It鈥檚 nearly March鈥檚 end meaning one fourth of 2016 has passed quickly. What will the remainder of winter present to us?
On Easter weekend keep in mind people will be travelling so take extra care on the roads because, not only will there be lots of traffic travelling for a holiday weekend, but Mother Nature could decide to bring a spring surprise. Arrive alive, folks!
Election craziness is in our midst. It seems like we just finished breathing from the federal election and have been bombarded with the 鈥渞eality show鈥� called the U.S. election lead-up and now we are hearing platforms for the upcoming Saskatchewan election. No matter which way you look at it, it is your civic duty as well as a great privilege to vote 鈥� a privilege denied to many in our world. Be knowledgeable and keep informed 鈥� the best voter鈥檚 advice I can give you.
It鈥檚 only been a matter of weeks since February break and now Easter break for school staff and students is upon us as kids will be off March 26 to April 7.
The 2016 鈥淐elebration Unity鈥� Event held March 7 paid tribute to those people who choose to host big ticket events in Unity. In 2015, groups hosted bantam A boys鈥� provincial baseball which brought five teams to town the same weekend the UK Royals hosted the U21 women鈥檚 fastpitch provincial championship, bringing another four teams to town. This combined for some top-notch ball games at the diamonds, complemented by beautiful weather and home-cooked goodness served at the booth that included perogies and homemade pies, to name a few of the delectable menu items served up. The event contributed $2,500 to minor ball as well as funding for the Royals to travel to Surrey, B.C., for the Western Canadian championship, which they won.
Another big attraction event was the Montreal Canadiens Alumni hockey tour which came to Unity in November of 2015. Local hockey players had a chance to bid on opportunities to play with and against the Canadiens in the exhibition game. Fans all had a chance to meet and greet players following the game in the VIP lounge in the upper hall with Guy Lafleur being the most sought-after Canadien player, along with Chris Nilan. This event was able to contribute funds to the Unity Community Resource Centre, the Unity Food Bank and the Unity Minor Hockey program.
What was noted is that several of the volunteers served on more than one of these committees, testament to the dedication of volunteers who enjoy working together for a common cause. It was also noted the support of local business sponsorship is essential in helping to make these events successful and that, without that support, the events would have a far more subdued presence.
Unity Public School is heading into the break with hopes that their playground will dry up a little over the week off as it has a couple of large/small lakes due to the spring melt 鈥� lots of fun to play in but not so much fun to deal with in the wet clothing results. Once students return from the break it will be in high gear as the music festival will only be a couple of weeks away and choir and choral speakers will be fine-tuning their performances. As well, the countdown will be on for Grade 6 students who are only three months away from leaving elementary school days for the high school.
St. Peter鈥檚 School has completed their Lenten faith journey and will be celebrating Easter with their families over the break. Once staff and students return, the band, choir and choral speakers will be feverishly finishing up their practices for musical festival performances upcoming in April.
At UCHS, badminton is in full swing with both junior and senior programs very full again with players who have already started league and tournament play. Activate students did an interview with CTV promoting their Day of Activation that was on CTV morning live show March 11.
The students heard speaker Amanda Oling regarding 鈥淲hat are you willing to lose?鈥� as part of the SADD group鈥檚 ongoing initiative to keep students aware of positive choices.
Drama students will perform their production The Greek Mythology Olympiaganze at 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 6 as their last performances before they head to Regional Drama Festival in Rosetown that weekend. The Positive School Climate committee is feverishly amping up excitement for their 鈥淒ay of Activation,鈥� set to take place April 24.
Grade 12 students are just one school break and a few months away from completing their high school days.
Here鈥檚 what I know about hockey season up to this point. The Bantam Lazers will finish their league final against none other than the other Unity Bantam Team. As well, after winning the Northern Provincial final the Bantam provincial team is onto the provincial final against Wynyard. The Wilkie Outlaws, who have been adopted by our rink, are playing in the league final and the provincial final making some late season action at our rink. This is the last week for the rink, so get your hockey fix in for the most exciting part of the hockey season 鈥� local teams participating in finals for their playoff seasons.
This is it for the season at Unity Curling Club. It鈥檚 been a fabulous year full of UCC teams playing competitively all over the province. The club is excited to watch UCC president Glen Heit playing with skipper Brad Heidt and team at the Senior Men鈥檚 National Championship in Digby, N.S., this week/weekend.
It was a busy year with an increased number of teams in all leagues and plenty of action on ice on the weekends. Once again, the club and curlers would be amiss not to mention that incredible dedication of our icemaker Gerry who has kept our curling ice the envy of many. He and his right-hand man Rick, and occasionally Dave, are always on hand to ensure the ice is in the best condition for every event. The club also acknowledges the many hours put in by lounge manager Sharon, along with her assistant Darlene, who keep everyone refreshed in our lounge. Stay tuned to the club鈥檚 Facebook page in the offseason as they will continue to carry updates.
I would be amiss to not mention the Unity Golf Club when talking about upcoming sports events. The club will hold their annual meeting April 7 at 7 p.m. in the curling rink lounge and everyone is welcome to attend. Save the date for the first UCRC charity golf tournament coming up this August at the course.
The ball diamonds are being eyed up by players who know they will be indoors for a few weeks yet but are anxious to return to the diamonds for a very busy upcoming ball season, starting with the annual Minor Ball Day Mother鈥檚 Day weekend followed by a Softball Fever camp May 14 weekend. Stay tuned, folks, there will be plenty of action at the diamonds this season.
A spring trade show is coming to the curling rink April 16 with a number of vendors already signed up. There is still room for more and you can book your table by calling Alyssa at 306-228-8543. The event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Saturday.
The museum continues to host Sunday brunches as fundraisers for the many facets of the museum grounds and they appreciate and count on community support for these events. They are still in need of a curator and will always accept new faces for volunteer work or to sit on the committee itself.
Coffee row is a common place where friends and neighbours meet almost every morning, and sometimes afternoon, to share stories and discuss current events in the community and even in our province. It can be a great place to work through challenges faced on the farm as often decades of farming experience sit amongst the 鈥渞owers鈥� at these tables. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time 鈥�
