If you didn't get enough food and festivity during the Julian calendar Christmas celebrations in December, or the Ukrainian Christmas celebrations the first weekend in January, you can always whoop it up for Ukrainian New Year's this weekend. Although Unity doesn't hold an event, there are many other communities in the province that do and I notice, an hour away in Kindersley, there is a Ukrainian New Year's celebration to benefit the new rink facility fundraising project.
We had a good weekend of curling. The first annual Senior Men's Cash Spiel, Jan. 6 to 8, resulted in a final draw between Brad Heidt and Al Coutts. The game was close right to the final rocks. Heidt beat Coutts in the final game. Ten teams registered including some from the local club and from Wilkie, Kerrobert, Kindersley, North Battleford and Saskatoon. In the draw was Eugene Hritziuk's renowned senior team. Local rinks also competed in preparations for senior men's provincial run. It is flattering to hear the accolades showered on the curling rink facility we have.
Minor Hockey Weekend is upon us. Friday night the senior Miners hockey club hosts a home game. The popular tradition of initiation hockey players having a mini game between first and second intermission is a fan favourite. Between the second and third periods, the peewee provincial banner, won last year, will be raised. Throughout the weekend each division of Unity Minor Hockey will host a home game, giving fans a chance to see the beginnings of hockey to the seasoned veteran teams in the upper age categories. On Saturday, around 4 p.m., the bantams will hoist their league championship banner won last year.
A bouquet of thanks is sent out to Larry Wilkie who retired from the Unity fire department after 34 years of service, almost 20 of them serving as fire chief. He is succeeded by local firefighter Leroy Timmermans. Larry says he is leaving with full confidence in the current firefighters, evidenced by the quick response and excellent work at a December house fire. He also says their top-of-the-line equipment, and hours of training give residents full confidence their community is served well.
UCHS basketball season is in full swing. The junior boys held their home tournament last weekend and one every one of their games. UCHS students are in the last legs of semester one with exams scheduled for the week of Jan. 23 to 27.
Both elementary schools are in beginning preparations for student participation in the annual music festival. It takes much work to not only line up the performers but practse the chosen pieces to perfection.
January 27 to 29 is the multiple 4-H clubs' Craft Retreat Weekend at the Unity Community Centre. It is a weekend to come and work on craft projects - scrapbooking, card making, quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting and painting. Local craft consultants will be present. Registration is $95 and includes snacks, lunch, and supper. Registrations can be picked up at Jay Dee Ag Tech or call Corinne at 2283604.
Our province growing and so is our town. Unity has surpassed the 3,000 mark ,up from the last recorded statistic of 2,500. This information was obtained from the health.gov.sk.ca website. This is a good indication of Unity's growth, industry and job creation over recent years as well as the high quality of life we enjoy in our community. Unity's Economic Development Director Carey Baker, said "the reputation of the town of Unity as a good place to work, live, and raise a family will continue to attract individuals and families to our community."
The local Legion congratulates recent 50/50 winners Norman Jean Mason and Dale Reiter. The Legion reminds residents of more fundraising, including these 50/50 draws, in 2012 as the Legion is in need of a new roof on their hall.
The annual wildlife supper will be held at the community centre on Saturday, Feb. 4. Besides the excellent meal that is always prepared and served by wildlife members, the annual awards are handed out to local sportsman. Contact any wildlife member for a ticker or call the Town of Unity at 228-2621.
The Lions Club is currently selling tickets for a Valentine's Day supper and show featuring A Tribute to Johnny Cash - Cashback Friday, Feb. 10 at the Unity Community Centre. Happy hour is at 5:30 p.m. with supper at 6:30 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. Only 225 tickets are to be sold. Contact Rose at 228-2579 or Phyllis at 228-3873.
Coffee row folk continue to marvel at the unseasonably warm weather and lack of snow. Whether you are relishing the mild winter or dreading the concept that this might be our summer and poor weather is yet to come, it leaves for many pros and cons discussions at our coffee gatherings.
Again, you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
