There are no words that will ever be fitting to express the shock and sadness the community has felt since learning of the untimely passing of Unity health nurse Shirley Parkinson, and her husband Donald.
Shirley was dedicated to the continuation and leadership of the guiding program, including Sparks and Brownie. She was part of the Interagency Committee, someone who helped initiate and support the babysitting program and the Kids in the Kitchen program, amongst multiple other community programs and activities. Her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh are two things she will be remembered for.
An outpouring of love and support continues for their daughters and the families in this tragedy. Although human nature has us yearning for answers, let us try to remember not to dissect the details but to reach out with love, comfort and respect for the families grieving this unimaginable loss.
St. Peter's School is a busy place as all the programs are back in action including choir, the AR reading program and cross-country events that started Sept. 4 and will continue to the end of this month with practices and meets. The school held a "back to school" sports day Sept. 14 with food, drink and tons of fun for staff and students.
Unity Public School students are also into their cross-country season, as well as the Earth Savers Program and choir. Students are getting more accustomed to their classes and schedules. The school Terry Fox Walk took place this week.
Unity Composite High School hosted Welcome Week activity this week, including a pajama day, a breakfast sponsored and served by Delta Co-op and the Grade 12s holding their burger sale. Formal day, as well as school picture day, was Wednesday. Thursday was the infamous chili cook-off event and jersey day, as well as the school portion of the Terry Fox Walk.
UCHS sports starts with a bang Sept. 19 with Warrior football, who've already played one game and kick off their home opener today after a school pep rally sending players, fans and students to Warrior Field to cheer on their team. Volleyball season is in full swing with all teams out of town last weekend at tournament events. Congratulations, junior girls who captured gold at the Wilkie tournament winning every single game of the weekend. Coming up for volleyball is the junior boys' tournament Sept. 27.
A reminder to folks that UTEC, the Unity Transitional Education Centre, started classes Sept. 9 in the upstairs boardroom of the Unity Community Resource Centre. Classes run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday evening from 7 - 10. UTEC provides young adults with the opportunity to earn academic credits for graduation requirements in a flexible environment outside the high school building. Contact 306-228-2657 for more details.
Here's the latest on swimming pool progress. Even though residents perceive the work as slow or don't see workers present, the zero depth beach entry was poured Sept. 5. The welders have completed the braces of the walls. Workers have been clearing the basin of the swimming pool and were planning on installing the pool liner Sept. 10, dependent on the weather of course. This week they were to start backfilling walls and filling the pool, again dependent on the weather.
The contractor hired for the change house will be able to get the floor and shell up of the building once the backfilling of the pool is completed. The change house will have continual work done throughout the winter once the floor and shell are completed.
With these latest updates, residents can be assured construction on the new swimming pool is ongoing and they can look forward to this new recreation venue for next season.
Minor hockey registration has taken place and 3-on-3 hockey is slated to begin Sept. 29. Check out the website www.unityminorhockey.com if you need more details. Tryouts for the midget AA team will take place at the rink Sept. 27 and 28, starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact Dwayne at 306-228-8284 or Stan at 306-228-8014.
Unity Minor Football is hosting their annual Minor Football Day this Saturday, Sept. 20. Leagues are also back in action with both flag and tackle divisions on the go. Teams are lined up for a season of skill development taking place in both practices and games. The annual Football Day at Warrior Field includes a prize table, 50/50 tickets, hot food booth and games all day.
Applications for the annual trade show, taking place Oct. 3 and 4 are being accepted. Contact Irene at 306-228-3702. Fall fair booklets are also now available to pick up for these entries.
The "Raise the Woof" fundraiser for KC Rescue is also Oct. 3. The evening includes a comedian and plenty of draws for some great prizes and will be held at Bluez. Contact KC Rescue at 306-228-2132 for tickets.
Not many more events of the weekly Unity farmers market. If you weren't able to grow a garden this year, or want to enjoy some home-baked goodness, make sure to stop by each Thursday starting at 2 p.m. at the Unity Friendship Centre, directly across from the Unity Credit Union. It features the best of homemade and homegrown products fresh and ready for you to enjoy. Why not check it out this week?
Residents are asked again to report suspicious activity at the museum to their local RCMP. Vandalism has occurred on more than one occasion and museum volunteers are asking for the public's help in preventing this activity or catching those responsible. The museum is a well-loved, well used location in town that needs everyone's advocacy to protect and preserve. Countless hours are put in by dedicated volunteers and it can be erased quickly by senseless acts of mischief.
Coming up in November is the annual UFC steak and lobster fundraising dinner. Proceeds are now concentrated on the ground floor hall fundraising initiative.
Again, may I remind folks reading this column from near or far, there are a number of job opportunities listed in our local paper and on the Town of Unity website at www.townofunity.com. Check it out!
Coffee row certainly is discussing the new Riders QB after a crushing defeat by Hamilton Sept 14. Concern is more evident for the recovery of Darian Durant. Harvest predictions and calculations are also busy table topics as the wisdom and experience only known in community coffee tables assesses this year's crop production and the weather that plays a major factor. You can bet that discussion also includes the many activities and organizations that have reconvened this fall. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
