It鈥檚 been just over a week and the shock of that surprising snowstorm that arrived Sept. 21 and continued on to through that weekend still has not worn off. Elders in the community say September snows like this are rare. Here鈥檚 hoping it was a blip on the fall radar.
Wishing everyone a family filled, fun and safe Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you are in the field, travelling to see family or hosting a gathering, make sure you take time to give thanks, as there really are a multitude of blessings we enjoy in our community.
Thursday the Warrior football team hosts a game versus Biggar. The team and Warrior booster club are adding games, activities, 50/50 and a food booth to the evening. This game will be dedicated to the memory of Cole Bosch, who played for the Warriors in 2005, 2006 and was part of the provincial gold medal winning Warrior team of 2007. The team will be wearing green socks and green sports tape to show support for mental health awareness. Green glow sticks will be distributed to show support for the cause and to get in the spirit of the night lights game. UCHS alumni, who now operate Villain Joint Ventures, are guaranteeing the 50/50 pot, with the Warriors donating their portion to the local mental wellness group.
This weekend, UCHS will play host to the Tyler Zunti Memorial Alumni Volleyball Tournament.听 This is the third year UCHS alumni have hosted a volleyball event over Thanksgiving weekend. Organizers say typically they have hosted eight to 12 teams. The tournament is round robin allowing teams entered to play several games.
Organizer Cody Belliveau says, 鈥淭he event was renamed in remembrance of a teammate and friend who lost his battle with mental illness. Tyler Zunti was an extremely talented athlete whose love of sport and skill [focused on] volleyball. Former coaches have said he is arguably the best setter who has come through the school in the past couple decades.
鈥淭yler embodied all the things that we wanted to have at our tournament 鈥� skill, sportsmanship and making sure everyone has a good time.鈥�
Congratulations to Jeanne Cummings on her 95th birthday.
Our fire hall is hosting an open house Oct. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. The UFD is also looking for members, so speak with a current member while you are there. But most of all, shake the hand of one of these fine folks and thank them for the protective services they offer our community.
Congratulations Celeste Bridgeman on retirement from the health region. Our community and health region benefited from her big smile and dedicated service
People say newspapers are no longer relevant, but a recent poll on a social media site showed both sides of this story 鈥� those that said nothing interests them while others said they rely on it, especially those no longer living in the community. I assure you, almost always, your local papers are where ads are put first letting people know of upcoming events and activities.
The 3-on-3 ball hockey tournament organizers, Chantelle Bretzer and Amber Sperle,听 presented the Town of Unity with a cheque for $2,300, representing proceeds from the tournament to go towards the Richardson鈥檚 Outdoor Recreation Center.
Fall almost always means fundraisers. The skating chocolates have been around, although you still might be able to get some of those from a skating club member. The Girl Guides have their famous chocolate mint cookies for sale. UCHS will soon be undertaking their annual fruit sales. The UCHS Warrior football team will soon be into their Mom鈥檚 Pantry sales. A KC Rescue fundraiser offers some fun for everyone with their Oct. 26 and 27 Meowloween event at the Legion Hall. However, a recent incident in Unity says donor beware. Child Find posted about a person soliciting for their organization, confirming that in fact they were not in the Unity area undertaking this activity. Know who you are purchasing from and confirm the cause you are supporting is legitimate.
There was a joke going around that health authorities were making flu vaccinations more attractive, offering a pumpkin spice flu shot. This will not be happening. But upcoming flu clinics will be. Don鈥檛 let the flu bug you this winter.
Unity Composite High School students Matthew Snell, Luke Sperle, Kyle Parker and Raedyn Brown competed at SHSSA provincials Sept. 21 and 22. The drama club is actively rehearsing their winter production听 and preparing for a musical version of the Wizard of Oz.
Unity Public School participated in Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 28. This special day is an opportunity to ensure discussion happens about residential schools.
The Midget AA team will host two games this weekend. 3-on-3 hockey ends this week and regular hockey practices have started and the season will begin soon. The Unity Miners have their camp preparing for another senior hockey season and all other teams have finalized their rosters for the 2018-19 hockey season. Hockey fans and their families will also be following some UMH alumni who are playing elsewhere this season, including Colby Ralston with the Battlefords AAA Stars.
The Rise and Grind coffee shop provides a variety of specialty coffees, protein products, snacks, plenty of space to visit, work or read from their little library, and now they are offering other events there, too. Sept. 25 they hosted their first pop up shop on site and Friday, patrons can enjoy the acoustic musical talent of Unity鈥檚 own Will Ballantyne.
Coffee row know that as we approach the season of Thanksgiving it鈥檚 time to remember all the blessings we have in our community. We are always protected by our local police and fire departments and EMTs. We have a hospital and a medical clinic, as well as an optometrist, dentist, chiropractor and several massage therapists to help us with our wellness needs. We have plenty of shopping opportunities and these businesses support the events and activities we have going on in our community each week. These are just some of the things to be thankful for. 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�
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