Congratulations to the Unity Western Days committee for another successful event held in Unity that offers great entertainment for many as well as some super economic benefits to the community during its three-day run. Events like this also would not happen without the help of community business sponsorship and volunteers as well as supporters, so hats off to everyone who contributed to make a great event last weekend. There is plenty of lead up work that goes into a weekend like this, in addition to unlimited hours of committee and volunteer to ensure the weekend goes off without a hitch.
Our community mourns a wonderful woman who was known and loved by many. Numerous condolences and memories were poured out on social media citing favourite memories of one of the favourite Co-op cashiers who had an astounding knack for remembering people’s numbers as well as their families – and she always made time to ask about each customer’s family. Our hearts and thoughts go to the family of Jerrilyn Dawm who was taken far too soon.
Our community celebrates with our close neighbours of Luseland in local hometown hero, Jimmy Pattison. Luseland has never been more proud to celebrate their affiliation with renowned Canadian billionaire, Jimmy Pattison, especially when May 30 it was announced that he donated $50 million to the Children’s Hospital foundation in Saskatchewan. This donation garnered the name change to the Jimmy Pattison Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan. Pattison’s philanthropic efforts have been felt throughout Canada as he also donated a large sum of money to a hospital in British Columbia. From his humble roots growing up, Pattison learned early his skills in sales and used them throughout his career to grow an empire that includes broadcasting business, Pattison Ag company as well as a food store chain, to name a few. Luseland was very proud to have this sign ready to go for their upcoming Canada 150 Homecoming events July long weekend.
With so many experiencing the unfortunate surge of tent caterpillars have we noticed any invasions around here lately? Well, I know one thing for sure, the mosquitoes are out in full force making outdoor activity necessary in either long clothing or marinated in mosquito spray.
It is fantastic to see Main Street decked in Canada flags, red and white flower baskets as well as business displaying either flags or other decorations to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday.
And it may not be a big deal to everyone, however, the new RV sani-dump station is being well received, especially for those upcoming events that already have numerous trailers booked into town.
Dr. Bopari in town has welcomed a new dentist so we are blessed once again to offer expanded professional services right here in Unity.
However, the announced departures of Dr. Dhillon at the end of May and Dr. Coetzee who will be leaving at the end of August has residents worried about replacements and coverage now that Unity is down one doc, with another soon to follow. I have faith that the past reputation of council and Unity’s Economic Development Director will work tirelessly to recruit another physician for us.
News of the provincial budget cuts rolling down hill into the school division forcing elimination of the town bus service has definitely caused a stir. This decision will undoubtedly affect many families who live far from the schools and both parents work before school hours begin. Will there be an 11th hour way to save this service as was the case with the library funding or will parents have to find alternative methods for transporting kids in the cold winter months?
On a beautiful May 30 afternoon, Parkview Place held their annual fashion show and tea. More than 12 models made up of residents and volunteers hosted a spring fashion show featuring clothing from the Red Apple store in Unity as well as the Unity Community Resource Centre. Some of the residents showed off a couple pieces from their own wardrobes as well, including a beautiful wedding dress. There were more than 40 people in attendance who enjoyed the fashion show and refreshments served at intermission. A silver collection was taken as Parkview Place Director Paula Sittler outlined their desire to fundraise for an AED device as well as their big project of getting a back up power generator. The fashion show closed in style when Reno Bertoia and Adam Tuscherer showed off their Canadian Pride, and they were soon joined for the close of the show by a number of other models in Canada gear
At UCHS, now that provincial track and field was completed last weekend, this ends the sports seasons for this year. This week was awards season as UCHS held their own awards night on June 6, while students also attended the Living Sky School Division Hall of Fame Awards dinner on June 8. The last days of classes are June 22nd with exam week following June 23 to 28 inclusive. Report cards will be picked up June 29 and the school year will be capped off with graduation ceremonies at 10 a.m. in the senior gym on June 30. These next few weeks will be full of late nights for teachers preparing and marking exams and report cards as well as students studying for finals and grads preparing for their upcoming graduation ceremonies.
Unity Public School enjoyed the new faces of UCHS Grade 9 students who were in action at UPS for “Take your Kids to Work” day held on May 31. The school was also very glad they switched their track and field dates and had such a beautiful day to host this fun event on May 29. Now it’s field trip season for all classes, as well as Kindergarten orientation on June 9, June 15 Spirit Day - Beach Day, June 15 Assembly, June 16 Grade 5 class trip to Luseland Bible Camp, June 20 Grade 4 class trip to North Battleford, June 23 SCC Sundae Treat at 2 p.m., June 27 K2 Year End Celebration 10:30-11:30, June 28 K1 Year End Celebration 10:30-11:30, June 28 Gr. 6 Celebration 1 p.m., June 29 Staff Work Day - No School, June 30 pick up report cards between 9 a.m. and noon.
At St. Peter’s school, Thursday, June 8, Kindergarten to Grade 6 students will again be involved in a track and field meet at their school.
Next weekend will be a big one at the ball diamonds as the Girls Prairie Softball League will be hosting their playoff weekend for teams in U12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions making for more than 100 games of ball being played throughout the weekend. Volunteers and committee have been working diligently to showcase Unity once again as well as show off our fabulous ball diamond venue. There will be plenty of action at the diamonds so don’t miss out.
You can also catch the Cardinals games during the week as they continue on their season in the NSRBL. Friday night slo-pitch also offers plenty of games to watch if you are a ball fan.
Speaking of the ball diamonds, a belated congratulations to Unity’s own Rhett Feser who was named the Canadian College Baseball Conference top pitcher with their teams win at the national championship in Kelowna in May. You can watch Rhett on the mound with the Unity Cardinals as well as the Sask. Baseball junior team.
In addition, the Unity Soccer Club has hit the fields, too, meaning there is plenty of outdoor action to take in about town.
The Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre didn’t have the opening date it was hoping for as a setback has delayed swim season a little. Please stay tuned to posters and the town and UCU Aquatic Facebook pages for all the latest updates. And be patient with the process as everyone is doing the very best they can to manage this inconvenient delay.
If you’re a golfer you may want to sign up for the two-person scramble event coming up at the UGC on June 11. Check out their new Facebook page for their fee schedule and all of the other things you may want to know before you go.
The museum is up and running and what they need are A) visitors and B) volunteers to help maintain the grounds and buildings. The museum is collaborating with other groups to plan the July 1 Canada 150 celebrations at the Unity museum so stay tuned for all the details on this event.
Coffee row folks have certainly been reviewing rainfall, harvest 2016 continued delays, spring seeding 2017 delays, and the number of mud-bogged equipment in trying to get these tasks completed. Also June’s extremely full calendar of events and activities keep them busy anticipating what is to come and reviewing what has already taken place. The ball diamonds are another source of conversation, whether it’s local teams or the Jays.
So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time…
