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One thing I do like about January, besides celebrating the birthdays of our two kids, is the fact that, although not completely obvious, you can notice slightly the days getting just moments longer as each day passes. There is nothing like curing the winter "blahs" with a dose of optimism in the extended sunlight, no matter how small.

Flu season has been a very hot topic. The shortage of vaccine in conjunction with the upswing in flu activity is a reminder to everyone to practise good handwashing and show concern for others by staying home when ill. The recent flu clinic at the hospital Jan. 10 was busy and that very evening the province started to restrict who received the immunization. Keep posted, folks. Let's hope this "bug" buggers off soon. Until then wash, wash, wash your hands.

Unity Composite High School is a busy place. Basketball season continues and curling teams will be preparing for their upcoming district and regional playdowns. Grade 12 students just completed a successful bottle drive as part of their grad fundraising and, if you were missed, you can still donate your recyclables at SARCAN asking for the refund to be designated to the Grad 2014 class.

Unity Public School has the Grade 6 team practising for their school bonspiel after school on Mondays. UPS students were glued to their computers and televisions as they enthusiastically cheered for their teacher, Mrs. Tyler, who was playing at the provincial Scotties competition as part of Team Hacihert.

St. Peter's School is also busy with basketball and curling. In addition they are preparing students for first reconciliation.

There will be a craft retreat weekend running Jan. 24 to 26 at the Legion Hall in Unity starting Friday at 6 p.m. and going until Sunday at 4 p.m. $95 includes meals and snacks and gives you the opportunity to join friends while you work on your favourite craft project. Applications can be dropped off at JayDee AgTech.

It's Minor Hockey Weekend. The arena will host games all weekend aimed at showcasing the fine talent and hockey skills of all of our local teams. Unity is fortunate to host 10 teams from the very beginners to the veterans in the midget divisions. It's a chance to thank the coaches, managers and minor hockey executive for setting up and maintaining the season for players.

It will be a great weekend to enjoy a famous rink burger and visit with a friend over a cup of coffee while watching a multitude of live action hockey on the ice.

The Unity Miners will also host a home game to add to the flavour of exciting hockey this weekend.

You will want to be sure to check the weekly schedule hanging at the arena for what's coming up at the rink. This schedule includes public skating times. You can also view this schedule on the Town of Unity website. Your local arena - part of what helps bring a season full of enthusiasm, entertainment and exercise to our community.

The curling club, in addition to regular weeknight curling, is in the final stages of preparation for the soon to be hosted Affinity Credit Union Senior Men's and Women's Provincial Championships right here in Unity Feb. 18 to 25.

Organizers are still looking for some volunteers, so be sure to give the curling club a call if you are interested: 306-228-2212 or Bob Abel at 306-210-8505. A variety of volunteer positions are open, including driving teams to and from their hotels to the curling arena.

The annual JayDee AgTech men's bonspiel and Bramiche Farms ladies' bonspiel will also be held at the club.

The annual Unity Wildlife Federation wild game supper and awards night will be held Feb. 1 at the Unity Community Centre hall with happy hour at 5 p.m. and supper to follow at 6:30 p.m., followed by awards. Tickets are only $20 and must be purchased in advance from Unity Motor Products, Wildeman Sports Excellence, Sperle Tire, Unity Auto Body or the RM of Round Valley.

Back by popular demand - HOJA. This dynamic a capella guys' group was a big hit at last year's Celebrate Unity event so they will be returning to entertain at this year's gala. The evening includes a fabulous meal and a small program celebrating successes in Unity as well as the entertainment.

Although it's early, you will want to mark March 3 on your calendar as that will be the annual Celebrate Unity gala evening recognizing businesses, individuals and groups within the community. The event sells tickets for the value price of only $35 available at Unity Credit Union.

And, as we hear of multiple accidents in the cities, expensive parking tickets being received, lineups to attend everything from a movie to a checkout counter, it gives us a great reminder that our business sector offers free spacious parking, clean streets, friendly service people and very few lineups. Why not support the local economy and eliminate the frustration that can be experienced when you visit a city for your shopping?

Coffee row is full of sports talk. Whether you were an NFL fan cheering for your favourite team to go to the Super Bowl, or an NHL fan still hoping for the Oilers to start winning some games, or are getting your comfy chair ready for all the exciting curling upcoming on our TV sets and at the local arena, there was no lack of topics to discuss. Of course, the weather keeps us all guessing and hazarding predictions for the remainder of winter and upcoming spring. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.