Halfway through December and have you enjoyed one or more of the many events taking place right here in our community? The community welcomes residents and visitors alike to all of the activity lined up this month. Be sure to mark your calendars with everything that is upcoming here.
Unity Sports wall of fame nominations due Dec. 20. Please contact any committee member or the town office for details on completing your nomination. Inductions are set for the spring of 2019 and will include a number of teams and those individuals whose nominations were successful. This really is remarkable undertaking by this small committee and it is a very historic and interesting place to visit while in Unity as it showcases a multitude of success stories out of Unity.
Fog, what’s up with this lingering November fog? While the scenery it creates is beautiful the havoc it has caused on those power lines has been enormous. Please shake the hand of a SaskPower employee as they really have been challenged in their task at maintaining, repairing our power systems with much of that time often being incurred in bad weather.
The theatre is showing Fantastic Beasts next edition now until Dec. 20 and they always have a new movie lined up for Christmas. They are currently selling their excellent value coupon books that make great stocking stuffers and can be used all year with each purchase allowing purchaser an entry to win free movies for a year. We are thankful for this family operated theatre that operates 24/7/365 and offers punch cards where you can earn free movies, these holiday coupon books as well as they play host to fundraising ladies night out and play host to the annual Chamber of Commerce Santa Day.
How to Give to Your commUNITY this Holiday Season:
1. Shop for gifts at LOCAL stores. Local businesses employ local people – strengthen your economy by supporting local business.
2. Donate to LOCAL charities and organizations. Contributing to local groups like the Unity Food Bank, Unity Community Resource Centre, Unity Secret Santa, Unity Health Care Foundation, KC Rescue, can make a REAL difference in our Town.
3. Volunteer with LOCAL groups. There are many groups that can use your energy and ideas, such as the Unity Lions, Unity Health Care Auxillary, Unity and District Heritage Museum, Unity Courtesy Car.
4. Celebrate safely and LOCALLY. Plan your family/staff parties and suppers at LOCAL establishments.
How can you improve your commUNITY? Think LOCAL first.
Last week’s Winter Wonderland was another rousing success. No matter how cold the temperature felt, the atmosphere around town was warm and inviting. Thank you to everyone who organized and hosted activities as part of this event. Of course, it goes without saying, if you build it – they will come; so thank you also to those who participated in all of the activity that was part of these community Christmas kick off festivities. 2018 was the first year a snowman building competition was offered. Only the schools participated last year however with a new challenge this year thrown out to the Unity Fire Department, the Unity RCMP and the Town of Unity offering a $100 donation to the winner’s community charity of choice, it is hoped that their leadership will bring other participants on board to help “festivize” the town square location that sits at the head of main street. A big thank you to everyone who either hosted an activity or came downtown to participate in more than 25 activities that combined to make the annual Winter Wonderland festival such a success. Organizers are thrilled that this event just keeps growing every year and more new activity becomes part of the event.
Here is a December “things to do list” in Unity: (and remember, there are often events/activities added weekly)
Tonight, Dec. 13 is the last showing of the UCHS drama team has worked long and hard on their winter productions that include the musical Wizard of Oz. They will appreciate your support for their efforts. Doors open at 7 each night
Dec. 14, the Midget AA Lazers have a home game at 8 p.m.
Dec. 16 is the annual Community Carol Festival, sure to put even Scrooge in the Christmas spirit
Dec. 17, Secret Santa assembly night for volunteers at St. Peter’s Hall at 7 p.m.
Dec. 18, it’s a 7:30 p.m. puck drop for the Midget AA Lazers at the rink
Dec. 18 and 20 are the elementary schools annual Christmas concerts.
Dec. 20 is the Chamber-sponsored “Grand in your Hand” draw so keep shopping local to get your entries in the draw drum
Dec. 21 and 22, the Midget AA Lazers will host their last home games until the new year. Come see this exciting young team as they aim to keep atop of the SMAAL standings
Anglican church will be having their Christmas service Dec. 23 at 10:30 a.m. with a potluck lunch to follow. All are welcome
Dec. 24 Unity United Church and Unity Baptist church host services at 7 p.m. while St. Peter’s Catholic Church is family mass at 7:30 as well as Midnight Mass; along with Christmas day mass at 11 a.m. Haven’t heard from our friends at the Lutheran church yet, but will keep you posted.
Dec. 26, the Unity Curling club hosts the annual Boxing Day bonspiel, are you registered yet?
Dec. 29, the Unity Miners will host their only home game this month. Plenty of local talent to cheer for on this team.
You know what else you can do that doesn’t require a specific calendar date to complete? Grab a friend, neighbour or senior and take them for a Christmas lights drive as there is plenty of beautiful displays to take in while enjoying an evening drive and visit.
Also, one of the best acts of kindness you can perform this month is to invite a lonely neighbor or a senior to one of the events you attend, or invite them to share a meal with your family, or have you or your family help with snow removal or an errand that might need done. It will be one of the greatest gifts you can offer this Christmas.
At UCHS, they kicked off December with the Grade 11 hosted Culture Fest that featured 20 booths showcasing 20 different countries cuisine and culture; providing a free fun event full of delicious food and plenty of fellowship opportunities as everyone shared a meal together enjoying the diverse cultures represented. Staff and students head into December with plenty of energy for the next stage of academics as well as Warrior sports season of curling and basketball. Tonight is the last public performances of the UCHS drama team, showing ywo productions that have been actively working on since the first week in September. They look forward to the support of students, family, friends and community members.
At UPS, they enjoyed their wonderful Christmas dinner sponsored by the SCC and prepared with these fine folks as well too. Upcoming is their family Christmas festival on Dec. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21, the SCC will also be serving hot lunch to students as well as it is early dismissal for everyone to begin their Christmas break.
At St. Peter’s School, with an already full schedule for staff and students half completed they are starting to wind down with upcoming events of Dec. 20 is the annual Christmas concert at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary. Dec. 21 is the last day before break and students will be treated to a turkey dinner prepared by the SCC and assisted by Delta Co-op; as well as early dismissal that day. The choir and band, who have already had several public performances will also be participating in the annual carol festival this Sunday.
Unity Curling Club, along with regular league night curling, will once again hold their annual Boxing Day funspiel on Dec. 26. Last year saw a record number of teams participating as many enjoy visiting with other visiting family and friends. You can sign up at the rink or by calling the club at 306-228-2212 or sending a PM to the UCC Facebookpage.
It’s over – the Unity Lions Club “Chase The Ace” fundraiser that has been growing since late spring was won Dec. 5 by Joey Abrams with his daughter Janessa drawing the elusive card. Joey will be having a Merry Christmas after having won $22,200. This concludes this lottery fundraiser for 2018 and watch for presentations of the Lions share of the proceeds they earmarked to Unity Minor Ball, Unity Skating Club, Unity Minor hockey, the Walking Paths program and the Outdoor Rec Venue. Congratulations to the Lions for hosting such a successful, exciting weekly event that also benefitted the local Legion hall and the Kin Club.
Coffee row folks have been thoroughly enjoying reviewing all of the activity that has taken place in town as well as anticipating all of the activity that is yet to come. As well, you can be sure weather forecasts are constant with all of the fog we have experienced. Christmas plans are being shared as this group soon knows they will become fewer until the new year as they take turns travelling or hosting family for the Christmas holidays. So you can see life is full of fun and activity in Unity and our friends at coffee row sharing this traditional part of our community culture. Until next time…
