When did November sneak up on us? And how about that darn winter, didn't it catch us by surprise having four major snowfalls in four days, making for rotten road conditions and slippery walking? Yikes! Winter, is it here to stay or just teasing us? It was hard to believe Oct. 23 we already were in full winter mode with buses not running, travel not recommended, warnings, accidents and snow removal. I am so not ready for this.
But we must realize, unfavorable winter weather is a blessing compared to all areas hit by the superstorm Hurricane Sandy.
The UCHS Student Leadership Council went "trick or treating" on Halloween collecting items for the food bank. What a wonderful gesture by these students. This followed a month long campaign for cancer awareness and fundraising. Congratulations UCHS students for "paying it forward". And if that wasn't enough, the media studies class took on a big role in baking and helping with the benefit bake sale for Hope Peacock held Oct. 27.
Congratulations Mayor Sylvia Maljan who as incumbent was reelected in a two-person race in Unity. She sits with a council full of gentlemen, only two having filled this role before, all who were elected by acclamation. Council consists of Don Robertson, Richard Briggs and newcomers Erik Hansen, Brent Weber, Terry Flaherty and Brian Vanderlinde.
Firefighters responded to two fires between Oct. 15 and 24. A vehicle fire in a local business parking lot was attended to and once extinguished a man was discovered inside. He has since been transported to Edmonton for treatment for his injuries and a trust fund has been set up to aid with the costs associated with his recovery. A home fire on Railway Avenue had firefighters respond the afternoon of Oct. 23. The fire reignited during the night and firefighters responded again but were unable to save the structure.
At UCHS, volleyball teams are in the last leg of tournaments and league play and begin district and conference playdowns next weekend. Junior B girls hosted a home tournament Oct. 27 that resulted in a bronze medal by one of the warrior teams and a fourth place finish for the other. Junior A girls travelled to Kindersley and played hard all the way into a bronze medal match as well. All other teams were out of town for volleyball action. Junior A girls advanced to district playoffs in North Battleford Thursday. UCHS drama club is kicking into high gear with only six weeks to go until their December productions are presented.
St. Peter's School is alive with activity. The students will soon be preparing for advent and Christmas activities.
Unity Public had a costume parade for students on the afternoon of Oct. 31. In addition they participated in carnival like games in the gym before retreating to their classrooms for individual class parties. The school will host their book fair the week of Nov. 5 with family night being Nov. 7. UPS is also preparing for their annual school Remembrance Day services and veteran appreciation.
Sylvan Lake Hockey camp kept the arena busy last weekend as divisions from novice and up took part in on-ice instruction to help prepare them for their season. Remember if you need your hockey fix during this ridiculous lockout, check out the arena schedule.
The Unity Curling Club is in action. The after school junior program is still in need of some leaders. Starting off this year's events will include a mixed cash spiel Nov. 23-25.
By submitting your name to a contest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, naming your favourite Unity business, you could win a $50 gift certificate from your favourite business as well as being the face of the next "Shop Unity" campaign. Entry deadline is Nov. 2 at the town office.
Speaking of business, Fields has been busy preparing for its re-opening in Unity. I understand Fields was purchased by a different company that is re-opening some of the closed Fields locations, such as the one in Unity.
The annual Ladies' Night Out event will be held Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Unity Community Centre.
Local live theatre director Roxane Mamer is a busy lady. Not only is she part of the UCHS Drama Club, she is directing Blind Woman's Bluff heading to provincial competition in Kerrobert Nov. 1. She is also directing the Lions Club dinner theatre presentation, The Blind Date on Nov. 9 and 10. Tickets are now available from the town office or Lions member Rose Mauthe at 228-2579.
The pancake brunches at the museum will restart again in November. Please watch this column and posters for details on this welcome event that helps raise money for our museum.
Coffee row folks were highly anxious at which Rider team would show up Oct. 27 for their last home game of 2012. And they sighed, but some didn't seem surprised, at the last home game loss against the Argos. And the game included some controversial "non" calls in the last quarter, which of course brings a whole new line of conversation to the table. Fans are anxious to see how the last regular season game in British Columbia will evolve being that Riders had a big win against the Lions earlier this season. And green gear is sprouting everywhere as fans anxiously await playoffs and their beloved Riders being part of playoff November. As well, many questions are arising as to the choice of entertainment at the half time knowing that the Grey Cup crowd is full of 30-60 year olds, not necessarily the teen crowd that enjoys "the Biebs." On the NHL controversy, one comment was "if the players want 50/50 of NHL profits than the players should share 50/50 their endorsement deals. Sound fair? And with earthquakes in British Columbia and hurricanes in the United States and Eastern Canada you know the weather is a hot topic, too. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
