Have you had a conversation in the past 181 days that didn't include the weather, in particular the snow and cold that has besieged us since winter started Oct. 20, more than half a year ago? The first day of spring was a month ago - why haven't we seen the signs of it yet? It just seems like a never ending barrage of snow, freezing rain, blowing snow, drifting and sticking snow on our roadways and just generally a really crappy extension of winter. I heard a new term to define this season; it's called "sprinter!"
Unity plays host to the regional drama festival April 19 and 20. UCHS drama club are presenting the same two plays as at the public performances last week. One is entitled 16 in 10 Minutes or Less, a play depicting the lives of high school students, age 16. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the second play. Festival performances are open to the public.
Unity Public School students wore pink April 10 in support of anti-bullying day.
Unity Music Festival showcase performances will be Sunday at UCHS in the senior gym, at 2 p.m.
Ball players are pre-conditioning in the rink until the diamonds can be used. Let's hope that snow flies away soon so ball season can resume on the venue it is intended for.
The Friday night co-ed slo-pitch league is now taking registrations for their season that runs May 3 to June 28. Entry deadline is April 30 and you can call Mike at 306-228-2111 or 306-228-7095 to register your team.
A spring trade show will be held Saturday, on the curling rink surface from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Featuring a number of businesses, there will be plenty of variety to get a head start on Mother's Day shopping. For only $2, you can shop as well as enjoy snacks and refreshments, in addition to door prize draws. There will also be a pancake breakfast fundraiser to benefit the road project for the Paws Park.
The Anglican Church hosts regular mini-fairs in their hall. You can contact Val Middleton at 306-228-4536 to book a table for only $10. The mini-fair hosts home business vendors, homemade merchandise, baking and even a few garage sale items.
The Unity Facilities Committee is discussing a strategy for soliciting sponsorship to add to the $250,000 grant, and other donated funds earmarked for the new swimming pool. The pool project is slated to begin in June and hopefully be completed by late October.
A "you are amazing, as you are" event is being held April 27 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Church hall at a cost of only $10, which includes lunch. Join in for a celebration designed to inspire girls ages nine to 12 with the focus on improving self-esteem, positive body image and celebrating uniqueness through speakers and fun activities. Contact Kim Ducherer at 306-228-4184 or Evelyn Combres at 306-228-3332 for details. This event is sponsored by the St. Peter's CWL.
KC Rescue will be canvassing the town with a bottle drive fundraiser April 30. Please keep this in mind if you have recyclables you can help them out with.
Even though recent business closure signs have come to be in downtown Unity, don't be fooled. We have a new grocery store opening this month. Unity Motor Products went through extensive renovations to remain downtown. The two new transloading stations are a big boost to the area. Unity is still lucky to have doctors, a dentist, an optometrist, wellness centres, several insurance places, two grocery stores, three financial institutions and many other services that other communities covet.
It will take a concerted effort by residents to commit to supporting their local businesses, rather than choosing to shop out of town for merchandise available right here in Unity. These same businesses are supporting our hockey teams, charitable organizations and volunteering on the numerous committees and organizations right here in town. It is a full circle - when we support them, they support us in turn.
The town and chamber of commerce have been working aggressively on a variety of initiatives to have people recognize the opportUNITY in Unity. Remember, we're all in this together
Anyone reading this column outside of Unity, there is another wide variety of jobs posted in our local paper. If you are looking for work, moving to Unity or want a change of job, why not check out the career opportunities in Unity? The Town of Unity could direct you to job openings.
Coffee row has moved on to baseball and football now that curling and local hockey is officially over for the season. Of course, the weather topic never gets too far off the table either as everyone is predicting what spring thaw will look like and if we are ever going to actually see spring. It is worrisome for farmers, who traditionally begin their spring seeding projects in May. In spite of the weather, this is a fun group full of laughter and optimism. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
