Today is the day all the Christmas displays and decorations should begin. I am a big fan of Christmas but dislike the hype that starts in October. I long for the 'good ole days' when Christmas was a December event.
The Unity Facilities Committee has passed the $1 million mark, thanks to some recent events. This small committee needs everyone's help by earmarking your next event towards this project. With a $5 million goal to get the project started, many hands will be needed to help UFC with the successful completion of their goal, as well as to get things started sooner than later.
The Unity Credit Union is once again sponsoring Winter Wonderland. Please join them in the credit union parking lot next Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. for old-fashioned sleigh rides, complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate too. A silver collection will be taken for the local Secret Santa campaign.
The UCHS drama production is right around the corner. It will play Dec. 13 and 14 at the high school. There are two productions this year. One play is directed by Mr. Bick and one by Mrs. Gilbert. Both productions promise to hold laughs and good entertainment value as the UCHS drama club has been working on them feverishly since September.
The inaugural event of Unity's own Battle of the Blades was a resounding success. The arena was packed with interested and curious spectators and the competitors did not disappoint. For six weeks the teams worked hard on their 90-second free skate programs and audience members were delighted with spirals, spins and even lifts. Check out the wrap-up article in another section of this paper.
The pancake brunches have begun at the museum for the winter months. This is the museum's main winter fundraiser so come join them every Sunday until April between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Adanac Hall on the museum grounds.
The local chamber of commerce is again offering the Grand in your Hand promotion. Shoppers at participating businesses are eligible for entry into this draw that will see three winners of $1,000 in chamber bucks to be spent in the community. This is a fantastic event as it promotes all that our local businesses have to offer, as well as gives shoppers a chance at a terrific prize just in time for Christmas. There is plenty of variety in our community ranging from brand name clothing to power tools to wellness products. And don't forget the variety of gift cards at many locations in town to help check off some of those folks on your list.
Another chamber event, sponsored by local businesses, is the annual Santa Day at 2nd Avenue Cinema tomorrow. Children can come for a free movie, Kung Fu Panda 2, at either a morning ( 10:30 a.m.) or afternoon( 2 p.m.) showtime. Santa then visits the theatre and children can have their photo taken with him, or just let him know what is on the list. Treat bags are also handed out for each child in attendance.
As well in December, Unity United Church presents their annual Cantata. This year, they are doing a portion of it during each Sunday of Advent, starting last Sunday. This presentation by the United Church choir has become an annual Christmas tradition and one you don't want to miss.
And don't forget the annual Secret Santa campaign is underway. Drop-off points so far are the Co-op, Family Foods, Riou Law Office and Sears. This campaign, in conjunction with the local food bank, aims to make Christmas a little brighter for those in our community who can't afford the Christmas things many of us take for granted. This fine group of ladies have been doing this project for over 25 years. And if you need any help in getting yourself out of Scrooge mode, this is one worthy project to donate your time to.
And, in line with your Christmas giving, the local food bank will be matched for every cash donation between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15, generously done through the help of the Saskatchewan PotashCorp. The food bank appreciates the support from the community and they hope this campaign will encourage community members to include the food bank as part of their Christmas gifting process.
Coming up also in December is the annual community Christmas Carol Festival.
As well, St. Peter's Church holds the annual Christmas Service of Remembrance for those who lost loved ones over the year. This service gives them an opportunity to mark their loss and hear comforting words to help them through the season. This year's service will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Peter's Church, beginning with a musical interlude including the stunning harmony of the men's choir. The Service of Remembrance will follow at 7:30. Following the service, refreshments are offered in the lower hall of the church. We are fortunate to have Grondin Funeral Services and Glassford's Funeral Home orchestrate this lovely evening.
Unity Public School is inviting seniors to come visit their newly renovated staff, student and seniors' fitness room Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. UPS strives on building relationships in the community and this will be another way they can do this. Come for coffee and see what they have to offer.
St. Peter's School is hosting parents and the public at their Christmas concert Dec. 16. Dec. 21 is the UPS school Xmas concert, sure to please all generations.
The town decorations are up as well as many residential light displays. Why not grab a friend or a shut-in and take them on a Christmas lights tour?
The community Christmas card has been erected next to the Courtesy Car Office on behalf of the Unity Health Care Auxiliary. To add your name to this card, please drop off your donation at the Courtesy Car Office. All proceeds go to the auxiliary, who in turn purchase items for the care and comfort of local patients in our hospital and long-term care units.
Coffee row folk have been admiring the Christmas lights and displays that are up around town. Much of the table talk this week started with a Battle of the Blades review as well as Grey Cup wrap-up, and the controversy that will not end regarding the government's decision on the Canadian Wheat Board. Discussion at this time of year always moves to the weather, wondering if the Almanac or the weather channel, or neither, will be accurate on this year's predictions. And so again you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
