This weekend is your second last long weekend of summer, so make it count! However, when travelling to your destination take time to admire the scenery around you and the people that are with you – slow down and arrive alive.
Provincial ball continues. July 20 weekend, both the U11 Tier 1 and U15 Tier 1 teams earned silver in their respective provincials. Both teams lost to a Muenster team in the provincial final, in an extra inning, making for some very exciting ball games. July 26 weekend was the U18 team competing in Moose Jaw with hopes of winning their provincial title that would take them to Western Canadians. As well Unity played host to U13 Tier 1 provincials at home that same weekend.
Here is a catch up of ball results from Unity. Girls’ softball U19 provincial bronze, U16 provincial silver, U14 provincial silver and U12 provincial bronze. As well, three U16 players – Devyn McLean, Hunter Pewap and Makayla Bakken – were picked up by other teams to play at U16 Western Canadian championships being held this weekend in Biggar. Also, U16 softball player Abby Rutley will be part of Team Sask. at the Western Canadian summer games in Swift Current starting Aug. 8.
Our Team blue worked the plates at provincial events as well as Western Canadians in Biggar and the Canadian championship U14, U16 and U23 in Saskatoon. These umpires included Dawson Wilson, Gracen Rewerts at provincials and Trevor Green, Kenny Coons and Kenny Feser at provincials and Westerns and Trevor U16 Canadians. Owen Heck from Macklin was also a serving umpire at provincials and Westerns.
Congratulations also to Wilkie’s Jana Sittler who was part of the Provincial A ladies team, Carnduff Southeast Steelers, who won provincials, earning them a berth to Women’s A national championship coming up in Newfoundland.
Ball season is now a wrap for Unity minor ball teams. Congratulations to all teams, coaches and managers for your commitment to growing and improving the game for players. Congratulations to our provincial championship medal winners. Congratulations also to several softball players, named above, who will be part of U16 Western Canadian championships as pickup players with other teams and you can either head to Biggar to watch them play or check out their website for updates.
Unity Main Street construction is on track and barring any complications delivered by Mother Nature, the town is happy with the progress being made on this construction project. Donations made to walking path improvements will see their funds go into action this summer as work is scheduled to be done. As well, the developing pickleball court at the Richardson Pioneer Outdoor Rec Venue is an exciting development for those who love this game that was introduced this spring by pickleball enthusiasts in weekly games at the Unity Curling club.
Congratulations to Pat Hollman, Scott Manchester, Tanya Chester, Terry Watt, Joan Haughian and Kerry Ward, who won a key as part of Rock 93.3 car contest and will be at a party near the end of August to see if their key will start the cool car to be won. If their key works, they drive home with it.
Unity long term care activities are grateful for their volunteers who help with the many tasks they have to keep residents active and engaged. They also appreciate the support of residents for their fundraisers held, benefitting activities programming at LTC.
This weekend you can head to the rodeo grounds for a very cool riding competition hosted by local championship winning cowgirl, Michelle Pipke. Starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 and running again Sunday, Aug 4, at 10 a.m., this event is free to the public to come and watch.
Justin Wood will be off to national golf Monday, Aug. 5, so watch for results from his participation on Team Saskatchewan for the Canadian Men’s Amateur event.
A big thank you goes to a community volunteer who has begun the birdhouse project with Prairie Branches clients. Thanks also to the generosity of some community donors and volunteer time, residents can produce something useful and help with their feelings of self worth in these cool creations seen on fence posts around town.
Don’t forget the Unity Community Resource Centre fundraiser on Aug. 10 at the Unity golf course running as a four-person scramble for only $50 per person. Registration is at 1 p.m., pre-register at UCRC. This event has a shotgun start at 2 p.m. Entry fee includes burger bar supper and chance at plenty of prizes. Non-golfer supper tickets are only $12 person.
A great activity for you and your family to take part in is on Thursday, Aug. 15 with the “Community Chase” sponsored by Saskatchewan in Motion group. This free event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Check out the event on Facebook for more details.
Sask Reptile show was at the Unity library at 2 p.m. on July 30, and it was a creepy crawly afternoon at the library.
Next weekend starts the Aug. 8 Western Canada Summer games begin and will include several Unity, Wilkie and Macklin athletes. Abby Rutley of Unity and Leah Weinkauf of Macklin will be part of Team Sask softball, while Unity’s Reece Gilbert will be part of Team Sask triathalon. Wilkie’s sibling duo of Kaiden and Carissa McGinnis will be part of Team Sask wrestling, while Denzil’s Kali Krieger will be part of Team Sask volleyball and Wilkie’s Isaiah Mamer will be part of the men’s Team Sask volleyball squad.
August will bring increased activity at your local golf course. You can still participate in rounds during the day, fun night of golf on Tuesdays, and men’s golf nights on Wednesdays. The seniors’ open takes place on Aug. 8 starting at 10 a.m. The UCRC fundraising golf event is set for Aug. 10 and you can register now at the resource centre or at the golf course. August will be rounded out with the Aug. 18 four-man scramble and the 2019 member’s tournament on Aug. 25. Bring your buddies or your guests out the Unity golf course and support all the work this club does in keeping this nine-hole grass green course in tip top condition.
Those with kids who are done their vacations or haven’t had a chance to take their vacations yet are left with kids wondering to do. Here’s a quick list: take in an outdoor basketball game on one of four basketball courts in town, get some friends together for safe ball hockey at the outdoor rec venue, go for a swim at the local pool, bike around town on the multiple paved walking paths, take in mini golf at Bluez, enjoy a cold frappe, enjoy a movie at the theatre or head to your local library.
Unity has welcomed another new wellness business in town as “What the Float” centre is now open. These relaxation cabins full of mineral water will help with the mind, body and soul.
Speaking of wellness services in Unity, did you know Unity hosts two spas, several massage therapists, a chiropractor, and the above new wellness business/ and word is an acupuncturist has recently moved to town? There are also several gym options, yoga classes and while the pool is open you take part in aquacizes six days a week at lunch or three evenings during the week. There really is opportUNITY in Unity.
A reminder your local paper will be closed for holidays July 27 to Aug. 11 but you can continue on with your local Unity news in this column until the Press-Herald returns with the Aug. 16 issue.
Coffee row folks had plenty to talk about when the manhunt for the B.C. fugitives reportedly had the duo in various parts of Saskatchewan. And, the active weather this month has produced has been another “hot” topic, no pun intended. Summer fun, local sports teams, community activity and growing season are just some of the many topics reviewed at these daily gatherings. There is always room at these tables and plenty of laughter to be shared. So you see we keep busy here in Unity with wisdom, laughter and plenty of fun here in Unity with our friends on coffee row.
