I can't even fathom that it has been a month since graduation, we have only one more month at home with the kids before they go back to school and in a few short days it will be August already. Of course, trying to hold onto every bit of summer after enduring that really long winter just seems to make the time slip by even faster. Enjoy the dog days of summer while you can, folks
Those of you on Royal baby watch, as of press time for this article, Sunday, July 21, no prince or princess yet. Frankly, I have been more entertained at the watchers of the impending arrival of the royal baby.
Congratulations Unity Panther, Mackenzie Chorney who was picked up along with Wilkie gal, Ally Cey, to play with the Kindersley Royals at Western Canadian Midget B Softball Championships in Richmond, B.C., in August.
Congratulations to the Unity players who have made a spot on the Zone 7 Softball Fall Ball Provincial Championship team, with the event being held at the Battleford Flats this coming September long weekend. Local coach, Pat Risling will be helping out with the team this year.
Baseball provincials were held last weekend. The Mosquito boys' team headed to Melville where they came on strong and plugged out two big mercy wins in their first two matchups. Because I didn't have all the results at press time, I will keep you posted next week on the results of the Mosquito Cardinals. The Peewee A team headed to Martensville and also came up with two big mercy wins in their first two games, giving them 41 runs against their opposition and only seven runs scored against them in the start of their provincial quest. Again, final results will be available in next week's paper.
The Peewee A2 team hosted provincials in Unity July 19, 20 and 21. Sunny skies and an army of volunteers greeted seven teams who came to compete for the provincial title. Unfortunately, the team suffered a very close game loss, losing by only one run in the last at bat. They headed to the diamonds under overcast skies and cooler weather Saturday morning but a strong Alameda team kept the bats hot and handed the Peewee A2 Cardinals their second loss of the event. Finals results will be in next week's paper as I did not have them for press time.
The senior Cardinals are gearing up for their provincials the second weekend in August, hosted right here in Unity.
The UK Royals are competing at Western Canadian Junior B Ladies' Fastball Championships in Leduc this weekend. We'll keep you posted.
The Unity Nature Park Pathway that leads to the dog park will have its opening, this evening, July 25. The dog park is also hosting a barbecue to fundraise for a roadway leading to their area. Come out for a stroll, see the area and enjoy the new pathway as well as have supper. Events start at 5 p.m. and continue to 7 p.m.
We send or accompany our children to the local pool without a moment's thought for their safety. That's because the highly trained employees wearing yellow shirts emblazoned with "Lifeguard" on the front assures us the safety of the swimmers is at hand.
We trust them to keep an eye on the sky for approaching bad weather. We trust them to maintain a regulated environment that is safe and fun for all who attend. And, most of all, we trust them with our lives, when an unforeseen accident or mishap takes place at the pool. This year's lifeguards are Stephanie Schell, Amy Keller, Zane Maze, Quinn Maze, Natalie Kiefer, Danielle Irons, Jessica Weber, Rayel Green, Syd David, Rhett Timmermans and Brandon Chester.
Their tasks include 6 a.m. mornings for early bird, teaching aquasizes or lessons and watching the public swim group to be sure they are safe. These lifeguards know the importance of water safety, which is why they planned a week-long of activity from July 22 - 26 to recognize Drowning Prevention Week. There was a rescue demonstration and swim for life challenge, Monday. To make the boat safety learning more fun, staff organized a boat race Wednesday and had swimmers participate in a boat safety challenge. There is a second rescue demonstration and swim for life challenge today.
The pool staff host a barbecue from 5 - 7 p.m. and a Rider Deck Dance from 8:30 - 10 p.m. tomorrow, July 26. Proceeds from the barbecue go towards the new pool being constructed. Wear your Rider gear, Friday, in an effort to win a grant from the Riders for the new swimming pool. The Rider 101 contest is a competition where the winner can earn between $25,000 and $50,000 for a local infrastructure construction project that involves health and wellness.
Good luck to former Unity resident Travis Eltom who will be competing in the Ironman competition in early September. Travis, son of Bob and the late Clara Eltom, has been competing in triathlons since July of 2005.
You seriously have to get to the farmers' market, held Thursdays at the Adanac Hall from 4 - 7 p.m., as soon as you can. There is often a contingent of shoppers waiting for the delicious goods and wonderful homemade items. Ranging from honey to farm fresh eggs, as well as baking, sewing and crafts, it certainly has been a popular venue for shoppers.
Never take for granted the air conditioned Second Avenue Cinema with all the summer blockbusters showing this summer. Digital picture and surround sound make it the big city experience without the big city prices. New releases such as Despicable Me II and The Lone Ranger are just some of the great movies that have been shown. Coming up is Monsters University and many more summer movies that you have been wanting to see.
This summer, the weather isn't the only thing people are worrying about. After two deaths attributed to hantavirus in the Heartland Health region and the increase of West Nile mosquito population, along with the tick-borne illness of Lyme disease, people should be aware. There are numerous websites that can help people understand the illnesses, the symptoms and the precautions that should be taken. Being proactive is better than being reactive.
You know you live in an active, vibrant community when your 11-year-old doesn't want to be away on vacation a whole week at a time for fear he might miss something fun in Unity. So far this summer: annual Western Days events including a parade; the big, successful pool party kickoff in downtown Unity; another successful Canada Day celebration including, once again, an incredible fireworks display; two provincial ball events, with a third to come; several community barbecues; today's opening of the pathway project, another big event; Drowning Prevention Week activity; weddings and reunions; the hugely popular farmers' markets each Thursday; and Grey Cup excitement is starting to build.
Coffee row conversation was alive with excited review of the Riders' big 4-0 start and the speculation on how great this season could become, in our year to host Grey Cup. Of course, the numerous events taking place in town this time of year are always reviewed with enthusiasm.
So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
