It is only 10 days until Christmas! Notice I didn't insert the word 'shopping' in that sentence. That is because there is so much more Christmas has to offer us than shopping and presents. I have tried to list some of the many events in our community that celebrate Christmas. Even if it is as simple as grabbing a friend or shut-in to check out the beautiful light displays around town. Or watch for Gary Scott cruising around town in that fantastic Christmas truck; it is a delight for young and old alike.
No matter how cold the temperature felt, the atmosphere in the parking lot of the credit union was warm and inviting. Unity Credit Union hosted their second annual Winter Wonderland event the evening of Dec. 8. When I asked General manager Gerald Hauta what prompted UCU to put on an event like this, he replied, "We wanted something festive in place of the Winter Lights parade once its existence ceased. We had great success with this event last year and the staff were on board to try it again."
Although there wasn't the magical white background or giant snow hill that attracted many kids last year, the attendees had fun nonetheless. UCU staff were out in full force to load kids on the wagon, cook and serve hotdogs, put lots of marshmallows in the hot chocolate they poured, keep the two fire pits burning with sweet smelling timber and make sure their guests were enjoying their evening. (This included Christmas lights in the trees surrounding their parking lot where the event was held, as well as Christmas carols playing.)
We went for the opening at 6 p.m. and there was enough of a crowd there then but the numbers did not diminish as when I drove by at 7:55 there was still a crowd in line for wagon rides and others enjoying the hotdogs and warm fire. And Santa himself, who was making his rounds at 6 p.m., was still there passing out candy canes and Christmas greetings.
The cost of the event was covered by the credit union while they asked attendees to contribute to a silver collection towards the local Secret Santa campaign. This is one of the many ways the credit union staff are visible in our community. We are fortunate in small-town Saskatchewan to have businesses who want to host community events which can be enjoyed by all generations.
The singing telegram group was out spreading Christmas carols and cheer in the community Dec. 7.
The Kinsmen Club offered free tickets for their annual Senior Christmas Supper Wednesday this week at St. Peter's Hall. This club has held this event, free for all seniors, in our community for well over 25 years.
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 in January. Please call the local curling club at 228-2212 for more details.
Along with the beautiful poinsettia memorial project held each December at Unity United Church, the church choir presents their annual Cantata. This year, they are doing a portion of it during each Sunday of Advent. This presentation by the United Church choir has become an annual Christmas tradition and one you don't want to miss.
Secret Santa campaign folks are busy being in many places collecting donations for their annual campaign. The committee is thrilled that groups have been earmarking funds from their events towards this noble cause. Some examples of this have been: Co-op Agro department asking customers to donate in memory of their employee, Earl Rose, who passed away suddenly this fall; Co-op staff having a raffle at their annual Christmas party; Unity Credit Union having funds from their Winter Wonderland evening go towards the cause and most notably Unity Public School's Grade 4 class, donating their winnings of $100 as a group entry and $1,000 from student Caden Lewin, from the SaskTel Pioneers "Giving Book" contest.
Secret Santa drop-off points are the Co-op, Family Foods, Riou Law Office and Sears. This campaign, in conjunction with the local food bank, aims to make Christmas a little brighter for those in our community who can't afford the Christmas things many of us take for granted. This fine group of ladies has been doing this project for over 25 years. And if you need any help in getting yourself out of Scrooge mode, this is one worthy project to donate your time to.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Telecom Pioneers of North America, the SaskTel Pioneers Chapter 59 promoted The Giving Book to Grade 3 classes throughout the province. This book was to inspire youngsters to give back to the world. The North Battleford SaskTel Pioneer Club, with the help of the school boards throughout the northwest, delivered this book to over 90 schools in our area along with an invitation for the students to enter the Spirit of Giving contest.
The club received over 51 entries. Each school that entered received a cheque of $100 to be used to the benefit of the children. The Unity Public School class, now in Grade 4, chose their funds to be directed to the local Secret Santa campaign, a story featured in the kick-off portion of the local Secret Santa campaign in November.
The entries were then forwarded to the Chapter to be judged. The North Battleford Club were very excited to learn that Caden Lewin, of UPS, was one of two provincial winners, each winner receiving $1,000 to be donated to the charity of the child's choice. Caden proudly chose Unity's Secret Santa campaign as his choice.
Teacher Ms. Sperle noted the curriculum includes a section on social responsibility and she found this project one of the more thought-provoking ways to encourage this. After Caden was presented with his cheque, which he subsequently handed off to Secret Santa committee members in attendance, the group of Sharon Nixon, Brent Degenstein and Sharon surprised the kids with a celebratory cake and chocolate milk.
Coming up Sunday is the annual community Christmas Carol Festival at the Unity Composite High School gymnasium at 2 p.m.
St. Peter's School choir has had various events about town during the month of December. Watch for them at Luther Place Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. They are also performing in their annual Christmas concert today.
Dec. 21 is the UPS Christmas concert, sure to please all generations.
On a tragic note this holiday season, the fire department received a 911 call around 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and responded to a residence on 6th Avenue East. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Sixteen firefighters from both town and rural crews responded to the blaze. Fire Chief Larry Wilkie said the majority of the public were respectful of the situation and stayed outside the perimeters that were blocked off. Town employees, as well as TransGas employees were also on hand to aid in any way that they could.
The homeowner was at work while the occupant in the house was taken to the hospital with undisclosed injury. The home was collapsed sometime later that evening due to its extensive structural damage, and its risk to people in that state. The community offers its heartfelt regrets to the family and I understand a group, and likely more to come, have offered assistance.
Coffee row folk have been admiring the Christmas spirit in town as they can nearly recount a Christmas event each morning they meet. As well, the unseasonably mild weather has them wondering if we will have a white Christmas or not? This group nearly always starts and finishes with laughter showing no matter the discussion or what side of the topic you stand on, there is always room for laughter. And so again you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
