There was an intimate crowd that attended BC Ambassador candidate Juliana Martine at Black Hills Estate Winery last Sunday night for a “Sunset Soiree.”
Juliana, who was an Oliver Ambassador for 2010-2011, has thrown her hat in for the title of BC Ambassador and sees it as a great opportunity to get back in touch with her home community, as well as a chance for bursaries towards school.
Juliana has been actively busy since April, working closely with the Oliver Ambassador program attending various events and promoting the South Okanagan in other communities.
The BC Ambassador program is open to youth ages 17-24 that have previously held an ambassador title. The program’s mandates are to promote post-secondary education through scholarships, forge links of friendship and understanding throughout the province, and nurture future leaders of the province.
Lauren Sherwood, a current BC Ambassador from Osoyoos, claims the program has changed her life.
“The past year as BC Ambassador has been an adventurous year full of travelling, public speaking, and volunteering. I’ve learned leadership and communication skills as well as gained a huge boost in self-confidence. The program has definitely helped me to become a better person which has allowed me to help others more as well.”
The BC Ambassador program does not only benefit the young women and men that choose to participate, but is a win-win for the communities that the crowned youth come from as well.
Juliana agreed, stating, “I feel that having a BC Ambassador representing your community can help inspire other youth in the area to get involved in the program and other programs like it. This program teaches youth many skills that help them grow into mature young adults and find who they are. After being an Oliver ambassador I have learned to love and appreciate our small town because of all the amazing things I have learned about it. If a town is able to make that impression on its youth then those are the people who are going to come back here to live, work, and raise a family.”
Any youth focused program, whether it is a church or local youth group, a community or provincial ambassador program is a home run as far as I’m concerned.
Fostering our children to engage in public activities, to learn to communicate with others, and to advocate for various causes is vital to the future makeup of our society.
Too often I hear the comment “Where are our youth? Why aren’t they here?” Sometimes it may take the additional personal effort to seek them out, support them doing something positive, and verbally praise them for their leadership.
Out and about
So wondering what’s coming up that you can take a break from your schedule and check out?
Friday, August 15 – Osoyoos Street Dance at the Senior Centre parking lot. Everyone welcome; a great family event running from 7-10 pm.
Sat. August 16 – Take in the second and final race of the season at Osoyoos Desert Park. Horse races start at 1:30 pm with beer garden and concession. Admission is $5 and parking is free.
Sat. August 16 – Later that evening you can check out Osoyoos Idol (4-11 pm) at the Gyro band shell, or The Aqualillies, a live water ballet of “A Midnight’s Summer Dream” at Black Hills Estate Winery at 7 pm.
August 21-23 – Wild Women Workshop at the painting studio, Oliver Arts Centre. A big call-out to all women, novice and experienced painters alike, to have some fun learning the art of self portraits. Contact Leza Macdonald at [email protected] for more info.
Sat. Sept. 13 – Osoyoos Rotary will be holding its 2nd annual Lobster Feast at Gyro Beach, featuring guest MC Mark Madryga from Global TV. The cost is $60 per person, with reserved tables for eight available including wine on the table. Enjoy an evening of music and dancing, a live auction and $5 cocktails.
Life is hectic and everyone is busy. Take the time to get out and about, and enjoy what is around you – you’ll be glad you did.
Marji Basso
Out and About
Oliver Chronicle
