We continue to be thankful for the rain that has now learned how to fall. The rich green environment surrounding us is much prettier and the rain falling is a beautiful sound. Let鈥檚 hope the trend continues this summer as Environment Canada had us quickly returned to the extreme fire hazard range.
Congratulations to Scott Gilbert who was named Unity鈥檚 2016 Citizen of the year at the Western Days Friday banquet. I nominated Scott because too often we take for granted the numerous things people do to contribute to their community. Gilbert coaches baseball and softball teams during the regular seasons as well as provincial teams for both. This is in addition to serving on the minor ball executive as umpire co-ordinator. He has suited up himself on occasion when officials were in short supply. Gilbert was also instrumental in bringing the 29-team GPLS event to Unity this past May, all while preparing his team to participate and coaching all weekend while helping with the event.
He has coached hockey for numerous years. He has served on a number of boards including the school community council for Unity Public School. There is a much longer list of places he has volunteered or boards he has served on, all while he operates Gilbert Agencies. Gilbert is also involved in his children鈥檚 activities. Listing these things off just makes one want to sit and rest but that is not the case with Gilbert.
Gilbert also saved the life of our son who was choking at a school event when previous attempts had been unsuccessful, earning Gilbert the 2014 Red Cross Lifesaving Award. Many people who have benefitted from his involvement in the community commented that he does so without complaint while sporting that ever-present smile. Kids, and parents of kids, who have had the privilege of Scott鈥檚 coaching guidance comment on his commitment to fair play while ensuring every child has a positive experience.
People like Gilbert are a bonus to a community as they choose to continually be part of what makes the community and its programs so great.
Rodeo weekend was deemed a success in large part due to the beautiful weather, to the hard work of the organizing committee and to those who chose to participate in the many events.
A big happy birthday to the active and always smiling Sally Neigum who celebrated her 95th birthday June 11.
Farmers鈥� markets are often present in larger centres and, right here in Unity, we are very lucky to have one hosted each Friday at the Legion hall. Make note there are no markets July 1 nor 8, however for the rest of June and this summer they are going strong.
Unity Public School is wrapping up their school year with some testing before report cards at month end. The school community council is hosting their year-end barbecue for staff and students June 17. The Grade 6s will be celebrated June 24 before they head on over to the high school in the fall. Kindergarten celebration will be held June 27 and 28 with June 28 being the last student school day. Students can pick up report cards June 30.
St. Peter鈥檚 School is preparing for their year-end celebrations, too, which includes awards to students and performances by musical groups. It will be a happy/sad occasion as the Grade 6s will be excited to be entering their high school years in the fall.
Unity Composite High School sent a record-high 17 athletes to provincial track. Congratulations to Joel Timmermans and Damien Bowey who both earned medals this year. A large contingent of students were recognized June 9 at the Living Sky School Division Hall of Fame night. The grad ecumenical service also took place June 9.
It seems surreal to be telling of the rest of the UCHS year in days as everyone is now preparing for a busy finals week as well as graduation ceremonies to take place June 30.
There is a long list of projects that need completing to keep the museum in shape. Big thanks were extended to Delta Co-op staff who completed the last, long section of the boardwalk. President Pat has a list of odd jobs they need help with so, if you have some spare time and would like to contribute to this facility, be sure to contact the museum.
Canada Day plans are underway with the museum grounds as the centre of the action.
Coffee row folks are certainly enjoying the multitude of activities in town giving them plenty of 鈥渇ood for fodder.鈥� They are also highly anticipatory of the Rider season kickoff, wondering what is in store for fans this year. And it doesn鈥檛 matter if you are a fan or not, it was hard not to get caught up in the Rush this season as they captured the NLL at home, with many Unity fans being part of that celebration. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time 鈥�
