Halfway through November and is it just me or does it already seem like winter has been too long? Nov. 7 was only 19 days from our first snowfall Oct. 20 and we were hit with another snowfall warning that included wet, heavy snow, interspersed with rain throughout the day. This made for slushy, slippery conditions around town and on area highways. And another snowfall warning came Nov. 9, leaving us to wonder just how harsh is this winter going to be.
The Legion members hosted a number of Remembrance Day services at our school and a community-wide service Nov. 11. Although their numbers are dwindling, their spirits and dignified presence remain strong and they represent the reasons why Remembrance Day services are important to everyone. Local members were honoured to have Cpl. Grant Eidem, a member of Canada's armed forces who has served two tours in Afghanistan, take part in their services.
Why not support any of the upcoming museum fundraisers, sure to have something for everyone? You can come any Sunday for brunch from this Sunday on to April 28, 2013. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. museum volunteers offer a hot brunch at the Adanac Hall on the museum grounds for only $6 a person. The museum is also hosting a steak supper at the Armada Nov. 20 between 5 and 8 p.m.
The local Legion branch is a small group of elderly members who are fundraising as their roof needed to be replaced due to some storm damage. As well rising utility costs have put a strain on their budget. In addition to the soon to be drawn for cash lotto, the club is now raffling off a replica Saskatchewan Roughrider helmet autographed by George Reed and Don Narcisse. In addition, they have a second prize of a pink Touchdown for Dreams pink hoodie with $100, and a third prize of $100.
We all appreciate the Legion Hall in our community as well as the work of Legion members and veterans in our annual Remembrance Day Services. Supporting their fundraisers is one small way to recognize their efforts.
At UCHS, volleyball is coming to an end. After winning their way out of conferences to attend regionals in Warman, the senior girls were unable to secure a provincial berth. The senior boys are heading to their regionals this weekend. UCHS drama club is in high gear with only a month to go until their December productions are presented. The school also is in the midst of Movember activities.
Unity Public School volleyball teams are enjoying some practices and hoping to have an upcoming game or two. As well the Halloween after school craft club was a hit so we will soon be seeing details on a Christmas project. And students bid farewell to Mrs. Tyler who left for her maternity leave Nov. 9. Staff and students will be anxious to hear about the arrival of the newest addition to their family.
Come down to the rink and enjoy live hockey action, visit a neighbour or have a bite to eat as you enjoy the aroma of rink burgers wafting through the lobby. We don't need the NHL! There is live hockey action daily at our arena with a variety of divisions hosting games. Check out the arena schedule on the town website or by seeing it firsthand in the arena lobby.
If you come to the rink and there is no hockey action taking place, head through the curling rink doors as the Unity Curling Club is in action with league games every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night and there is the mixed cash spiel Nov. 23-25. The after school junior program is still in need of some leaders so please consider lending your curling knowledge to this fantastic program for our kids.
The Lions' dinner theatre last weekend was a hit. Guests were treated to a delicious meal served by Kraft's Catering. Barry and Sheila Houser entertained the crowds both nights with their music and humour. The theatre production, The Blind Date, had guests rolling in laughter. This was a terrific evening hosted by our local Lions club!
The Lions are still selling the last of their Grey Cup tickets before the Nov. 25 event. As well, their live Christmas trees will be arriving in early December so watch for details. Our community appreciates the valued support of the Lions as they donate many dollars to community needs, as well as offering their services at many events in the community.
The Unity and District Chamber of Commerce is headed into the Christmas promotion. Watch for details upcoming on their new promotion to encourage "Shopping Local" this Christmas season.
The Unity Community Multiple 4-H Club is having a re-organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the curling rink lobby, Nov. 19. Children and youth ages 6-25 are welcome. For more details, call Corinne at 228-3604.
All hunters - the annual scoring night is Dec. 15 at the Agroplex. Doors open at 4 p.m. Contact Dave Ganter at 228-2901 for more details. Watch for the upcoming annual wildlife supper Feb. 2, 2013.
The annual Christmas Service of Remembrance, to honour the memory of loved ones and friends, will be Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. with a prelude of carols beginning at 2 p.m. This is a new date and time so be sure to mark this one on your calendar.
Unity Community Resource Centre is having a unique fundraiser Nov. 22. Ladies Night Out starts with a wine and cheese as well as door prize draws. The movie, The Lucky One, begins at 8 p.m. Contact UCRC or the town office for your tickets early as only 100 will be sold at a cost of $20 each.
I know it's a ways away yet, but some fun in downtown Unity is being lined up for Dec. 6. Watch this column and posters for details on what is upcoming for this date.
Logging onto the Reader's Digest website you can vote for Unity as one of Canada's most interesting towns. Resident Laura Gardiner submitted the nomination, now it is up to all of you to vote on it. Winning communities will receive a cash prize to help with a community project.
Coffee row folks = Rider reviews. The west division semifinal in Calgary with our beloved Riders was a barn burner of epic proportions. No one would have predicted the team that had only three wins last year and were streaky at best this year would give us the game of our lives in the west semifinal. Although Rider season is now over, there is no denying the excitement for next year's team and the potential we know it holds as well as Saskatchewan hosting Grey Cup 2013. And one line heard at a table: "Once upon a time there was another NHL lockout and no one cared, end of story." The early arrival of winter, in addition to its unending weather warnings and abundance of snowfall, is certain to be covered on the coffee row table as well. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
