It's the long weekend already. The water woes have subsided somewhat but the cleanup from the aftermath of this excess water will be some time in completing. Some RMs in our area are still experiencing some grief from water-caused roadway issues but they are certainly working on it and have commented that repair work is in the works. Some farmers have begun their seeding operations, so we can be thankful for that.
At Unity Composite High School (UCHS), SADD has returned from their annual conference. They have also left a very powerful message in their parking lot with the overturned car surrounded by accident scene tape, with a simple sign stating "Arrive Alive, don't drink and drive," and a grad cap attached.
UCHS is in track season. The local meet is slated for May 22 so the track club kids are kicking it up to prepare for their competitions. From this meet, winners will advance to the district meet May 29 and 30, with those winners advancing to provincial competition.
UCHS is already planning for their annual awards ceremony, taking place June 4 at 7 p.m., celebrating excellence in academics, athletics, arts, culture, leadership and citizenship. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The UCHS grad class will hold their ecumenical grad church service May 23 with everyone invited to attend. It is a chance to celebrate with the class. Thank you to the Unity Ministerial Association and local churches for providing guidance, speakers and refreshments for this event.
The schools have this Friday off due to a scheduled personal development day and a day in lieu of parent/teacher interviews.
Unity Public School is working with their students on preparations for their upcoming track meet, which will be held May 31. In addition, the Grade 6 class is getting closer to their final days in elementary school and gearing up for the big field trip they have fundraised for all year.
St. Peter's celebrated World Catholic Education Day May 9. The Grade 6 class there is also winding down their last weeks in elementary school. They, too, will be soon heading off on their final field trip that they worked hard to fundraise for.
Because of the extended sleepover from the snow-delayed venue preparation, Minor Ball Day was cancelled. Instead, a number of volunteers spent the day erecting a new score clock and a new storage shed as well as fine-tuning other aspects on the diamonds to get ready for all teams jumping into action beginning May 13. Many of these volunteers were coaches and Unity Minor Ball executive members.
You can hear the delight from players and coaches as they all head back to their venue for ball season. Both the UK Royals Junior Women's team and the Unity Squirts' team hosted exhibition games May 12. Many came out to enjoy the return of ball to the diamonds, as well as the beautiful weather of the afternoon.
The Battlefords and District Ladies' Fastball League was delayed one week due to excess water but all teams are on the diamonds now for practices and games. There are games on the Lions' diamond every Monday and Wednesday, in addition to all other diamonds hosting either a game or practice. As well, every Friday will be the slo-pitch games. The Miners' annual slo-pitch tournament is slated for May 24 weekend. There are still openings, so call Scott at 228-2366 if interested.
Eric Macdonald is offering Brazilian Jui Jitsu (BJJ) classes. BJJ is a grappling-based martial art that is the basis for much of modern mixed martial arts training. It originates with the Gracie family in Brazil and was adapted from traditional Judo and Jiu-Jitsu techniques. It was popularized during the original Ultimate Fighting Championships tournaments, and is now taught in most major cities across Canada.
Eric offers these classes to anyone ages 13 and up. Current members range from age 13 to adult. This is a non-profit training club but there is a fee (usually $60 for four months) to cover expenses. The spring/summer session began May 14, 7:30 pm at St. Peters School gym.
They are looking for interested people to join the club so, if you are curious, come check it out; just bring shorts and a T-shirt if you would like to try. Now is a good time to jump in as they are going to be learning the basics of BJJ. Class times will be Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m and Sundays at 7:00 p.m.
The trio of gals, inspired by We Day, who held the fundraising bake sale at Easter time to benefit the Frocklage Fire Fund and the Unity Community Resource Centre, are at it again. This time they are holding a fundraising bingo May 14 at the Friendship Centre to benefit the Courtesy Car. Way to go, girls!
St. John's Anglican Church is holding a steak night at the Armada May 21. Tickets are $15 to benefit their "Raise the Roof" fund as they raise money for a new church roof. The steak night will be the first of many fundraisers the group is hoping to do. The Anglican Church is still the home of Saturday Sales. These sales have been getting busier and busier now that the weather is nicer and there seems to be new and different vendors each time. Come out and check them out!
Unity Western Days is fast approaching. The committee is looking for parade floats to take part in the Western Days parade slated for the morning of June 1. In addition to Citizen of the Year nominations being requested, the committee will soon have rodeo queen contestants, Alison Kuhn, Brittany Hauta and Kendall Krenn, out and about in the community. Look for more details as this event draws closer.
Swimming lesson registration will begin May 21-23 from 1-5 p.m. at the town office. The new swimming pool plans have been released. This exciting infrastructure project is slated to begin as early as June, with hopes of completion by the end of October.
In partnership with Unity Credit Union, the Unity Facilities Committee (UFC) is holding a kick-off barbecue May 30 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the credit union parking lot. Unity Credit Union, who purchased naming rights for the facility, will be unveiling the name along with hosting a children's carnival with a pool-related theme. The UFC will cook up the food in addition to detailing the information surrounding this exciting new infrastructure project. You won't want to miss this exciting event as it sets the stage for a brand new recreation venue in our community.
Let's support our local Legion. Right now members are putting on a 50/50 draw with a first prize of $777.
The Unity Sarcan recycling depot is changing its hours effective June 3 and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Coffee row has seeding stories on the table. The prominence of water in some areas has certainly delayed things and everyone in the community is hoping for the best for our farmer friends. NHL playoffs and local ball season are a sure bet for debate on the topic table. And the upcoming Rider season is tossed around on occasion. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
