Friday the 13th – whatever. It’s only as bad luck as you let it be. And besides it precedes Feb. 14, one of the greatest days of the year, full of love, chocolate and TLC. Make sure, whether it’s your significant other or spouse, a parent or child, you share the love this Valentine’s Day as everyone wants to feel loved.
Mother Nature gave us a stark reminder Feb, 5, 6, 7 and 8 that she was still in charge as a shot of snow, cold, blowing snow and generally unfavourable conditions occurred throughout the province. An accident on Highway 21 south of Unity involving a grain truck and a gravel truck Feb. 6 thankfully did not involve serious injuries. Winter can bring all kinds of surprises and, at only the mid-February point, we could still have plenty of winter left to endure.
This week is national and provincial Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, although most recognition activities took place last week while school was in session. I could not list in one paragraph all the reasons we should be thankful for these fine folks, including the regular safety we are ensured with our kids in their care, as evidenced by the recent lockdown event in North Battleford Jan.22.
We take for granted that, when our kids head into the schools, teachers are only in charge of their learning but there is much, much more we need to appreciate. Shake their hand, bring them a treat, send them a card – they will appreciate being appreciated.
Staff and students at St. Peter’s, Unity Public School and Unity Composite High School are ready for some downtime as tomorrow is their last day of school until after the February break. Whether students will be enjoying a family vacation, some outdoor snow fun or just hanging out at home with no alarm clock to worry about, everyone will be getting in some much deserved regeneration time before back to school bells ring Feb. 23.
Hockey is so busy with league playoffs, provincial playoffs and everyone hosting continuous games, it’s keeping the arena and booth staff very busy. Hopes are high for some more banners to be hung high in the rafters showcasing success stories from another season of hockey.
The skating club kids will be ramping up their ice time too as they are busy practising for both regional completion, being hosted right here in Unity, as well as the upcoming annual Ice Carnival held the first weekend in March.
It’s best to check the arena schedule either hanging at the rink or by logging onto the Town of Unity website for the most up-to-date and accurate picture of what is happening at the Unity Community Centre Arena.
Our son Landon Solomko can hardly contain himself as he will be attending the upcoming Scotties Tournament of Hearts next week, with a special day in the works for him after he was named “Junior Star” to be paired with Team Newfoundland for the Monday of this event. Showing just how far outreaching and down-to-earth curlers from all over the country are, Team Strong from Newfoundland responded quickly to an email Landon had sent them with regards to their upcoming meeting. Can’t wait to let you know how that event plays out.
At the Unity Curling Club, one of the biggest bonspiels of the season is half way through – the annual JayDee AgTech Men’s Open that started earlier this week. Come out and watch some great curling matches or have a beverage with your favourite team.
The remaining events coming up at the UCC are the Oilman’s Bonspiel, the Knights of Columbus provincial spiel, the ladies’ open and year-end funspiel. Stop down at the curling club to see a complete detailed list of what’s coming up or call the rink at 306-228-2212
While it’s still an active rink season, we also know it won’t be long before ball season will be into preliminary stages for 2015. We have softball players on two winter teams who practised and played throughout this winter, as well as players who have attended various pitching, hitting or workout camps preparing them for their upcoming season. Plenty of successes were found on the ball field last year and hopes are high for the continued success of this program.
You’ve heard it on live TV as well as read about it in our local paper, the Unity ball diamonds facility is second to none in the province. UMB executive and volunteers work hard to keep not only the venue in top shape, they work to ensure each program is performing at its very best for the benefit of all players. Watch for updates soon on the 2015 ball season.
The nominations have closed for the Unity Sports Wall of Fame and soon we will be learning of the teams, builders and individuals who will be recognized at this event, with their photos to become part of the permanent display at the Unity Community Centre. Watch for details on this event as those being recognized will be announced, along with the details on the honouree dinner/event that is upcoming.
In its 35th anniversary year, the Unity and District Heritage Museum is hoping to garner excitement and support for these fine facilities in 2015. With the announcement of Scotty the T-Rex exhibit, the Unity museum is looking to kick off the year in a big way.
Please remember the multiple purposes our museum is used for in the community throughout the year and how sad we’d all be if it was no longer available. You can help out in so many ways that include supporting their Sunday pancake brunches, helping cook or serve at these Sunday brunches, buying tickets for their St. Patrick’s Day event, volunteering for some of the work projects needed or telling your friends and family about this fine facility.
With 2015 the museum’s 35th anniversary, let’s do what we can to make it a memorable year for the Unity and District Museum. They need our support so do what you can this year to help out either financially or physically – it will benefit us all.
It’s that time of year again when numerous annual meetings are in the event lists. Be sure to do your best to attend what you can, when you can, as these meetings are not held just for the benefit of the business or organization but to also benefit the public and let supporters know of their past year’s trials or success and what they have on the agenda for the new year.
When you see retirees and seniors making up a large part of the audience at our churches, local annual meetings, events and activities you wonder who is going to carry the load when they can no longer do so. It’s your community, folks; be a part of it! Give up an hour, a few hours or make a commitment to the numerous groups and organizations that need assistance. It can only benefit us all.
With that being said, a big thanks to those same individuals who choose to volunteer repeatedly for groups and organizations to ensure the rest of us get to enjoy the benefits of these services in our town.
The honourees have been selected for the annual Celebrate Unity event coming up March 2. This evening, sponsored by the Unity and District Chamber of Commerce, recognizes the great achievements of various community committees, individuals and businesses in 2014. A fabulous meal by Kraft’s Catering, followed by presentations and entertainment by Saskatchewan Express are all on the agenda for the night.
Whether you are coming to support one of those being recognized that night or you want to support the chamber of commerce in Unity, who provide many benefits to our community, this can be a great night out to do so. Tickets are only available at Unity Credit Union; buy your tickets before Feb. 20 and save $10.
Each week I try to outline in this column the multiple ways Unity has reason to celebrate and this event is a culmination of celebrating the success of many of these organizations, businesses and people.
There continues to be a great variety of job listings in Unity so why not check them out in our local paper, the Press-Herald, or on the town website. Come discover the “opportUNITY in Unity”!
Coffee row folks are loving the sunshine and the fact that Mr. Sun is coming to see us a little earlier each day as well as heading for bed a little later each night; one sure sign that spring is soon on the way! Reminders were prominent as rowers talked about Valentine’s Day and the pros of remembering their sweethearts for this special occasion. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
