The community, in spite of the ongoing pandemic, is trying to experience some sense of normal this Christmas. Please adhere to government and Saskatchewan Health Authority pandemic protocols so we aren鈥檛 busting the charts continuously, or again, on case numbers. Do what you can, when you can and where you can.
Show the love to your community businesses, not only in your purchasing support but treat them extra special this last week before Christmas. They really have been champs throughout the pandemic, ensuring we still had product and services available in a safe manner. These businesses and their employees have served us in whatever manner they could since this whole ordeal began. Share the gift of your kindness and support this Christmas.
You still have the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas music at one of our community churches, but please check their capacity requirements and pandemic protocols before attending. Many church services are also available online.
The Community Cares Christmas mail campaign has shown great results. Both givers and receivers have been happily expressing their joy. Keep that mail coming. Long Term Care, Parkview Place, Heritage Manor and Luther Place all have drop boxes for incoming letters and cards. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far, including schools, who have already had so many other things to do this year.聽
The 鈥淕ift-a-Tree鈥� project has completed with trees delivered to Long Term Care and Parkview Place, as well as a couple extras around town.
The Adopt-a-Grandparent project saw some changes, but thanks to community donors and organizer Audra Nelson, gifts were quarantined then delivered to the Long Term Care to be distributed by staff. The team at Red Apple also collected and assembled gift bags to be quarantined then be delivered to Parkview Place.
St. Peter鈥檚 School continued the tradition of the annual Christmas concert by providing this performance virtually Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. on their Facebook page.
Unity Public School filled their last week with festive, fun spirit days that even included outdoor activity for the students.
Unity Composite High School coped with a water main break Dec.9 to add to the year鈥檚 challenges. The break will be welcome and imperative for the rejuvenation of staff and students, so they can face the year with a renewed sense of purpose.
At Unity museum, men are working at the shop setting up a winterized area so they can sort, organize and build for next year鈥檚 use. A gnome fundraiser went beyond anyone鈥檚 expectations so the museum group is thankful for everyone鈥檚 support to boost their lagging funds. The museum committee wants you to include their location on your twinkle tours.
Community church Christmas services are going to look different this year. In St. Peter鈥檚 Parish there will be Christmas Eve mass in Tramping Lake, Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. and in Unity, Dec. 24 a 7 and 9:30 p.m. and midnight mass in Unity. Unity Christmas Day mass is at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Attendees must register for mass by calling the parish office at 306-228-2341 or by filling out the online form. Parishioners are asked to not sign up for more than one Christmas mass to allow as many people as possible to participate. Father Greg will be live streaming one of the masses.
Make sure to take the family out for a twinkle tour, as there really has been some tremendous work put into home and yard decorating this season. It鈥檚 a great pick-me-up in these unusual circumstances.
Here鈥檚 hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
