Still revelling in Rider Pride, I love seeing all those green flags on cars and homes. It's a weird feeling to be watching Olympic curling trials this week and still be talking about the Riders.
Happy birthday to one of my two favourite bus drivers, brother-in-law, Larry.
Well it wasn't the snow and blowing snow that was a hazard recently; it was that thick fog that seemed to blanket our area for nearly two days straight.
Our local paper recently reviewed two outstanding long-time volunteers in the community. "Huntzie," John Klaehn, and "Rizz," Pat Risling, are two familiar faces at both the hockey arena and the ball diamonds. Huntz has volunteered in both organizations for the past three decades while Rizz has been lending his services and skills to both organizations since the '90s.
While many communities struggle to fill various roles in their minor sports programs, Unity has the benefit of these two fine gentlemen who dedicate endless hours of their own time, all unpaid and often unrecognized, to both Unity Minor Hockey and Unity Minor Ball. Hats off to these two gents for assisting with the success of these programs for youth in our community.
Our community always reaches out to help their neighbours. Numerous fundraisers were hosted to lend a hand and show solidarity with our Philippine residents for the typhoon relief efforts. Schools hosted events as did Parkview Place, United Church women, the long term care activities group and various collection depots that helped assemble much needed clothing and dry goods to ship to those in need.
Unity Public School held a rally for the Philippine relief fund, asking kids to bring coins to fill in letters spelling "Philippines," and raised over $1,000. In addition they collected clothing, blankets and other items to be shipped to this country for relief efforts.
UPS has their trees up and children are preparing for the annual Christmas concert slated for later this month.
UCHS too held a fundraiser for Philippine relief with a hot dog and cupcake sale, as well as collecting items to be shipped. December marks a busy month for the school with drama production, basketball season and Christmas activity. This year's drama dual productions will be dessert theatre Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and a Dec. 11 dessert auction and live production at 6:30 p.m.
St Peter's School also helped the Philippine relief effort, donating the proceeds of their sub lunch sale in November as well as collecting and donating numerous items to the Parkview garage sale.
The school is working into Advent season. As well, Mrs. Keller has been busy preparing her choir and band groups for the Christmas season. Under her direction, these musical gifts are always highly anticipated by those who get to hear them.
The community held a fabulous community Christmas celebration last night. Downtown was bustling with stores open late, live Christmas music featured in a couple of places, plenty of businesses offering hot chocolate and treats, family Christmas photo booth, sleigh rides and Santa was even making his rounds.
This is one of the many reasons I love living in this community. We celebrate together well. It's fun heading to an event such as this to participate in the activities and just catch up with some friends and neighbours while enjoying the atmosphere.
IF you enjoy a live hockey game, head down to the hockey arena. You can enjoy the youngest just starting out in the game they love or the talented older divisions who offer a fast paced, high action game for fans to enjoy. The Unity Miners are also having a good season and always appreciate the support of the community.
Because ice time is so full with 12 minor hockey divisions, power skating, rec skating program, senior hockey, recreation hockey teams and the Unity Skating Club, you will want to be sure to check the weekly schedule hanging at the arena for what's coming up at the rink. This schedule includes public skating times. You can also view this schedule on the Town of Unity website.
The arena is a good place to come watch some action, enjoy the flavours and aromas offered from the booth or just visit a friend or neighbour who happens to be there. Your local arena - part of what helps bring a season full of enthusiasm, entertainment and exercise to our community.
The curling club is now looking for teams for their annual Boxing Day spiel. You can contact the rink at 306-228-2212 to enter your team or name for this event.
Don't forget there is live action curling every night of the week. You can enjoy the large spacious viewing area in the lounge complete with TVs at each sheet for the close-to-the-button calls. The big screen TV will be full of Olympic curling trials action as it unfolds this year. And you can always join your favourite curler in the lounge after a game.
The Unity Chamber of Commerce is once again offering the Bundle of Bucks promo to encourage residents to shop locally. Over 20 local businesses are participating and the winner could collect a bundle of gift cards and certificates redeemable at participating businesses. The draw will be made Dec. 23 so watch for draw drums and think about how your purchases benefit our local community when doing this year's Christmas shopping.
The Unity Secret Santa program is looking for your help again this year. They are accepting unwrapped new toys, teenage gifts, adults' gifts or monetary donations which can be dropped off at Sears or Riou Law Office. Donations of toys or other gifts can be dropped off at Sister's Flowers, Delta Co-op Grocery, Family Foods and the Bargain Shop.
If you know of someone who can benefit from this program, please contact Sandra Kelly at 306-228-4232, Sharon Riou at 306-228-4264 or Lois Gilbert at 306-228-3231. Last day for name submissions is Dec. 16 and donation deadline is Dec. 18 with delivery taking place Dec. 19.
Volunteers are always needed so come out to St. Peter's Parish Hall Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. to help assemble, wrap and deliver these packages. Your continued support of this valuable community program is appreciated.
Don't forget the annual scoring night for hunters takes place Dec. 14 at the Unity Agroplex. Doors open to the public at 4 p.m. and the $5 admission collected includes your lunch. Supper tickets for the annual wildlife supper will be available in early January for the event Feb. 1. For more details on these events, contact Bob Schwab at 306-228-2419 or Dave Ganter at 306-228-2901.
There has been a multitude of lunches, bake sales, craft sales and home-based business shows in the community. It is hard to keep up with them all so watch the bulletin boards around town for these events and see if there is something that interests you coming up.
Coffee row is still talking about the sweet at-home Rider victory. And, of course, the weather never fails to be a topic of conversation. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
