This is the tail end of Easter break for the kids and they head back to class Monday. Time will move quickly as the last indoor sport at the schools, badminton, will be into the end of its season with playoffs coming up quickly. Track practices have started as it's only a few weeks until May's circuit of track and field meets begin.
The Unity Ministerial Association was happy to have about 70 people ranging from age seven to 90 participate in their annual Way of the Cross Walk, Good Friday. Folks came as families, as pairs of friends and as individuals to collectively join together, sharing scripture, prayer and song in an interdenominational service that stopped at various "stations" in town, recounting the Good Friday story. Following the service, worshippers were invited to stay at the United Church CE building for hot cross buns and hot chocolate, as well as enjoy the fellowship that accompanies these events.
The Rivers West Sports, Culture and Recreation Committee are hosting their annual awards dinner and presentations in Unity, at the community centre, April 25. Ticket deadline is April 18 and you must contact Cynthia at 446-6776. Various groups, individuals and organizations are being recognized which will include the Unity Peewee Lazers as well as the 2011 SaskTel Northern Men's curling championship committee.
The School of Dance has been working feverishly all winter to perfect their numbers for competitions and public performances. It is a huge commitment factor for both dancers and dance parents. The entire club is going to Dancin' on the Border in Lloydminster April 18-22 and are attending the Battlefords Dance Festival April 9-12 as well. The older dancers are also going to The Performer in Saskatoon, May 2-6 at TCU Place (the old Centennial Auditorium). They already held their solo, duets and trios recital March 31 and will hold their big season end recital May 11 and 12.
The in motion Community Challenge - although we did not win the $10,000, in motion Sask. made a commitment to all finalist communities, which included Unity. That commitment is a $5,000 subsidy that our community will be receiving. This money is going towards several initiatives: $1,000 to UCHS for new high jump mats; $1,000 to St. Peters for new soccer nets; and $1,000 to UPS for a new treadmill in their fitness room. The remaining $2,000 will be going to a new program that will be happening in July and August. It will be similar to the Summer Fun Program but is targeted at kids aged three- and four-years-old. It will have a physical activity component but also an educational one as well, like learning about numbers and the alphabet, life skills, how to safely walk across streets and so on. This funding, along with another grant we have been approved for, will help pay for a co-ordinator and some helpers.
UCHS drama is in the last leap of rehearsals leading up to Regional Drama Festival coming up April 20 and 21. Don't forget, April 17 and 18 the club will host their public performance of their production, Sunday Dress Rehearsal, at the UCHS high school gym. Come out for a great evening of entertainment provided by the high school drama club. Each show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Mike, at 228-2111, is looking for slo-pitch teams to register for the league in Unity with games starting May 4 and running through until June 29. The deadline for entries is April 27. This is a great way to have some fun as well as get in a little recreation and exercise. Or you can start fine-tuning your team for the annual Miners Slo-Pitch Tournament due to take place the weekend of May 25, 26 and 27 in Unity.
The new bathroom project at the regional park and ball diamonds is underway, which will be a great addition to this already wonderful venue. The old ATCO building just wasn't user-friendly, or big enough when big events were held. Through a grant, contributions from minor ball and some fundraising, the new building will finally be up and running this season. The second batting cage is also being erected at the diamonds to accommodate the large number of ball teams this year.
Soccer kids will be hitting the fields soon. It's always fun to walk, ride or drive by and see all those little ones frantically chasing the ball with giant grins on their faces while doing it. We are lucky to have multiple kids' activities in the community for our youth to be part of.
The golf club's annual meeting took place and soon the course will open to the public. Some folks are already swinging the clubs in their yards in anticipation of the beginning of golf season.
The museum had some challenges with their Sunday brunches due to water issues beyond their control. They will wrap up the brunches in two weeks so try and get there for a delicious Sunday brunch before they are done for this season. This is their main fundraiser and we appreciate what the museum has to offer so let's support them in their endeavors.
The food bank will hold their annual meeting April 26. They welcome new members. Contact the food bank if you are interested and would like more details.
The current recycle centre will close April 16. Residents will have to take their recyclables to the temporary bins set up at the public works shop. More details are about town and in the local paper on how things are to be taken there and what is being accepted.
The courtesy car office is relocating to 113B Main Street. They will still have the same phone number.
Can you believe it is 100 years since the Titanic set out on her maiden voyage, and, unbeknownst to the passengers on board, would soon be recorded in history as one of the worst nautical disasters in history?
Coffee row folk have been actively been discussing many topics. Of course as many programs and news stories this week will revolve around the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, table talkers can certainly share their theories on the disaster. Participants are also musing on the upcoming growing season, the looming tax deadline, the Riders' season as they speculate on 2012, and just the weather in general ... So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time ...
