Did he or didn鈥檛 he? Many are wondering what the ole groundhog predicts for spring after experiencing such variances in our winter weather as of late.聽
So January weather had us go from the extremes of cold to record setting high for weather making many wonder what February winter 2018 will bring us.聽 However, the optimists have us noting that the sun鈥檚 extended presence each day is certainly a welcome occurrence.聽 And who didn鈥檛 appreciate the beautiful picture Mother Nature painted following several days of heavy fog Jan. 20-24.
So last paper, I was not allowed to talk about it in case I jinxed it but there is a new 16 year old in our house so wishing a belated happy birthday to Landon, and now not only is he the tallest member of our household he is also the newest driver in our household.聽
The talk around town has been: residents still waiting for answers on the pungent odor experienced on Jan. 2 with press releases indicating investigation is still underway at the Trevita plant, where it was deemed to have come from. Town crews are performing tree trimming in the warmer weather as well as with horticultural timing in mind. TransGas proceeded with an announced natural gas burn as part of regular maintenance, taking place at their station east of town that started Jan. 19 and continued for several days. The big melt at the rink is being handled very efficiently and effectively by rink staff, so kudos to these people for keeping the heart of the winter operational.
At Unity Public School, staff and students are packing it all in before upcoming Feb. Break that starts Feb. 16. Curriculum learning, extra curricular fun and Telemiracle fundraising have been a steady part of the life at UPS. Organizers have included plenty of combined spirit and fundraising days for Telemiracle that include gum chewing day, candy jar guess, hat day, valentine鈥檚 day, movie and popcorn and much more so congratulations to staff and students for finding creative ways to support this 42-year-old Saskatchewan鈥檚 only telethon. Division two students are excited for their ski trip to Table Mountain coming up Feb. 16.
At UCHS, semester two has begun with exams now over and the new semester now under way. There is still plenty of basketball on the go and curlers will be readying themselves in final preparations for this month鈥檚 district and regional playdowns. Drama club continue rehearsals for their spring production and regional drama festival piece.聽 SLC, yearbook committee, SADD, and the ACTIVATE team are all busy on the go with a number of activities. The robotics team held their junior fun day/competition on Jan. 20 in the library, an excellent opportunity for showcasing their machines and skills in operation. The senior robotics team will be in final preparations for their upcoming competitions that begin in March. Upcoming at UCHS will be the second fruit sale fundraiser starting Feb. 2.聽 Report cards will be coming out Feb. 5. Principal Parker passes on these comments from their monthly newsletter, 鈥淲hen a parent is engaged in their student鈥檚 learning, the student values school attendance and as a result, assessment results are higher. It is understandable that students will be absent, but even by communicating this absence to the school through a phone call or email demonstrates engagement in student learning to which the student observes and improves the effort they put forward each day. We appreciate all the support you provide your student and look forward to finding ways for you to be engaged in their learning whether it be at school or each day at home.鈥�
St. Peter鈥檚 school is preparing for the season of Lent in their faith studies.聽 In addition, division two students were also able to experience the fun of a Table Mountain ski day.聽 Students are excited to experience the sport of curling and will enjoy a curling funspiel, today, Feb. 2. Skating will be next on the fun-o-meter for students. Once the Family Day and February break is over, the band and choir students will begin rehearsals for their annual music festival performances.聽
The men鈥檚 bonspiel wrapped up a successful, and fun week of curling and the rink action will continue with a plethora of other events on the curling agenda including Northern Men鈥檚 senior curling playdowns next weekend, followed by the annual Oil Person鈥檚 bonspiel the first weekend in March. The annual Bramiche Farms ladies spiel will follow that. Unity curling club would like to wish the best to our high school teams soon competing in their respective district and regional curling playdowns.
The hockey rink is starting to exhibit playoff fever as all teams have now entered their respective league and provincial playoff quests, each team hoping to add a banner to the rafters as a result of their playdown experiences. The Midget AA Lazers continue to be in the top 3 of their league as they head into playoff season. As we鈥檝e said many times, there is always room for fans in the stands so why not come out and support your favorite player or team during the last part of this year鈥檚 hockey season.
Congratulations and thank you to Unity Credit Union for their contribution of $900 to the Unity Fire department generated from their dress down days contributions. The UFD was also beneficiary of a Co-op initiative in the fall Fuel Good with Co-op, as well as other donors recognizing the needs of the crews and well as the benefits of our volunteer fire fighters. This community continues to band together for the causes that matter!
Congratulations to Lorne and Joan Shead who are the proud grandparents of Dante Bacchetto who was chosen to travel to Italy as part of the national boys choir of Canada.聽
Coffee row continue to review the weather and make their predictions. They also continue to enjoy discussion on local sports, while many are starting to get excited about upcoming Olympics. Reviewing 2017 and gauging 2018 have also been part of the topic table the last half dozen visits. So you can see life has returned back to hustle and bustle we are accustomed to in Unity. Until next time鈥�
