COVID-19 case numbers have fluctuated in the Northwest, with Zone 3 seeing some increases. We are a little pandemic weary, but healthy communities are a result ofeveryonefollowing provincial health protocols and guidelines. Let鈥檚 keep on doing our part to help stop the spread.
Has the pig spleen forecaster been accurate on our spring forecast or are we applauding weather channels or Mother Nature herself? Fire bans are still in place and, as of Mother鈥檚 Day, little moisture has been seen in spite of teasers on multiple weather apps on our phones. What gives?
Seeding has started and our farmer friends need some rain to help assist their growing efforts.
Did you know the Unity airport dates back to 1947? Four pilots (Krips, Rashbrook, Seymore and Young) borrowed money and purchased land where the present day airport is located. Hangars were installed and a grass strip was built. Sometime later, a government grant became available, so the four original flyers approached the town and additional funding was secured to bring the airport up to federal standards for size.
Improvements came with the help of grants and other assistance in 1967, adding a paved runway; 1969, moving a building on site to house activities; installing lights and fuel pumps; 1985, upgrading the terminal and then additional upgrades to pavement and extension of runway since. In 2010, the apron was enlarged for larger aircraft and in 2015; LEDs were installed to reduce power costs.
This transportation venue has grown to 14 hangars and 28 planes on site as well as between 10 to 15 in the area. The flying club has 52 members.
UFC volunteers, as with all community clubs, are what helps make Unity great, says a flying club member. Keeping the runway open for medical evacuations, farm spray planes, oil field activity, business opportunities and private flights is what this club is committed to.
Trains are also a big part of the transportation sector of this community. Settlement began in 1904 and Unity began to develop with the arrival of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1908.
鈥淐N and CP also provide significant employment opportunities for our area. Having both main lines abutting our community gives us an edge for future developments in industry and commerce,鈥� says Mayor Sharon Del Frari.
We have seen some ball players on the diamonds. They are following provincial and Baseball Sask and Softball Sask protocols to ensure players and coaches are kept safe. What their seasons will look like this year remains to be seen but they are revelling at the opportunity just to get out and do something they enjoy.
Minor soccer is also be underway with the same sense of caution and care, as well as being grateful for the opportunity this gives players to take part in some kind of outdoor, organized activity safely.
Gardeners and flower lovers, you are encouraged to plant yellow this year as it represents a campaign initiated by Communities in Bloom called 鈥淗ope is growing.鈥� Yellow is the international colour of hope. We can all use a little of this message this year.
The Unity Legion placed several wreaths at the cenotaph in Memorial Park to recognize the May 5liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian soldiers as well as the76th anniversary of the end of Second World War May 7.
The Unity Golf Course has a number of memorial markers. Most recently, the Wright family鈥檚 grandson, Jordan Watt, brought a memorial bench to be placed in honour of his grandparents who spent much time enjoying the UGC.
St. Peter鈥檚 students are celebrating World Catholic Education Week. The theme this year is 鈥淐atholic Education: Nurturing Hope.鈥� During the week students experienced the Face-to-Face Retreat team virtually. Grade 2 students will receive first communion, with a living rosary, on the playground May 14. Students also planted flowers donated by Tammy Lauinger at Hollyhocks Greenhouse.
Here鈥檚 hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
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