Have April showers promised us May flowers? Or are we still relying on snow melt from lingering snow to bring us the spring for which we so desperately yearn.
By the time you are reading this it has been 13 days since tragedy struck this province. The conversations about it have subsided somewhat however the aftermath still hangs over our communities as people still continue to pray for survivors and the families of those that lost those young men. Thousands of social media messages have been issued and seen since then, all with a story to tell, a message to share or some thoughts to ponder. What I hope might come out of this tragic accident is the consideration to utilize seatbelts on buses – if they have utilize them on airplanes they should be used in all motor vehicles, too. As well, do we need more signage at intersections that are crossing highways? There has also been much trucking response regarding training and probationary periods for truck drivers; whether by the time you are reading this the cause of the accident has been determined or not. Sadly, there will be many questions in the days and months ahead.Â
Last weekend the arena was a busy one with two events taking place including the first ever indoor RV show along with the popular and creative Quilt til you Wilt event hosted by the local quilters team.Â
Once again the arena will play host to an event this weekend, as the spring indoor trade show takes place offering a unique shopping experience with a number of vendors set up in the curling rink offering their goods and services; be sure to check it out. Show runs from 9 to 5 on April 21 with 35 vendors so far; as well as a food booth on site and a toonie collection at the door to benefit Grade 6 year end trip at UPS
Continue to support the Lions Chase the Ace fundraiser as it will continue every Wednesday at the Legion Hall from 5-7 with the draw taking place at 7:15. With other communities seeing great stories coming from this wildly successful game, it is expected the crowds and winnings will keep growing and growing. You can follow all the latest and greatest on the Lions Chase the Ace event on their Facebook page. This fundraiser is earmarked for minor ball, minor hockey, the skating club, the walking paths, and the proposed skateboard park and community recreation venue. The Lions club has long supported the community and intend to continue doing so with this event; however, their success depends on your support. So head on down to the Legion on Wednesdays for a little luck, a lot of socializing and some fun along the way; and will now include some food with the activity.
This Sunday, the final performances of The Music Festival will take place at the UCHS senior gym at 2 p.m as this is the tail end of their performances with the town benefiting from an influx of musicians, teachers, adjudicators and fans of music. Unity is fortunate to have so many venues capable of hosting all the different genres of music performed as there truly was something for everyone to enjoy.Â
Ball teams continue their spring training indoors while anxiously awaiting the winter environment to depart so they can enjoy spring on the diamonds. There is plenty of ball action upcoming once these diamonds are ready for teams as Unity Minor Ball is once again able to host multiple teams in multiple divisions of softball and baseball. As well, the diamonds will play host to Provincial Baseball, the Girls Prairie Softball League championship weekend and the dual host of Midget and U23 Western Canadian ladies softball events on August long weekend. Ball fans are anxious to get outdoors to watch their favorite players and teams.
UPS staff and students are also looking forward to drier environments eliminating splash pants and soggy socks. The emergence of spring brings a whole new slate of learning objectives as well as extra curricular activity to the UPS Bears.
 At St. Peter’s, staff and students are also ready for spring fun on their playground that includes dry ground. The St. Peter’s Saints will also enter the spring learning sessions as well as extra curricular activity that only takes place in the spring. Stay tuned for details on what is upcoming at St. Peter’s school.Â
At UCHS, student led conferences and career fair are on tap again, set for April 26, a unique venture that UCHS was the leader in. Badminton and track practices keep both gyms busy as does drama practice as it’s only a couple weeks left until their provincial competition coming up the first weekend of May. The grad class are kept busy with graduation plans, post secondary or post high school plans as well as keeping on top of their academics to finish off their school years on a high note.Â
Coffee row folks are like everyone else, anxiously awaiting warmer weather and signs that spring is here to stay. They are enjoying conversations that revolve around ball season, the Jays, the Riders and the RUSH entering playoffs soon. Farming is another favourite topic. Community events and happenings always take place at these tables ensuring that everyone knows what is on tap as well as hearing each other’s reviews of what has taken place. 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…
