Has winter eluded us or invaded us? So many theories on what鈥檚 up for winter this year especially with conflicting reports from Environment Canada and the Farmer鈥檚 Almanac. Time will tell whose forecast is right.
What鈥檚 left on the November 鈥渢hings to do list鈥� in Unity includes:
Nov. 22, the Unity Curling Club hosts a one day Sturling Bonspiel; Nov. 23, Parkview Place fundraising luncheon and bake sale; Nov. 24, Unity will have two Christmas sales this year, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 at the Anglican Hall; they will run 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Open to handmade and home businesses contact 306-228-8339; Unity Midget AA Lazers host a home game Nov. 25 at 2 p.m.; Nov. 27, there is a mini Christmas market in the Legion Hall, complete with hot lunch being served; just a note, Unity Miners don鈥檛 play at home again until Dec. 29.
Warrior Football hosted year-end banquet and awards on Nov. 13. After two years in the nine-man football league, Warrior football was back playing six-man football in the SHSAA league. This year鈥檚 windup banquet recognized five graduating players and one graduating videographer, in addition to season award winners. As well, the evening provided a season recap, including some terrific action highlights compiled in a video, followed by an outlook for the 2019 season. Even though their provincial aspirations were not achieved this year there was many successes to celebrate, including the two night lights games, which always draw big crowds and an energetic atmosphere. One of those games was also dedicated for mental health awareness, having the players suit up in green socks and sports tape, and was played in honor of 2007 provincial champion player, Cole Bosch. Funds were also raised at this game for the local Mental Wellness group, and Coach Orobko said that this was a first for Warrior football. Players, coaches and parents alike agreed that the community camaraderie this game evoked will be a gesture repeated in 2019. Warrior coaches Pat Orobko, Kyle Clark and Robert Cey spoke about each award winner as they handed out the 2018 Awards, as follows: Top Defensive Player to Jairo Demafelix, who repeats as winner of this award as he also won this title in the 2017 season. Xander Tiffin took home Rookie of the Year. Dawson Wilson was a dual award winner capturing Top Lineman award as well as Heart and Soul Award. Most Improved Player award was shared by Connor May and Tristan Lefebvre. The Most Valuable Player award was won by Rylee McCoy.
At UCHS, Senior volleyball teams are either on their way to provincials or have wrapped up their season. Senior girls provincials was last weekend while senior boys is this weekend in Melville. Warrior curling has begun and basketball sign ups and light practicing has also started. UCHS drama has just a couple of weeks left to fine tune their winter productions.
UPS - Coming up this month are report cards and student led conferences.
At St. Peter鈥檚 School, the school is thankful to all those who have contributed to their success story with special thanks to all the musical talent led by Mrs. Keller. The band and choirs will be offering their gifts of music at masses, school programs and community events.
Almost $20,000 in the jackpot as that elusive Ace of Spades still has not been found. The Legion hall gets fuller each Wednesday, as those looking for lady luck are packing in to get their tickets on this massively popular Lions fundraiser.
We are thankful to know that our Unity health care staff have practiced response to mass casualties. The 2018 Humboldt incident was evidence of the importance of being prepared and highlighted the need to continue these exercises. Twenty-four volunteers were the 鈥渧ictims鈥� and the team at our Health Care centre received great marks for their handling of this exercise.
Unity food bank was grateful for not only the more than 2,000 pound donation brought in by UCHS from all three schools in town and the Halloween canvas, but the organization expressed their thanks to everyone who continues to support their needs all year long. They also remind residents that Christmas is a particularly stressful time for families that are trying to fit in notorious food into an already stretched budget at Christmas time. Residents can make product donations at either food store in Unity or can choose to make a financial contribution accepted at the Resource Centre during their regular hours.
Secret Santa has begun their campaign helping those less fortunate in our community. Donations are now being accepted of new toys, teenage gifts, cash contributions or gift cards from local businesses. Cash donations can be dropped off at Wildeman鈥檚 Sports Excellence or the Resource Centre. Donations of toys and gifts can be dropped off in bins at Wildeman鈥檚 Sports Excellence, Delta Co-op food store, AG food store, Red Apple, or the Resource centre. If you would like to submit names of those you know could use a hand up, contact Sharon Riou at 306-228-7537 or Bea Stephenson at 306-228-2494; with the last day for name submissions being Dec. 3. Donation deadline is Dec. 14. The Secret Santa committee invites volunteers to come and help at St. Peter鈥檚 hall at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 to assemble hampers and delivery.
The evening of Nov. 13 鈥渟hopping spree鈥� in Unity is another reminder to lock up your property when multiple residents reported break-ins or vehicles gone through, as well two vehicles stolen and later recovered. Residents are reminded to be proactive rather than reactive by locking vehicles, garages and outbuildings. As well, motion lights are another deterrent. And, be sure to report these incidents to your local RCMP.
This year鈥檚 Wildlife Scoring Night is trying something new this year with tickets for the annual wildlife supper being available that night with a limit of four per person being sold. This annual wildlife supper is always a sellout and tickets are in high demand.
Winter Wonderland, the annual community Christmas kick off event if lining up to be fantastic, held each year on the first Thursday in December, with this year鈥檚 event taking place Dec. 6.
Coffee row folks seem to be enjoying the slight lull this part of November gives as they know come next week Unity will be a-hopping and a-bopping with multiple activities that always accompany the Christmas season. No Riders in playoffs, no RUSH playing yet due to labour dispute so it seems the local sports venues are more popular than ever for local sports fans. 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鈥�
