Six short days left in April, then we can hopefully all breathe a sigh of relief that spring is not leaving and summer is right around the corner.
Even though we can see plenty of water out in the fields and ditches, the dryness factor still exists and protective services urge residents to use extreme caution with burning anything as there have been several reports of grass fires. The dried top material left over from fall and winter is like tinder, ready to burn quickly with any spark.
Unity is still buzzing with the excitement of the newest millionaires being named. Lotto winners Duane and Ruth Hume created quite a stir when the news was released April 14 that they were Saskatchewan’s most recent millionaires. Many who know the Humes took to social media to congratulate them on their win, happy to know this couple and share in their excitement.
St. Peter’s School played host to the school portion of the Unity Music Festival. Final showcase performances will take place April 26 at the high school and we can be sure to see one or more of the St. Peter’s student groups at the showcase.
Unity Public School students celebrated Earth Day in a big way. Students were encouraged to bring grocery bags and gloves and every student of UPS headed out into town that afternoon.
Students were also ready for their presentations at the Unity Music Festival this week with their singing and speaking performances. As in the past, it is expected we will see at least one or more of the UPS performances at the showcase Sunday.
Next on the agenda for UPS is the annual track and field meet May 29, with an alternate date set for June 1 just in case the weather does not co-operate.
At Unity Composite High School, the 28-student travel club returned from an exciting and memorable trip to Portugal, Morocco and Spain. Last week, junior high student led conferences were held with the senior high portion set for April 30. Something new has been added for senior high in the way of a career fair.
Junior high badminton held their internal playdowns last week with those advancing competing at conference events Tuesday and districts being held April 24. Senior high badminton students are playing their final sets in preparation for their playdowns.
The track and field club have moved workouts and practices outdoors as they are only weeks away from the first competitions.
The drama club travelled to Davidson last week taking part in the Regional Drama Festival, finishing off their drama season for this school year.
The basketball awards banquet will be held April 28, recognizing the teams’ and players’ success in this year’s season.
Ball season is still indoors but players and coaches are hopeful nice weather will have them back on the diamonds sooner rather than later. Ball season will officially kick off with Minor Ball Day slated for May 10. In addition to multiple teams in all divisions of minor ball, Unity will once again have a junior ladies’ team, partnered with Kindersley. The UK Royals hold a three-peat title in provincial championships as well as successes at Western Canadian championships.
Rumors are still prominent that the Lady Rustlers team will be revived.
The Friday night slo-pitch league is ready to begin May 1 and will run until June 26. Please contact Mike Gerlinsky at 306-228-7095 to enter your team.
This could all add up to a whole lot of exciting ball heading to our diamonds this spring and summer.
Get your tickets now for the next round of inductions to the Unity Sports Wall of Fame. The event will be May 9 at the community centre hall with cocktails at 5 p.m., supper at 6 p.m. and inductions and silent auction to follow. Tickets can be purchased at the town office or Wildeman’s Sports Excellence before April 25.
Once the weather turns warmer, golfers will be anxious to swing the clubs once again. The golf club annual meeting had a good turnout and the executive is excited about getting this season underway.
The 89th annual Unity Music Festival was this week with the final showcase performances April 26 at the UCHS senior gym.
Congratulations to Billie Leeson who will celebrate her 100th birthday with a birthday tea at the long-term care centre April 25
The Lions Club wants people to know that they are always looking for new members, no experience necessary. The Lions Club are multi-taskers and look after multiple events in our community that include: bar tending at private or community functions, gatekeeping for numerous community events, hosting their own fundraising activities as well as contributing many dollars back to our community to assist with community projects.
Recently they conducted their annual chocolate bunny campaign with the UCHS SADD group, donating back $500 to the students to assist with their registrations for the annual SADD conference. Some of the things our Lions have contributed to are: Carealot program that provides wigs and a morale boost to cancer patients; long term care recreation program; and a major contribution to the new Unity swimming pool. If you want to become part of a Lion’s pride, then contact Keith Wilson or any Lions member to join.
Although I’ve singled out the Lions club, we all know there are multiple groups that are always in need of some extra folks on board to help their club or organization continue. Offer an hour a week or simply join one of the many community service groups or organizations that could use a hand. As we celebrate and recognize Volunteers Week, it is a good time to see where you can help out in your community.
Things to watch for in May are: the Unity volunteers’ appreciation event May 4 at the St. Peter’s Hall, starting at 6:30 p.m.; the year-end Revolution Dance recital with Friday evening and Saturday afternoon performances May 8 and 9; the induction gala evening for the Unity Sports Wall of Fame May 9; and the Unity farmers’ market will begin again May 14, back at the Adanac Hall running from 2 to 5 p.m. Vendors’ table rental is only $10 so contact Carmen Bowker if you are interested.
The first ever town-wide garage sale is slated for the first weekend in June, and interested parties need to register their sale at the town office so it can be included in the group listing.
KP Gardens Greenhouse is now open. If you’re itching to start digging in your dirt or planning your flower beds or gardens, check out the greenhouse for some inspiration.
Coffee row folks are enjoying the number of Canadian teams to cheer for in the NHL playoff season. As well, they are looking forward to Rider season after seeing, and hearing, Darian Durant will be back at the helm of this team. Seeding talk is prevalent on the topic table as well.
So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time …
