It’s the day before the last day of June already folks! School is out, summer is on and this weekend hundreds of communities across Saskatchewan and thousands of communities in our country will use this weekend to celebrate the 150th birthday of Canada. Arrive alive, folks; make sure your celebrations involve a designated driver and extra time to get to your destination.
Mother Nature sure brought summer in with a howl when, the evening of June 20, a wicked storm blew in with high winds and rains. The following day, many were left to clean up the remnants of broken branches, strewn leaves and items blown from other yards. June 21, the winds stayed howling only slightly less in intensity, although aggravating the already damaged trees and bringing down more branches. June 22 was a cool and rainy day and it appears from the Farmer’s Almanac we can expect more cool weather in the days ahead. I keep reminding everyone to make the most of those nice days this summer as we just don’t know how many we are going to get.
I think Unity is still humming about all the excitement the 36-team GPLS tournaments brought to town. Congratulations to the host committee and home teams who created a fantastic weekend for ball fans with full event flavour for residents and visitors. Events like these certainly boost the town’s economy and top notch event creation and host committee commitment to the best event possible all combine to create an experience that people will talk about and will want to return to another event hosted in Unity.
Although all camping spaces around Unity might not be that populated for some time, it was sure exciting to see so many of them utilized as well as know that Unity has the capability of hosting this many RVs on any given weekend; as with upcoming family reunions and weddings and provincial ball events, we will certainly see more of these sights this summer. As one resident stated, “It is certainly refreshing to see campers pouring into town rather than the common sight of campers pouring out of town on summer weekends!”
UCHS will bid farewell to the Graduating Class of 2017, celebrating their graduation tomorrow on June 30. The exams have been written, the smiles of successes and the tears of frustration are over for high school years as this year’s grad class gets to celebrate their 12 years of schooling as set out on the next chapter of their lives whether it includes travel, post secondary schooling or employment. It also marks some melancholy for teachers as they get to see the results of their work in the scholarships and accolades that will be bestowed upon these graduates that have been a part of UCHS for the last six years. The community will notice the absence of this group as many of them held jobs, volunteered in various roles and were on teams that were cheered for throughout their growing up years in Unity. Congratulations, graduates, and enjoy a safe and happy graduation! For the non-graduates, summer break is upon you – make it count!
Unity Public School has just report card distribution left to complete before this school year is considered a wrap. The year ends with plenty of success stories as well as some sentimental journeys as the Grade 6 class will no longer be part of UPS as they migrate to UCHS in the fall. A sigh of “where did the time go” will be echoed by both teachers and parents while students eagerly anticipate their summer vacations.
St. Peter’s school has also just report card day to close out their school year. Staff and students reflect on another year of milestones, accolades and achievements in their midst this past school year with a sense of melancholy as they bid farewell to the Grade 6 class who will also migrate to UCHS in the fall, as well as bid farewell to Mrs. Ruder who will be happily entering retirement after June 30.
It’s go time for ball teams as many of them are soon to compete at their respective provincial championships for softball, with the baseball divisions coming a little later in the season. I will try to keep you posted as best I can with their updates. Congratulations to coaches, managers, UMB executive and players on another terrific season and know that many appreciate all the effort you give in another AAA+ ball season for all teams. Don’t forget the Unity Cardinals are still rolling strong in their season and they will continue to play hard up until their provincial bid coming up in August. June 30 is the last night for the Friday night slo-pitch league so if you aren’t involved in grad or the long weekend activity, then come on down and watch some ball games.
Unity was still without a swimming pool as of June 22. This eliminates nearly one month from the swim season which has frustrated those with kids in June lessons as well as swimmers who enjoy the short season of the pool. Only its third year into existence, the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre suffered problem after problem that just seemed movie script material for the title “A series of unfortunate events.” Unity’s parks and recreation director, Ryan Doetzel, is to be commended for continually updating residents on the problems and tasks taken to correct the problems. Here’s hoping by the time you read this issue that everyone is happily swimming in our town pool once again.
A very respectful gesture by the Unity golf club as the clubhouse was closed until the afternoon of June 22 as a sign of respect for Blane Heitt. The Unity golf club was very grateful for memorial donations to the UCG made in memory of Blane. Men’s and ladies’ night golf are underway at the Unity Golf Club as are some upcoming events coming to this course. If you’re a golfer you may want to check out their new Facebook page.
On another note related to the golf club – the Candace Heitt Memorial Run will be taking a leave of absence this September, 2017. Know that Candace’s friends and family are very thankful for the sponsors, volunteers and participants over the past nine years and want everyone to know they are moving ahead with the walking path that funds were raised for.
Although he doesn’t reside in Unity, he is a familiar face on sports teams in Unity so we’d like to send a big congratulations to Wilkie resident, 16-year-old Trey Pernitsky, who has secured a spot on Team Saskatchewan track team to take part in the Tri-West championship coming up this July in Winnipeg.
Canada Day Celebrations take on new meaning this year with the entire country celebrating Canada 150. The Unity museum has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to once again host events on July 1 at our museum. The day will kick off with a pancake breakfast and church service. The flag raising portion will hold a unique opportunity to hear live stories bridging history of some of Canada’s historical entities. There will be a barbecue lunch and concession hosted by the UCRC, old-fashioned games, entertainment, cake, balloon release, supper and the ever popular fireworks display. Volunteers are still needed so please contact the town office if you can pitch in.
June 30 and July 1, you can take in multiple Canada 150 activities in Unity, as well as the neighbouring communities of Luseland and Wilkie.
The following weekend, July 7, 8 and 9 the communities of Tramping Lake and Kerrobert, who are in close proximity to Unity will also be holding events.
Community businesses are often under appreciated for their commitment and donations to the communities they serve. Big events in Unity would show far less success without sponsorship, volunteers and support from their business community. Congratulations to the Compass Minerals team who donated $1,000 from the employees, matched by the company, given to the UCHS SADD chapter to help with their initiatives. Often business employees hold dress down days or specific events to benefit charities, groups and organizations in our community. Remember all of these attributes when choosing where to make your purchases and ask yourself if those big box stores are supporting your community as much as your local businesses do!
Coffee row folks continue to love the speculation on events to come and reviewing those events in our community that have already taken place; thankful for those who choose to organize, plan and host these events as they know from experience, these are big undertakings for community members. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time...
