With a song titled Listen to Your Heart, Donna Boser has earned a second semifinalist spot for Song of the Year. Donna entered the international songwriting contest March 17, writing a song about what she did as a kid and what her heart yearned for.
Boser says, "I always wrote poetry when I was younger and now try to fit a melody with words. I just videoed myself without music and I received an email on Thursday, saying that I received semi-finalist recognition. It is great to use when I put together a bio and/or release music accomplishments. I am working on a CD with my sisters called This is For You and we will be selling (it) in September for the Candace Heitt Memorial Run, coming up Sept. 14."
Boser adds, "It is also a tribute and in memory of Frank Heitt, who always loved music deep down in his soul and I think he's playing accordion in heaven."
Donna is a popular entertainer known locally and in the area and the news was quickly shared on social media as friends and supporters congratulated her on this achievement.
Residents waited with nervous anticipation when forecasters predicted more unfavourable weather July 23 and 24. Unity once again dodged the nastiest stuff that circulated around the province; however, we weren't fortunate enough to avoid the heavy rains that came, affecting some of the events planned for July 24. We do have to be thankful we avoided the repeat high winds and intense hail that showed up the previous week in town and that unfortunately hit some other communities around the province.
Unity residents were glued to the Sask. Golf website, Twitter and Facebook keeping up to date on the Sask. Men's Amateur Golf Championship that Unity's own 19-year-old Justin Wood was competing in. "Woody," as he is affectionately known, caused quite a stir on coffee row and amongst community fans as he made his mark, sitting in first for several days and earning a silver medal losing by only one stroke in the final. This sends him off to the men's amateur national competition in August. Congratulations, Justin!
Speaking of successful athletes, two teams are in final preparations for their berth at Western Canadian championships for ball. The Unity Peewee Cardinals "AA" team will head to Swift Current in mid-August, while the junior women's fastball team, the UK Royals, head off to Winnipeg Aug. 6 to compete at their event.
And congratulations to Kelsey Wildeman and Shelby Solomko who both attended tryouts for the University of Saskatchewan softball team and secured their spots. Wildeman is entering her third year with the team, while this will be the second year for Solomko. The U of S team has earned an automatic berth into nationals this year, being held in Calgary, as they won the Western Collegiate Softball Association league championship in 2013.
Good luck to all teams.
Zone 7 bantam softball held two tryout dates in Unity for bantam-aged girls interested in a team competing at the annual Fall Ball Zone Provincial Championship coming up at August's end in Regina. I will let you know of any Unity players who make this team, once the selection process is complete.
The Cardinals were to play a best out of three playoff game to see who advanced to league semifinals but the heavy rain July 24 postponed that game so we wait to see if they will advance or not.
As staffing gets back to normal at the Unity pool, the lifeguards did a fantastic job of hosting a week of activities to recognize Drowning Prevention Week. Although the barbecue and deck dance July 24 was rained out, there was no lack of fun to be had during the week with plenty of games, a floatable day, challenges and much more. These guards do a tremendous job of engaging the kids in their lessons, intermingling and having fun with swimmers during public swim times and looking out for everyone's safety all season. Way to go, Unity lifeguards; we appreciate you!
Unity had the fortune of a stopover of the Dr. Von Houligan's Carnival of Calamities that included jugglers, magicians, fire performers, acrobats, a side show and an escape artist in a big tent set up behind Luther Place. Reviews were that there was fun and good entertainment to enjoy. Rumor has it there may be a circus stop over in August; watch for details.
Don't forget - fresh garden produce, homemade jams, baking and other goodies are part of the weekly farmers market held each Thursday at the New Horizons Hall from 2-5 p.m. You can book your own table or come to shop for some fresh homemade or home-grown goodness.
Welcome to Dr. Vik Bopari, the new dentist who will be taking over the dental practice from Dr. Azuelos. Dr. Azeulos has been a dentist in Unity for 26 years and will retire at the end of 2014. Dr. Azuelos will be working alongside Dr. Boparai until then.
Coffee row continues to enjoy their discussions on weather, theorizing upcoming summer weather along with concepts of the changing weather pattern. Rowers are marveling at the very high canola crops they have seen and are anticipating, if the weather behaves, just what yields might be on this year's harvest. Rider season well, good or bad, there is always something to chat about in Rider season and, happy or not, there are many true green Rider fans at our coffee tables. Any topic that is being discussed will carry several sides of the story in favour or against yet none of the participants leave without a laugh or a smile and a "see ya tomorrow" assurance. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
