It's here - Graduation Day. Whether you were dreading it or excited for it, it has arrived. It's also a long weekend with Monday being July 1 so, if you aren't attending a graduation or wedding this weekend, many folks are off to the lake. Regardless what your plans are this weekend, make it a safe one.
And God forbid anyone complain about rain and water after witnessing on news channels the devastation in Alberta with the flooding resulting from excess rain. We've heard many stories of former residents living there and from current residents who were visiting there and boy, oh, boy, we need to be thankful - touch wood - Saskatchewan has avoided much of this.
Thirty-five Grade 12 Unity Composite High School students will celebrate graduation tomorrow, June 28. Cap and gown ceremonies take place at the high school gym at 10 a.m. Graduates and their families have the afternoon to be with guests and family before the social and dance at the community centre starts at 6:30 p.m. It is a milestone for the students and their families and we wish all of the graduates the best in their future endeavours.
Unity Public School held a couple of events to honour Mr. English on his retirement. Students performed a farewell assembly June 19, offering up a variety of entertainment. Mr. and Mrs. English got front row seats for all the performances aimed at having some fun with all that "Mr. E." did for and with the staff and students. In honour of Mr. English, students and staff all wore shirts and ties for the day.
Following the Grade 6 celebration June 26, there was an open house for the community to come and wish Mr. English well in his new adventure. Students pick up their final reports cards for this school year June 28 and they are off to a summer full of fun and adventure.
St. Peter's School kids attended a variety of places for field trips and the Grade 5s had a blast touring Sifto and other local businesses, learning real life lessons, as well as meeting outcomes. St. Peter's will hand out report cards June 28 as they send their class of Grade 6s to the high school and welcome a big, brand new class of kindergarten children in the fall. The school also says farewell to Mrs. Stabbler who has retired.
The local vet clinic has advised everyone tick season is here. They have seen dogs carrying ticks so be sure to do what you can to prevent and repel ticks in pets and humans and always do a visual check after being outdoors.
More rained-out tournaments this past weekend. The Squirt Panthers though resiliently brought a couple of the teams back to Unity from their rained-out tournament and played two double headers June 22 weekend. Combined with the big peewee tournament, this kept the diamonds very busy June 22 and 23.
Regular season baseball is now over. Provincial teams have a few weeks yet to prepare for their events the third weekend in July.
Softball is in the last couple of weeks. The Midget Panthers are still alone at the top of their league and, along with the Unity Bantams, will head into league playoffs the first week of July. All softball provincials take place the weekend of July 12-14 in various parts of the province.
The junior B girls' team, the UK Royals, are ready to host their division of provincial championships at the Unity ball diamonds July 5 - 7. Games start at 4 p.m. Friday with the host team playing at 6 p.m. There is a guaranteed $1,000 50/50 jackpot. Admission is only $20 for the weekend or $10 per day. You won't want to miss one day of action at this event as some of the best in the province will be there, including our host team who won both provincials and Western Canadian championships in their inaugural year last year.
They could still use some volunteers for the event so contact Bernice Wildeman if you are able to help them out in some manner that weekend.
Unity Motor Products held their grand re-opening June 20. Events included a show and shine. Although Mother Nature really dampened the event, people still came to enjoy the barbecue, balloons, socializing and checking out the renovations done at this downtown business.
Summer Fun Centre begins July 3 and runs to Aug. 14. For only a $5 drop-in fee or $50 for the summer, children ages 5-11 can enjoy a fun, safe environment full of crafts, games and activity all summer long.
Canada Day celebrations are shaping up for the annual activities at the museum grounds July 1, starting with a pancake breakfast, followed by a church service and opening ceremonies and flag raising. The day is full of food, entertainment, games, rides, cake and fireworks after dark. Volunteers are needed; contact 228-2621. Come join the fun.
Coffee row conversation has undoubtedly moved to the flooding in Alberta and theories have been presented about what we can expect from this flooding in our province. Rider season is often thrown around on the table, especially after the big come-from-behind win June 14 and the close game with Calgary in pre-season. There is much excitement about the team in a Grey Cup year.
So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
