I am hoping everyone is wearing their poppies with pride and remembering "freedom is never free." Please find a way to thank a veteran who has earned us one of many freedoms this country takes for granted on a daily basis. Be sure to take part in a local school or community Remembrance Day Service to acknowledge the supreme sacrifice these armed forces members have given up for us.
Congratulations to 96-year-old Bill Fleming who was one of 60,000 Canadians to receive a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal. Fleming is an active member of the community, serving as a local Legion member since 1948, and continuing as poppy chairman. Bill also works long hours at the Unity museum dedicating himself to upkeep and upgrades. Mayor Sylvia Maljan in presenting this medal said, "On behalf of our town, we thank you for being one of ours, we owe you a debt of gratitude!"
All of us who know Bill marvel at his accomplishments, in which he shows not a sign of slowing down. Congratulations, Bill!
In honour of Bill Fleming and his endless dedication to our fantastic museum facility - not to downplay all of the other dedicated volunteers and committee members - why not support some or all of the upcoming museum fundraisers? You can come any Sunday for brunch, from Nov. 18 through to April 28, 2013. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. museum volunteers offer a hot brunch at the Adanac Hall on the museum grounds for only $6 a person.
The museum is also hosting a steak supper at the Armada, Nov. 20. For only $15 you can enjoy a steak supper knowing a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the museum. The meal is served from 5 - 8 p.m.
The museum is also giving folks a heads-up that March 17, 2013 they will have their annual St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage supper as well as their gift card lottery. If you enjoy this beautiful venue in our community, come and support their endeavours.
Again, in honour of our veterans and long-serving local Legion members, including gentlemen like Bill Fleming, Si Campbell, Cec Hayward and many more, they are fundraising with a small group of elderly members. The Legion roof needed to be replaced due to some storm damage. As well rising utility costs have put a strain on their budget.
In addition to the soon to be drawn for cash lotto, the club is now raffling off an replica Saskatchewan Roughrider helmet autographed by George Reed and Don Narcisse. In addition, they have a second prize of a pink Touchdown for Dreams, pink hoodie and $100, with a third prize of $100. We all appreciate the Legion hall in our community as well as the work of Legion members and veterans in our annual Remembrance Day services. One small way to recognize their efforts is by supporting one of their fundraisers.
Local Remembrance Day services will be held as follows: Unity Public School Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. St. Peter's School Nov. 9tat 11 a.m., UCHS Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 11 the service will be at St. Peter's church at 2 p.m.
When we volunteer for various events and then say, "Well, I've done my part, now it's someone else's turn," remember our veterans never uttered these words when the call of war came upon them. Let us forever be thankful and remember them with respect and gratitude this Remembrance Day, and every other day of the year that we take for granted one of the many freedoms they laid down their lives for.
Congratulations, Brent Weber, who recently won a service award from Softball Saskatchewan for his dedication, commitment and leadership in three Bantam girls' softball teams this past season - one winning a provincial C title, one winning bronze at Saskatchewan Summer Games and the third losing just short of playoffs in the Fall Ball Zone Provincial Championship.
Also good luck to Benton Gieni, former UCHS Warrior football player, who saw great success in his last year with University of Regina Rams football. The team won their way to the Hardy Cup last weekend. The winner of the Hardy Cup advances to the Mitchell Bowl and a chance to represent at the Vanier Cup in Toronto.
At UCHS volleyball teams are in the last leg of their season. The senior girls advanced from conferences and will compete at regional competition this weekend. Meanwhile, congratulations to the junior girls for winning district silver in North Battleford Nov. 1. The junior boys picked up a bronze in their district competition. Way to go, Warriors!
Also UCHS is in the last leg of their fruit sale so be sure to call the school at 228-2657 so you don't get missed. And save your magazine subscription renewals for the annual magazine drive coming up in February. Staff and students appreciate your continued support of their programs and activities.
Report cards will be out soon at St. Peter's School, as well as parent teacher interviews are upcoming. The students will soon be preparing for Advent and Christmas activities because, once November hits, it certainly doesn't take long for December to roll around.
Unity Public hosted their book fair this week and were also preparing for their annual school Remembrance Day services and veteran appreciation. Report cards came out Monday and parent teacher interviews were this week as well. Staff and students have Nov. 12 off.
Remember, if you need your hockey fix during this ridiculous lockout, check out the arena schedule as you can watch all the live hockey action you can handle right in the comfort of our own arena. At your local arena you can find players playing hockey because 'they love it," a refreshing concept to today's NHL stars. When visiting the local arena you will always find someone to visit, and you can enjoy the taste and smells of the food booth cooking up those infamous rink burgers.
The Miners Senior Hockey Club has started its season as well. The team is rebuilding and are starting with eight new executive members. The club is looking for players and volunteers to step forward to help the team regain its fan base and competitive ways.
If you come to the rink and there is no hockey action taking place, head through the curling rink doors as the Unity Curling Club is in action. There are league games every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. You can enjoy free live curling action, have a chance to banter with a fellow curling enthusiast about the next shot that should be made or join your favourite team for refreshments following the match.
The after school junior program is still in need of some leaders so please consider lending your curling knowledge to this fantastic program for our kids. Starting off this year's events will be a mixed cash spiel Nov 23-25. The curling club is proud of their five-sheet facility that has new lights this year.
The Unity & District Chamber of Commerce held a "name your favourite Unity business" contest for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from one's favourite business as well as being the face of the next "Shop Unity" campaign. Louise Duffin won with her entry outlining the reasons Delta Co-op is her favourite business. The chamber was pleased with the entries and the content in those entries, letting them know their business community is obviously enjoyed by residents in town and out.
The Lions Club dinner theatre presentation, The Blind Date, takes place this weekend, Nov. 9 and 10. Two of the cast members - Terry Flaherty and Cindy Vanderlinde -took part in an adult provincial drama competition in Kerrobert Nov. 1.
Logging on to the Reader's Digest website you can vote for Unity as one of Canada's most interesting towns. Resident Laura Gardiner submitted the nomination; now it is up to all of you to vote on it. Winning communities will receive a cash prize to help with a community project.
Coffee row folks have been discussing the Riders and their puzzling season. They played their meaningless last regular season game against B.C., ending in a loss. Fans are ravenous for playoffs to begin and, whether they are making the trek to the first playoff game in Calgary or watching it from the comfort of home, green definitely is the colour in Saskatchewan these days. NHL lockout, who cares? That is what conversationalists are saying after the continued stalemate in the player and owner dispute. The early arrival of winter was certain to be covered on the coffee row table as well. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
