June already! For those of us parents who think the time has sped up closer to their child's graduation, it won't be long now. With just a couple of weeks of classes before exams, grad preparations are in high gear.
The annual Western Days last weekend in Unity had something for everyone. Two new events - cowboy mounted shooting and celebrity bull riding - brought out fans, made new fans and piqued the interest of curious newcomers.
Terry Smith was named Citizen of the Year Friday night. Terry is very well-known in the community for his endless efforts in numerous groups and events over the years and it was a well-deserved award for him.
Celebrity bull riding brought out the thrills and spills expected and also generated many smiles and laughs. The parade held a good number of entries and had folks lined up all along the route for one of the favourite portions of the rodeo weekend. All in all, the weather co-operated and organizers were pleased with the success of this year's event.
The Unity Facilities Committee (UFC) partnered with Unity Credit Union (UCU) and held a most fun event May 30 to celebrate and kick off the new swimming pool construction and fundraising drive. Brave community volunteers sat in the dunk tank, the UFC gang cooked up all kinds of food and the UCU gang hosted a terrific carnival for the kids. It was fun, food and fellowship enjoyed by all who attended. Another fabulous community event that showcased the best in volunteerism and support.
Unity Composite High School (UCHS) is a busy place this month. The school held its annual awards night June 4 to celebrate excellence in academics, athletics, arts, culture, leadership and citizenship. The SCC put on a breakfast for the students June 5, which was welcomed with open arms.
The Grade 11 class was involved with mock interviews June 5, done by local business people to prepare the students for the interview process they will experience in job searches, as well as for post-secondary school opportunities. The school held a lunch and learn June 6 to inform parents about the new assessment program coming in the fall.
UCHS is sending 12 athletes to provincial track and field competition in a variety of events. They qualified at districts in North Battleford held May 29 and 30.
Unity Public School is also a busy place. The school held their track meet May 31 and what a beautiful day it was. In their last month of school for this year, students will get to enjoy physical education classes at the pool and class field trips as well as winding down the last weeks of their studies. Students are also taking in all the moments they can with Mr. English before his retirement at the end of June.
St. Peter's held their track meet May 22.
Unity ball teams, both baseball and softball, have been doing very well. Provincial softball teams have been chosen and they spend this last month before provincials in July at tournaments, league and practices, fine-tuning. Mosquito baseball teams held their tryouts for provincials June 2.
You can check out the Battlefords Ladies' Fastball League games Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lions' diamond with both bantams and midgets competing. There is no lack of live ball games to watch with other divisions in both softball and baseball hosting games each night of the week. Friday night slo-pitch continues until the end of June. And you will want to catch a game from the Unity Cardinals, as they are showing they're a competitive team up to this point in season's play.
Take time to enjoy the existing Unity pool in its farewell year as construction will begin very, very soon on phase one of the new facility. Check out the Town of Unity website or postings at the pool for public swimming times. And be sure to check out the TSN Kraft Celebration Tour as Unity has entered a bid, hoping to win the top prize to help with the pool project.
You can come to the Adanac Hall on the museum grounds for a farmers' market June 13 and 27. Carmen (228-2237) is still looking for more vendors. If you can make it, bake it or grow it, they want to help you share it.
Our loyal Legion fellows are working hard to raise funds for their cemetery veterans' section rejuvenation project. We can support them by throwing spare change into the numerous drop boxes around town, as well as purchasing one of their lotto tickets to win $777. Last, but not least, mark June 20 on the calendar and come to the supper barbecue at Family Foods to support the Legion and their work.
Coffee row conversation has moved to mosquitos! How much more of them can we possibly get? These folks also share all the good remedies for deterring the pests. Down to the final four, all predictions are on the tables for the Stanley Cup finalists. Rider season is often discussed as it draws closer and there is much excitement about the team in a Regina-hosted Grey Cup year. Of course, the numerous events taking place in town this time of year are always reviewed with enthusiasm.
So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
