokosz. This wonderful woman has overcome several huge obstacles in her life. "In a time when social support systems were as new as the idea of divorce," said Arnold, "Lorraine continued to work full time and raise her five children by herself." See 'Integrity' P.# Con't from P.# In the years that followed she had to make the agonizing decision to send one of her children away to a special school. Later she had to face the accidental death of her youngest daughter as well as be a comfort and guide to her remaining children. Throughout the years many troubled youth would turn to Lorraine because she was always willing to listen and encourage them. Now that her family has grown and are on their own, Lorraine has taken in many young men who are playing hockey with the Flin Flon Bombers. She has just put in her 24th year as acting "den mother" for them. Arnold went on to say: "Lorraine has set a great example for the community by living her life with integrity and strong ethics. She is not a stranger to sacrifice, be it her time or her own personal needs. She has never let the cruelties of life keep her down. Her big heart has won the admiration of many, especially when looking after her ex-mother-in-law as she went through the stages of Alzheimer's." Lorraine was able to maintain balance in her life by keeping physically active (walking laps at the Whitney Forum), nurturing her spirit by being actively involved in her church, and active with her family and her friends. She also keeps her mind active by doing bookkeeping and volunteering for her church as well as the Flin Flon Bombers." Lorraine has become a role model for single parents as well as her family and community. Congratulations, Lorraine on a job well done! We hope you realize the impression you have made in our community!
