June 26 is graduation day in Unity. Congratulations to the UCHS Class of 2020. While it has not been the year any of them had anticipated or planned for, I feel the school and the community have done an outstanding job of going above and beyond recognizing these 45 graduates in multiple ways.
And, the activities planned for June 26 will be more of the same. The staff created a poster-size photo of each graduate to go on the front lawn of the school. They have planned a diploma ceremony at the school for each graduate to attend, social distanced. The community will celebrate with the grads that evening as they parade through town starting at 7 p.m. with the parade route posted in the local newspaper and on social media.
Thank you everyone who contributed to making this unprecedented graduation extra special for them. My son, Landon Solomko, is part of this group. He will start his U of S classes online this fall. I will happily be accepting advice on coping with the looming empty-nest syndrome.
Best wishes also to both elementary school staff and students who have also wrapped up their weird school year . This year end had a sense of melancholy for all students in Unity Public School and St. Peter’s School, especially for those Grade 6 students who will now migrate to the high school in the fall. Bravo to all of these people who made it work, in spite of the circumstances.
It seems like as fast as COVID-19 changed our lives, so now are the changes that keep unfolding with the Saskatchewan reopening plan. Debate continues on whether people agree or disagree with the process, however, as long as people keep using their common sense, obeying protocols and distancing, we should be able to succeed in keeping our numbers low. I encourage you to follow Rory Bergermann on Facebook, as he has done an excellent, and consistent job of tracking COVID-19 tests, cases and recoveries, and in a positive manner.
Unity Golf Club continues to enjoy a season of regulars, newcomers and beginners. Outdoor sports were given the green light to resume June 22 and the diamonds were already booked for that day. Even though there are no games yet, players who choose will be out playing some ball. Pickleball players will likely be in action soon too, as the new pickleball court was finished last year. And, there are several sets of outdoor basketball courts, a beach volleyball court and lots of green spaces and paved paths to enjoy in Unity.
Karson Blanchette, who was an early draft pick in the WHL bantam draft, has also been selected in the SJHL draft. Unity will be watching this UMH alumni player this hockey season, wherever he may be.
More than 40 vehicles assembled for a parade June 10 past all of our seniors' centres. It was a heart-warming gesture well received by both the viewers and the parade participants.
Local greenhouse sales have gone beyond their wildest expectations and are mostly sold out of most product, but they remain open for perennial and tree purchases. Tammy at Hollyhock’s Greenhouse is also ready to help first-time or repeat gardeners with answers to any of their questions on growing in this challenging weather year. She is there to help gardeners be successful so they will develop a love for gardening ever year, not just in this pandemic year. You can check out their website, their Facebook page or call Hollyhock’s Greenhouse and she is more than happy to respond to your questions. Hollyhock’s continues community care programs, this year benefitting the hospital memorial gardens and KC Rescue. The greenhouse also continues to sell Nutrien fertilizer to benefit the KidSport program.
Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
