January and February keep our families full of cake. With six birthdays already celebrated we have four more upcoming, so I鈥檇 like to take this opportunity to wish my husband a happy birthday on the 17th and my M-i-L Anne, my S-i-L Cindy and my dad all a happy and healthy birthday on Feb. 22.
This community owes a huge thanks to long time volunteer, Bob Burns. At the recent wildlife supper, he was recognized for a remarkable 58 years of teaching firearm and hunter safety in Unity, meaning nearly every person at this event had been taught by Burns himself. Bob has past been recognized at the Celebrate Unity event for this long time deed as well as long time commitment and dedication to the Unity Golf Club. In addition, Unity proudly has his photo on the 鈥淲all of Fame鈥� for his lifetime of commitment to these deeds.
Congratulations to all local athletes, and volunteers from here, who will be part of the Saskatchewan Winter Games taking place in North Battleford starting with opening ceremonies this weekend. Unity has a multitude of athletes participating in a multitude of sports. There will definitely be family, friends and fans travelling back and forth to this week-long event.
This is the last day of school for students until Feb. 26 when classes will resume again after the break. Staff, students and parents will look forward to a week of downtime to regroup and refresh before classes resume again.
The curling rink activity now includes high school teams, both junior and senior divisions, competing for their respective district championship events. Last weekend the rink was kept busy hosting Northern Men鈥檚 Senior curling playdowns that included several local players and some well-known teams. Next up on the agenda is the annual Oilpersons鈥� bonspiel being held the first weekend in March. And you can be sure Olympic curling is on the big screen in the lounge.
Unity Minor Hockey once again played host to a neutral ice SJHL game featuring the Kindersley Klippers and La Ronge Ice Wolves. A smaller crowd than was experienced last year for a game of this calibre greeted the teams as they hit the ice for a regular season game that went a full period and half before any scoring took place. The second period ended with a 1-1 tie while it was late in the third before the Klippers knocked in the winning goal leaving them with the 2-1 win in this match. Skating and defensive skills were on display by both teams as displayed by both the low score and limited shots on net. Those in attendance definitely felt they got their money鈥檚 worth from this showcase of Junior A hockey. The Klippers included D-man, Brody Ryberg, who had at one time suited up for the Unity Midget AA Lazers in the 2013-2014 season, stating in the program that his season with the Lazers was his most memorable hockey moment. The hockey rink is in full-blown playoff action as all teams are into their respective league and provincial playdowns making for a very busy arena.
The event postings on social media and event posters around town are blossoming. Stay tuned, folks, as there is plenty of activity upcoming in town that includes the annual 鈥淐elebrate Unity鈥� event coming up the first weekend in March, recognizing event hosts, milestone business anniversaries and exemplary service to community members. This event will also feature the Traditional Celtic Music of
鈥淲est of Mabou鈥� Also upcoming in March is the UCRC and Lions partnership hosting appetizer and dessert theatres for two nights. Tickets for these two events are on sale now and you can contact any of these hosting parties on where to purchase yours. Next weekend is the 鈥淣ight of Angels鈥� fundraiser put on to benefit the charities of support for stillborns as well as family of children diagnosed with SMA; this event is hosted by two mothers who experienced both of these tragedies, and are now finding it therapeutic to give back to these charities that benefitted them in their time of sorrow.
Coffee row folks are never short of discussion topics, especially with the Olympics in progress and so much local curling, hockey and events upcoming. Saskatchewan Winter Games will also be on the topic table as many will have grandkids or know participants at the event. So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity and our friends at coffee row remind us of this terrific news sharing part of our community culture. Until next time鈥�
