Well today, did we notice March come in like a lamb or a lion? Experiencing one of the most mild winters on record, I doubt either weather prediction will influence people's decision on this being one of the most liked winters they have experienced. Although, we know in Saskatchewan, "it ain't over til it's over," and we are prepared that there could be a whole lot of winter left to come.
We did experience a little weather last weekend but the highly predicted storm did not pack near the punch in our area as expected.
The UCHS mixed team of Jonathon Neigum, Shelby Solomko, Justin Sopyc, Mickayla Brandle and Devon Boser head to provincial high school mixed curling championships in Abbey. This is the second year the team has advanced to provincial play and hopes are high for them coming home with some hardware.
The Glen Heit team of Glen as skip, Daryl Eddingfield at third, Bart Brown at second and Gary Maze at lead competed at senior men's provincials in Foam Lake last weekend. The team ended up with a 3-4 record, not enough to advance them to playoffs. Congratulations to this team for advancing to this level of competition.
A big congratulations to Glen's wife Wanda who competed with Team Darlene Gilles in Senior Women's Provincial Playdowns in Gravelbourg last weekend as well. They captured this provincial title with a definitive 11-4 victory in eight ends of play over the Lang team. This team stayed in contention all weekend and had a 4-2 record into Saturday morning. With the top three teams advancing to playoffs, the Gilles rink opening draw left them with no doubt that they were playing in Sunday's semifinals. After a win in semifinals, the team rolled straight through to victory in the final game. Team Gilles will move on to Canadian Senior Women's National Curling competition in Abbotsford, B.C. beginning March 15.The community is very proud of Wanda and her team for this accomplishment!
And starting this weekend, the bonspiel activity heats up again at the curling rink as it begins with the 11th Annual Oilmen's Bonspiel. This annual event also hosts a dance on Saturday night featuring the popular band Paradise Road with FREE admission. Now that's a price everyone can afford!
Following this bonspiel is the ladies bonspiel March 16 weekend and then there is a short break before the year-end funspiel takes place. In between, the league night curlers will be playing as they head toward the end of their season.
Although provincial playdowns are over for all teams from Unity who entered, league playoffs for hockey are in full swing. The Miners, unfortunately, did not advance from their playoff series so their season is done. The Peewee Lazers advanced from their first round against Leader and will be matched up against Kerrobert in the next round. Both Atom Lazer teams advanced from their first rounds of playoffs and will face off against each other this weekend, to see who can capture the league title this year. Bantam and midget AA standings have not been received yet. Novice division will be hosting their home tournament this weekend. With the season winding down, if you are wanting to get your last fix of local hockey before season end and wondering what is upcoming at our rink, don't forget to check out the schedule at the rink or on the Town of Unity website to find out when your favourite team is playing next. Remember folks, the majority of the action at the rink is free, excluding the higher divisions. And even those events only have a nominal charge at the gate to help pay some of their expenses.
And we are anxious to possibly see Cody Thompson on television at this weekend's Brier as he was chosen as Junior Star to be paired with Team Newfoundland/Labrador Brad Gushue's team for Saturday's draws. I look forward to interviewing Cody following his brush with greatness, and will happily report here on his experience next week.
And believe it or not, Telemiracle 36 will be airing this weekend. Local Grade 6 student Madison Gilbert is heading to the event with her dad, Scott, as part of a research project she is doing in her Grade 6 ELA class. The Gilbert family has been a long-time participant and supporter of Telemiracle as both John and Lois were part of the Kin clubs that put years of projects on to raise money for the cause. Brothers Scott and Tyler spent many times as Kin kids, being part of the projects their parents were involved in, and now make sure their kids are enjoying the Telethon as it progresses. It is fascinating to see that, what once was thought of as a short-term project, has evolved into such a lifelong Saskatchewan tradition for us all. Ring those phones, everyone!
Congratulations to Donna Boser for her achievement in winning runner-up for the Song of the Year songwriting competition, entered online. Donna is a well-known vocalist in the area and we have had the pleasure of hearing the song that won this award as it was recorded on a CD produced a while back as part of a fundraising project.
There are many sports involved in Saskatchewan Summer Games to take place July 29 to Aug, 4. Check out the website www.riverswestdistrict.ca to check out sporting events involved, tryout times, age categories, etc. At the last Summer Games held in Lloydminster in 2008, Unity had a bantam softball team participate as well as two running entries. This is a great chance for athlete exposure, as well as an experience of a lifetime.
Basketball season is nearing the playoff portion with junior teams heading to playoffs this weekend and senior teams the weekend after.
Coming up March 17 is the 30th annual Ducks Unlimited banquet and auction at the Unity Community Centre. Tickets are only $25 per person and are available at the Unity Credit Union, North West Terminal and Cinema Satellite.
Don't forget the museum is hosting their Sunday pancake brunches until April. And every third Sunday is the special brunch. The last winter brunch will be April 29. We will soon be into spring which means getting the museum ready for another season so watch for our opening day in May. Thank you for all your support!
Coffee row folk have been discussing what the weather might bring us in March. As well, many of these participants at coffee row are curling fans so they debate on whether the right team won at the Scotties, and they are looking forward to the beginning of the Brier in Saskatoon this weekend. As well, speculation is high on whether Telemiracle 36 can keep the pace for strong fundraising efforts this weekend. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week ...
