Mayor's Dec. 2012 Blog

From the Mayor’s Desk

It has been a while since I have written from my desk, here in Unity.  I believe I am motivated by the beginnings of a new term of office which encourages new changes all around.  Perhaps, my efforts will initiate the mayors of this publication’s reading area to also take pen in hand and put their thoughts on paper.

During my first three- year term as Mayor, I certainly experienced a learning curve. I also had challenges at the council table with the need for two by-elections.  The changing faces and opinions educated me to beyond belief at times or reduced me to fits of laughter at other moments.  It was a great life experience to say the least.  Now we are in for a four year term, and in Unity as it is throughout the area, we are overwhelmed at the decision making of looming budget discussions, a shortage of service trades and a huge snow dump with cold weather.  Not to worry, there is a great bunch of people at those council tables along with their staff and managers whom are ready to roll with the punches.

But it is also December, a time for reflection.  It seems to me that people are busier but more relaxed, busier but happier, as if there is something in the air. People are taking more time to ask “how are you” and meaning it. The town is becoming more colorful and joyful as the Christmas lights are appearing. What about all the humongous blowup decorations that make you just know they were not made in China, otherwise how could they withstand our winds?  But it also is a time when our local food bank and Secret Santa are being so generously supported.   This, to me, is the best feeling of all at Christmas.

I could talk about the ethanol and oil smell, or why the streets are not cleaned better and quicker, or what are we going to do with our garbage, or why are businesses shutting down and the list goes on.  I choose to say however, that  we also have good benefits due to the oil, ethanol and all industry, we are doing the best we can trying to clean the streets down to the potholes!  I agree the garbage is costly for the mess us humans make.  And don’t forget to support those new businesses that have opened in town. 

Let’s put all the “why don’t you” aside and say “thank you for what we have”.  This would be my message from my desk.  This is what I try to remember to do and I wonder…. Is this not what we mean when we wish each other a “Merry Christmas’’  Two words that can be interpreted and translated in meaning that which  is special to each one of us. 

From your Council and the Town of Unity to you, and  from my husband and I, to you and your loved ones,   may you be surrounded by warmth of family. If you must be at work, in the holidays, to make our town a better, safer place to live then I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my soul. You are blessed.

Always so proud of you and the town of Unity, I remain

Your Mayor, Sylvia Maljan

Talk of the Town of Unity- November 2011

The Town of Unity received word of the results of the National Communities in Bloom Competition. The Town of  Unity, a finalist in the 1,501 – 3,000 population category of the 2011 National Edition of Communities in Bloom, received a 5 Bloom rating and a special mention ­for CommUNITY Support & Partnership. Following their evaluation of the community, volunteer judges Lorna McIlroy (Grande Prairie, AB) and JoAnne Dunphy (Souris, PE) wrote: The Town of Unity cleverly advertises, “opportUNITY, it’s waiting for you” but the residents are all about commUNITY.  Community volunteers accomplished the massive beautification project at the cemetery; developed Orchard Park; tackled the garden project in Long Term Care at the Health Centre; manage the Heritage Museum and much more.   Partnerships with industry, the schools and  the surrounding municipality are mutually beneficial.  Even the evaluation day was a community event.  As the Mayor wrote, “The citizens of our town have put their heart, soul and green thumbs into the spirit of this project”. Congratulations Unity for representing our community so well.

The Arena shinny and public skating schedule is now on the Town of Unity website at www.townofunity.com Just click on the Recreation link and arena tab for a full game schedule or public skating times. You can also find a public skating and shinny schedule in this weeks newspaper.

The community center walking program has started again. Community members are able to utilize the hall to walk Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 12:00pm. This program is free of charge and open to everyone who prefers to do daily walks inside for the winter months.

Unity has just been registered for the In Motion Challenge. Help your community win $10,000 so kids can move more! Pledge to do just one thing to make sure the kids you care about can move every day. Our kids will thank you for it and your community could win $10,000 toward a local project. Finalists will be selected based on: Number of pledges collected and your community's entry. Go to http://jumpin.ca/ to start making pledges and help Unity get $10,000 to split between all 3 schools. Every pledge counts!

KidSport is a children’s charity dedicated to assisting children of families facing financial obstacles to participate in community sport programs. The KidSport goal is to provide these children with the opportunity to achieve physical, social, intellectual and more development through participation in sport. Stop by the Town Office or the Unity Community Resource Center to pick up a form. KidSport also helps pay for equipment cost. Sport such as hockey, gymnastics, soccer and figure skating are all included. Contact Nicole at the Town office for more information. 

The Unity Curling Club has just recently purchased new curling rocks. Over the last few years the Curling club has fundraised to support their club in a variety of projects. These curling rocks that were recently purchased cost in excess of over $30,000 and have been able to pay for them on their own. The curling club looks after the day to day operations of the facility and would like to thank all of their sponsors and volunteers who are committed to making the curling club a better place. The curling club installed their ice the week of October 12^th. League curling started Tuesday, October 25^th. Everyone is invited to come out and meet new people and have some fun.

Garbage Pick up will be started to get picked up in front yards on November 7^th. The Town’s regular fall clean-up will take place from November 14^th – 18^th.

FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK- SEPT. 2011

I believe fall has arrived!  School is back in session and the community committees are gearing up once again.  We have had a busy summer in our town with successful provincial ball tournaments, Communities in Bloom flower and fauna frenzy and ending with a commemorable family Decoration Day at the cemetary. All the summer time activities and beautiful weather must be welcoming enjoyment  for those who remain in town for summer holidays. For those of us who were  holidaying elsewhere, we are often reminded  of what we missed in our busy little town.

I also believe there is a timing in life itself.  It is not within  our control.  We wonder how do these things happen at the precise time they happen. Let me explain. Recently, I happened to find a book in Chapters.  It was a 16 month calendar/diary. This is approximately  the time remaining in my mayoralty term of office. Inscribed on the cover were the words, "Be Calm, Carry On".....encouraging words of wisdom passed on from Winston Churchill. How fitting, how timely!  As you read this , you will also be aware of the notice of call for yet another bi-election. This time we are requiring two councilllors to sit at the table. Last night we had Council meeting. As I glimpsed at the four remaining councillors sitting before me, I spoke of the passing of Jack Layton and how by the actions of one person, a nation can be affected. I mentioned of how  his young life began at the council table and ended with the deepest respect of a state funeral.   I thought how timely. How at this time did  the legacy of words of Jack Layton  and the words of Winston Churchill would come into my life as your mayor?  So, we shall be "optimistic" and we shall "carry on".   We shall miss our retiring councillors at the table. They brought their  strong personalities  and opinions  to the table with distinct voices. Councillor Morissette and Councillor Lilley have  represented you well.  But now, we need your help and input. We need for you to consider, or encourage someone else to run for  office.  It is not an easy decision, not an easy committment and your time will be in demand.  I will not gloss over the obligation but it is necessary  to have a full slate of councillors at the table. In any case, and just as important , we  need your vote !

In the meantime, I ask you to "be calm" with on the ongoing projects in our town. The progress of the heavy duty machinery at work is visible.  The inconvenience, whether it is at the golf course or on the highway outside town or in town ,  is tolerable and necessary to complete the task. All the activity taking place will only make our town a better place to live. 

To our children returning to school, we wish you a happy year of learning, for we know the educators you have are the very best and will remain in your memories for years to come.

To all the new home builders in town, what a beautiful sight!  For you and for our farming community,we hope you have a long fall with weather to accomodate the huge task at hand. Be safe.

Always very proud of my town and yours,

Mayor, Sylvia Maljan