Halloween is here although some people say the weather and the recent federal election are what has scared them so far this season.
If you are picking up this paper today, Thursday, Oct. 31, UCHS students will be canvassing town as part of their “We Scare Hunger” campaign benefitting the local food bank. Students will be around from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., or you can drop off your donation directly to the food bank.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet, check with St. Peter’s rectory office for tickets to their Fall Supper this Sunday, Nov. 3. Unity United Church will hold their annual fall supper on Nov. 16 with limited seating available and limited take out meals available so contact Janice Leeson if you are wanting tickets for this event.
Museum pancake brunches begin this Sunday, Nov. 3. This is the museum’s biggest fundraiser and not only do they depend on community support, they are in need of more volunteers for these events. Contact the museum or Chris Martin for more details.
Here’s what is on tap in Unity for the month of November:
Nov. 2 quarter finals for 6 man provincial football; Nov. 2 and 3 Trapping Course; Nov. 3 Unity AA Lazers vs Northeast; Nov. 5 Unity Food Bank AGM at UCRC; Nov. 8 Miners vs Edam; Nov. 10 Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing party at St. Peter’s 2 p.m.; Nov. 10 Unity AA Lazers vs Warman; Nov. 11 Community Remembrance Day service; Nov. 15 Miners vs Kindersley; Nov. 16 Unity United Church fall supper; Nov. 21 Sturling bonspiel; Nov. 21 UCRC Ladies Night Out; Nov. 24 Unity AA Lazers vs Saskatoon; Nov. 29 Miners vs Hafford; Nov. 29 KC Rescue comedy night; Nov. 30 Miners vs Luseland; Nov. 30 Unity AA Lazers vs Humboldt Broncos.
Unity Public School enjoyed an activity-filled Education Week last week. Halloween will be celebrated at UPS. Students can wear black and orange in the morning while changing into their costumes over the lunch hour for some Halloween fun in the afternoon. Kids can stop at UPS 4:30-6:30 while trick or treating for a hot chocolate and a hot dog. UPS will also be collecting that night for the We Scare Hunger campaign so bring a non-perishable item for the food bank. Right after Halloween kids will be fine-tuning their Remembrance Day submissions, their song for the annual service as well as re-decorating their hallways to commemorate Remembrance Day recognition
St. Peter’s school made some great memories and connections while celebrating Education Week last week. The student choir loved performing at the Seniors Tea. The staff choir will sing at mass on Nov. 3. St. Peter’s are encouraging their students to dress up in costume for Halloween. Halloween comes on the eve of All Saints Day (Nov. 1) as well as All Souls Day (Nov. 2), which are both recognized feast days in the Catholic Church to celebrate the Communion of the Saints. It is with this in mind that St. Peter’s celebrate Halloween. Following Halloween, staff and students will prepare for their annual Remembrance Day school service.
At UCHS, volleyball season is into playoffs. Junior boys and girls districts are this weekend with junior girls hosting today. Senior teams start their conferences with senior girls Nov. 2 and the boys to follow shortly after. Warrior football played their first home provincial playoff game Oct. 17 vs Wynyard and if they advance will play semifinals Nov. 2. Playoff season is rampant at UCHS creating Warrior fever among staff, students and fans.
Drama continues rehearsals as there is only five weeks left until their winter productions are performed. UCHS staff and students love SADD famous taco sales, which help fund SADD initiatives throughout the year. Robotics are now promoting their 24-hour Minecraft marathon to benefit the Warriors robotics program, coming up in mid November. Warrior fruit sales have ended and UCHS extends a big thanks to the community for their support. Warrior football will be selling their Mom’s Pantry product soon, too, which helps fund their Warrior season’s needs.
A big thank you to UCHS students who chose to raise money for the local mental wellness group. Warrior football donated their half of the 50/50 proceeds from the Oct. 17 game, making a donation of $597.50 while UCHS SLC donated proceeds from their two hat days, presenting $110 to this mental health support group.
The Unity arena is a busy place. November will see an increase in activity as all teams in all divisions as they head full into their seasons. This includes Miner’s hockey and Midget AA hockey. Skating Club is now in season, too. You can check out the town of Unity website, the TVs in the rink lobby or posters around town that will include the latest games on tap at the rink. See above calendar of events for some upcoming games that are scheduled at the arena. There is always room for fans in the stands. Remember there are several Unity minor hockey alumni playing for other teams as Colby Ralston is part of the Battlefords Midget AAA Northstars. Jared Risling, Ethan Scherr, Brayden Schultz and Jaxon Bertoia are part of the West Central Junior B Rage. Bree Purcell is playing with the Battleford Bantam AA Sharks female hockey team. The West Central AA Wheat Kings include former UMH players Connor Ralston, Jaden Blanchette, Carter Ralston and Karson Blanchette.
The Unity Curling Club season has begun with leagues taking place every night of the week, including junior curling on Mondays. UCC will host a Sturling bonspiel Nov. 21 and are excited to be hosting the competitive women’s curling event, Viterra Provincial Women’s challenge Dec. 13-15. Unity Curling club is also selling “Men of Curling” Calendars which features Saskatchewan’s Kirk Muyres who has chosen to benefit the “Do More Agriculture” foundation with his sales.
Wednesdays continue to be a busy night in Unity as pickleball takes place, which has now moved to the high school from 7 to 9 p.m. As well, weekly Mental Wellness support group sessions continue at the Unity Health Centre, open to anyone who is in need or interested. The Lions Club “Chase the Ace” also continues each Wednesday at the Legion Hall.
I know it’s early but a heads up that Winter Wonderland event is in planning stages. It is set for Dec. 5 in downtown Unity and includes multiple activities, events, specials, sales and promos. This year’s event will include a business Christmas tree decorating contest and a community snow sculpture contest, both offering great prizes. Contact Bryce Woytiuk at Unity Motor Products or Sherri Solomko at the Press Herald office to get your business, organization or group included in multiple free advertising places and spaces.
A big thank you to the Unity Quilter’s Club who created and donated quilts to the palliative care unit at the Unity Hospital.
A big thank you to the co-operative collaboration of Unity Credit Union and Delta Co-op, who combined efforts and funding to assemble and erect the new boards for the Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park. Their staff also served as volunteers in these two phases of this project which demonstrates their commitment to give back to the community they serve.
Thefts of vehicles and thefts from vehicles were prominent news in Unity and area the past couple of weeks. RCMP remind residents to remove valuables from vehicles as well as locking them to prevent easy access.
