The change of weather from our long winter to the beautiful spring we have anticipated ever since the groundhog predicted it way back in February has left everyone smiling! And the walkers and bikers are abundant now that streets have dried up. Although . . . Tuesday we reverted to some unseasonal temperatures that make us wary that winter has not given up its grip quite yet.
Eight junior Warrior badminton players traveled to Maidstone April 9and competed in a 24 team tournament, rightfully named: Mega-Birdie. Eight courts were created on the ice surface of the skating rink, where teams squared off to earn their way to playoffs.
All of the Unity teams made it to playoffs,some advancing into the finals. Congratulations to Mackenzie Chorney and Alex Pernitsky for winning silver in mixed doubles; BrittanyLacoursiere and Toni Burnell for winningbronze in girls doubles, Braden Lacoursiere for making the top eight in boys singles and to Jessica Weberfor making it to the top 16 in girls singles. Well done team!
Meanwhile, the UCHS senior badminton team had travelled to Maidstone to Mega Birdie April 8. Four of the five advanced to playoffs but none advanced any farther than quarter-finals.
The next day the senior team stayed home to host a 10 team senior badminton tournament. Teams included Medstead, St. Walburg, North Battleford Comp., John Paul II, Maidstone, Wilkie McLurg, Wilkie St. George, Biggar, Elrose and host UCHS. After the round robin was completed there were three Unity teams in the playoffs. The final four in each event were very evenly matched and the crowd was treated to some excellent games. Vic Pernitsky placed fourth in boys singles. Mixed doubles Eric Surine and Charnele Jellison won a silver medal. Kelsey Wildeman earned a gold medal in girls singles.
Sixteen athletes competed in Conferences at UCHS April 13, and the winners will advance to Districts April 15 in Wilkie. Good luck to all involved!
The UCHS drama club is at the Regional Drama Festival in Davidson this weekend with their production, a Harry Potter musical parody. Once they return home from this event, they will be showcasing this semester's production May 17, 18 and 19 for the general public. Watch for details on this because it will include another dessert theatre - always a big hit!
Parkview Place hosted a successful inaugural fundraising event titled Floats, Fries, Fudge, April 9. For a nominal fee, recipients were treated to a float of their choice, homemade fries and dessert. As well, large quantities of assorted flavours of homemade fudge were available for sale. Whether due to the beautiful spring day or the unique flavour of the event, the servers were kept busy serving up their specialties for residents and patrons alike to enjoy.
In a combined effort between Heartland Health and the Town of Unity, April 11, approximately 100 volunteers had a chance to be recognized and appreciated for their yearlong efforts in our health care system and other areas in town that benefit the residents in our community. Recipients were treated to door prize draws, thank you's bestowed upon them, entertainment by the Boser girls and a nice lunch.
The members of the Western Canadian Midget Boys and Girls Softball Committee, from an event hosted in 2010, were thrilled to learn they had been nominated and are receiving an award for Event of the Year, presented by the Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation, volunteer recognition awards. This will be presented at a banquet in Marshall April 20. This is another proud accomplishment for this committee as they were also recognized by the Unity Chamber of Commerce in March for this event. Unity can be so proud of its volunteer accomplishments that lead to successful events such as these. And we anticipate many more to come in our future!
Ball teams are swinging into gear for ball season by having some light indoor practices until those diamonds dry up, which amazingly enough might be by next week as those large lakes of water disappeared quickly once the frost left. The ground absorbed that water in a hurry. Softball teams will be treated to Softball Fever camp put on by Softball Saskatchewan April 30 at the local diamonds. All ball teams in Unity will be getting ready for their first event, Minor Ball Day May 15. The following weekend the diamonds will host the annual Miners Slo-pitch tournament which includes three days of tournament play and a dance Saturday night featuring Paradise Road, the great band that we heard at the Oilpersons bonspiel. Then the teams will be kicking into high gear for league and tournament play, as well as provincial playoffs, which two local teams will host this year.
St. Peter's School has been busy as they hosted the school portion of music festival this week, and had their gym decorated so nice and spring like. This Sunday, Palm Sunday, the Grade 2s are receiving their crosses from the Parish. As well the youth group, grades 6 - 12, will help with group mass and host brunch afterward. The grade 2s will be receiving their first reconciliation at 7 p.m, April 19.
The St. Pete's parent group will hold a bake sale at the Co-op April 21 to raise funds for their child sponsorship in India, as well as to assist with funding the year-end field trips for the classes.
And some reminders about upcoming events in Unity.
The interdenominational Way of the Cross Walk on Good Friday starts at 10:00 a.m. at the United Church and will be followed by hot cross buns, coffee and hot chocolate at the Anglican Church.
Depending on the weather, either the Unity Public School grounds or the community centre will be a busy place tomorrow, April 16, as the Delta Co-op hosts their annual Easter egg hunt for all children in the community who are 10 years and younger. Complimentary hot dogs and drinks are provided, courtesy of the sponsoring businesses and organizations, for everyone, including the adults and older kids.
No local hockey to watch and ball hasn't started yet. If you need a sports fix, you can take in the ball hockey tournament at the rink, sponsored by the Miners hockey club.
The Unity Public School Community Council meets April 18 at the school, in the evening. The annual report will be presented and elections will be held. Everyone is welcome.
Again, if you have news you would like me to report, feel free to let me know as I am glad for the support I have received so far. As well, I would like to carry news on all events and happenings.
