We are getting into the tail-end of this weird year. Keep focusing on the positives that have come with our unusual circumstances and let’s continue to be hopeful for a reprieve.
Our community pride has been highlighted yet again. It’s been said by Legion members that the community will have to learn to take over Remembrance Day activities as their numbers are dwindling. Unity has but one surviving Second World War veteran. In honour and respect of Mr. Campbell and those who have served, the community found ways to continue Remembrance Day recognition.
Elementary schools held virtual services while hosting formal days at their schools. UCHS brought each class of students, one group at a time, to the cenotaph to either listen to a poem, reading or some history while observing a minute of silence with students laying their poppies on the base.
The evening of Nov. 10, a volunteer group of eight placed and lit 75 candles along the path leading to the cenotaph in Memorial Park, as well as at the base of the monument. Twenty-five other candles were lit and this was all done as a symbol and gesture of respect and remembrance. Most of these candles stayed lit all night and into the next day.
The morning of Nov. 11, Unity Fire Department and RCMP did an honorary drive-by of Luther Place and Parkview Place as a gesture of remembrance. Mayor-elect Sharon Del Frari was joined by other citizens in forming up an outdoor honour guard who observed a minute of silence outside both of these seniors’ centres. Kudos to all who were involved. Check out the videos on the Unity community Facebook page.
How about that first blast of winter Nov. 6 weekend? Like it or hate it, when you live in Saskatchewan winter is part of the deal. Now chalk up the storm of 2020 when talking about “remember when” storms like the winter of 2013, the storm of 2007, the storm of 1978. Thank you to all the good Samaritans who helped push stuck vehicles, shovel and clear neighbours’ driveways and sidewalks and checked in on others to see if they needed a hand with supplies or snow removal. These gestures are among the many things that make this community great.
Congratulations to our new mayor and council elected Nov. 9. They are mayor Sharon Del Frari and council incumbents Rick Hill, Brent Weber, Curtis McLean, Doreen Bonogofsk and Bob Abel and newly elected Ryan Sernecky. Thank you to all those who chose to let their name stand for this election.
Fitness Lair ran a breast cancer fundraiser in October in honour of two of their members who underwent treatment for this disease. Surpassing their goal of $2,000, the group raised more than $4,000 for breast cancer research. Flourish Studios operator Amy Briggs also ran a breast cancer awareness and fundraiser event in honour of her mom and was able to donate over $6,000 to KidSport Unity.
Starting Nov. 12 and running to Dec. 4, the Unity Kin Club members are asking residents to bring non-perishable food items and new toys to fill a truck at Unity Motor Products. All proceeds will be donated to the Unity and District Food Bank and toys to the Unity Secret Santa program.
St. Peter’s School is holding their annual book fair in virtual fashion with all details in the school’s newsletter and on the school Facebook page.
The Unity Miners have only a couple of home games left before the designated Christmas break. You can catch them facing off against Macklin this weekend at home Nov. 27. Their last home-and-home series this year will be against the Kerrobert Tigers starting at home Dec. 4.
You can catch the U18 West Central Wheat Kings at home Dec. 6 and Dec. 13. As well the U15 West Central Wheat King will host a game in Unity Nov. 29 while the U13 West Central Wheat Kings will enjoy a game in Unity Nov. 21.
The minor hockey season schedule is on the town website, arena link and on the TVs at the rink.
You have only a couple more weeks to get your entry in for the Winterlites parade coming up on Dec. 3 in place of Winter Wonderland. Let’s make this parade as energetic and enthusiastic as the Grad 2020 parade by signing up at the town office. Thank you to those who already submitted their entries. Stay tuned for any kind of expansion on what can be hosted this year in distanced and safe fashion.
Continue to follow government guidelines on social distancing, group size gatherings, mask guidance and hand washing and we will persevere over this virus. We’re stronger together by pulling apart.
Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
