Is the scariest part of upcoming Halloween this weekend the weather? The dismal season of the Riders equalling no playoff season for the team? Recent election results? Our Blue Jays coming so far and missing by one run the chance to advance to a game seven and possible World Series championship?
Folks, please start wearing a poppy! Our veterans and servicemen need to see our show of support, especially at this time of year.
Unity saw a lot of changes in scenery the week of Oct. 23. The former J & E Convenience Store, officially addressed at First Avenue and Second Street East but always fondly referred to as 鈥渢he Red on Railway鈥� was torn down Oct. 20.
The old CN station house, once home to the family of the station master and then turned into a popular eatery, last known as Jelasco鈥檚, was moved to Mossleigh, Alta. It is reported it will be restored to its original state as a CN station and be included in a train museum complex.
In addition to these big changes, the walls of a residential multiplex being built are now up on Main Street.
Another beautiful fall day, Oct. 24, set the tone for several events that included a junior girls鈥� volleyball tournament and preparations for the evening鈥檚 Unity Facilities Committee steak and lobster dinner and fundraiser as well as the open house, barbecue and raffles held to recognize the new location of KC Rescue.
Another bonus our community is very lucky to have is a gentleman by the name of Carey Baker, the director of economic development for the Town of Unity. Baker doesn鈥檛 work nine to five in his office. He becomes聽 involved in a number of fundraisers, initiatives and development possibilities. Nearly every time I have attended an event in town his name comes up: 鈥淲e are thankful for Carey Baker because...鈥� or 鈥淐arey Baker is one of our committee members鈥� or 鈥淲e were fortunate to have Carey Baker help with his knowledge/skill in organizing鈥� or 鈥淐arey Baker was one of our volunteers.鈥�
I know there are dozens of regulars who volunteer or commit to community events and projects around town and I have always tried to recognize these folks as much as I can. However, this week, after hearing of Carey鈥檚 鈥渟uperpowers鈥� once again, I needed to extend a shout out to this town treasure. He is the guy who prefers the background or 鈥減rep cook鈥� role, but never underestimate or undervalue his role in the recipe or finished product.
Unity Public School staff and students are celebrating Halloween Oct. 30 with a Black and Orange Spirit Day amongst other classroom activities. As well, the school is preparing for their school Remembrance Day service Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Students had a successful division soccer tournament in Cut Knife Oct. 16 as well as a terrific showing at the junior girls鈥� volleyball tournament Oct. 23 at Unity Composite High School.
St. Peter鈥檚 School聽 Saints were also part of the UCHS junior volleyball tournaments with the girls playing Oct. 23 and the boys Oct. 28. Students also get to participate in some fun Oct. 30 to celebrate All Hallows Eve.
St. Peter鈥檚 will also hold a school Remembrance Day service .
UCHS is humming right along in their school year. Volleyball for junior teams is winding down as district competitions are underway.聽 Senior divisions are edging closer to their conference and district playdowns as well with still a few tournaments to get under their belts before these events. Immediately following volleyball season will be the basketball season with junior divisions looking as though they could be housing multiple teams for UCHS.
SLC and SADD students will canvass the community for the 鈥淲e Scare Hunger鈥� campaign to benefit the local food bank. As well, those students who bought passports for the community Zombie Fest will be taking the Zombie Walk to the theatre to enjoy the special Halloween movie for those participants who fill their passports throughout the day Oct. 31.
Before I get to our sports news, let me give a shout-out to these players succeeding in programs outside of Unity. Nolan Acton and Trace Sperle are playing hockey for the Junior B Medicine Hat Cubs. Brandt Bertoia is playing with the Prince Albert AAA Midget Mintos. Rhett Feser is playing for Prairie Baseball Academy Dawgs out of Lethbridge, Alta. Justin Gerein is playing for the West Central Rage Junior B hockey team. Jaden Hofmann is playing for the Badlands Baseball Academy Badgers. Braden Lacoursiere is playing for the Flin Flon Bombers of the SJHL. Alex Pernitsky is playing for the Loydminster AJHL Bobcats. Brayden Schultz and Joel Timmermans are playing for the Battleford AA Bantam Barons. And Justin Wood is playing golf for the University of Montevallo in Alabama.
The Montreal Canadiens alumni team will arrive for the big game Nov. 27. Tickets are now on sale at Cinema Satellite, Wildeman鈥檚 Sports Excellence and the town office. As well multiple people are now selling tickets for the progressive 50/50 jackpot, with a guaranteed payout. You can also still bid on the team positions that remain including the 鈥渢hrill of a lifetime,鈥� equipment manager and special dressing room visit. As well, the silent auction items are displayed at Unity Credit Union and you can enter your bid.
Contact Carey Baker at 306-228-2621 for more details.
This weekend, come on down to the Unity Curling Club and watch Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 when the UCC is hosting the Unity Compass Minerals Tournament of Champions cash spiel.
Or you can come on any league night 鈥� Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 鈥� and watch a game from the large spacious lounge with far end TVs for those closest to the button calls, and then join your favourite team or curler in the lounge for a beverage after the game. For details on these or other events upcoming at the Unity Curling club, contact the club by phone at 306-228-2212 or log on to our Facebook page for the latest updates.
It鈥檚 here. Zombie Fest Oct. 31 will bring some additional Halloween excitement to downtown Unity Saturday as passport holders look to fill their passports; the only stipulation is they need a costume. Then 2nd Avenue Cinema will host all holders of filled passports for three different movie showings; as well as the high school will partake in the zombie walk from the school to the theatre to get in on the fun.
The annual Ladies鈥� Night Out shopping and gathering event is Nov. 7 with a number of home-based businesses participating.聽
Also coming up in November is the community Remembrance Day services and, with the recent passing of long-time community volunteer and well-known and loved veteran, Cec Hayward, make an effort to come and show your appreciation.
The Raise the Woof KC Rescue fundraiser is Nov. 14. As KC Rescue operates solely on volunteer work and donations, they can use your support at any event that they host and this is a great night out for your staff, a group of friends or just folks who want to go out and share a drink and some laughs.
The Unity Community Resource Centre鈥檚 ladies鈥� night out at the movies, complete with wine and cheese, will be held Nov. 19.
Coffee row folks: certainly the disappointment of the Blue Jays鈥� exit from World Series contention was a hot topic following their 鈥渙h so close鈥� game six loss. Conversation also edges on the sadness that surrounds this year鈥檚 Rider season knowing we still have two more meaningless games to endure. But the event calendar is very full from now until December including multiple hockey games, resurgence of curling season and community events taking place. There is no lack of upcoming activities to review or anticipate as you can see by the lists in this column. So we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time 鈥�
