In only a matter of a few weeks, as I praised people for banding together to help our neighbours forced to flee the Fort Mac fire, I have seen endless nastiness in the news and online from people who feel their opinions are validated regarding parenting, politics and any topic in general. I just don’t understand where all of this nastiness comes from or why.
I’ll share a quote I saw on Facebook from Martin Soulredder: “The world doesn’t want to be saved – it wants to be loved and that’s how you save it.” Be the change you want to see in the world, people!
I forgot to wish my parents-in-law a happy 56th wedding anniversary June 6; wishing you both the blessings of health and happiness.
Rain hampered a few ball events last week, however, there is still no lack of action on the diamonds as all divisions of minor ball in both baseball and softball divisions fine tune their teams leading up to provincial playdowns. It’s only a matter of a few weeks until Unity will play host to the U12 provincial girls’ softball championship with the U21 Western Canadian softball event right behind it, slated for August long weekend.
Unity Public School Grade 6 will be celebrated June 24 in an afternoon full of fun as one of their last events at UPS before they head on over to the high school in the fall. Kindergarten celebrations will be held June 27 and 28 with June 28 being the last student school day.
St. Peter’s School will host their year-end celebrations and awards June 28. Kindergarten graduation was held June 21.
Unity Composite High School now has five new members of the UCHS Wall of Honour, inducted on awards night June 7. Reg Cantelon, long-time principal who went on to become STF president and a Member of Parliament, was inducted into the citizenship category;. Tandra Fraser, a 2006 graduate was inducted in the academic category for her work in soil research, currently in a post doctorate at the University of Reading near London, England. Brendon Wawaruk, a 26-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who has served in more than 50 countries, was inducted into the citizenship and humanities category. Kevin Ackerman, part of the design team who developed the “Eye on the Hog” hog-line violation now used in major curling events, was inducted into the industry category. Cheryl Loadman, who worked in academic circles at the University of Saskatchewan as well as in the provincial government, was inducted into the citizenship and humanities category.
Congratulations to the many students honoured with proficiency awards as well as leadership, arts and culture awards, citizenship and the 3 Beliefs Award, and honour roll and athletic awards. A large contingent of students was also part of the same week’s Living Sky Hall of Fame awards night in North Battleford, recognized for their successes in academics, athletics and the arts.
Unity Composite High School is in finals mode. Graduation ceremonies will take place June 30 at the senior gym starting at 9 a.m and everyone is welcome to attend.
Canada Day fun is the next event lined up at the Unity museum. Come and see the new boardwalk, the new roof on the Swarthmore church and the excellent display of history. The day starts with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a church service at 10 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. There will be a barbecue lunch and concession all afternoon along with community entertainment and activities, Lions’ kids’ games and horse and wagon rides along with rides in the old apple truck. Tickets are now on sale for the Canada Day supper from the resource centre. Will Ballantyne will perform with his band from 2 – 4 p.m. Fireworks will take place after dark at the northwest corner of town.
The pool is open and ready for a second year of fun at the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre. Check out townofunity.com for all the details and schedules for this swimming season.
The Summer Fun Center will begin July 4 and run until Aug. 19 for children five to 11 years of age every weekday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Fun, safe, organized games and crafts are offered. The town also offers a summer preschool program for children three and four years of age, also at the community centre, with education, physical activity, crafts and games from July 5 to Aug. 12.
There is a group starting to train for the Candace Heitt Memorial Run that will be held Sept. 18. They will begin their training June 29 at Wildeman Sports at 5 p.m., free of charge for everyone and for all ages and abilities. Contact Josh Noble at 306-210-9900 for more information.
I send my best wishes and healing energy to one of my favourite “rowers,” Leo. Can’t wait for you to return and “fill me in” on your wisdom and humour once again. Also big congratulations to my friends Don and Edith Wallace who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Don and Edith were two of the first people we met when we moved to Unity and their impression on us reflected the warm, wonderful community we were coming to.
Coffee row folks have loved a more positive conversation on moisture than spring was earlier giving them. Local ball teams also give them plenty to review and their anticipation of the upcoming Rider season is evident. Those folks who took part or had family members in attendance at one of the several Garth Brooks concerts that hit Saskatoon June 9 through 12 certainly had lots of exciting stories to tell of their experience with this country music superstar. Community barbecues, weddings, anniversaries and reunions are upon us now and this gives everyone plenty to smile about and plenty to anticipate and reminisce about in the days ahead. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time …
