It's the long weekend - yippee! Make the most of it, regardless of the weather or the weather forecast, because yes, it really was still snowing here May 7.
Unity Western Days is creeping up fast. The committee is currently looking for volunteers for the beer gardens, chutes and the dance. Interested folks can contact Bryce at 306-210-7742 or Brian at 306-228-2677. Unity Western Days will take place May 30 and 31 and June 1, with all of the exciting events it is known for.
The committee for the parade wants to remind folks that everyone loves a parade so please get your entries into the town office. Drop-ins will also be welcome.
Watch for rodeo queen contestants selling their tickets.
Several organizations and events are in dire need of additional people to help out. Just like the parade, we can't all sit on the curb and clap - somebody has to "put on the show." Consider helping out with one of many groups or organizations in Unity that provide multitudes of benefits to citizens. Some are in real danger of folding if they don't get some additional helpers or members.
The swimming pool season is fast approaching. Head lifeguard, Natalie Keifer, is reminding parents of registrations that came home with kids at school. The last official year of the Unity Centennial Pool is set to open June 2.
At Unity Composite High, the track team has attended another competitive track meet to prepare them for upcoming local and district meets. Athletes can be seen out in the early mornings and after school, ramping up their practices.
Graduation is now only six weeks away. This will be the last class to graduate under Principal Maureen Robertson as she retires at the end of June after a fulfilling career. She will be missed by fellow staff and the students of UCHS. A retirement afternoon will be held May 23, from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., serving cake and beverages, to celebrate Mrs. Robertson's successful, long career and pending retirement. The program will begin at 3:15 p.m. in the UCHS junior gym, so please use the junior doors.
At Unity Public School, kids are finally and happily enjoying the vast playground without pools of water and snow. Grade 6 students are anxious as their last days of elementary school are coming to a close. They have the privilege of taking on the local RCMP members May 15 for a soccer match. Their fundraising efforts have earned them a field trip in June to see some great educational sights in Saskatchewan.
St. Peter's School is busy. The last session in the digital series for parents, on the important topic of cyberbullying, is May 15. The Grade 6 class held a successful dessert theatre, fundraising for not only their own year-end field trip but the Free the Children initiative to help build schools in underdeveloped countries. And, students are sad to say farewell to Father Johny as he returns to India.
Last weekend, although the weather was not perfect, it was precipitation-free and Unity Minor Ball was able to host three big events. The Softball Fever camp, brought in by instructors from Softball Saskatchewan, ran girls through skills and drills as preconditioning for their soon-to-start ball season. Meanwhile boys were learning tips and techniques for baseball pitching at the Inside Pitch Baseball Academy clinic.
The following day, May 11, the annual Minor Ball Day took place and it was fabulous to see the diamonds full of players and fans again as both the baseball and softball sides of minor ball held a game in each division.
The bantam and midget softball teams are both taking part in the Battlefords and District Ladies' Fastball League and began their games May 5.
Friday night slo-pitch has also begun and will run until June 27. If you didn't have a chance to get on a team, call Mike Gerlinsky, and he can fix you up on a team or put you on the spare list. His number is 306-228-7095.
A new look that sounds like a great family fun event - the Unity Miners' annual slo-pitch tournament is slated for May 24, with the entry deadline being May 22. There will be a full day of fun games, a booth, beer gardens, a home run derby and a 50/50 draw. Enter your team today. Please contact Scott Gilbert at 306-228-2366 to register your team.
Opening day of the Unity farmers market was a hit and, judging by the crowds, it will be another successful venture this year. Mark down Thursdays at 2 p.m. as it will run each week in the Unity Friendship Centre. Contact Carmen Bowker if you are interested in putting in a table for one of these events, at 306-228-2237.
The museum brunches are now over. However, the museum group is always in need of your help with various tasks and your support throughout the summer season.
Coffee row simply does not have another topic to review until this weather smartens up. The lament of continued snow, cold and rain has everyone wondering what has happened to our weather. Nevertheless, rowers were happy to see some live ball games back on the diamonds and to return outdoors to enjoy our parks and outside activities. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.