Beware the "Ides of March" words made famous in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. The only thing I can foresee happening this March 15 is being left wondering if winter is just starting or just trying to flex its muscle before it heads south so spring can begin
Now that the Brier is all over, local youth curler Cody Thompson will hold fond memories of his experience as a Junior Star during the March 3 evening draw for Team Newfoundland/Labrador, Brad Gushue. As part of SaskEnergy's sponsorship, youth curlers from throughout the province earned a berth through essay entries. Cody was thrilled to participate in the Brier from an on-ice level as they toured the dressing room, got to watch pre-game practices from centre ice and experienced the opening ends from the ice level with his team.
Besides the bag of goods SaskEnergy presents each of their junior stars, including an official team jacket, Cody was personally handed a game-worn Brier shirt with Gushue's name labelled on the back - a souvenir that Cody has already proudly worn to his Thursday night league game following this event.
Although Cody was somewhat disappointed with the record his team had in the tournament, being that Brad Gushue was heavily favoured coming into the event, he said it was an experience he will never forget and he would strongly recommend it to other junior curlers.
Good luck to our local team heading to Provincial Dominion Curling Championships in Estevan this weekend. The team of Lloyd Fell, Keith Schell, Curtis Bowker and Martin Boser head down to southern Saskatchewan to hopefully add another curling banner to the arena in a year of success.
Also everyone in Unity is cheering on Team Darlene Gillies, which includes our very own Wanda Heitt. The gals have headed to Abbotsford, B.C., to take part in the National Senior Women's Curling Championship after winning the provincial title in February.
The curling club is running its last few events before the season is over. This weekend the club plays host to its annual ladies' bonspiel. These gals always know how to have a lot of fun. Why not head down to the rink this weekend and watch a live game or two? The following weekend the curling club will hold their year-end funspiel. Many teams looking for their last fix in the curling category will get together to curl, enjoy some fellowship and revel in the remarkable season the Unity club and its teams have had.
Because many hockey teams were done with their provincial runs and only the bantams and midget AAs are still in league playoffs, there is some 3-on-3 hockey being offered to use up some ice time before the end of the season. It is a fun way to finish off the season.
UCHS senior basketball teams were in conference playoffs this past weekend with the senior girls playing in Wilkie; however, they were unable to advance. The senior boys earned a gold medal and are off to regionals this weekend. Badminton is now starting at UCHS.
UPS had some members of the SaskTel Pioneers club on hand to present Caden Lewin with a plaque in honour of his winning their 2011 contest in honour of their 100th anniversary. The contest encouraged students to write a story about giving or volunteering to go into their book called The Giving Book. Back in December this group was on hand to present $100 to the Grade 4 class, and $1,000 to Caden, each to be given to the charity of their choice - both of which they chose as Secret Santa. As well, each student from the winning class was presented their own copy of The Giving Book, which includes submitted stories as well as an area for journaling more of their own stories on giving back.
The Delta Co-op annual meeting circuit is nearly wrapped up with just one meeting left in Wilkie next week. The Co-op is pleased at the improved position they were in for the 2011 year.
UCHS drama is in the last leap of rehearsals leading up to the Regional Drama Festival coming up in early April. As well the club will host their production for the public with two dates in April, to be announced.
Coming up in Unity soon is Firearm Safety 2012 with classes starting in April. Classes are open to ages 11 and up and applications must be returned by March 16 to Unity schools, the RM of Round Valley office, Ultra Sports and R. Burns, 228-2717.
This weekend the Unity Skating Club presents their annual ice carnival with a tele-toon retro theme March 16 at 7 p.m. at the arena. Advance tickets can be purchased from any skating club member. Come and check out all of our local talent.
UCHS is now accepting nominations for the Hall of Honour with five categories in academics, arts, athletics, citizenship and humanities. The individual must have been out of UCHS for at least 10 years. Last year UCHS honoured Ash Cooper in both the arts and athletics category for his career in Western art and as a rodeo clown/bullfighter. Nominations can be made at the school.
For some, ball season has been taking place all winter as some players have been working out and getting instruction at various centres in our region. Ball registration took place March 15. If the numbers from the past few years are any indication, we will be hosting many teams again this year. Being a summer games year as well, there are hopes that Unity can earn success in qualifying for this event to be held in Meadow Lake July 29 to Aug. 4.
The 30th annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet will take place at the community centre March 17. Tickets are still available for the banquet and auction at Unity Credit Union, North West Terminal and Cinema Satellite.
Coming up at the end of this month is the Unity School of Dance showcase of solo and duet numbers. Show times will be 2:30 and 7 p.m. March 31 at UCHS senior gym. The dance club will be accepting a silver donation.
Coffee row folk have been discussing what the weather might bring us in March. As well, many of these participants at coffee row are curling fans so they are debating their favourite team's standings at this year's Brier in Saskatoon. In addition the conversation tilted towards the second sighting of a long black limo being sighted in town last Friday, (the other sighting being a long white limo). Speculation was rampant and there were a multitude of stories as to whom the occupants of these fancy cars were. Do you know? So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
