OLWQS Hosts Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event

The Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society (OLWQS) could not function as we do, without the support and participation of all our talented and generous volunteers,” says President, Birgit Arnstein. “Their wide range of knowledge, skills and experience in a variety of areas from Public Relations to Fundraising, to Public Education and Scientific Lake Monitoring make a difference for our community and for the environment.”

OLWQS Boat Captains Bob Sherwood and Ian Fraser and Monitoring Data Manager, John Gates discuss the challenges of gathering water data in different parts of Osoyoos Lake. Photo Credit: Neil Bousquet

Arnstein explained that a few years back, the Society honoured Lake Monitoring Data Manager John Gates for his attention to detail and the countless hours spent managing all aspects of data collection which is used by the provincial government and other environmental groups. She also noted that John is currently attempting to hand over the reins to Trevor Reeves beginning in 2024.

As well, Arnstein also pointed to volunteer Neil Bousquet who is the content editor for the OLWQS Website and Facebook pages, and also creates and pushes out news releases, takes timely photography and participates in invasive mussel monitoring.

Iain Fraser was praised as an outstanding Boat Captain and a multi-faceted volunteer for the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society at its 2023 annual Volunteer Appreciation event. Photo Credit: Neil Bousquet

She also showered recognition on Iain Fraser for his outstanding work. “Without Iain’s knowledge and dedication in taking care of our pontoon boat and motor, there would be no data collection. Iain has worked tirelessly and may I say patiently, on the purchase and rigging our new boat and motor. There were many challenges in keeping our watercraft covered and running smoothly in summer as well as our trailer which also needs to be housed for winter. He also turned his considerable talents to rigging our ‘new/old depth sounder’ when it broke and saved us money and time by doing the work himself! In addition, Iain has kept very much abreast of all data collection and management issues.”

Iain Fraser received a new Captain’s Cap for his volunteer efforts with OLWQS as a former Board Member, Boat Captain and Boat & Trailer Manager. Photo Credit: Neil Bousquet

Arnstein also complimented member volunteers Bob and Deb Sherwood hosting the volunteer appreciation event at their lakeside home. “Bob has been a Boat Captain for many years and Deb has been on our board and managed the crew schedule. Bob and Deb have painted yellow fish, attached trash can decals and engaged in shoreline cleanups!’

OLWQS volunteer appreciation event photo. Front Row (l-r) John Gates, Birgit Arnstein, Verla Anderson, Iain Fraser and Barb Stevens. Back row (l-r) Jennifer Morton, Elise Peterson, Bob Sherwood, Deb Sherwood, David Ryan, Barb Chipperfield, Philip Harfman, Marie Gibbons, Tami Marcus and Ron Stuart. Photo Credit: Neil Bousquet

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