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March came in like a lion and some say that is a prediction for how much winter we still have coming to us. With my press deadline, I missed marvelling at the $7,151,236 Telemiracle total, which was a record high; we really are an incredible province. 

I often write in our local paper about everything there is to celebrate about Unity including events, volunteer efforts, sports success stories, business additions, continual growing community and much more, and thankfully the local Chamber of Commerce puts on a recognition night each year to celebrate many aspects of what is great in our town. This year’s event held March 5 showcased the following:

Milestone Business Awards to Masterhand Signs, 30 years; Micheal’s Photography, 35 years; and Cargill for 45 years.

New businesses: Carda Communications, Joe Poitras; Fresh Paws Grooming, Amanda Gavel; Ganter’s Plumbing and Heating, Colin Ganter; Jan’s Catering, Jan Taylor; Jelasco’s Restaurant; K3 Property Solutions; Dwaine Kopp; Ostrom Photography; Sure Stop Auto Supply.

New Owners: Kevin and Debbie Ackerlund, Polar Pure Water; and Dan Wilgenbusch, Grumpy’s Music.

Host Committees: Senior Men’s Baseball; and Bantam Boys Baseball Provincials.

Retirees: Flowers by Joan Haughian; Noella Chase, Welcome Wagon (Sharon DelFrari is now doing this community service work.

Exemplary Service Awards went to AG Foods, Glenn Heitt and the Unity Lions Club for 70 years in Unity.

The Unity Ministerial Association’s final in the series of Lenten lunches is at Unity Baptist Church on March 22 beginning at noon and ending at 1 with a silver collection at the door. 

UPS news: March 16 - Report Cards Sent Home; March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day; March 19 - Staff PD - No School; March 21 -  Student Led Conference from 3:30-8:30; March 22 - SCC Hot Lunch; March 28 - Spirit Day- Backwards Day;  Mar. 28 – Assembly; Mar. 30 - Good Friday - No School; Apr. 2-6 - Easter Break - No School.

St. Peter’s continues on their Lenten journey mixing in their faith studies with regular curriculum learning. The school will host a book fair in conjunction with upcoming student led conferences March 20-22. As well, the always popular and quick sell-out Easter bake sale fundraiser is coming up at the Co-op on March 29, giving families a good chance for some delicious Easter goodies before their company arrives. 

At UCHS, so many things on the short agenda leading up to Easter Break that starts March 20. The football team is into their Moms Pantry fundraiser, always a popular seller with the community, helping to raise money for the next Warrior football season. UCHS had their ski trip from February postponed due to extreme cold temps so they are related for March 22 if the warm weather hasn’t ridden the hill of all the snow by that time. Track team starts practicing April 10 as it is a short season from practice/training to meets starting up in May. 

UCHS basketball teams who are looking to further their season through district and regional competitions. Track team has been practicing indoors and it won’t be long before badminton resumes in the gym. Yesterday UCHS held a culture fest as part of their ACTIVATE goals for kindness and inclusion and it was a great success. The ACTIVATE team is in their final stages of preparation for ACTIVATE day upcoming in April. The drama students are also in the last leg of their preparation for both spring public performances and their drama festival presentation. The robotics team are also entering a busy competitive season so are continually finetuning their machines in preparation for this. 

There were many lucky curling fans who were able to take in the Brier in Regina – some meeting Team Koe together for the last time, some cheering on Team Sask or watching Sandra Schmirler’s daughter deliver the opening rock. March means, although the curling club is busy, it is also the final few weeks of this year’s curling season. Hopes are high for enough entries for the yearend fun spiel, which has sadly been cancelled the past few years due to low entries, entries can be taken now.

Hockey games are getting fewer as the season has finished for some teams while others are in the tail end of their series. The Midget AA Lazers continue to be in the top three of their league as they head into playoff season. Also, congratulations to current Unity Midget AA player, Colby Ralston, who has committed to the Battlefords AAA North Stars for next season.

The Museum wants to remind residents the Sunday pancake brunches will continue until the end of April and they always count on your support as this is one of the main fundraisers for the museum each year. 

Coffee row folks are conversing about winter and spring in the same statement as this time of year, one never knows which season we will get. As talks turn from the Brier and winter sports, anticipation of upcoming ball season including the Jays and Riders, as well as local teams and upcoming events. A multitude of March events has been a regular topic as well. So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity and our friends at coffee row sharing this traditional part of our community culture.  Until next time…