Middle of December already how ready are you for Christmas?
How much are you enjoying the weather so far this winter? We moved from dense spring-like fog to the deep freeze. I mean, I thought only the Yukon experienced weather sitting at minus 59 degrees!
In spite of the cold, it was a fantastic night in downtown Unity Dec. 5. The annual Winter Wonderland community Christmas celebration still featured all the favourites such as sleigh rides, plenty of hot chocolate venues, cookie decorating, in-store specials, family photo booth, Santa and live Christmas music. It was a wonderful way to enjoy food, fellowship, friends and festivity in a kickoff to Christmas celebrations in our community.
You can alleviate Christmas shopping stress right in your hometown. Dozens of businesses offer free spacious parking, no long lineups and personal and friendly service too. Celebrate your community's charm this shopping season and support your local businesses by doing your Christmas shopping right in town, knowing that your shopping dollars stay right in your own community.
And if that isn't enough incentive for you, how about the Unity Chamber of Commerce 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 the participating business. 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.
Unity Public School shared the gift of music at the downtown events Dec. 5 as they had a choir performing with other musical guests there. The Grade 6 students also held a highly successful bake sale that night. The classroom trees in the hallway look fabulous and will be a great way to welcome guests for the annual Christmas concert slated for Dec. 18 morning and Dec. 19 afternoon. Classes will be dismissed early Dec. 20 and it will be nearly two weeks off for students for Christmas vacation.
Unity Composite High School had some exciting news when their chem teacher, Mr. Greg Bick, was voted one of Canada's extraordinary teachers through an EF Tours promotion. Bick was one of the 10 finalists in all of Canada when voting moved to online. Throughout valiant efforts, past and present students threw accolades his way. Second prize awarded the school $1,000 which Mr. Bick feels will go towards the drama and music stuff he works with in the school.
UCHS is well into basketball season with teams taking part in various tournaments.
The drama students presented their productions Dec. 10 and at a dessert theatre night Dec. 11.
Students will be dismissed early Dec. 20 and get to relax for two weeks of Christmas vacation. For Grade 12 students, this leaves only one semester in high school.
St Peter's School has been busy. In addition to a number of events the school has already had, including choir performances and reconciliation, the school's annual Christmas concert takes place in two performances Dec. 18. Always a hit; you won't want to miss this event. The school concert will feature performances not only by the student body but the choir and band will offer musical selections under the guided, experienced direction of Mrs. Nadine Keller.
In addition to the choir performing at the Winter Wonderland event and mass, they will be performing at the annual Carol Festival Dec. 15 so plan to take this event in and enjoy the splendid gift of music the St. Peter's choir offers.
Hockey, hockey and hockey - it's always on the go at the Unity arena. This weekend, the peewee division hosts their annual tournament. As well, if you like faster paced action you can check the upcoming schedules for the Midget As, Midget AAs and Unity Miners as they host games in town.
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 our lounge complete with TVs at each sheet for the close-to-the-button calls. And you can always join your favourite curler in the lounge after a game. The New Year will bring plenty of bonspiel action that includes hosting Senior Men's and Women's Provincial Championships right here in Unity.
You won't want to miss the splendid display of local talent performing at the annual Carol Festival this Sunday at the UCHS gym. Guaranteed to enhance your Christmas spirit, the musical gifts offered by talented musicians performing as soloists, duos, trios and in groups is sure to soothe the soul this busy Christmas season.
The Unity Secret Santa program is looking for your help again this year. They are accepting unwrapped new toys, teenage gifts, adults' gifts and 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 date 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 takes place this Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Unity Agroplex. Doors open to the public at 4 p.m. and the $5 admission collected includes your lunch. For more details, 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 has been buzzing about all the fun activities that have taken place in the community this festive season. The cold weather snap was certain to top the discussion too. Getting closer to Christmas, rowers discus their plans for the Christmas holidays. And there is never a shortage of laughter at these tables. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
