As we get to look forward to spending Christmas break with our children, our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to those families in Connecticut who will be mourning the loss of their children and family members in the tragic school shooting Dec. 14.
Classes are out Dec. 21 at 2:30 until students return Jan. 3. For senior high students the return to school will mean the last leg of classes before exams later in January.
Dec. 16 was the Community Carol Festival. This is always a festive event sure to help us appreciate Christmas music and all the fine, local talent that performs it. Fifteen sets of performers either in vocal or musical instruments gave audience a fine dose of Christmas spirit in their performances. During the program, before popular fiddler, Will Ballantyne hit the stage, MC Michael Soloski announced Will has been invited to perform with a group in Nashville as part of a country tribute at the Grand Ole Opry.
St. Peter's school had their annual Christmas concert. A multitude of praise has circulated on another fine production put on by the school. Staff work hard to practice and prepare this annual concert that is anticipated and enjoyed by many.
Unity Public School is hosting the SCC sponsored Christmas lunch Dec. 20. Instead of a Christmas concert and staff and students will be part of a Christmas celebration the evening of Dec. 20. The evening will be full of fun activities like cookie decorating, bingo, family photos and indoor curling. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be provided and an iPad scavenger hunt will occur. Folks attending are asked to bring a foot items for the food bank.
Hockey will still be ongoing at the rink, even with the Christmas break. The Miners host their sponsor appreciation night Dec. 21. For a full schedule of arena events, see the town website or come down to the rink and check the schedule posted. The rink is closed after 3:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, closed all day Christmas Day and open for public skating and shinny on Boxing Day.
This past weekend, the curling club hosted the Sask. Curling Tour in a big cash spiel. Curling fans were definitely treated to some exciting curling action with some big name teams in attendance competing for their Tankard spot. 2012's Brier competitor, and fan favourite, Scott Manners was competing, along with Josh Heidt, Brad Heidt, Shawn Joyce, Jamie Schneider, Darren Camm, Darrell McKee, Chris Haichert, Justin Mihalicz, Jeff Hartung, Kevin Marsh, Terry Marteniuk, Randy Woytoywich and Max Kirkpatrick. After three days of curling, it all came down to a final with former Brier participant, Darrell McKee, squaring off against the Max Kirkpatrick rink.
Next on the agenda for the curling club is the annual Boxing Day bonspiel, so make sure your team is registered early for this one. It will consist of two six-end games and registration of $40 includes lunch. The new year brings plenty of event action to the rink as a variety of bonspiels are held regularly as part of competitions leading up to provincial events as well as the annual men's, ladies' and Oilmen's spiels. Call the curling club at 228-2212 for details.
The Chamber of Commerce is winding up its "Bundle of Bucks" promotion, offering shop locally incentives. Shoppers will have a chance to win money in gift cards at local businesses when doing their Christmas shopping in Unity.
The Secret Santa campaign wrapped up Dec. 18. Again the committee was thrilled with the gift and cash donations made by numerous individuals and groups for those in our community less fortunate. Organizers were overwhelmed with the large number of volunteers who showed up to sort, wrap, assemble hampers and deliver for this project. This is always a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, as well as the community spirit we share in Unity as residents unite to work together on a project to benefit others.
The Baptist Church Christmas Eve candlelight service is at 7 p.m. Unity United Church will hold their fourth Sunday of Advent service at 11 a.m. Dec. 23 and their Christmas Eve family service at 7:30 p.m. The Lutheran Church services are 9:30 a.m. Dec. 23, Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. and Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m. St. John's Anglican Church will have their Christmas service at 10:30 a.m. with Eucharist celebrated and pot luck lunch to follow. St. Peter's Catholic church service is 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. Christmas Day.
Coffee row folks have had plenty of conversation topics including the terribly tragic events in the United States. These events often prompt debate about gun control. They have also been able to review all of the events this community has had to offer this December. The New Year's resolutions are starting to be pondered. I am always entertained and appreciate how "coffee row" tables are free to express and discuss their opinions, no matter what side of the coin they are presenting. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week, merry Christmas to everyone and I wish you the best gifts of all, the gifts of health and happiness!
