By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
There is no other way to put it: Volunteers are what keep the community of Oliver alive.
That was evident during the Spirit of Oliver Awards ceremony at the community centre August. 19.
Winning the “Community Roots” award was Sally Franks, who won the “individual” Spirit of Oliver award in 2011.
Nominator Carol Sheridan said Franks has volunteered countless hours painting murals and promoting arts and cultural in Oliver. She was also a founding member of the WOW (Women of Oliver for Women) organization.
“She has encouraged so many residents of all ages to pursue their dreams as artists . . . life in Oliver is more beautiful thanks to Sally,” Sheridan said.
Franks, part of a pioneering family in Oliver, attributed her passion for arts and culture to her family.
Also nominated for the award was the Thompson family.
Winning the “Outstanding Individual Adult or Couple” award was Marian Nelmes.
Nominator Susan Huffman praised Nelmes for her dedication in looking after the gardens at Sunnybank Centre and McKinney Place.
Nelmes is a member of the Sunnybank ladies auxiliary and has put many hours into organizing the annual tea events at the Elks Hall. Even in her mid-80s, Nelmes volunteers for the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society, and often plays the piano with the Oliver Senior Centre band.
Nelmes said it was an honour to be nominated along with Sheryll Matheson and Brian Hale, Adam Pearce, and Carol and Dale Young.
The Group Award went to Oliver Missions Society (OMS), led by Jo Tanner, who was quite emotional during the announcement. Fellow nominees were Emergency Support Services, Knights of Columbus, and Oliver Youth Ambassadors.
The OMS group is well known for its work in Oliver helping families in need and victims of flooding and fires, not to mention those impacted by severe heat, cold, and homelessness.
Tanner said their goal has always been to inspire the community to do the best that it can to help the less fortunate.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen gave special mention to the groups that worked tirelessly during last year’s Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. They included Emergency Support Services, Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue, and the Oliver Fire Department.
The Spirit of Oliver Youth Award went to Kael Koteles. The other nominee was Shael Narayan.
Koteles, an Oliver Ambassador, is recognized for his volunteer work to make the community a better place to live, especially for youth.
“Kael was often the last to leave an event, making sure that the job was fully completed,” said Johansen.
Koteles often volunteered with Oliver Elementary School’s Fine Arts Club, and helped fundraising efforts for the Small Wheels Park.
Koteles said he grew up in Oliver and always wanted to be part of the community.
Winning the “Community Builder” award was Dennis Frewin, the only nominee.
At 81, Frewin has been the driving force behind the new thrift store building expansion on Kootenay Street.
He has volunteered countless hours sourcing materials and arranging tradespeople for the project. With a small group of volunteers, Frewin has built the expansion from the ground up.
Frewin said the thrift store is a great asset to the community, so he is only meeting its need to grow.
“We’re expecting our contributions to grow because of this activity, and so that’s really why I’m here.”
Shiela Lange from the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society acknowledged all the volunteers for their dedication to the community.
Johansen said these volunteers are really the life blood of the town.
“Whenever I travel anywhere and people ask me what’s great about Oliver, the first thing I think about is the volunteers.”
