By Helen Bryce, current GBF board member and chair of the education committee
Georgian Bay Forever has reached a significant threshold. We are 25 years old! To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we asked these past board officers to reflect back on our accomplishments and dream forward by answering three questions.
1. What do you see as GBF's major contributions to you and your family's enjoyment of the Bay over the past 25 years?
2. During your (active) involvement with GBF, what do you see as the organization's greatest achievements and what was your role in them?
3. As you watch your children and grandchildren grow and enjoy cottage life, what would you like to see GBF accomplish over the next 25 years to protect Georgian Bay?
1. What do you see as GBF's major contributions to you and your family's enjoyment of the Bay over the past 25 years?
2. During your (active) involvement with GBF, what do you see as the organization's greatest achievements and what was your role in them?
3. As you watch your children and grandchildren grow and enjoy cottage life, what would you like to see GBF accomplish over the next 25 years to protect Georgian Bay?
What follows is their collective wisdom in celebration of GBF’s 25th anniversary year briefly introduced by our Chair of our Board of Directors and our Executive Director.
1. What do you see as GBF's major contributions to you and your family's enjoyment of the Bay over the past 25 years?
"GBF has increased our awareness of the uniqueness, beauty and fragility of our refuge on the Bay."~ Lloyd Posno, 2004-2010, served as Chair
"The opportunity to learn about the threats to the Bay, and help others learn so that all can contribute to GBF’s mission of ‘Protecting Our Waters” for generations to come."~ Brenda Drinkwalter, 2010-2015, served as Chair
"It is GBF’s concern for the water that is so important to our family. We have seen changes to our beloved water over the years and that is why GBF’s oversight, research and advocacy is so important."~ Peter Singer, 2015-2017, served as Chair
"Our Pointe au Baril cottage has been the one constant in our lives. Our children and now our grandkids have grown up here enjoying all that the Bay has to offer. GBF has helped to educate us all about the importance and value of their critical work protecting our water for the future."~ Anne Randell, 2013-2020 served as Chair
2. During your (active) involvement with GBF, what do you see as the organization's greatest achievements and what was your role in them?
"During my four years on the Board, its name changed to Georgian Bay Forever. This was a period of organizing and prioritizing goals which set the stage well for future projects and successes." ~ Larry Ward, 2009-2012, served as Treasurer
"We began applying scientific rigour to GBF’s mission and built relations with numerous domestic and cross border leaders and organizations in the Great Lakes Region to ensure that GBF would have the necessary influence to protect the Bay for future generations."~ Brenda Drinkwalter, 2010-2015, served as Chair
"During my time, the organization evolved from being an ‘offshoot’ of the GBA to the expert in matters related to the waters of the Bay. This generated recognition from organizations and provincial and federal governments. The ability to be ‘at the table’ meant that GBF was able to meaningfully influence future policies effecting the Bay and Great Lakes."~ Peter Singer, 2015-2017, served as Chair
"The purchase of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, in partnership with several universities, was unanimously supported by the Board. It’s use will revolutionize water quality testing in Georgian Bay, while providing many other opportunities for science based research."~ Anne Randell, 2013-2020 served as Chair
Chairing the team which redefined the GBF mission and transition from a volunteer board to a scientifically driven, professionally managed organization focused on the preservation of the Bay and the entire Great Lakes.~ Lloyd Posno, 2004-2010, served as Chair
As you watch your children and grandchildren grow and enjoy cottage life, what would you like to see GBF accomplish over the next 25 years to protect Georgian Bay?
"GBF is vital in protecting our water and environment – currently exemplified by its fight against Phragmites. Our family is passionate about the Bay and appreciates the dedication and effort of GBF led by its Board."~ Larry Ward, 2009-2012, served as Treasurer
"Secure enough funding to do the work that is required to protect the Bay for future generations. With increasing numbers of cottagers from around the world, GBF will need to reflect this diversity on its Board and committees. Ensure that all areas of the Bay are represented and addressed, including unique geographies."~ Brenda Drinkwalter, 2010-2015, served as Chair
"GBF should remain at the forefront of the science necessary to understand the waters of the Bay and be willing and able to undertake activities to sustain its health."~ Peter Singer, 2015-2017, served as Chair
"GBF’s work would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. We are grateful to each and every one of them. Their ongoing support will allow GBF’s important science, research and education, to continue strongly for the next 25 years and beyond."~ Anne Randell, 2013-2020 served as Chair
"Wide scale collaboration with affinity groups to develop the public consensus needed to pass bi-national public policy mitigating the impact of
climate change and the expanding population on the Great Lakes eco system."~Lloyd Posno, 2004-2010, served as Chair
Thank you Brenda, Lloyd, Larry, Anne, and Peter for all you have done for Georgian Bay and Georgian Bay Forever.
We would also like to thank and acknowledge the amazing achievements of ALL past Chairs, Directors and Volunteers who have shaped GBF over the last 25 years.
This is a milestone we can celebrate together as a team!
Check out the 1/2 hour video below for an overview of those accomplishments.
