Christmas is nearly upon us! I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. I wish you all health and happiness in the New Year. Thank you for reading this column and letting me know you saw it and/or liked it.
As we have prepared to celebrate Christmas in our community, and get ready this week to meet family and friends for the festive season, try to remember those folks who may not get out much and might need a friendly face for a visit, or those people in our community who came from other countries and are missing their families. Even folks in our long term care and hospital, or local seniors' centres would appreciate a visit or friendly gesture this holiday season. If you see someone struggling with their holiday packages offer to lend them a hand. Shovel the walk of a neighbour (if we ever get some snow), or take some baking or a treat to anyone of the folks in our town who have served you over this past year. I often boast about how this community is terrific at lending a hand so this might be another way you can do your part to brighten up the holidays for someone else.
Warrior Basketball at UCHS is in full swing. The senior boys held their annual tournament Dec. 16 and 17 at UCHS. There was also a dance held in conjunction with the event. The UCHS senior team won the bronze medal.
UCHS drama students once again provided two evenings of great entertainment, Dec. 13 and 14, with their productions of Pajama Party, directed by Mrs. Gilbert, and Pirate of the Carob Bean, written and directed by Mr. Bick.
Pajama Party offered the laughs as we could easily relate to our own adventures in a pajama party from our past. The charming play started off as a typical teenager slumber party, complete with a ghost story, but it leaned towards the unexpected when a police car cruises the neighbourhood in search of the notorious blue light burglar. The all-girl cast of 10 seemed to have no problem with their roles as they delivered this entertaining play. I loved, and could relate to, the little sister who lived to annoy the big sister and the rest of the party goers.
Pirates of the Carob Bean included 25 cast members, an honourable feat for the director. There were many scene changes but the cast members kept us laughing in each scene and eagerly anticipating the next. No disrespect to any cast because I felt they all played their roles well, but the show stealers were Bill and Ted played wonderfully by Toby Prescott and Spencer Sperle. There were certainly some memorable characters recognizable to audience members of all ages. And the ship in the background was fantastic! As were the references to the pirates sailing on none other than Jackfish Lake.
Never underestimate the stage crew as both productions were run smoothly thanks to their efforts. Congratulations to staff who work tirelessly with these students from September until production date to fine tune their presentations. And kudos to those students who choose to step out on stage and perform.
The Kinsmen held their annual seniors' supper Dec. 14. This free event has been hosted by the Kinsmen for over 30 years as it began in 1980. Kinsmen, K-ettes, K-40s and volunteers cook, serve, clean and organize the program for seniors to enjoy as a kickoff to their holiday season.
The annual Christmas Carol Festival was held Dec. 18. This is one event that surely puts folks in the holiday spirit as they enjoy the variety of talent of all ages performing their renditions of favourite hymns and songs both in voice and instrument.
Both elementary schools had their Christmas concerts this past week with St. Peter's putting on a wonderful event Dec. 16 and Unity Public School holding their variety style Christmas concert Dec. 21. Audience members of all ages enjoyed these productions and appreciate the time and effort that teachers give to organize and practice. Also, both elementary schools held Christmas dinners for their staff and students to help celebrate the holidays.
The schools in town all have early dismissal Thursday. All three schools pack much activity and academics into the month of December so teachers and students alike will be ready to enjoy some well deserved time off. Classes will resume on Jan. 4 for all three schools.
The curling club is looking for teams for their annual Boxing Day funspiel. If your family is looking for an active way to spend Boxing Day, why not register a team? And if you need a break from Christmas chaos, why not head to the curling rink to watch a live action game, or meet your favourite team in the lounge. As well, they are hosting a senior men's and women's curling bonspiel Jan. 6 to 8. Please call the local curling club at 228-2212 for more details.
The rink is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Other days during the holidays there is public skating and shinny offered often so please check the rink, your local paper or the town website for schedules. Hockey season will slow down slightly from now until after Christmas when it will ramp up again as teams will be heading into the last halves of their seasons. Check out the schedule at the rink or log on to www.townofunity.com for the latest schedule that lists upcoming games and tournaments.
The museum will take a break on their pancake brunches until the New Year, but they will be back in early January so keep them in mind Sunday mornings. This is the museum's main winter fundraiser so come join them every Sunday from Jan. 20 until April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Adanac Hall on the museum grounds.
The local Chamber of Commerce offered the Grand in your Hand promotion. Shoppers at participating businesses were eligible for entry into this draw that would see three winners of $1,000 in Chamber bucks to be spent in the community. Congratulations to winners Ashley Martin, Susan Park and Cindy Lafortune.
Churches in town all offer Christmas Eve services. Unity United Church holds family candlelight service at 7:30 p.m. St. Peter's Catholic Church holds their mass at 7:30 Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. on Christmas Day. St. John's Anglican has held their services Dec. 18th with Bishop Irving. Unity Baptist Church will hold their service at 7 p.m. and the Lutheran Church will hold their candlelight service at 6 p.m.
Secret Santa long time committee members, Lois Gilbert, Sandra Kelly and Sharon Riou are impressed with the way residents stepped it up to help the campaign. People are not just making physical donations any more. They are holding projects specifically for the cause. One such notable gesture was that of the Co-op Agro Department as they set up a collection box and encouraged their customers to donate to this campaign in memory of their co-worker, Earl Rose, who passed away suddenly this fall.
The Public School had not one but two donations given from their winnings through the SaskTel Pioneers Giving Book contest. Unity Credit Union again earmarked the silver collection they took up at their second Winter Wonderland event towards Secret Santa as well.
The Co-op staff held a raffle at their annual Christmas party with the proceeds going towards this campaign, too. Even the high school decided while feeding hungry students they would benefit Secret Santa with the proceeds.
Sharon said, "people are recognizing there is a need in their own community and in the spirit of giving, they want to make sure they are giving to those who could use a helping hand this Christmas"
Although sometimes overwhelmed with calls to come and collect money from a project held, the committee members never turned down a chance to add to their collections for the 2011 campaign. And whether it is because each year more people are aware of the campaign due to the number of fundraisers or collections depots for them, or because people are more aware of the needs in their own community, the committee was pleased to see another good turnout on assembly night to help sort, wrap and deliver the packages to the families that were submitted. Even though no one wants to see a family in need at Christmas, the committee calls this year's campaign a success. Our community is fortunate to have this group of ladies taking on this noble cause.
As per the tragic fire story I told you of last week, a trust fund has been set up for the family at Unity Credit Union. Try to imagine losing all of your worldly goods in a matter of hours as this is where this homeowner stands. Our community is proud of our reputation for helping out neighbours in need.
Coffee row folk have been wishing each other Christmas greetings as some of them are travelling to be with their families or are preparing their own homes for family to arrive for the holidays. I am always grateful for the thoughts and humour of this group, and look forward to more of their wisdom in the New Year. And so again you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
