Here’s hoping Dec. 31, 2020 can bring us all the hope and promise we expected Dec. 31, 2019.
When we reflect on this past year in Unity many thoughts come to mind. You can remember the year with all of its chaos and uncertainty or you can remember the year with all the good things that happened in our community.
In spite of the pandemic, Unity welcomed a number of new businesses as well as some wonderful upgrades and renovations to existing businesses.
Our business community were absolute rock stars since March of 2020. Many adapted by offering changes to the way they provided their business or services, while continuing to offer safe, in-town shopping and services options.
Our food bank happily reported a continued commitment from this community to see that their shelves were full for those who needed it. As well, they were equally amazed at some of the increased initiatives to help supply their inventories when some of the normal seasonal canvasses were unable to proceed.
Nicole and the recreation department also embraced chaos. They enhanced green spaces, rolled with multiple changes in playgrounds, outdoor recreation spaces and indoor recreation spaces and communicated with residents on what was available and what protocols were in place.
Our churches, which are normally places people flock to in time of crisis, were forced to re-think how they delivered comfort and their messages. Whether you realize it or not, these changes certainly increased their work load and they’ve all done it without offering a sigh of exhaustion or an utterance of frustration.
Our community cared, and people showed these actions over and over again from March up until now. It’s what we do in Unity. This ongoing optimism was manifested in parades to amuse seniors during lock down, drive bys for birthdays and anniversaries or showing up in droves to support the grads of 2020 in a parade when the pandemic’s circumstances prevented a traditional grad celebration. Windows were painted at Easter and there was pride in property improvement all summer long, creative Halloween decorations and elaborate Christmas decorations to light up the community. It all combined to demonstrate we care about each other.
I’m sure there are dozens of actions I missed including that showed great things from Unity this past year and especially this holiday season. Let’s approach the year with hope, as a vaccine is now being initiated. Let’s continue to hold each other in our hearts and with caring actions.
Continue to show we care. Drop off some extra holiday treats for a shut-in, senior or neighbour who may be alone. Help shovel in the neighbourhood. Make sure to wave at seniors in their windows of our seniors’ centres so they can see our warm smiles and feel a community caring for each other. Whatever updates are given by our government on restrictions or easing restrictions, let’s approach them with cautious optimism and certain care in implementing them, so we are not seeing yet another repeat of rising numbers in our region or provincially.
Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
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