We have certainly been able to enjoy our fall with all the beautiful weather we had in October. But are things going to change in the coming weeks? Is that six-letter word looming in our future?
The local firefighters hosted their annual Fire Safety Week barbecue on a cold and rainy Thursday night as they welcomed visitors to their annual open house Oct. 20. They cooked burgers with the proceeds going towards the Cam Cooper children's trust fund. They also let people tour 'the house', as well as having fire truck rides for the kids. And it was a good way for the public to let them know we appreciate them.
The Delta Co-op is celebrating Co-op week with various activities and specials. Friday, Oct. 21 they are hosting a tailgate party with a barbecue and some rocking Rider music and fun. There will also be a chance to win some Rider giveaways. The staff are also using this opportunity to collect non-perishable items for the local food bank.
Unity Credit Union celebrates their platinum 70th anniversary Oct. 20 with a gala evening. Ticket holders will be treated to supper and entertainment. This will be a good way to meet the staff and celebrate this milestone with them. Congratulations, Unity Credit Union on your 70th anniversary.
Congratulations, Nick Seneshen, who was recognized as the longest serving first aid instructor in the province. Nick has been performing these duties for 43 years.
Unity Multiple 4-H Club held a re-organization meeting Oct. 20. Anyone who missed the meeting and is interested in information about 4-H can call Corrine Van de Meutter at 228-3604.
The Saskatchewan Economic Development Association presented two awards Oct. 18. One was to Brian Woytiuk recognizing his enormous contributions to community organizations such as Western Days, the RCMP Musical Ride and the ongoing Unity Facilities Committee. The award was the Citizen Leadership Award. Brian is known to support nearly every activity or event in the community. Hockey parents are always impressed with his appearance at young kids' tournaments and, besides donating to the prize table, he makes sure he supports it financially as well. Congratulations, Brian!
Also the Unity Chamber of Commerce was awarded the General Purpose Promotion Award for their achievements with the "opportUNITY in Unity" campaign carried out on billboards in Saskatoon, in Facebook ads, Google, as well as Scott Schultz's video blog and even recognition from Global TV in Saskatoon.
These awards demonstrate the commitment residents and organizations have to ensuring Unity has a viable future as well as being a recognizable name throughout the province. The success of any individual or group has definite benefits to the community as a whole and we are fortunate to have this type of commitment from Brian Woytiuk and the Chamber of Commerce.
Unity is also excited about two new businesses and buildings sprouting up in the community - one being a tire and lube shop in the industrial area, while another will house a variety store in the downtown core. This shows commitment on the part of these business owners to invest not only in business, but new buildings in our community.
Saturday, the Unity Warriors football team will begin their playoff season, starting out against first place team Delisle. Unity is the only team to have scored against Delisle this season. Good luck, Warrior football, in your playoffs.
Warriors volleyball is moving quickly to season's end. Senior boys and senior girls still have some tournament play before they begin conference playoffs the first weekend in November. Junior girls hosted their home tournament Oct. 15 and lost a close gold medal game earning silver.
3-on-3 hockey and the power skating clinics have wrapped up and Minor Hockey is now looking forward to good numbers attending their annual Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp Oct. 28, 29, and 30. Then the hockey season for many teams will have started or be kicking into high gear.
Speaking of hockey, the Unity Miners senior hockey club wrapped up their training camp and will be on the ice this weekend for action as the season for senior hockey clubs begins.
And still speaking of hockey, there is a dire need for hockey officials to step forward. Games are at risk of being cancelled if more individuals do not step up to the task. Call Fred Winterhalt at 228-2818 for more information.
Unity Curling Club will host a number of bonspiels this season, including a new one slated for Nov. 11, 12 and 13, the Unity Sifto Cash Spiel with $10,000 up for grabs. Check with the curling club for details on this event, 228-2212.
And while we are still on the topic of the rink, did you know Unity is in line to host Battle of the Blades? Not the popular reality version we see on TV, but Unity's own Battle of the Blades. Pairs have been made up of Unity Skating Club senior figure skaters along with current and retired hockey players. The first workout was Oct. 16 and I was invited to a private session, where I was already impressed by the eagerness and ability of the hockey guys participating. Each program will consist of a 90-second free skate that is to guarantee several popular skating manoeuvres. The rumours of lifts are still rampantly making their rounds so keep your eye on details about this exciting event coming to town Nov. 25 as a fundraiser for the Unity Skating Club.
The fall supper circuit has begun and in Unity it's the United Church Oct. 23, and also on that day is St. Michael's Parish in Tramping Lake. St. Peter's Parish will hold their annual fall supper Nov. 6. This annual tradition is well received because, for many, it helps end the harvest season with a great feast and celebration with friends.
In the past, a certain group has donated thousands of dollars to our health care fundraisers in the 90s as well as the Parkview Place fundraising project in the early 2000s. This year the 14th annual Dance for the Health of It will take place Oct. 29 from 3 - 11 p.m. with Dusty Rose providing the music. Proceeds are always distributed to community projects, and this year they have earmarked their funds to go towards the UFC (new hall and swimming pool fundraising project).
The Unity Facilities Committee (the new pool and new hall) hosted a big event Oct. 15. They put on a steak and lobster dinner at the community centre with supper, dance and silent auction. Organizers were pleased with the crowd of just over 200. And preliminary numbers are showing a big success towards the project fundraising goal.
Voters in Unity must remember there are two vacant council seats up for grabs with a handful of candidates hoping to win their chance to represent the taxpayers on council. Make sure to exercise your rights by casting a ballot at the town office on voting day, Oct. 26. It will help shape you up for the voting process that will be upon us with the upcoming provincial election later this fall.
Unity's Little Theatre is near production time. This popular theatre group is once again holding dinner theatres the evenings of Nov. 4 and 5 with dinner at 7 p.m., followed by the production at 8:30. Tickets are $35 and can be picked up at KC Rescue or by calling Rose Mauthe at 228-2579. KC Rescue is the beneficiary of this event as part of their ongoing fundraising efforts.
After a meeting was held to gauge interest in hosting Relay for Life again in Unity, it was decided that there was not enough interest or commitment to enter into this event again this year.
Donor's Choice is changing this year. There will no longer be door-to-door canvassing in either town or rural areas. Instead there will be a volunteer collecting donations Oct. 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, at the Sears store. Please use this venue for your 2011 Donor's Choice donation and you will be issued a receipt immediately. If you cannot attend either of these dates for your donation, you can still bring it into Sears and a receipt will be mailed to you.
Unity is in for a special treat Sunday, Nov. 13, as Lorne Calvert returns to Unity United Church as a guest speaker. He has been there twice before and attendees have always been wowed by his delivery, his humour (mostly poking fun at himself), his musical talent and his relatable topic. Whether you liked him or not as a politician, I can nearly guarantee you will enjoy his reflections at a Sunday service.
Second Avenue Cinema is on track to have their new Dolby sound and digital picture upgrades done for the end of October/early November. Theatre goers will enjoy this new advance in their movie experience.
To aid the ongoing trust fund for the children of Cam Cooper, who passed away tragically in the July plane crash near Busse Lake, CANS FOR COOPERS collections were taken at Sparkle's Tire lot. Organizer, Melissa Sperle, was overwhelmed with the response but mentioned not being surprised "because Unity residents always step up to the plate when helping someone in need." The funds generated from this project will go to the Cam Cooper children's trust fund. Unity has always been known and appreciated for their 'unity' in tough times for fellow residents.
I would like to pass on condolences to the Quick family in the loss of Jack. Our family always appreciated his wisdom and encouragement. And our kids were never without a pumpkin on Halloween, so this year we will light a special one in memory of Jack.
Coffee row folk are becoming a little more co-operative on the latest topics of their discussion. They may have been playing "hard to get" but this charming group of individuals always flashes me a great smile, a wink or a nod, so I believe this means they approve of me reporting on their discussions. Of course the tables are utilizing their freedom of speech rights as they discuss both the upcoming civic by-election for two council seats, as well as the upcoming provincial election. As well these folks are picking their favourite teams for the upcoming World Series, or disputing Don Cherry's recent rant on coach's corner. And they can still be heard, if only a little, talking about our Riders. And so again you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
