The wrapping paper has all been recycled, the gifts are being enjoyed and the downtime of after Christmas has begun.
The weekend will bring New Year鈥檚 celebrations and no matter what your plans are, ensure they include a safe ride home.
Families listening to the 鈥淚鈥檓 bored鈥� status of kids can always encourage them to go help out a neighbour, visiting a shut in or senior in their midst or take in some of the outdoor winter fun while there is no rigid activity schedule in place.聽
The rink has now resumed a full schedule on both the hockey and curling sides so best to keep up with their schedules on their respective Facebook pages or the schedules posted at the rink or the Town of Unity website.
It鈥檚 time to reflect on another year in our community. There was plenty to celebrate in 2017 as the economy appears to be in rebound as we once again see the oil transfer stations in action, new businesses opening in town, housing starts again as well as real estate moving. Unity played host to some more events in 2017 and there will be more on the go in 2018; so keep your eye on this column, your local paper, posters around town and social media for all the latest and greatest on what鈥檚 coming up for our community.
UCHS, UPS, St. Peter鈥檚 schools remain on the Christmas break but will head back to class Jan. 3. For the high school students it means just a few weeks left of Semester 1 before exams as well as resumption of basketball and curling seasons. Kudos to all of the students and staff at our three schools who demonstrated their commitment and love for the community they are in by visiting senior homes, collecting for community charities and participating in the community events like Winter Wonderland and community Carol Festival.聽
At the rink, the short Christmas break is over for teams and they will once again resume practices and games in preparation for the second half of their seasons, with provincial teams soon beginning the start of their provincial hockey season. The Midget AA鈥檚 stay strong and will look to remain on track as they creep up the standings in the Centre 4 hockey league. The Unity Miners will also look to gain some points in the second half of their season in the SWHL. The best place to look for the upcoming hockey schedules is at the rink on the TV鈥檚, on the recreation centre Facebook page or on the town website.
The curling rink was happy to play host to their annual Boxing Day bonspiel and league play has resumed for the second half of the season. Once January hits, the curling rink will be a non-stop action movie with plenty of playdowns and bonspiels on the agenda.聽
Coffee row has seen some variety in attendees due to the holidays but those that are there have been reviewing their respective Christmases with their families as well as sharing their plans for the upcoming New Year celebrations. Some regulars are still visiting with their relatives who live away while others may still have guests for the holidays, while others claim they are resting up from all the company they hosted over Christmas. Nonetheless, those in attendance are reviewing another great year in this community and anticipating all that is upcoming in the New Year for Unity. This daily gathering is part of the fabric of our community and offers plenty of fun and friendship. From all of our coffee row friends and this columnist, we wish you all a safe, happy and healthy new year.聽 Until next time鈥�
