The Unity Chamber of Commerce sponsors a gala evening to celebrate people, businesses and organizations who contribute to the success of Unity.
Monday evening, Grade 12 musician Jason Keller played guitar and piano instrumentals preceding and during the meal. Starting with cocktails and supper, a program honouring special guests.
Wayne Mauthe was honored as the retiring manager of Luther Place. Before this, Wayne was an RCMP officer for 34 years, serving in Unity from 1985-92.
Milestones were celebrated for Masterhand Signs who have been in business for 25 years. Paul Marshall Ag Custom Services has been in business 30 years and has now begun a new business, Orion Forge that is the manufacturing decorative steel. Also honoured were Micheal's Photography, 30 years, and Cargill, 40 years.
New businesses welcomed were Altex Energy, Torq Systems, Helena Long, Junction21, Lorianne Mawbey with Investor's Group; and Ridegeline Engineering.
New managers/owners were recognized. David Best is new manager of Luther Place. Gwen and Ed Frantik took over the Unity Travel Shoppe. Alex Lin who opened the Unity Hotel and restaurant. Mark Mauthe now operates the Maverick Tannery and Hirak and Dhwani Patel operate Subway.
Recognized were committees who have helped bring events and recognition to Unity. Among these were the Pee Wee Girls' Provincial Softball committee, UCHS Journalism Class and the Unity and District Ag Society.
Special presentations were given. The service of veterans JP Baoser, Si Campbell, William Fleming, Cec Hayward and Fred Wagner was acknowledged including Fleming's participation in the D-Day landing.
Bob Abel, minor ball president, was recognized for not only his long term of service, but his unending dedication to development of ball in Unity both coaching and hands on work developing the diamonds each year.
Clark Ubell was nominated for being a businessman who always puts his customers first, regardless of the hour. His nominator wrote, "Clark has his lights and smile on, seven days a week."
The Queen's diamond jubilee medal was presented to Bill Fleming. Fleming returned from the Second World War to farm near Unity as well as take part on the school board, square dancing, snow plow club amongst other things. Bill is a 65-year member of the Unity Legion. As a self-taught mechanic he spends countless hours fixing things at the local museum. At 96 years of age, Fleming continues his dedication to his community putting in over 2,000 hours at the museum in one year, in addition to being poppy chairman, as well as presenting prizes for the Legion poster and literary contests.
Cec Hayward was another recipient, but his background remained a modest statement, similar to the life he leads. Hayward is also a Second World War veteran and is a dedicated member of the Unity Legion branch as well as numerous other activities in the community.
Mayor Sylvia Maljan received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Queen's diamond jubilee medal in honour of her contributions, often behind the scenes, to her community and country.
Mary Vetter is a retired teacher who continues to teach as she mentors newcomers to the community and country. For more than 20 years she has done everything from teaching English to accommodating people in her own home as well as teaching newcomers to drive, cook and preserve garden produce. Immigrants Vetters has worked with showered her with flowers following her presentation.
