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Co-operatives continue to serve the community

Unity News
Dr. Linda Bloem
Dr. Linda Bloem was bid farewell from the Downtown Medical Clinic in Unity March. 30. She served 24 years at the clinic and is now retired. Photo submitted

We are heading beyond our first year of the pandemic and it doesn’t appear our lives are going to change much. However we can certainly enjoy the extended daylight hours, the nicer weather encouraging us to soak up that valuable vitamin D and the option of meeting up with people safely and distanced outdoors. Let’s all work together in the mandate of Riderville and be the 13th man needed to help reduce transmission of this virus.

Signs of spring are all around us that include new calves, geese returning and some spring bulbs poking through in our yards. Enjoy the return to this season that always brings us emotions of renewal and hope.

Our two community co-operatives held their annual meetings at the end of March in virtual format. One thing notable from both of these meetings is the continued support they provide our community in donations and sponsorships as well as staff volunteer hours, so let’s be thankful for their commitment to our community.

St. Peter’s School mourns the loss of former caretaker, Mr. Mamer. They extend their thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Mamer and family, and know that he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

With rink season over, players and coaches are itching to get back to the diamonds. Ball registration has taken place but what will happen for a season this year remains to be seen. Time will tell if restrictions will allow for a modified ball season.

Minor ball executive say they are planning on some indoor spring training according to the government pandemic protocols and, once the diamonds are dried up, they will resume outdoors activities.

Unity Golf Club president Glenn Heitt says they too are anxious to get back in the swing of things. The greens covers coming off and opening date are weather dependant. They have one year of experience operating with pandemic protocols and are awaiting updates from the government on how they will proceed this year.

Unity’s Recreation Director Nicole Headrick says the pool will open this year, providing the government gives the green light. The exterior renovations at the arena are also underway and residents look forward to the evolution into the up-to-date look we have been waiting for. Some bats were trying to, and a few succeeded in, finding their way back into the rink, but they were removed and taken to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation. The openings have been reviewed and fixed so this will not be an ongoing problem.

The Unity Museum says they have accomplished many things over the winter and are looking forward to reopening with restrictions. Continued support of this valuable community history venue is needed as traditional fundraisers will likely not proceed this year. Museum support can come in the form of joining their organization as a member, volunteering or making a monetary donation.

Unity Food Bank committee passes on thanks for the continued generosity of the community, whether it is individual, group or corporate donations, in keeping their shelves full. A $12,000 donation from Cargill was especially appreciated.

Congratulations to Dr. Bloem on her well-deserved retirement and everyone sends their best wishes for much health and happiness into the next chapter for her.

Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...