In a year like no other, 2020 continues to clip along with the arrival of October. Pumpkin spice fans are loving the options fall and October brings them. Scenery photographers are loving the vivid colors to capture in our landscape.
Harvest is the talk of the day as farmers are working to get crops off in a timely manner. Plentiful rain Sept. 20, while giving farmers a much-needed rest, stopped operations for a few days.
Congratulations John Gottschalk who retired from Compass Minerals at September’s end after 50 years of service. John will be succeeded by longtime plant employee, Jack Neil.
Happy birthday to Annice Fawell who celebrated her 102nd birthday the latter part of September. Luther Place residents, joined by Unity United Church members, serenaded Annice while she stood on her balcony. She was joined by her daughters for her special day.
Although St. Peter's School students are not allowed to collect for the local food bank for Thanksgiving this year, they encourage families to donate non-perishable food items on their own. Items may be dropped off at either grocery store in town or at the UCRC on Main Street. They are also in need of toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste and soap. There does remain a need within the community for this service, so please continue to donate whenever possible. The school is also thankful for a generous donation of a case of hand sanitizer from a family.
Schools will participate in Orange Shirt Day Sept. 30 with the theme “Every Child Matters” The day is officially proclaimed as “Orange Shirt Day” in Saskatchewan as an opportunity to ensure discussion happens about residential schools.
School bus safety concerns have been raised. Please be mindful of morning and afternoon bus times in school zones and plan your route accordingly. There can be fines up to $360 and demerit points on your licence for risking safety in these zones.
Activities have resumed. Unity Minor Hockey has 3-on-3 action, Unity Skating Club is on the go, Unity Multiple 4-H Club is ready, Karate Club has started and Revolution Dance has begun. Unity Curling Club starts Oct. 26. There are also fitness options at community gyms, yoga, Pilates, Zumba and spin classes. The golf course may be open a week or two yet depending on Mother Nature.
Unity and District Museum is now closed for the season but they are pleased to report they accomplished many things this season that included painting and repairs to Adanac Church. An unplanned project and expense was repairing water drainage issues in the middle shop. The George White steamer was repaired, x-rayed and pressure tested with an inspector passing it. Gravel was added to the grounds and parking area. The Graham Paige car is now running and the speeder got a facelift. The museum is exceptionally grateful for donations from community businesses of funds or in kind donations that help them with expenses and work load. There is concern about the decrease in funds, donations and income that came from hall rental. The committee is trying to figure out how to pay for utilities and future repairs. Bequests and donations are greatly appreciated.
Luther Place marked 21 years in the community with some distanced and subdued celebrations with residents.
North West Terminal marked 20 years since their storage expansion happened and there are a number of expansions and additions at this business since then. We are fortunate to have this progressive business in our community that continues to evolve for the future.
Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
