Volume 42, Number 1 • September - October 2019

To The Superannuated Teachers of

President’s Report Sunil Pandila

Happy autumn everyone! I am sure greetings from the STS. I hope that Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism that everyone is busy with their fall you joined the STS to take advantage (SSM) to hold candidate nights routines of getting things ready for of the many benefits available to to highlight responses to issues winter. Gardens are getting tilled, members. While you are in for affecting older adults across . yards are being fall fertilized, leaves a change in lifestyle, I hope that are being raked and composted, you take the time to participate in My phone and email have already Halloween decorations are ready Chapter activities and to strengthen been busy scheduling Chapter visits to put up, last minute house ties with fellow superannuates. this October and November. Thank renovations are being completed, Having an identity and being part you to all those Chapters who have and cars are being serviced to ensure of social connectedness are parts of contacted me to attend their Chapter no worries during winter. And, I human nature, so take advantage meetings. To the rest who may yet am sure there are many more fall of the many Chapter opportunities be in the planning stage for the year, activities superannuates are carrying offered throughout the year to help please contact me. I would love to on around the house. keep you fit and active. Besides, come out and provide information there is always a great meal to go on the work of the Provincial I would like to welcome our Chapter along with the events. Executive. Officers back for a new year as you start the process of planning The fall season also signifies the start For more information about activities for your members. Thank of Executive meetings in a new fiscal any of our programs, initiatives, you for your service on behalf of year for the STS. I appreciate the or how we can support you in all superannuates who are grateful work that Executive members put in your Chapters, please do not for the work you do! Of course, to making sure that we are meeting hesitate to call the STS Office at September is also a busy time as the goals of our organization. We 306-373-3879 or visit the website schools get back to business, and just met on September 16-18, and all at www.sts.sk.ca. You can contact students across the province are the Committees set their goals for me at [email protected] or excited about the new school year. the year. 306-630-8866. On behalf of the STS, I would like to welcome teachers back to their busy I would like to focus on the and exciting classrooms. We hope Advocacy Committee’s work to all of you have fun and enjoy great start the year. It is nearly Federal opportunities for student learning Election time. Some Chapters throughout the year. No matter have already scheduled candidate which year of teaching you are in, forums to question candidates to please take time to plan for your help get a better understanding and years of retirement. It is time well perspective of where the political spent and from my own experience, parties stand on important issues well worth the effort to enjoy your facing Canadians. The Advocacy passions after the last bell. Committee encourages everyone to do the same and be better For those who have retired in the informed before voting. We will be past year, I extend to you warm working with ACER-CART and the Annual General Meeting Budget, Jane Isinger and Doug Still Finance and Audit The 2020 Annual General Meeting that has been gathered since our will be held in , at the September Executive meeting. Don Gabel Travelodge Hotel, from May 12-14, 2020. Our AGM Planning Committee Goals for 2019-20 are as follows: The Budget, Finance and Audit The Committee has begun the Committee met September 17, 2019, planning process for the AGM. 1. To present a quality AGM that keeps in touch with the with the auditors from Deloitte. Evaluations from the previous membership They explained the 2018-19 audited AGM, as well as feedback from financial statement for the STS Chapters, individual members 2. To keep costs within budget Operating Fund and STS Extended and the Executive are guiding our 3. To respond to suggestions and Health Plan for year ending June 30, decisions. Based on this input, concerns expressed in the AGM 2019. We received a clean audit with we are exploring many excellent evaluations no concerns. suggestions for interest sessions The AGM is an excellent opportunity for Chapter representatives to and entertainment, as well as Our 2018-19 STS Operating Fund learn more about the STS and to improvements in other areas. At the had a surplus of $231,964. Our interact with members from across next Provincial Executive meeting Extended Health Plan and Benefit the province. Please contact your in October, we will begin to make Plan is doing well. Details will be local Chapter if you are interested in decisions based on the information provided in the Group Benefits serving as a Delegate. report. Our Contingency Fund has a balance of $1,234,481, an increase Advocacy from last year of $110,729. Sue Amundrud The Committee will monitor the current budget as we move through the year. Our organization is in a sound financial position. The Advocacy Committee focused • Achieving National Pharmacare on two main areas at our September to ensure considerable savings As of September 17, 2019, our meeting: what might our focus in the cost of drugs, and membership is 11,711, an increase of be in the upcoming federal and eliminating the disparity in drug 263 from last year at this time. costs, insurance coverage and provincial elections, and how might The Committee will review our drug availability we incorporate sessions into the goals for 2019-20 at our October • Opposing the privatization Chapter Presidents’ Meeting and our meeting. AGM on items of particular interest of medical services so that all to retired teachers and retirees in Canadians have equal access to general. We encourage members to quality medical care; that the Canada Health Act is enforced, raise any issues that they believe and that the delay of timely are of importance to the STS with access to care is eliminated any member of the Executive or by • Developing a National Seniors’ Resolutions contacting the office. Strategy to ensure that Seniors Alan Laughlin For the federal election on October receive the right care, at the 21, we echo the areas of focus right time, in the right place at identified by ACER-CART, and all stages of aging; to provide The Executive is presently receiving encourage you to raise these with more long term, community and resolutions to be debated at the 2020 your local candidates: home care closer to home; to enable more primary caregivers AGM. Please forward resolutions to • Making retirement income more and geriatricians to provide the STS Office by March 1, 2020. secure by protecting accrued a consistent and appropriate pension benefits, protecting quality of care; to support the employees and retirees in eight million informal caregivers corporate insolvencies, and who support a family member strengthening Defined Benefit or friend; and, to address social Plans isolation, elder abuse, and a lack of age-friendly strategies 2 ACER-CART Marie LeBlanc-Warick

ACER-CART Executive 2019-20 strengthening Defined Benefit consistent and appropriate • Bill Berryman, President Plans, quality of care, to support the • Gerry Tiede, Vice-President b. Achieving National Pharmacare 8 million informal caregivers • Margaret Urquart, Regional to ensure considerable savings in who support a family member Representative – East the cost of drugs, and eliminating or friend, and to address social • Martin Higgs, Regional the disparity in drug costs, isolation, elder abuse and a lack Representative – Ontario insurance coverage and drug of age-friendly strategies. • Marilyn Bossert, Regional availability, Representative – West c. Opposition to Privatization Highlights ACER-CART AGM • Brian Kenny, Past-President of Medical Services so that all June 2019 Canadians have equal access to • The resolutions submitted by ACER-CART’s focus for fall 2019 is quality medical care, that the STS to ACER-CART were carried centered around Elections 2019 at Canada Health Act is enforced, with some changes in wording the same time as being committed and that the delay of timely to promoting healthy, active and access to care is eliminated, • Presentation by Minister of Seniors Filomena Tassi at AGM dignified retirement living for retired d. The development of a National teachers and Canadian Seniors. Seniors Strategy to ensure that Note: ACER-CART’s areas of focus for Seniors receive the right care, at • Dr. Eric Hopkins Final Report 2019 Federal Election are; the right time, in the right place A Prescription for Canada: at all stages of aging, to provide Achieving Pharmacare for All, a. Making Retirement Income More more long term, community and Final Report of Advisory Council Secure by protecting accrued home care, closer to home, to on the Implementation of pension benefits, protecting enable more primary caregivers National Pharmacare June 2019 is employees and retirees in and geriatricians to provide a corporate insolvencies, and available online Group Benefits Maxine Stinka

The Committee reviewed the two months of the second year of regarding the Benefit Plan will be audited financial statements for the the 2018-21 contract show a surplus forwarded to Saskatchewan Blue Extended Health Fund for the year of almost $368,000 for Health and Cross. July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019. Both about $224,000 for Dental for a total the Extended Health and the Dental of about $592,000. Goals set for 2019-20 are: portions of the Plan had surpluses 1. Closely monitor the Group of about $700,000 for a total surplus Bob Wilhelms from Saskatchewan Benefits Plan and the financial of about $1.4 million. All of the Blue Cross was present and provided status of the Plan reserves are full, and a surplus is more detailed information regarding 2. Continue to promote and provide consistent with expectations for the particular expenditures that may information on the Group first year. appear unusual and answered any Benefits Plan to superannuates, questions posed by the members of making the distinction between a The Committee also reviewed the the Committee. government-funded Plan or other Health and Dental Experience private Plans and our Plan which Total membership in the Plan as of Report for the year ending August is funded by the membership September 1, 2019, was 8,151 up 31, 2019. Revenue for the Extended 3. Review the policies and from 7,910 as of March 1, 2019. Health Plan was about $9 million, procedures on the Group Benefits The Committee also discussed the and expenses were about $8 million as set in the STS Policy Handbook percentage of retirees for January to for a surplus of just over $1 million. 4. Consider enhancements to August of 2019 that indicate about Revenue for the Dental Plan was the Plan based on financial 57% of retirees join the STS and about $6 million, and expenses were implications about 40% join the Benefits Plan. about $5.4 million for a surplus of 5. Monitor and update the STS about $686,000. Total surplus for the Resolutions passed at the 2019 AGM Group Benefits Handbook year is about $1.7 million. The first 3 2019 Provincial Golf Tournament Submitted by Gail Simpson, Melville Chapter

The Melville Chapter hosted the STS For the first time a women’s 10 Women’s Medal Play, seven Provincial Golf Tournament at the two-person event was added to the Senior Women’s Medal Play and Melville Golf and Country Club on Tuesday Medal play events. This eight teams of Women’s Two-Person June 10 and 11, 2019. was very well received. There were Alternate Shot team play for a total 12 Senior Men, 14 Men’s Medal Play, of 59 golfers on Tuesday at 8:30 am. The clubhouse staff prepared a wonderful banquet which was enjoyed by 78 golfers and guests. Thank you to all of our many sponsors. The evening ended with Len Gadicia, accordionist, playing and singing songs from around the world. A new award, the CHALLENGE CUP, was presented to the Chapter, excluding the host, having the most golfers participating. This year’s winner was the Saskatoon Chapter. Thank you to all the golfers, the inside and outside golf course staff, Committee members and their volunteers, and especially the many sponsors and raffle prize donors who made this event such a success.

4 Mah Jongg Tournament Submitted by Darlene Danyliw, Saskatoon Chapter

STS Saskatoon Chapter hosted the games were played, eight in the Eileen Deneiko, Marilyn Denis, 4th Mah Jongg Tournament on May morning and eight in the afternoon. Bev Summach and Margaret 9, 2019. Fifty-two participants from Points ranged from five to 265 with Symon-Lungal; Helen Sukovieff all around Saskatchewan brought cash prizes given for the top six who was our Tournament Director; their Mah Jongg suitcases to the scores. Randy Danyliw and Jim Chicilo Eamer Auditorium. This year an who assisted with set-up; and the “I Love Mah Jongg” luggage tag was Thank you to the organizing Saskatoon Bridge Club for lending the participant gift. A total of 16 Committee: Ardelle Chicilo, us their tables.

Spotlight on Superannuates Submitted by Lynda Gudjonson

Red Deer River Valley Chapter of for five years. Larry was a Delegate the STS have two members who to the STS AGM, on the Executive, turned 90 in September. Vice-President and finally President. He is an Honorary Life Member as Larry Lozinski taught nine miles well and still often attends the AGM south of Hyass, Carragana, and as a Delegate for our local Chapter. Congratulations Porcupine Plain schools. Irene Brehmer taught in many He was very involved in the STF small schools in the Hudson Bay serving as Councillor, as Executive, School Division during her career - Hazel Parker! Vice-President and as President. He Limberlost, Golden Glow, Bertwell, was presented a HLM – Honorary Shady Lane, Weekes, Torrance, Life Membership as well. Carragana and Porcupine Plain Hazel Parker, a member On retirement Larry joined the STS Elementary. She was one of the formerly of Lafleche, celebrated and was instrumental along with founding members of the Red Deer her 100th birthday on August Bill Zolkavich and Ivan Popoff in River Valley Chapter and served 19, 2019. establishing the local Red Deer as the Secretary – Treasurer for 20 River Valley Chapter. He served as years. Irene has been a Delegate to President for the RDRV Chapter the AGM three times.

5 Spotlight on Superannuates submitted by Terri Mitchell, Chapter

Don Pfeifer Inducted into Volleyball Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame Office to 1998; to date we still only have one other international official from Notice our province. Don has officiated at every level Please note that the STS of competition in and throughout Office is now open in Canada, and internationally he our new space at 2311 has represented Canada either as a Arlington Avenue. Referee or Special Referee Committee member at four Pan-American Games and five FISU Games, (World Our temporary entrance University Games) travelling to is located on the east side eight different countries. In 1983, of the building. Please Don was chosen to be the first ring the STS doorbell. (head) referee for the Gold Medal match at the Pan-Am games in Caracas, Venezuela between the USA and Cuba-- the first time a Canadian referee was appointed as first referee for a Pan-Am Gold Congratulations to Don Pfeifer, Medal match. He has also held member of the Yorkton Chapter, positions such as Rulebook Editor who was inducted into Volleyball for Canada, National Promotions Canada’s National Sport Hall of Chair, International Committee Fame on June 6, 2019, in Ottawa. Chair, and Chief Clinician for Other inductees for 2019 included Canada. However, developing the 1984 Men’s National Olympic and mentoring officials at every team, many of whom Don either level starting at the grassroots was officiated or travelled with over the important to him, and he still works years. within the Yorkton area both as a mentor and official. Full retirement, Don has been involved as a coach, he says, lies somewhere down the administrator and official in many line! sports throughout his lifetime; however, his involvement with Already a lifetime member of the volleyball has been rather special. Saskatchewan Volleyball Association From 1968 to 1977, Don achieved and of Volleyball Canada’s Officials every level of certification possible Committees, Don is humbled by Holiday for a volleyball referee, reaching this latest recognition. He says the the international level in 1977 after joy of having worked with so many Notice working at the Pre-Olympics and great people, (coaches, players, Olympics in Montreal in 1976. Don administrators and referees), within remained the only international this great sport will long outlast the The STS Office will be official in Saskatchewan from 1977 joy of any induction recognition! closed after December 20, 2019, for the holidays and will reopen on January 6, 2020.

6 STS Executive 2019-20

Front row (from left) Diane Marchand, Jane Isinger, Fred Herron (Executive Secretary), Maxine Stinka (Past-President), Sunil Pandila (President), Don Gabel (Vice-President), Sue Amundrud, Anna Wehrkamp. Back row (from left) Doug Still, Devona Putland, Terri Mitchell, Alan Laughlin, Lyle Markowski, Marie LeBlanc-Warick, Joyce Hoffman, Adeline Wuschenny, Helen Sukovieff.

2020 Events Multi Genre Workshop Date: April 16-17, 2020 Bowling Host: Chapter Recreation Date: April 23-24, 2020 Don Gabel, Alan Laughlin Location: Legacy Centre Host: Regina Chapter 5101 46 St, Upcoming Events Bridge Lloydminster AB Contact: Huguette Kitchen Recreational Activities Date: TBA Host: Chapter Email: huguettekitchen@ Participation STS Style . . . hotmail.com 2019 Events Curling Date: TBA Stitch ‘N Quilt Stitch ’N Quilt Host: Yorkton Chapter Date: September 29-30, Date: October 15-17, 2019 October 1, 2020 Host: Carrot River Valley Mah Jongg Host: Chapter Chapter Date: May 7, 2020 Location: Wakaw Recreational Location: Melfort Host: Northwest Chapter Centre, Wakaw Contact: Sue Amundrud Location: Meadow Lake Seniors Contact: Brenda Gabel Email: stitchnquilt2019@ Activity Centre Email: [email protected] gmail.com 406 – 5th Ave West, Meadow Lake Hosts for Fishing, Golf and Curling Contact: Evie Danilkewich Kaiser are needed for Date: November 4-6, 2019 Email: [email protected] 2020. Host: Moosomin Chapter Location: Moosomin Curling Rink Contact: Barb Swallow If Chapters are interested in hosting provincial events please contact Phone: 306-646-4324 the STS Office or a member of the Recreation Committee. We would Email: [email protected] also be open to any proposals for new events.

7 STS Office Reminders Joyce Hoffman From The Editor’s Desk • Saskatchewan residents who are Summer is quickly changing to autumn. We welcome all new 65 years or older can apply for superannuates to our great organization. I hope you have signed up to the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Drug receive Outreach electronically. This can be done by contacting the STS Plan. If you are approved by Office, and helps to save both trees and postage. the Seniors’ Drug Plan, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Health. STS Group Benefit Planholders who are eligible STS Executive 2019-20 for the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Drug Plan may be eligible for a reduced President/Councillor Sunil Pandila, Chapter premium by providing the STS Past-President/Councillor: Maxine Stinka, Assiniboine Chapter Office with a copy of the Seniors’ Vice-President/Councillor: Don Gabel, Wakaw Chapter Drug Plan confirmation letter. ACER-CART Representative: Marie LeBlanc-Warick, Wakaw Chapter For information on the Saskatchewan Executive Secretary Fred Herron, Saskatoon Chapter Seniors’ Drug Plan, please speak Outreach Editor Joyce Hoffman, Regina Chapter with your pharmacist or contact the Seniors’ Drug Plan office at Councillors: 1-800-667-7581. If you live in Regina Sue Amundrud Carrot River Valley (Melfort & District) Chapter please call 306-787-3317. Joyce Hoffman Regina Chapter • For any changes to your address Jane Isinger Saskatoon Chapter and/or Group Benefits coverage, Alan Laughlin The and District Chapter please contact the STS Office Doug Still Regina Chapter directly at 306-373-3879 or [email protected]. Members-At-Large: • If you are on a temporary contract Diane Marchand South Central Chapter and wish to suspend your STS Lyle Markowski Saskatoon Chapter Group Benefits, please contact the Terri Mitchell Yorkton Chapter STS Office via email prior to the Devona Putland Moosomin Chapter 15th of the month to be effective the Helen Sukovieff Regina Chapter 1st of the following month. Anna Wehrkamp Carrot River Valley (Melfort & District) Chapter • Please make sure that you are using Adeline Wuschenny Regina Chapter the correct email address for the STS: [email protected].

Please email the STS Office if you wish to receive notification when itis posted on the website instead of receiving a hard copy.

To The Superannuated Teachers Outreach is available online at www.sts.sk.ca. of Saskatchewan Website: www.sts.sk.ca Disclaimer of Content To control costs, one copy is Phone: 306-373-3879 All reports in Outreach, excluding sent to households where both Email: [email protected] STS Executive reports, represent spouses are members. If this is not Fax: 306-242-2538 the information and opinions of the satisfactory, please contact the STS 2311 Arlington Avenue authors and not necessarily those of Office in Saskatoon. Saskatoon SK S7J 2H8 the STS. Monday to Friday – 8:30 am to noon

Publications Mail Agreement No.40017216 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: STS Office 2311 Arlington Avenue Saskatoon SK S7J 2H8

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