Don鈥檛 think of August as almost half over, think of all the things there are to enjoy this month! There is still plenty of time to head to the lake, take a country drive and enjoy either the starry skies at night or the colours aplenty during the day. Host a backyard barbecue and enjoy some outdoor games. Enjoy the fruits of your labor from the gardens that were planted or the bonus of having friends and neighbours distribute their extra produce.聽 Don鈥檛 lament what鈥檚 gone of summer but rather renew your energy to enjoy the rest of summer.
Officially ball season is over with the exception of the U12 zone team that includes Unity players and coaches who will head to Regina next weekend to compete at a fall ball event. We have to remember that success isn鈥檛 just marked by medals earned on the diamond but by the successes that enable numerous teams to enjoy a memorable summer on the ball diamonds that starts with a venue of envy to many. It also includes numerous volunteers who sit on the executive to organize and plan and manage an entire season for everyone under the Unity Minor Ball banner. That volunteer list also includes coaches and managers for every team that plays under the UMB banner. We were also fortunate to have a booth that was open the majority of the season and for every single event that was held at the diamonds; something we all know as we travel with our players that is not a luxury that everyone enjoys. And grounds keepers 鈥� well we鈥檝e all heard the numerous accolades all year on that aspect. The town staff does a terrific job all year of fine tuning the park and the volunteers for every event keep those diamonds in tip top shape for play. The many players that commit to their season can focus on ball as all of the other details are looked after by these people who dedicate much time to ensuring all the ball players in both baseball and softball have a great season. 聽
The Western Canadian Softball championship event held the August long weekend received many accolades via text, email and Facebook post. Although the hometown 2016 Provincial champion UK Royals lost in a tiebreaker to get to playoffs, two Saskatchewan teams faced off for the title. Congratulations to the Saskatoon Lady Diamondbacks for their win. Player, coach, and fan attendees commended the committee on the work done after the rains, a tent to sit in, an opening ceremonies unlike many seen in larger centres, a terrific menu at the booth all weekend, numerous sponsorships that allowed things like extra equipment and water for all the players in the dugouts, along with a Saturday night banquet. Congratulations to everyone involved in another terrific event.聽 Even though Team BC chose not to participate, we still enjoyed fans from Langely and Kelowna! It was great to see all the communities represented at the event signed in on the WC board at the gate.
So in the end, the results of the 2016 season came out as: Mosquito Boys baseball 3 peat Provincial champs, and Pee Wee boy鈥檚 baseball silver medallists. On the softball side, the Squirt girls won the silver medal at home. The UK Royals won their fourth provincial title since their inception in 2012. 聽
Congratulations to Morgan Huber and Abby Rutley who were picked up by the Prince Albert Aces to head to U14 Western Canadian championships in Surrey, B.C.聽 Congratulations to Brennae Hofmann who was picked up by the UK Royals to play at the U21 Western Canadians and Dana Mitzel who was picked up by the Earl Grey Heat to also play at the U21 Western Canadians. And to all the girls that got the bat girl experience at U21 Westerns, I know from the girl in our house that is an experience you won鈥檛 soon forget and will re-energize you for softball fever in the future. Also to Jensen Chorney, whose Midget A team, the Lloyd Liners, are out in Charlottetown playing Midget A Nationals.
The sports scene will soon change into minor football and high school football, hockey and volleyball, but until then, enjoy the Olympics on TV and reminiscing about this past ball season.
Many visitors over ball weekends were impressed with the welcoming staff at the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre. Time will clip by quickly, so take advantage of early bird swims, equalizes and public swimming while the pool season is on. You can get the latest schedules either on the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre Facebook page or the townofunity.com website.
On the golf front, locals are cheering for Unity鈥檚 Justin Wood, who captured the Saskatchewan men鈥檚 Amateur as he competed in the Canadian men鈥檚 Amateur in Ottawa, Ont., starting Aug. 6. 聽
Next weekend is the Unity Community Resource Centre first fundraising golf tournament and they are still looking for teams or golfers to enter. The Unity Community Resource Center (aka "UCRC") is hosting its first annual fundraising golf tournament Saturday, Aug. 13 (shot gun start at 1 p.m.).聽They welcome all golfers of any ability (ages 10 and up; those under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult golfer) as it is meant to be fun - "best ball" format for each team.聽Those who register without a complete team of four will be placed with a team on the The men's open will be the next event on the agenda at the golf club. Why not bring your guests there to hit the links when they come for a visit.聽 Beautiful view, well groomed greens, great food the clubhouse means there are many things to enjoy at this recreation venue in Unity.聽 Don鈥檛 forget Men鈥檚 and ladies nights are part of each week and come join a week day or two hitting the ball around after a long day of work. 聽
If you did not have time or space to plant a garden then you will not want to miss out on the weekly Unity Farmer鈥檚 market at the Legion Hall. Vendors offer plenty of fresh garden produce; some home made projects including some great backyard games as well as baking galore. Sadly, Unity lost one of the long time vendors at the farmer鈥檚 market when Ruby Huard passed away and I know our family will miss those ginger snaps. Check out this farmer鈥檚 market each Friday from 2-5 p.m., with one Friday a month from 4-7 p.m. It only runs to mid September so take the opportunity to shop organic, support local producers and get some great made or great tasting goodness.
Coming up soon is the annual Candace Heitt Memorial run. The run is scheduled for Sept. 18.聽 Contact Vicky Noble and her husband Josh at Unity Credit Union for these details.聽
Coffee row folks are eager to 鈥渃rop talk鈥� as tales of lush, man-high canola fields and thick wheat crops are being discussed. With local ball season, over the Riders and the Jays have made their way back to the topic table. It might be a few weeks before all of the regulars are back in session, but you can be sure that each day this part of our community culture continues at our coffee row tables. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time 鈥�
