It's September already and, by the coloured leaves on the ground already and the busy school zones, our lives have switched back from the lazy days of summer to the hustle and bustle of fall. On the upside it has been gorgeous weather allowing those harvest folks to work later and earlier to complete their harvesting.
Happy anniversary to my husband, Dave. It was a gorgeous September day 27 years ago that we said "I do" at 3rd Avenue United Church in North Battleford.
Don't believe the polls Unity is famous for digging in and pitching in. There is now a contest to "promote the vote," to vote for Unity in the Richardson Pioneer sponsored Rider Nation Community Celebration Contest, until voting ceases. Make a big sign on your car window, business, home, yard buildings, fence or anywhere notable and put a photo on the Facebook page dedicated to this campaign and you could win Rider tickets or Rider baskets.
Details are all around town and a thank you to those places that have sported these signs and website addresses to help promote our cause! You can vote every 12 hours from your mobile device, laptop, desktop and tablet or work computer, if allowed, at www.101greycupfestival.ca.
It will take everyone's help to achieve the goal of a top three placing to win funds for the new swimming pool and big Grey Cup party, so keep those fingers clicking for votes for Unity.
It's back to school time already and for some it's too soon; others eagerly awaited it. Be extra careful in those school zones as distracted and busy students head back to classes.
The public school community council hosts their annual "welcome back" pancake breakfast tomorrow, Sept. 6. UCHS welcome week will begin in mid-September with a different spirit event each day and other popular annual activities.
Congratulations. Unity resident and co-worker, Helena Long, who not only raised $2,417.85 for the event but put her heart and soul, trust and faith into rappelling down a 230-foot building in Saskatoon as part of a fundraiser for Camp Easter Seal.
If your garden sucked this year or you weren't able to plant one, you will want to check out the Unity farmers market Thursdays at the Adanac Hall on the museum grounds. It is a busy Thursday venue. Come early because, as soon as the doors open at 4 p.m., the rush is on for fresh garden produce, baking, farm-fresh eggs and much more. Come to the Adanac Hall at the museum and get some homemade, fresh, organic treats for your table.
Construction has now progressed on the new swimming pool. After a number of delays, including some caused by Mother Nature, excavation has begun on the site and residents can now see a full force construction zone where the old tennis courts used to be.
On the topic of recreation venue upgrades, it is exciting to have the new and long overdue community centre elevator operational. Great news for those mobility challenged folks wanting to attend events in the hall, as well as organizers who have always had to haul product and material up those long stairs. It is indeed celebratory times in Unity.
There is still some ball to talk about in Unity. Our hometown star in the making, Rhett Feser, after competing this summer in the Saskatoon baseball league, Canada Summer Games and Western Canadian baseball championships in Winnipeg, has now headed back to the Badlands Baseball Academy for his Grade 12 year. The team's season begins the first weekend in September.
Blake Robertson won a provincial title with the Lloyd Twins, earned an MVP award from the NSRBL and was being picked up to play at Western Canadian baseball in Swift Current. He attended the prospects baseball event in Okotoks, Alta., September long weekend.
For the softball side, Brennae Hofmann and Ashley Mock, as well as local coaches Pat Risling, Don Robertson and Huntzie Klaehn, participated in the Fall Ball Provincial Zone Bantam Championship. On day one the team had a 1-1 record with Hofmann picking up a player of the game award in the first game. Hofmann will also join Jensen Chorney and Emily Mabbett in the second round of tryouts for the Western Canada Summer Games team, with this next session beginning the second weekend in September.
Kelsey Wildeman and Shelby Solomko, as part of the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) softball team, competed in the first Western Canadian Collegiate Softball league event in Strathmore, Alta., on the long weekend. The girls will play in this league every weekend. You can see their schedule on the U of S softball website.
It's football season in Unity. With the excitement rising from a winning season for our Riders as well as a home Grey Cup this year, kids in Unity are ready to play football. Unity Minor Football has hit the field. Grade 6-8 tackle division will participate in the six-team NorthWest Minor Football League. Every week you can watch both tackle and flag divisions playing and practising.
It will soon be hockey season again. 3-on-3 hockey is back and will start at the end of September. Minor hockey registration also took place this week with large numbers again coming out to register for the program.
Why not come and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run this Sunday? Fox, a Canadian hero, left a legacy carried on by participants across Canada. Local organizers are hosting a tea and will have a wonderful display set up in the Anglican Hall, Sept. 8.
It is a great way to relive great memories of events past and celebrate the success of Terry's legacy, as well as generate participation and interest in the annual run, taking place this year in Unity Sept. 22. If you have been a part of this event in the past or always admired the courage of Terry Fox or have experienced cancer in your family, why not use this momentous event to be part of something great?
The annual Fun Day of Golf, with proceeds shared between the Unity swimming pool and new hall committee fundraising initiatives, takes place this weekend with over $150,000 in prizes including nine hole in one prizes. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and you can register or learn more by calling the golf club at 306-228-3688.
Want to participate in or watch something really unique? Come on down to the UCHS gym Sept. 8 where, starting at 10 a.m., you can take part in a dodgeball tournament for fun and as a fundraiser for the Unity facilities committee. Spectators can come too. Register your eight-person team by contacting Chelsea Robertson or Riley Shepherd at TransGas or contact Carey Baker at the Town of Unity.
Organizers and participants are almost ready for the annual Candace Heitt Memorial Run, now in its fourth year, taking place Sept. 15. It takes place at the golf course during the morning and organizers have a great venue set up for participants that includes water stations, a large tent and the beautiful landscape of the Unity golf course. It's a day full of fun, wellness and is a fundraising initiative to support the annual Candace Heitt bursary at UCHS as well as continue the walking path project at the health centre.
Unity School of Dance is ready to begin another season. Following registration, they will have their yearly "chocolate blitz" Sept. 11, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Coffee row conversation has so many topics that are hot and heavy, they hardly know where to start. The Riders are always front and centre as they keep their fans proud. A busy harvest season and weather predictions also keep the discussion tables going. Now that September has begun there is a full slate of activities to discuss and review. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
