Local Chapter Announcements
April 6, 2020
To Members of the STS, Regina Chapter:
Three weeks ago I updated you regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the STS. On March 24 the Provincial Executive met via teleconference to discuss how the organization will continue operations. On April 1, the Chapter Executive also met via teleconference for its regular monthly meeting at which time we looked at the same issues.
A number of decisions were taken at each of the two meetings in response to the challenges posed by the emergence of the global health crisis.
STS
The STS Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 12-14 has been postponed. The AGM is where the executive and budget for the coming year are determined. This is no longer possible as health advisories restrict gatherings and we do not want to place the health of anyone at risk.
Based on a bylaw amendment as suggested by legal counsel, the current Executive will remain in office in their current positions. We will extend the current 2019-20 budget into the coming operational year which begins July 1, 2020. The timing of a replacement AGM or Special STS Business Meeting will depend on what is happening with the pandemic; it may well be that the next AGM may not take place until May 2021.
All STS gatherings including provincial recreational events in April and May, and Retirement Lifestyles sessions have been cancelled. Host chapters such as ours who lost their recreational events will be given priority for 2021 if they submit a bid to host the same event.
STS, Regina Chapter
The STS has advised that if Chapters need to postpone their elections, that Chapters should continue to function as they normally would.
Using the provincial organization as a model, and our own Chapter Bylaws as a guide, the Chapter Executive has cancelled the May 4 AGM when a new Executive would have been elected.
The current Executive will remain in office to June 30, 2021. We will extend the current budget into the coming year. Our bylaws permit the Executive to act in urgent matters and to inform the membership at the next Assembly. We will do that with a motion to approve at the first Chapter Assembly or AGM as permitted by public health agencies.
Impact on Organizations
Since 2003, we have seen the emergence of SARS, MERS, H1N1, Ebola (which fortunately never saw a recorded case in Canada), along with the regular appearance of seasonal influenza. COVID-19 has had the widest impact on our society. It also has profound impacts on organizations like ours. The cancellation of events, use of teleconferencing, the need to re-examine bylaws—these are all changes that were unforeseen even in early March.
In times like this it is important that we are able to stay in touch with our members. That is proving to be a challenge. A little under half of our 2,000 plus members receive their information by regular mail in the form of an Annual Newsletter sent out in August. The most recent issue of Outreach was in electronic form as it is not possible right now to send out print materials.
A slight majority of our membership is part of an email system that allows us to stay in touch with regular monthly emailed announcements and special messages like this one. Our website at stsregina.com posts regular updates.
If you know of a member who is not part of the email system, we would be grateful if you could contact them to provide them with some information on what is happening with the STS and the Chapter.
Conclusion
We hope that you are able to remain safe and well during this time. We all look forward to the day when we are able to return to some kind of regular and familiar ways of doing things.
Regards,
Doug Still, President
STS, Regina Chapter
To Members of the STS, Regina Chapter:
Three weeks ago I updated you regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the STS. On March 24 the Provincial Executive met via teleconference to discuss how the organization will continue operations. On April 1, the Chapter Executive also met via teleconference for its regular monthly meeting at which time we looked at the same issues.
A number of decisions were taken at each of the two meetings in response to the challenges posed by the emergence of the global health crisis.
STS
The STS Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 12-14 has been postponed. The AGM is where the executive and budget for the coming year are determined. This is no longer possible as health advisories restrict gatherings and we do not want to place the health of anyone at risk.
Based on a bylaw amendment as suggested by legal counsel, the current Executive will remain in office in their current positions. We will extend the current 2019-20 budget into the coming operational year which begins July 1, 2020. The timing of a replacement AGM or Special STS Business Meeting will depend on what is happening with the pandemic; it may well be that the next AGM may not take place until May 2021.
All STS gatherings including provincial recreational events in April and May, and Retirement Lifestyles sessions have been cancelled. Host chapters such as ours who lost their recreational events will be given priority for 2021 if they submit a bid to host the same event.
STS, Regina Chapter
The STS has advised that if Chapters need to postpone their elections, that Chapters should continue to function as they normally would.
Using the provincial organization as a model, and our own Chapter Bylaws as a guide, the Chapter Executive has cancelled the May 4 AGM when a new Executive would have been elected.
The current Executive will remain in office to June 30, 2021. We will extend the current budget into the coming year. Our bylaws permit the Executive to act in urgent matters and to inform the membership at the next Assembly. We will do that with a motion to approve at the first Chapter Assembly or AGM as permitted by public health agencies.
Impact on Organizations
Since 2003, we have seen the emergence of SARS, MERS, H1N1, Ebola (which fortunately never saw a recorded case in Canada), along with the regular appearance of seasonal influenza. COVID-19 has had the widest impact on our society. It also has profound impacts on organizations like ours. The cancellation of events, use of teleconferencing, the need to re-examine bylaws—these are all changes that were unforeseen even in early March.
In times like this it is important that we are able to stay in touch with our members. That is proving to be a challenge. A little under half of our 2,000 plus members receive their information by regular mail in the form of an Annual Newsletter sent out in August. The most recent issue of Outreach was in electronic form as it is not possible right now to send out print materials.
A slight majority of our membership is part of an email system that allows us to stay in touch with regular monthly emailed announcements and special messages like this one. Our website at stsregina.com posts regular updates.
If you know of a member who is not part of the email system, we would be grateful if you could contact them to provide them with some information on what is happening with the STS and the Chapter.
Conclusion
We hope that you are able to remain safe and well during this time. We all look forward to the day when we are able to return to some kind of regular and familiar ways of doing things.
Regards,
Doug Still, President
STS, Regina Chapter
To Members of the STS, Regina Chapter:
The emergence and spread of COVID-19 is having an impact on everyone. I want to share information from the Provincial STS and the STS, Regina Chapter in response.
Provincial STS Office
The STS office currently remains open and the staff is available to assist members. We are advised not to visit the office if we are experiencing a fever, cough, breathing problems, or have recently travelled outside of the province. (While it is unlikely that Regina Chapter members would be visiting the office in Saskatoon, a number of our members do live in Saskatoon and area.) In the event that the office must close, Chapter Presidents will be notified immediately, and you will be notified. Protocols are in place at the office to ensure that staff can continue working in a safe environment.
STS Recreation Events and Retirement Lifestyles Sessions
All STS Recreation events have been cancelled including provincial bowling which was to have taken place in Regina April 23-24. The decision to cancel STS Recreation events and contacting participants is the responsibility of the host Chapter. The decision to cancel bowling was made yesterday with the involvement of the host committee. Our Chapter Treasurer, Helen Sukovieff, will be refunding people who have paid their bowling entrance fees. Other Chapters will be doing the same with their event participants.
The two Retirement Lifestyles Sessions that were scheduled and involve STS volunteer facilitators are also cancelled.
STS AGM
Potential implications of the COVID-19 situation for the provincial AGM are being investigated. Further information will be forthcoming. If you signed up as a Regina Chapter delegate for the May 12-14 AGM, you will be receiving a separate email from the Chapter President.
Information Regarding Travel Coverage Under the STS Group Benefits Plan
At any given time there are Chapter members who are outside of Canada. If you are abroad and have access to email, the information is of heightened importance right now.
The following information has been provided by Saskatchewan Blue Cross regarding the STS Group Benefits Plan.
If a Group plan member is quarantined in relation to COVID-19, in any location outside of Saskatchewan at any point in their trip, coverage will be automatically extended until the quarantine has been lifted and the member can return home. Additional costs for meals and accommodations while quarantined can be submitted for review, and an appropriate determination would be made as to whether an additional exception would be granted under the benefit for meals and accommodation (to provide reimbursement due to the quarantine versus hospitalization).
The STS Group Benefits Plan has no coverage exclusions for travel advisories, which means the current travel advisories will not affect your coverage. All travelers should be aware that there are health risks when you travel, and we advocate adherence to such advice, including reconsideration of travel plans to any destination with one of these warnings, or to a destination that is being closely monitored in relation to COVID-19. Your consideration and adherence to travel advisories help to protect the health of travelers and the Canadian public. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Updated information regarding Saskatchewan Blue Cross’ Top-Up Insurance is available on their website, www.sk.bluecross.ca. If you have any questions regarding top-up insurance, please contact the Saskatchewan Blue Cross office at 306.244.1192 or 1.800.667.6853 or through the Contact Us option on their website.
STS, Regina Chapter
All Chapter events running through to the end of April have been cancelled. Notice has been provided to Wesley United Church where our own AGM was to have been held May 4, advising that there is a strong likelihood of a cancellation.
This is a time of uncertainty as the safety and well-being of our members, staff and communities is of highest priority.
The Chapter executive will be staying in contact with each other via email. If we need to make any decisions that would normally be made at an in person meeting we will be doing so using email and teleconference.
There is a strong possibility that the pandemic will impact operations for some time. We will update you as further information and guidance is available from the STS Office.
Conclusion
The next edition of Outreach arriving in the coming weeks will have more information. This will be of importance to the roughly half of our membership who are not linked via email. Please share the contents of this email in the meantime with members who you think may be receiving information via regular mail only.
Please stay safe and continue to be informed about advisories from public health agencies.
Doug Still, Chapter President
The emergence and spread of COVID-19 is having an impact on everyone. I want to share information from the Provincial STS and the STS, Regina Chapter in response.
Provincial STS Office
The STS office currently remains open and the staff is available to assist members. We are advised not to visit the office if we are experiencing a fever, cough, breathing problems, or have recently travelled outside of the province. (While it is unlikely that Regina Chapter members would be visiting the office in Saskatoon, a number of our members do live in Saskatoon and area.) In the event that the office must close, Chapter Presidents will be notified immediately, and you will be notified. Protocols are in place at the office to ensure that staff can continue working in a safe environment.
STS Recreation Events and Retirement Lifestyles Sessions
All STS Recreation events have been cancelled including provincial bowling which was to have taken place in Regina April 23-24. The decision to cancel STS Recreation events and contacting participants is the responsibility of the host Chapter. The decision to cancel bowling was made yesterday with the involvement of the host committee. Our Chapter Treasurer, Helen Sukovieff, will be refunding people who have paid their bowling entrance fees. Other Chapters will be doing the same with their event participants.
The two Retirement Lifestyles Sessions that were scheduled and involve STS volunteer facilitators are also cancelled.
STS AGM
Potential implications of the COVID-19 situation for the provincial AGM are being investigated. Further information will be forthcoming. If you signed up as a Regina Chapter delegate for the May 12-14 AGM, you will be receiving a separate email from the Chapter President.
Information Regarding Travel Coverage Under the STS Group Benefits Plan
At any given time there are Chapter members who are outside of Canada. If you are abroad and have access to email, the information is of heightened importance right now.
The following information has been provided by Saskatchewan Blue Cross regarding the STS Group Benefits Plan.
If a Group plan member is quarantined in relation to COVID-19, in any location outside of Saskatchewan at any point in their trip, coverage will be automatically extended until the quarantine has been lifted and the member can return home. Additional costs for meals and accommodations while quarantined can be submitted for review, and an appropriate determination would be made as to whether an additional exception would be granted under the benefit for meals and accommodation (to provide reimbursement due to the quarantine versus hospitalization).
The STS Group Benefits Plan has no coverage exclusions for travel advisories, which means the current travel advisories will not affect your coverage. All travelers should be aware that there are health risks when you travel, and we advocate adherence to such advice, including reconsideration of travel plans to any destination with one of these warnings, or to a destination that is being closely monitored in relation to COVID-19. Your consideration and adherence to travel advisories help to protect the health of travelers and the Canadian public. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Updated information regarding Saskatchewan Blue Cross’ Top-Up Insurance is available on their website, www.sk.bluecross.ca. If you have any questions regarding top-up insurance, please contact the Saskatchewan Blue Cross office at 306.244.1192 or 1.800.667.6853 or through the Contact Us option on their website.
STS, Regina Chapter
All Chapter events running through to the end of April have been cancelled. Notice has been provided to Wesley United Church where our own AGM was to have been held May 4, advising that there is a strong likelihood of a cancellation.
This is a time of uncertainty as the safety and well-being of our members, staff and communities is of highest priority.
The Chapter executive will be staying in contact with each other via email. If we need to make any decisions that would normally be made at an in person meeting we will be doing so using email and teleconference.
There is a strong possibility that the pandemic will impact operations for some time. We will update you as further information and guidance is available from the STS Office.
Conclusion
The next edition of Outreach arriving in the coming weeks will have more information. This will be of importance to the roughly half of our membership who are not linked via email. Please share the contents of this email in the meantime with members who you think may be receiving information via regular mail only.
Please stay safe and continue to be informed about advisories from public health agencies.
Doug Still, Chapter President
STS REGINA CHAPTER MARCH 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS
March Assembly - Monday March 16 in the Ron Mitchell Room at the Regina Public Board Office (4th Ave)
· Irish Stew provided and served by the Chapter Executive at 12 Noon - Lunch is FREE
· Dishes and cutlery will be provided so no need to bring your own
· Entertainment provided by the "Silver Singers", directed by Joan Therens will perform Irish songs and a sing a long
· A brief Chapter meeting will follow
· Irish Stew provided and served by the Chapter Executive at 12 Noon - Lunch is FREE
· Dishes and cutlery will be provided so no need to bring your own
· Entertainment provided by the "Silver Singers", directed by Joan Therens will perform Irish songs and a sing a long
· A brief Chapter meeting will follow
Tours
Local Tours (Debi Dittrick)
A tour of Mosaic Stadium for the week of June 1st is in the works
Details and time will be provided in the next few weeks.
Out of Province /Country Tours (Linda Galenzoski)
All travel plans for the future have been suspended at this time.
Local Tours (Debi Dittrick)
A tour of Mosaic Stadium for the week of June 1st is in the works
Details and time will be provided in the next few weeks.
Out of Province /Country Tours (Linda Galenzoski)
All travel plans for the future have been suspended at this time.
Regina Chapter 50th Anniversary Preparation
Planning is underway to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the STS Regina Chapter in 2021.
If you have any suggestions regarding themes, activities, events, and the like, please forward them to Doug Still, President (socrates@sasktel.net)
An Anniversary Planning Committee has been set up and will review input in late April with recommendations to the Chapter Executive in May.
Planning is underway to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the STS Regina Chapter in 2021.
If you have any suggestions regarding themes, activities, events, and the like, please forward them to Doug Still, President (socrates@sasktel.net)
An Anniversary Planning Committee has been set up and will review input in late April with recommendations to the Chapter Executive in May.
Provincial Recreation Events - Bowling, Bridges and Cribbage, Mah Johnng, Multi Genre Art Workshop, and Golf all happen before the end of June.
If you are interested in any of these events, please check Outreach or the Chapter website.
If you are interested in any of these events, please check Outreach or the Chapter website.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Correspondence - Myrna Switzer, who usually sends various cards to our members and their families, will be away from March 1st to April 15th. Please reach Adeline Wuschenny for your card requests by email at ra.wuschenny@sasktel.net and/or 306-545-2512.
ADVOCACY:Support Public Education! Support Teaching and Learning!
Links to two STF Projects are provided. The report, Education Re-Imagined, may help you develop your message to the Government using the tool, Tell Them Tuesday.
- Tell Them Tuesday: Invites teachers, students, parents and concerned citizens to contact their MLA and the Minister of Education and tell them about today’s realities of classrooms in Saskatchewan. To help simplify the process, STF is using an online platform. All you need to do is enter your name, postal code and email address to join the campaign. In follow up emails, from the campaign, you’ll be invited to take certain actions sending an email to your MLA and the Hon. Gordon Wyant, Minister of Education, or sharing on social media with just a few clicks of the mouse. STF encourages you to sign up for Tell Them Tuesday and to inform your friends and family about it so they can share their stories as well. The more stories we tell, the louder & stronger our voice is to the provincial government. Join the campaign today at tellthemtuesday.com
- Education Re-Imagined: The project, Re-Imagine Education, heard from people across Saskatchewan about the changes they think need to be made to the education system. Community engagement events took place across the province and thousands participated in the online survey. See what you had to say in the final report.
Facebook & Web Page – Our private Facebook group is growing! Keep informed about STS activities, volunteer opportunities, news related to education & more. In the Facebook search box, type STS Regina Chapter & ask to join. The page moderator will add you to the group. Likewise go to the web Page found at www.stsregina.com
Nominations – If you are interested in serving on the Regina Chapter Executive (or know someone who is) please contact Adeline at 306-545-2512 or email rawuschenny@sasktel.net. Vacant position is Secretary.
Fall Newsletter – Would you consider receiving an emailed newsletter if you are currently receiving it by regular mail? Please let Laurel know to make this change by emailing at laurel.siddons@gmail.com or calling at 306-527-7867.
STS Volunteer List – If you are interested in being on a private email list that will be accessible to approved agencies (Food Bank, et.al) that would be used to request emergent volunteer needs please contact Debi Dittrick at dittrd@sasktel.net
Name Tags
If interested in purchasing a name tag see Eunice Hein at the registration table.
Submit name(s) by October 30. Indicate if you wish a magnet clasp or pin. The cost depends on the number ordered & in the past has been under $10.
If interested in purchasing a name tag see Eunice Hein at the registration table.
Submit name(s) by October 30. Indicate if you wish a magnet clasp or pin. The cost depends on the number ordered & in the past has been under $10.
Volunteers needed for Email Tree now - contact Laurel Siddons at 306-527-7867 or laurel.siddons@gmail.com
Invitation for Resolutions
Related to superannuated teachers Regina Chapter AIMS, do you want:
To initiate change? To seek support for advocacy? To test an idea?
To submit a resolution or for assistance to write a resolution to be considered by the Regina Chapter members at an assembly, contact the Resolutions Committee:
(a) On-line: through of “Contact Us” at stsregina.com. Type your resolution or your request for help in the comment box with the title “Resolution”;
(b) On paper: mail to Resolutions, c/o 26 Kerley Bay, Regina, SK, S4R 7L1
(c) In person: contact a Resolutions Committee member
(d) By email: care of Shirley Humphries at smhs@sasktel.net
Related to superannuated teachers Regina Chapter AIMS, do you want:
To initiate change? To seek support for advocacy? To test an idea?
To submit a resolution or for assistance to write a resolution to be considered by the Regina Chapter members at an assembly, contact the Resolutions Committee:
(a) On-line: through of “Contact Us” at stsregina.com. Type your resolution or your request for help in the comment box with the title “Resolution”;
(b) On paper: mail to Resolutions, c/o 26 Kerley Bay, Regina, SK, S4R 7L1
(c) In person: contact a Resolutions Committee member
(d) By email: care of Shirley Humphries at smhs@sasktel.net
Refund Policy for the Christmas Banquet/Out to Lunch With the Bunch:
In order to receive a refund, the ticket holder must contact the Chapter Executive prior to the date when the final number of attendees is submitted to the caterer. After that date, and because there is usually a waiting list of people wanting tickets, those who are unable to attend could contact the ticket sales coordinator to obtain the names and phone numbers of those people on the waiting list. Tickets are transferable and guests are welcome.
In order to receive a refund, the ticket holder must contact the Chapter Executive prior to the date when the final number of attendees is submitted to the caterer. After that date, and because there is usually a waiting list of people wanting tickets, those who are unable to attend could contact the ticket sales coordinator to obtain the names and phone numbers of those people on the waiting list. Tickets are transferable and guests are welcome.
Membership List – Due to privacy issues, the membership list will be printed only for those who require it for their committee work.
On-Going Collections include donated wool (for newborns in the hospital neo-natal unit), out-of-date prescription glasses (taken to Third-World countries), labels from soup cans (Grant Road School Gym) and drink can tabs (used to purchase wheelchairs). These items may be brought to Regina Chapter General Assembly meetings.
COMMUNICATION – Other reminders are sent by email or by phone. New retirees and those who have changed email addresses are asked to call Communications Coordinator, Laurel Siddons at 306-527-7867 (email laurel.siddons@gmail.com). Phoners are always needed. If you could help us out with the phoning, it involves about a 1/2 hour of your time, approximately 6 times a year. Substitute phoners are also required. Please call Laurelif you would be willing and able to assist us.
How do we contact each other?
There are various methods used to contact our members; a phoning committee, through email and via the web site.
If you have an email address and would prefer receiving your information that way, please contact Laurel Siddons at 306-527-7867 (email laurel.siddons@gmail.com) Your name will be removed from the phoning list and added the email contact list.
If you know a member with an email address, pass the above information on to them.
We would like to have an up to date email list. If you change your email address, please inform Norma Ash.
If you could help us out with the phoning, it involves about a 1/2 hour of your time, approximately 6 times a year. Substitute phoners are also required.
There are various methods used to contact our members; a phoning committee, through email and via the web site.
If you have an email address and would prefer receiving your information that way, please contact Laurel Siddons at 306-527-7867 (email laurel.siddons@gmail.com) Your name will be removed from the phoning list and added the email contact list.
If you know a member with an email address, pass the above information on to them.
We would like to have an up to date email list. If you change your email address, please inform Norma Ash.
If you could help us out with the phoning, it involves about a 1/2 hour of your time, approximately 6 times a year. Substitute phoners are also required.