A local senior waxed poetic about his love for the Town of Osoyoos before members of Town of Osoyoos council on Monday.
George Mahovlic, 88, told members of council that he had written a poem simply called “Osoyoos” after reading an article in the Osoyoos Times a few months ago about a provincial contest where citizens were asked to write a song or poem about their hometown.
Because he has very poor eyesight, Mahovolic, who moved to Osoyoos in 1970, said he couldn’t read his poem, but could recite it verbatim, which he did impressively before council.
The words to his poem read:
Oh! Osoyoos is the nicest place that can be found
With a lake in the middle and mountains all around
A jewel in the desert, yes, they say
Where people love to work and play
We work in our orchards and sweat all day in the sun
In cool of the evening, we sing, dance and have fun
The Osoyoos scenery is so beautifully grand
With peach and cherry orchards covering the land
Blossom perfume fills the air
There is not a better life anywhere
We grow a lot of grapes and make good wine
We all drink the juice and feel just fine
No one’s in a hurry, no one’s on the run
That’s why Osoyoos is such a lot of fun
Tourists come to our motels by car and bus
We love to help them; that helps us
They come for the water, they come for the sun
They swim and play in the lake, suntan and have fun
They party in the evening, visit and dine
Or just relax with a glass of good Osoyoos wine
With all kinds of recreation
Just the finest in the nation
Boating, golfing and tennis too
And here I mention just a few
It’s all here from morn; til night
To enjoy with all your might
Oh! Osoyoos is a fun loving place
Everybody wears a smile on their face
So come and visit and stay awhile
And pretty soon, you’ll wear that smile
What we tell you here is true
As we extend Canada’s Warmest Welcome to you!
Mahovlic jokingly said he “hands over all copyright” to the town and would be honoured if they wanted to use the poem on any promotional material for the town.
“If you can find use for this, it would be a huge honour to have you using it,” he said.
Coun. Sue McKortoff said she was touched by Mahovlic’s efforts to honour his hometown and said she will make sure staff send a copy of the poem to the local elementary and high school.
She also suggested a copy be sent to Cathie Baskett, the co-ordinator of the Osoyoos Royalty program, where perhaps the young ladies who join the program can use or share it.
Mayor Stu Wells also thanked Mahovlic for taking the time to pen his poem.
“I think you have just opened up another career,” said Wells smiling. “I can see you used great artistic skills. Thanks very much.”
Mahovlic said he was honoured to read his poem before members of council.
“If I leave here today knowing I put a smile on peoples’ faces, they you have most certainly made my day,” he said.