It's the long weekend, people. That can mean one of two things: where the heck did the first part of summer go so quickly or let's get out and enjoy another long weekend this summer.
Even though the diamonds are quieter without the softball and baseball contingents on them regularly, you can still see live ball action as the Senior Cardinals gear up for senior A2 provincials to be held Aug. 9 weekend, hosted in Unity. Action starts Friday at 4 p.m. at the Cardinals' field and will include silent auctions, a 50/50 draw and beer gardens.
Unity Minor Ball baseball teams competed in various places at their respective provincial events July 19-21.
The mosquito boys in Melville came out strong winning their first two games handily, and then held out on an 11-10 win in game three, setting the stage for a playoff run. With several rain delays during the weekend, the playoff day was no different, forcing the team to play the semifinal and final back to back. They won a strong semifinal but could not come out on top of a tough team from Melville and took home the silver provincial medal.
The peewee A1 team played in Martensville, outscoring their opponents 41-7 in the first two games. They also won game three. Also experiencing much trouble with rain, this team also met delays the final day, but came out with the provincial title, going undefeated all weekend.
The peewee A2 team did not have the same fortune. Even though their hosting duties were admired by many, the team could not overcome a two-game loss in their opening games, leaving them out of playoff Sunday.
The UK Royals competed at Western Canadian Junior B Fastball Championships in Leduc, Alta., July 25- 28. The team came up against a tough Vancouver team in their opening draw and lost game one. But they came out swinging and earned two decisive victories in their next two games. Friday afternoon, they were paired up against two tough Calgary teams. Because not all results were available at press time, I will put the final results in next week's edition.
The lifeguards did a tremendous job of educating swimmers in a week of fun activities held in recognition of Drowning Prevention Week July 22 to 26.
Head Lifeguard Stephanie Schell blew the whistle and the kids instantly knew something was different. Not to scare any of the children in the pool that day, Schell advised the kids of the demonstration about to take place and had them answer questions before and after a rescue demo. In an accident scenario, the pool would be cleared, however to have the swimmers see first hand the efforts of their lifeguards she had them stay in one corner of the pool to watch as she, Zane Maze, Rhett Timmermans rescued Kelby Smith (granddaughter of Stan and Jan Moncrieff of Unity) who "dove into shallow and suffered a severe spinal injury". EMTs were also on hand for the demonstration that showed the entire process of rescuing, reviving, stabilizing and transporting an accident from the local pool. This was one of the many activities held during Drowing Prevention Week.
The farewell tour of the swimming pool is in its last month. The last set of swimming lessons are set to begin and in a few short weeks the swimming pool will be closed for the summer, the last time the existing swimming pool will be used, as construction on the new Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre is underway.
The Rider 101 contest was part of the deck dance, July 26. The dance was part of a competition where the winner can earn up to $50,000 for a local infrastructure construction project.
Summer Fun Centre has only a couple of more weeks to go, ending Aug. 15. It's a great place for kids becoming bored with summer to take part in a fun, safe and creative environment. Kids ages 5-11 can drop in for only $5 for the day.
Alex, owner of Star Express and operator of Unity Hotel, organized and hosted a street concert featuring Scattered Friends and HillBilly Blunt, July 27. There was food and fun and participants got to hear some great music and enjoy a beautiful summer evening.
Now that the pathway project is fully underway, come check out what is going to be a beautiful walk or ride along the west side of town, towards the Paw Park, through the trees, and which will eventually lead back into town
CTV News reported hundreds of coffees were pre-purchased at Tim Horton's locations across Canada, including Saskatoon. Whether it was a trend, a movement or just a friendly gesture that caught on, Unity was a beneficiary of this moment as someone July 25 pre-purchased over four dozen coffees for folks at the Delta Co-op.
Hey, want to have some fun Aug. 7? Come to the music jam and burger and pie sale at long term care 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with proceeds to the recreation department.
Mark Sept. 8 on your calendars as there will be a 30th anniversary celebration and display for the Terry Fox Run. Organizers are hoping to generate more participation and interest. If you have been a part of this event in the past, always admired the courage of Terry Fox himself or have experienced cancer in your family, why not use this momentous milestone to be part of the Terry Fox Run in Unity?
You may also consider the fifth annual Candace Heitt Memorial Run, Sept. 15. This marathon is completed by noon so leaves participants or volunteers or other interested parties time to be part of the actual Terry Fox Run at 1 p.m. the same day. You can register online or pick up a pamphlet at Heitt's Plumbing And Heating.
Coffee row conversation was split with the ladies reviewing the Royal baby name and the gentlemen talking about another big win by the Riders. Weather, mosquitoes and farm operations are always topics of interest too. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
