In 1996, Jean Andresen had no way of knowing that a suggestion made at a volunteer meeting of the newly formed group, For the Love of the Lake, would evolve into 26+ years of volunteer service with the organization. Jean, an avid runner and bicyclist at White Rock Lake Park, wanted to drive awareness of FTLOTL to park users. Jean suggested to the groups’ leader that placing signs in the park promoting the organizations’ core program, Second Saturday Shoreline Spruce-Up, could increase awareness and involvement from the community.
By the end of the next week, eight brand new metal framed signs were made and delivered to Jean and her husband, Ben. Once a month for the next 26 years, on the week before Second Saturday, Jean and Ben drove around the lake to put out the signs and returned at the end of the week to pick them up. To date, they have performed that service 320 times.
In 2022, For the Love of the Lake recognized the Andresens with the prestigious Volunteer of the Decade Award. At the beginning of this year, Jean and Ben made their last pilgrimage to the lake with the signs. Reflecting on their years of service, Ben said that between them, “Jean is the brains and I am the brawn.” In parting, Jean said she, “adores the lake” and that their lives have been enriched through this volunteer service. For the Love of the Lake applauds Jean and Ben for their dedication and commitment to the organization and the community at large. The Andresens leave us with fond memories and are role models for lake lover volunteers.
Article by Gail Greenaway
