Mid-March, and up to March 7, we were still experiencing -30 C temperatures? What’s up with that? Forecasts are promising the warm up is on its way, so here’s hoping. Although the highwayman in our house assures us spring warm up often brings snow and sometimes-stormy weather so our choices are cold or winter like conditions. Bring on some heat, Mr. Sun.
Congratulations to the 20 honourees at the Celebrate Unity event held March 4. The committee hosts an evening complete with a fabulous dinner, a short program recognizing honourees and this year the fantastic entertainment by up and coming country star, Trevor Panczak, who kept the audience clapping, singing and laughing. Honourees were recognized in the categories of new business owners, retiring managers/business owners, milestone business anniversaries, host committees from 2018 and exemplary service winners that are nominated from community members. Did you know that Unity Auto Body celebrated 65 years in our business community while Con Alexander Trucking has served our community for 35 years? This event is a great showcase of many things that are great in our community.
Rink season is winding down as some teams are now done their seasons while the last remaining few are still on the go. Tournaments are over, ice carnival is over and, other than playoffs, there are no more games to be played. A big thank you goes out to the volunteer executives of the minor hockey program, the Unity miner’s hockey program and the Unity Skating Club, as they are the ones who work all year on bringing a terrific season for participants and fans alike. Also, a shout out to coaches and managers who attend all those practices and events, ensuring players and skaters have a great season to be part of. As it stands at press time, the only teams remaining in playoffs are the Midget As, the Midget AAs, the Miners and the Pee Wee Lasers. Please refer to TVs in rink lobby, the Town of Unity website or posters around town to be sure what is left on tap for hockey action. There is always room for fans in the stands and teams appreciate the support in their playoff quests.
Curling season is also in the tail end of its year. This weekend is the Brioche Farms ladies bonspiel followed by next weekend’s doubles funspiel and the curling rink will also be wrapped up for another year. A big thank you to the Unity Curling Club executive who spend a lot of time pre-season, as well as much time during the season, ensuring all plans do not go without backup and plenty of help to ensure smooth events. Also UCC owes a big thanks to their lounge people and icemakers who keep the club something to be proud of by curlers and fans as well as the envy of many visitors.
This weekend, in addition to the ladies bonspiel, the annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet and Auction will be held at the community centre, making this the third straight large event in the upper hall of the community centre in 12 days. We really are a busy community.
Even though it’s mid-March and winter sports seasons are winding down, the arena does not sit idle. There are still numerous events being held in the upper hall. April has several events upcoming once the ice is out that include a spring trade show and the indoor RV/ATV show.
There is still plenty of snow to enjoy the Richardson Pioneer Outdoor Rec Venue and Wilson’s hill for sledding, both lit at night for extended use.
Unity Credit Union’s AGM is upcoming March 26 at the community centre. As well, they are hosting a Laugh and Learn April 5 at the same venue. Tickets are available at UCU for both or either of these events.
Delta Co-op AGM is taking place in Wilkie on March 27 and there you will find the results of the board elections. Tickets are available at any Delta Co-op location. Come and hear how your community businesses made out this past year and what their plans are for the upcoming year.
It is only seven weeks away until the 2019 inductions for the Unity Sports Wall of Fame, May 4. Teams are now gathering numbers of attendees from their coaches and tickets will be on sale for everyone else in the near future. Contact Carey Baker at the town office at 306-228-2621 to secure yours. There are multiple team inductions being made as well as two individuals. This event is always a great evening of food, fun and fellowship.
UCHS is in the midst of plenty of action. The senior basketball divisions are into their playoff hunt and badminton has now begun. Travel club is just weeks away from their Greece tour heading out over Easter break. Grade 12 students know they have four months, less some school vacation days, to fine tune their academics, scholarship applications, post secondary plans and graduation ceremony planning. ACTIVATE day will soon be upon them, too, so the ACTIVATE team is putting finishing touches on projects, prizes and plans for this day in April. Senior robotics are also into competition season. After school track practices will begin April 9. Track and field will be open to all senior high students. Practices will be offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. The SLC is holding a wake-a-thon on March 29 continuing to commit to their fundraising for their Me to We project.
At St. Peter’s there is a continued reminder that the Grade 3 class is collecting can tabs that can be dropped off at the school for an initiative to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. All musical groups, including band and choirs are in preparations for April’s music festival performances. During their Lenten season of sacrifice, the students and staff experience a rejuvenated love for the Catholic faith and everything we experience on our daily faith journey. Many people choose to give up things or take up a new challenge, but whatever is done, they offer it up to God to grow in their relationship with Him and know that we are blessed. Looking ahead, a busy month of March starts with the reciting of lines in preparation for Oratory. The Grade 5 and 6 class continue to be mentors in our school by taking on extra leadership tasks throughout the day and spending time volunteering for different initiatives, as well as developing their passion and understanding for sports. Student Led Conferences will take place on Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21, from 4 to 7 each evening. March 18 will be a PD day meaning no school for kids. The school is also in preparations for a Spring Fling dance upcoming in April, and are looking forward to a fun, family event for everyone.
UPS, like all other schools, are hoping that the cold weather bus cancellations are now over. Kids are loving the snow hills on their playground to enjoy some added fun at recess time. Students are buckling down for March with their academic goals as well as keeping those reading goals in line. UPS students will also have March 18 off for a PD day. March 21, they are hosting a day to recognize Elimination of Racism. Reports cards will go home March 22 and student led conferences are upcoming March 28. If, and only if, winter remains, the ski trip that was cancelled earlier this year due to cold weather is rescheduled for April 2.
Congratulations, Jenna Wildeman of Unity and Hannah Feser of Cut Knife, both Panther players who have successfully earned a spot on Softball Sask high performance team off to Oklahoma in March to compete. Ball season is hovering over all this activity. Some players have started their spring training; some have been in winter long programs. Registration has already taken place and on the horizon we have players still in the running to earn a spot on the Western Canada Summer Games teams. It won’t be long before we will have migrated from the rink to the diamonds for the other favourite sports season in Unity.
Coffee row folks are as anxious as everyone for spring, and mostly Mr. Sun, to show their strength and push this winter out once and for all. The longer daylight hours are certainly a good start. Events and activities are continually reviewed as they have happened or as upcoming things to anticipate. Spring weather predictions are sure to be on the topic table, too. So much to do in and talk about in Unity, sometimes one cup of coffee just doesn’t do it all (insert wide grin here). So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity and our friends at coffee row sharing this traditional part of our community culture. Until next time...
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