Only a week or so left of school days for students at Unity Public, Composite High and St. Peter鈥檚 schools. Take extra care in those school zones as it will be very busy along those streets until school is officially out; kids are getting excited for summer so they won鈥檛 necessarily be watching traffic as well as they should be. Due diligence will keep us all safe in these last couple of busy weeks of June.
The biggest thing that happened in our community was the long-anticipated, hard-earned brand new swimming pool grand opening June 10.
The weather wasn鈥檛 the grandest but that didn鈥檛 deter many families from coming to take part in the great carnival-like atmosphere hosted by the staff from Unity Credit Union, who were proud to be a big part of the grand opening of the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre. The grounds were buzzing with activity as families and residents came for the barbecue and the children鈥檚 games as well as for the free swim that followed the official ribbon cutting.
Everyone should pat themselves on the back, as it was a long process that began with an industrious, hard-working committee who starting the fundraising efforts that didn鈥檛 stop until the ground was being turned. There have been dozens of fantastic comments given on social media about this new facility. If you haven鈥檛 done so already, come on down and check it out.
Last week鈥檚 column talked a little about the award given to veteran Bill Fleming. A full house gathered at Parkview Place as Mr. Fleming was presented with the French Legion of Honour for his role in the D-Day landings, marking last year鈥檚 70th anniversary of this historic Second World War event by the French government.
Ninety-eight-year-old Fleming, well-known and -loved in the community, added this decoration to his uniform, already decorated with many acknowledgements for his brave service in the CAF.
Folks in Unity are quick to jump to the aid of fellow residents in time of need and another situation has come up where residents are banding together to help. Melissa and Dan Surine are seeking help for infant daughter Emma, who has been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a condition that has no cure and no hope for a long lifespan.
Fundraisers are hoping to send the Surines to an SMA conference in the United States with hopes of Emma becoming part of a clinical trial that may offer a glimmer of hope for her condition. A barbecue was held June 19, but donations are still welcome online at www.gofundme.com/wj5hf7c\.
Parents, there is a free car seat clinic June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1to 3 p.m. at the Unity Health Centre ambulance bay. It鈥檚 always good to have those safety products checked out by professionals to ensure our children are safe in our vehicles.
UCHS students were celebrated a couple of times last week, first with their own awards night June 9, honouring academics, athletics, the arts and leadership. As well, two retiring teachers, Mr. Herrick and Mr. Ehnisz, were honoured, giving them the podium to put in their final words before riding off to the sunset. A coffee and dainty social followed the awards ceremony where attendees were asked to put in their messages for the teachers鈥� retirement keepsakes.
As well, UCHS inducted Ken Fisher, the founder of Chatters with now more than 100 locations. Ken was a UCHS student from 1967-70 and still works hard in the hair stylist business today with numerous accolades given at the ceremony.
Marcella Pederson, a student from 1966-69, was inducted for numerous accomplishments including her dedication and commitment to the National Farmers Union.
Ryan Riess was also inducted. Ryan was a student from 1991-97 and has led the way on projects in his work as a chemical engineer, designing reclamation projects at several places under his employer, Pinter and Associates.
Selected students also attended the annual Living Sky School Division Hall of Fame event in Battleford, recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, arts and leadership.
Congratulations to Team Trotsalot who fundraised $13,236 for the annual Crohn鈥檚 and colitis fundraising walk. Consisting mostly of family and friends from the Bonogofski and Tuscherer families, they worked hard at several events helping to contribute to the total raised across Canada for research.
St. Peter鈥檚 year-end variety show and awards day is June 26. This event includes mass at 11 a.m. with a Grade 6 farewell student and parent lunch, followed by awards and a variety show in the afternoon.
Unity Public School has been busy with class field trips and kindergarten celebration days, as well as the Grade 6 celebration event today.
The ball diamonds continue to be busy as all teams are gearing up for their respective provincial championships starting the first weekend in July. The Junior Ladies UK Royals team is hosting provincials along with the bantam boys July 17 weekend right here in Unity. Volunteers will be needed for a number of duties, so please contact Brent Weber if you can help.
Coffee row folks are dissecting the pre-season opener of the Riders, giving thanks for Durant鈥檚 return, with a great sidekick in Kevin Glenn, as well as seeing some promise in some up-and-coming players. They are also reviewing the theories for moisture, more of and lack of, in the area. Local ball teams also cross 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�
