We are edging closer to winter and the early blast of snow. Send all of your positive karma and wishes to Mother Nature so she will let farmers get their harvest done.
The Blue Jays excitement in homes and businesses is fun to be a part of and as I write this column, I am hoping they are still playing when this paper comes out. And, even though the Riders have no chance for the playoffs, their dismal start has evolved into some exciting games recently, leaving us all hopeful for a better team next year as they open their new stadium.
The all-candidates forum held Oct. 12 was well attended and judging by the presentations made by mayoral candidates and the 10 people vying for six spots on town council, this will not be an easy selection for voters. By this time next week we will know who our mayor and council will be to lead us for the next four years. Cast your vote Oct. 26 at the New Horizons Hall.
Sixteen-year-old Cyanne Sperle and her 11-year-old gelding Chico have qualified for the Lucas Oil American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show taking place in Oklahoma Nov. 3 to 19.
For Co-op Week this week Delta Co-op and Unity Credit Union are offering treats, coffee and prizes as well as community collections as they celebrate. Both of these co-operatives offer many things to the communities they serve, including staff who volunteer with their organization and individually in the community. Unity Credit Union has spent this year recognizing their 75th anniversary by performing 75 random acts of kindness.
Delta Co-op capped off Co-op Week with a grand opening of the new fertilizer plant Oct. 19. Following the official ribbon cutting, guests were treated to beef on a bun and were able to tour the facility.
St. Peter鈥檚 School had pajama day Thursday, as well as a pancake breakfast along with live entertainment. Friday will end a week of Education Week recognition with an author visit. The school will be treated to an Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Counils presentation, The Sorcerer鈥檚 Apprentice, at 1:45 p.m. Parents are invited to attend this performance that includes puppetry, magic and comedy.
At Unity Public School, students are embarking on a trip through 鈥淲rite-topia.鈥� This initiative fits with one of the school goals stating that by June of 2017, UPS will have 20 per cent more students writing at a proficient level. There was excitement as students were given new pencils and postcards to start creating and posting their goals.
Thanksgiving weekend, a group of former students organized and hosted an alumni volleyball tournament for UCHS students to help raise money for a scholarship fund. It was a treat to watch former students have fun and play some terrific volleyball while they were at it. Congratulations to the organizing committee for this inaugural event. Judging by the smiles and positive feedback, this could be one of many more to come.
At UCHS, volleyball season is getting close to district playoffs, curling season will soon start and drama students are working each week as they edge closer to their productions this winter. The Warriors football team begins the first round of playoffs this Friday at home.
Staring Tuesday the Unity curling club season will officially begin. Be sure to stay tuned to their Facebook page for all the latest updates on what is happening at the curling club. Remember, there is plenty of room in their lounge for spectators or to join your favourite team for a beverage post game.
Hockey season is also now in full swing with all teams in all divisions hosting regular practices and games. Saturday the Midget AA Lazers will host Battleford at 7:30 p.m. The Unity Miners also will host an exhibition game against the Meota Combines Friday.
Unity Food Bank recently put out the call for help to replace depleted supplies.
UFB committee member Tomi Watt, says, 鈥淲e don't know what happened in August, but our numbers are back in the 40s, which is where they have been for several years.鈥�
The UFB served 47 in June and 49 in July, while August saw a burst at a record high of 62 recipients. In September the numbers dropped back to 42 recipients, including six new clients in the last four months.
When the call went out on social media in August, reaction and subsequent action of residents was impressive, demonstrating the continued support of the community. Watt calls the response 鈥渙verwhelming.鈥�
Individuals, community groups and businesses stepped up to help, resulting in the food bank becoming completely restocked. All three Unity schools were part of this contingent. Watt adds, 鈥淭he importance of these additional collections refilling up the UFB shelves is a 10 out of 10.鈥�
The UFB also acknowledges the garden produce they received from local gardeners.
鈥淥ur colony friends regularly supply us with potatoes, which is very helpful indeed,鈥� Watt says
Some of the items that can always be helpful at UFB include small bags of sugar, toilet paper, meat that has been processed through a licensed abattoir (including wild meat), tissues and coffee.
The Unity Food Bank has drop off bins at the churches and at Delta Co-op or donors can drop off at the Unity Community Resource Centre.
Contact Carol Slater at 306 228-3445 or the Watts at 306 228-3669 for an appointment if you are in need, or if you know of someone in need.
Coffee row folks are certainly feeling for our farmer friends with this never ending frustration of continued weather delays with this year鈥檚 harvest. These 鈥渞owers鈥� are at the same time jubilantly reviewing the excitement the Blue Jays have to offer their fans in their post-season play. There continues to be a nonstop lineup of events to take part in within the community that are also on the topic table. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time 鈥�
