Good afternoon, everyone!

The Provincial Executive met via Zoom yesterday.  I have prepared the attached report for distribution to our membership and I would greatly appreciate your help in facilitating that process.  Of significant interest is the decision to move to a virtual format for an AGM in the new year, and there will certainly be much more to follow in that regard.

I hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather this week and staying safe and healthy. I very much appreciate your messages and updates regarding your Chapters as well as news of your families and various other activities.

Thank you for your continued attention to STS matters and I look forward to further communications with you.

Have a fine day,
Terri Mitchell
Chapter Liaison                                                                                                          STS Chapter Liaison Report and Greetings from Terri Mitchell, November 3, 2020

1. STS Office Opening 

The STS Office has opened by appointment only as of October 13, 2020. In order to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff, we ask that you:

• call (306) 373-3879 to schedule an appointment
• wear a mask as you enter the building at 2311 Arlington Avenue
• read and follow the signage in the building
• use the available hand sanitizer upon entering the office
• wait in the hall if staff is seeing another member
• not enter the office if you are feeling unwell

2. Audited Financial Statements

Typically copies of the audited financial statements for both the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan and the STS Extended Health Fund are distributed at the fall Presidents Meeting.  Given the COVID-19 situation and the inability to gather for a Presidents Meeting, you will find the two sets of Audited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2020 attached to this email.  Some summary comments about the statements are found below.  If you have further questions regarding these statements, or would like a hard copy of the statements mailed to you, please contact the office.

                STS Operating and Contingency Funds

• The auditing firm Deloitte provided a clean audit with no concerns expressed
• The Operating Fund is in a strong financial position and had 2019-20 revenues exceeding expenses by $410,137 largely due to the impacts of COVID-19, such as:
  • Postponement of 2020 AGM
  • Reduced Executive expenses due to electronic meetings
  • Reduced office expenses due to delays in technology enhancements
  • Reduced Outreach expenses due to cancelled issues
• STS Policy Handbook Guideline 9 provides guidance regarding the allocation of this surplus to the Reserve Funds

                STS Extended Health Fund

• The auditing firm Deloitte provided a clean audit with no concerns expressed
• The Extended Health Fund is in a strong financial position and had 2019-20 revenues exceeding expenses by approximately $4.2M largely due to the impacts of COVID-19, such as:
  • Reduced claims for paramedical services
  • Reduced claims for regularly scheduled dental visits
  • Changed patterns of accessing benefits
• This completes the second year of what is now a four-year agreement with Blue Cross extending to June 30, 2022

3. Chapter Rebates

Chapter rebate cheques and membership lists will be mailed to Chapter Treasurers in the next week.

4. STS Extended Health Plan Travel Benefits

Many questions are being asked regarding Extended Health Plan Travel Benefits.  Travel benefits have not specifically changed with the COVID-19 situation.  However, please be reminded if you contract COVID-19 or experience any kind of illness or injury prior to leaving on your trip for which symptoms occur and/or require medical investigation, diagnosis, treatment or hospitalization within three months immediately preceding your departure date, it will likely be considered a pre-existing condition and medical coverage will not occur.  Travelers are also recommended to be aware of, and follow, Government of Canada Travel Advisories.  See the Blue Cross website for more information

https://www.sk.bluecross.ca/covid-19-information.

Please Note: If you have further questions or concerns please use the sts@sts.sk.ca email. Do not reply to this email.

Good evening, Everyone!

I hope you are all well and keeping busy with various fall activities…like digging carrots and potatoes and maybe even combining, all of which have occupied our time in the last week or so. In addition there was a fall meeting of the Provincial STS Executive that happened via Zoom on Monday.

I have attached a report and I ask that you kindly share it with your members.  More detailed information will be available in the next issue of Outreach.

Thank you for your consideration and keep healthy and well!

Terri Mitchell.                                                                                                               Chapter Liaison Report September 21, 2020

Introducing our new 55+ Master’s Class!

Starting October 5th, we’ll be running a class specifically for our Masters! This class will be focused around improving your range of motion, building strength, and making fitness fun and enjoyable.

As we creep up that age hill, it’s so important that we’re looking after ourselves in all ways that we can. Ensuring we are getting our daily activity in, and making the most of our opportunity means that we’re investing in ourselves in the best way possible!

Join your friends for some low intensity activity, strength building, mobility work, friendship, and coffee!

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, from 9-10AM, starting October 5th.

This is an 8 week program and will run until November 27th.

Cost: $170+GST/month

15 spots available only!

Pre-registration by sending us a message, calling us (306.782.2161) or emailing us – info@crossfitfunction.com.

Our provincial association has sent us some information compiled by Age Friendly Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism.  The attached information relates to staying safe during the economic reopening of our province and also some concerns of seniors.                                                                                                                      May 1-How Age-Friendly Communities Stay Safe                                                                 one page handout – Transportation                                                                                          one page handout- Finance

I hope this message finds you healthy and happy.  As we will not be gathering this week for our AGM and we will miss all the visiting and catching up, I thought I would reach our to folks via a brief note–mostly to visit and to touch base.  The note is attached and I kindly ask that you share it with our membership for me.

Happy Spring and keep safe and well.

Thank you,
Terri Mitchell.                                                                                                                Happy STS AGM Week to The Yorkton Chapter (1)

Here is some information sent from the office of Doug Ingham.                                                Congratulations and Some Thoughts and Thank Yous Apr.2020                                            SSM Info sheet #4 – Non-medical masks                                                                                SSM Info sheet #3 Groceries (1)

Here is a link that I received from Beth Berg. Perhaps, it will provide you with some ideas on keeping your groceries safe.                                                                                                            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0dizPrEgZsPejfA0jNGJCv960XmU10eVzUH3w2adkOiFoileNZj1UIzVQ Virus-free. www.avg.com Attachments area Preview YouTube video PSA Grocery Shopping Tips in COVID-19 (See Important Notes Below) www.DrJeffVW.com

I was sent this information by Orest Machushek. I thought you might find it quite informative.

Benedicta Justine
March 27 at 9:24 AM ·
This maybe helpful,
Reposting…
The following is from Irene Ken physician, whose daughter is an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, quite informative.

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).
By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
– 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).
But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.
* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.
They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
* You have to HUMIDIFY HANDS DRY from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL