Just over 10 days ago we were celebrating the New Year and here we are, already full blown into a busy, back to school-activity-work routine. Many folks are a lot happier once that cold snapped finally rode off into the sunset; however no one is too presumptuous to think that this inevitable weather condition of winter won’t return.
At Unity Public School, teachers were thankful for a very busy December that included 65 students from Grades 1-5 signed up to be a part of the UPS Carol Festival Choir; as well as the UPS Christmas Concert Silver Collection total was $526.80. This was donated to the Unity Food Bank. One of Unity Public’s school goals this year is to focus on teaching students positive behaviours throughout the school setting, using the PBIS program to support work in this area. PBIS stands for Positive Behaviour and Intervention Supports. PBIS is a process for creating safer and more effective schools. It is a system approach to enhancing the capacity of schools to educate all children by developing research-based, school-wide, and classroom behavior support systems.
At UCHS, exam week is quickly drawing near as students prepare for the end of semester one and will transition into this school year’s second semester.
St. Peter’s school is ready to roll for 2018. January will include some dates to enjoy winter activities like skating, curling and the annual division two ski trip.
Your curling rink is gearing up for a very full second half of the season. Right now the club is looking for entries in the annual JayDee Ag Tech Men’s bonspiel being held Jan. 22-24; registrations being accepted at the UCC, or by calling 306-228-2212.
The hockey rink side will also experience a very full second half of the season as all teams will begin the tail end of their league season before playoffs begin.
It started with a sign here and there and pretty soon it was evident that sold signs were just part of the some of the signs that Unity’s economy was on the rebound in 2017. The “opportUNITY in Unity” doesn’t appear to be just a catchy slogan but an open invitation for all. New business starts in 2017 included Hollyhocks, Jelasco's Family Restaurant, Ganter Plumbing and Heating, Sure Stop Auto, Kelly's Truck Wash; with all of these locations now occupying former empty business locations around town, now filling those gaps.
Town of Unity’s Economic Development Director Carey Baker says, “We also saw changes to businesses, including the move of Riou Law, the establishment of the Co-op liquor store, the change of Unity Truck and Auto to JDS RV and Powersport, the establishment of a stand-alone Co-op admin office, ownership change at Country Car Wash, and the start of expansion at Cargill. “
2017 also included multiple activities and events in town. Unity hosted some great events in 2017- several curling bonspiels, a great showing at Unity Western Days, the Girls Prairie League Softball Championship weekend was very successful, provincial baseball championships, Fall Fair and Trade Show, and a hugely successful Winter Wonderland. Unity Composite High School continues to play host to numerous events that include sports tournaments, district and/or regional playdowns, regional drama festival, and the increased popularity of Friday Night Lights football games. All of these events and activities certainly play a part in either keeping people at home as well as bringing in visitors to town attending these events.
Baker remarks, “I expect events to play a big part of 2018 as well, with the addition of our first double Western Championship, the U23 and U19 Western Canadian Softball Championships, coming August long weekend.
The community of Unity should take pride in the progress reported here as well as celebrate, and talk about, the milestones, events and activities that continue to be part of community life in Unity.
Coffee row is back into routine, as are many other parts of our community culture. Of course, the big Team Canada World junior gold was talked of regularly. These folks also continue to review the weather and make their predictions. They also continue to enjoy discussion on local sports, while many are starting to mention the upcoming Olympics. Reviewing 2017 and gauging 2018 have also been part of the topic table the last half dozen visits. These folks know there are no silly questions at this morning gathering – because no one with coffee asks silly questions, coffee understands!
So you can see life has returned back to hustle and bustle we are accustomed to in Unity. Until next time…
