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