SANDFIELD—The Big Lake Women’s Institute (WI) held its annual luncheon and citizen’s award on June 16 at the schoolhouse on Silver Bay Road.
Careene English is the president of this WI, and she was pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the citizen of the year was Linda Farquhar. Ms. English was happy to share her remarks with the Island’s newspapers.
“Community service is a family tradition for our choice for Citizen of the Year Ward 3 Central Manitoulin,” she told the gathered members. “We are pleased to honour Linda Farquhar for her service, dedication, and love for her community.
Ms. Farquhar was born and raised in Big Lake and, although she lived in several locations off the Island, she returned in 1980 where she lived for 18 years in Mindemoya. In 1998, after completing renovations to her family home where she was raised, she moved back to Big Lake where she still resides.
Ms. Farquhar has two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She also has a stepfamily. She treasures all of her family.
Ms. Farquhar has been a valued member of the Big Lake Women’s Institute for over 20 years; knitting needed articles for Canada Comforts, an organization that donates needed items in third world countries. She also helps with the June luncheon, presently holds the position of vice-president, serves as treasurer, held the position of secretary, is part of the Emergency Support Team, helps to keep the tradition of a Remembrance Day service at the Big Lake Cemetary alive, and chairs the citizen of the year committee. This year, she voluntarily removed herself from that committee when she found out that she was nominated.
In 1997, Ms. Farquhar became a member of the Big Lake Community Association, an organization with the purpose of keeping the old school functioning as a community centre. She has held the position of secretary several times and helps to organize and make lunches for the euchre parties held at the school. During any fundraising activities, you can be sure to find Linda there cutting pie, serving ice cream, or taking on any duty that needs to be looked after.
Twelve years ago, when attending her first meeting of the Mindemoya Golden Age Club, she found herself catapulted into the position of president because of the aging membership and a president who wanted to step down. Since that time, she has remained active in the club. The club meets bi-monthly where they can enjoy a potluck luncheon, followed by a program, speaker, or just plain visiting.
Despite being a busy lady, Ms. Farquhar still takes the time to help her friends or neighbours out. She is a first responder for a helpline personal emergency service at a friend’s home and has been available to listen to and support a friend in need.
Her latest adventure has been in the area of municipal politics. She successfully ran for councillor in Central Manitoulin. This has been a challenging adventure for Ms. Farquhar, and her love and pride in her community is well represented on council.
“Congratulations Linda, your family adores you, your friends love and respect you, and your fellow members of the Big Lake WI love you and are so pleased to honour you with this award,” the president said.
Ms. Farquhar was thrilled with the award. “This is quite an honour for me,” she said. “I was quite shocked to see my son and daughter here.” She went on to say that her mother, Rae Leeson, had also been awarded as a Citizen of the Year in 1995 and that she grew up with WI. Ms. Leeson had been very active in the WI activities and participated in bake sales and bazaars and also did quilting. She was also a postmistress and writer for The Expositor. “So it was normal that I would follow in her footsteps,” Ms. Farquhar said. “And my daughter is very involved too, so I guess it’s a family trait.”
MPP Mike Mantha was also at the luncheon and award ceremony and congratulated Ms. Farquhar for her outstanding works in the community.
