Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
Oliver wouldn’t be Oliver without the volunteers that keep the community thriving.
That was the simple message behind today’s Spirit of Oliver Awards held at the community centre.
Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan called these volunteers the “lifeblood of the community,” the people who keep this town going.
The first award, called Community Roots, went to Vance Potter.
Town Coun. Dave Mattes referred to Potter’s contribution to live theatre and his directorship on the Oliver and District Heritage Society.
Mattes noted that Potter has been responsible for preserving Oliver’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Most recently, Potter has been volunteering on the One Hundred X One Hundred project.
Winning the Outstanding Individual Adult or Couple Award were Louis and Jolanda Balog.
Town Coun. Petra Veintimilla said the Balogs have served the Oliver Food Bank community for more than 20 years.
Jolanda was instrumental in establishing the Food Bank as a registered charity in 2004. Throughout the years she has been responsible for ordering the food, receiving donations, sorting, shelving, and preparing food hampers.
Louis has spent many years picking up donations all over town and out of town, often seven days a week. He also put many hours into building maintenance and upgrading.
It is estimated that Louis and Jolanda put in about 18 hours a week to ensure that people’s needs are met. The Balogs were not present at today’s ceremony.
The next award, called the Group Award, went to Desert Valley Hospice Society.
Town Coun. Larry Schwartzenberger listed the many programs (more than 15) that DVHS offers in supporting palliative care, end-of-life services and bereavement support.
To date, the society’s volunteers have served 102 people.
Accepting the award were Donna Gordan and Glen Timbers.
Mayor Martin Johansen presented a “special mention” Group Award to local front-line health care workers from South Okanagan General Hospital, Sunnybank Retirement Centre and McKinney Place care facility.
Johansen said these special people have been working tirelessly since the beginning of the pandemic. It was noted that these dedicated workers have shown great strength, compassion and resiliency over the last year to provide care, putting themselves “into the depths” of the pandemic.
A huge applause from the crowd recognized their efforts.
The Youth Award, by no surprise, went to Kelan Harty.
Town Coun. Aimee Grice said the 18 year old has been involved with the Oliver Elementary School Fine Arts Club for many years.
Grice noted that Harty is always willing to go “above and beyond” in these activities, including designing and building set pieces and props for musicals.
Harty is also known for his volunteering in entertaining seniors (via piano and singing) in local care facilities.
“He never fails to get lots of laughs and applause,” Grice said.
Shiela Lange, chair of Oliver Parks and Recreation Society, presented Janet Shaw with the Community Builder award.
Shaw was recognized for her support of racquet sports and sports facilities, including the Oliver Tennis Club and pickleball courts.
Lange said Shaw leaves a legacy of sport in Oliver. Shaw was not present at today’s ceremony.
Sheridan gave kudos to parks and recreation volunteers, saying she simply could not do her job without them.
She also paid special tribute to the late “Dot” Cranston, a long-time supporter with an infectious smile.
“When I arrived in 2010, Dot was one of the first people I had the pleasure to work with.”
Sheridan recalled Dot’s old-school habits of using a film camera to take pictures when everyone else was using digital cameras.
Johansen mentioned the tireless work of local Emergency Support Services staff whose volunteer hours are “unmatched” in the South Okanagan.
“We owe you a huge debt,” he said.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen presents the Group Award to Desert Valley Hospice Society, represented here by Donna Gordan and Glen Timbers.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
Vance Potter accepts the Community Roots award from Mayor Martin Johansen during the Spirit of Oliver Awards today.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
Kelan Harty is presented the Youth Award by Mayor Martin Johansen at the Spirit of Oliver Awards today in the community centre.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
