聽鈥淢ay the 4th be with you!鈥� Has Mother Nature decided what season it is now? We went from snowy storm April 17 to people raking their grass, collecting crocuses and watching water flow only a week later. Let鈥檚 hope spring is here at last.
An annual evening hosted by Heartland Health to give recognition to volunteers in the community was held April 25. HHRA Volunteer Co-ordinator Celeste Bridgeman thanked the more than 90 people in attendance for their volunteer gifts. Father Greg led the group in a prayer of thanks for the volunteers this community is blessed to have. Mayor Weber commended the community for the numerous ways residents find to lend a hand. Bridgeman also made note of those who contribute to this volunteer recognition night, such as the numerous businesses who donate prizes and product for the lunch. Celeste, who took over as volunteer co-ordinator when Bea Boser retired, will be retiring herself in September of this year. On an evening that included two other events, Bridgeman gave her thanks for those who came out, noting that it is the attendees who deserve the recognition all year but especially on this night.
This year鈥檚 volunteer recognition theme is 鈥淐elebrate volunteer value by building confidence, connecting and community.鈥� Celeste said people need people and this was never more evident than immediately following the Humboldt tragedy when an entire province and country united to help those affected. She reminded the audience that whether the volunteer is coaching a team, involved in a service club, flipping burgers at a barbecue, fundraising or organizing a fundraiser, volunteering with the fire department or within one of the multiple groups and organizations in our community 鈥� all volunteers are needed and appreciated.
After the program, Celeste introduced the Welter Brothers, Pat and Mike, who entertained the crowd with old time music.
Ball teams have finally migrated outdoors much to the cheers of players, coaches and fans. Friday night slo-pitch league has begun, offering action and fun at the diamonds for players and spectators.
Coming up at Unity Public School are farm safety presentations. May 9 the Unity Agricultural Society will present to Grades 4 and 5 and farm safety will also be the focus of sessions May 10 and 11.
UCHS drama students perform at a provincial drama festival in Regina this weekend. It has been many years since UCHS has had a drama production advance this far. Numerous badminton teams are off to districts after earning a berth at conferences last week.
Numerous Unity Music Festival performers earned spots at provincials including, Madison Gilbert, who gave her last Unity Music Festival performance. She heads off to Toronto this fall for post-secondary education in performing arts in.
Congratulations music teacher and long-time festival volunteer, Bari Bertoia, who was named volunteer of the year. Also earning provincial berths were Jenifer Deucher for intermediate musical theatre, Zenon Orobko multiple piano entries, Susannah Ulrich piano and Anthony Witzany piano.
Congratulations to Harold and Gregg Greenwald on their retirement after 40 years in the concrete business.
Kaybree Zunti, 11, who has qualified for junior National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in November. Kaybree has followed her mom鈥檚 footsteps in the love of competitive barrel racing and has competed at various events in both Canada and the United States.
Residents once again wondered what the aroma was wafting in town, now since attributed to the ethanol plant. Residents are encouraged to attend the public town forum May 7 at 7 p.m. at Unity Community Centre to have their questions answered on this topic, recycling, streets and more.
Coffee row folks are loving this weather, the sights and sounds of spring as well as the renewed outdoor activity. Spring seeding, garden season, sports seasons all keep the tables full of lively conversations. So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity with our friends at coffee row sharing this traditional part of our community culture. Until next time 鈥�
