Do you believe him or not? Groundhog Day – sure to bring the biggest cheer of happiness or make the happiest of faces turn sour by his predictions. As long as we can experience less winter or less winter elements, I’m happy.
Our family is full of birthdays in February – eight to be exact, three of them on the same day. That adds up for a lot of cake! So happy birthday this month to all of my family.
Only one year after opening their original sports store in Unity, Wildeman’s Sport Excellence owners Dean and Paula Wildeman have completed a move to their new location, the former Ultra Sports building on Main Street.
This store will employ five people in addition to the Wildemans, as well as housing more room for their Sears outlet, providing storage of seasonal equipment and other merchandise and offering a large selection of clothing. In addition the sports store will offer skate sharpening, bike repair and embroidery and screening services.
Lorne and Joan Shead, former downtown business owners themselves, offered support and guidance to Dean and Paula, therefore the Wildemans were happy to have them as the first customers on opening day, Jan. 26.
Dean said their former location won’t be vacant for long and a confirmation on the new occupant will be announced soon.
This new expanded store could be one of the many things that were outlined in the “First Impressions” program undertaken in partnership with the town and the Unity Chamber of Commerce through the Sask. Economic Development Association. Volunteers from two similar communities did unannounced exchange visits and reported on their findings.
The report by the visitors to Unity included such positives as how clean and tidy Unity is with plenty of green space; regional park ball diamonds; Pleasant View Cemetery; and residents’ access to health care and seniors’ housing for all levels of care.
St. Peter’s School is a musical place these days as both choir and band continue to practise regularly for the music festival April 20. There is always academic preparation coming up before the February.
Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week is full of activity. It will be western day Feb. 9, a Magical Munsch presentation and PJ spirit day Feb. 10 and saintswear day Feb. 11. The staff will also take on the Grade 6 class in a volleyball match over the lunch hour. Thursday’s spirit day is inside out/backwards day as well as the Lamontagne fundraiser kickoff. On the last day before the break, Feb. 13, everyone gets to be cool with a hat and sunglasses day.
As soon as students are back from the February break, Lenten preparations will begin – an important part of the faith journey.
Unity Public School is keeping staff and students occupied as they are busy with music festival preparations, curling and finishing up some activities and learning modules before the February break. More fun Telemiracle fundraising is taking place at the school. In fact, today, after lunch for only $1 you could enjoy ice cream. On the last day of school before the break for $1 students can enjoy popcorn and a movie in the gym. The Division II ski trip is coming up soon too.
With one less week in February due to the mid-term break, it will be a flurry of action at Unity Composite High School. Exams are officially over and semester two has begun. Junior high students travel to Table Mountain Feb. 5. It will only be a couple of short weeks before February break for drama practices. Curlers and basketball players are preparing for playdowns and conferences.
Unity Curling Club hosted the senior women’s qualifier this past weekend. Curling fans were also cheering on Team Glen Heitt, our curling club president, as he competed at the senior men’s northern competition but results were not available as of deadline for this column.
Next weekend, curling fans will be cheering on Team Drew Heidt who will be competing at provincials in Melville. Of course the legions of new fans gained by Team Laycock will be cheering for this team as well.
The remaining events coming up at the curling club start off with the JayDee AgTech Men’s Open running Feb. 10 to 15 with entries being received now.
Many take advantage of sports participation; however, not all children are able to do so as a result of the economics in their household. The Unity KidSport committee is dedicated to assisting children facing financial obstacles to participate in community sports programs. Each year the committee fundraises and receives donations.
In 2014, the Unity Kidsport committee supported 35 children. The committee sells Roughrider calendars and recently received a generous donation from Unity Credit Union. With their participation in dress down days, credit union staff chose to donate $825.
The Unity Sports Wall of Fame is still looking for nominations for their next induction to be held May 9. Nominations can be picked up at the town office or downloaded from the town website. As well, the Rivers West District of Sports, Recreation and Culture is looking for nominations for their annual awards so check with Nicole at the town office if you know someone who should be included.
Tickets are now on sale for the annual Celebrate Unity night hosted by the Unity Chamber of Commerce celebrating business, service and events in Unity. It will include a meal, award presentations and a performance by Saskatchewan Express. Tickets will be on sale, only available at Unity Credit Union.
There are some great names, groups and folks on the agenda for the program.
There seem to be an increased number of folks in our community dealing with some kind of illness. Keep these folks in your prayers and call them or their families up and see if there is any way you can lend a hand to make their lives just a little easier.
You don’t have to head out of town for a fabulous special meal with your sweetheart as all of Unity’s eateries are offering something special for Feb. 14. In addition the businesses offer a great selection of cards, chocolates and special occasion gifts or flowers.
Coffee row folks appeared to be more excited about a different football event than the Super Bowl. Yes, I am talking about the signing of Weston Dressler to a four-year deal. They are certainly talking about the weather and the interesting differences we have seen this winter as opposed to the intense winter of 2012, the frigid prolonged cold of 2013 and this year’s more spring-like qualities. Ramped up hockey and curling action is sure to be on the discussion table as well, as “rowers” pledge allegiance for their favourite players and teams, as well as making bold predictions for their seasons.
You know the saying “When you’re in the room, be in the room?” This is a demonstrated quality on coffee row as these folks tune into each other’s conversations rather than checking out cellphones on a continual basis, a good habit to try at home. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
