Angela Dogniez
Message from the President
BY SUE AMUNDRUD
WELCOME TO THE fall edition of our Outreach magazine. I hope everyone has had a good summer. Your experience may not match ours, but my husband and I still find that summer is our time to relax and refresh, and most of our activities, other than yard work, still seem to run on an academic year. But in the fall, we are ready to get back to a regular routine.
This issue of Outreach introduces you to our new Executive elected at our May AGM. With three new members, we are looking forward to the new ideas and opinions that will be available and how those will strengthen our Executive gatherings. This issue also includes impressions of the AGM from first-time attendees – perhaps their experience will entice more of you to consider being a delegate next year. Some of our chapters were unable to fill their quota of
delegates this year, and we hope to see that change for the 2026 AGM.
Our articles in this issue continue themes that were explored last year but are now expanding into other areas as well. What should we be considering in terms of Will and estate planning? Do we have an Executor and does that person know where to find important documents? How much forward planning have we actually done? Some of us are better prepared than others, but it never hurts to take another look to be sure everything is up to date and there are no gaps.
Travel seems to always be at the top of the wish list for new retirees and remains a priority for many. With “Canada first” as our current focus, you will find some suggestions that you may want to consider exploring for travel this, or even next, fall.
As
STS Group Benefit
holders who are eligible for the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Drug Plan may be eligible for a reduced premium by providing the STS Office with a copy of the Seniors’ Drug Plan confirmation letter. For information on the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Drug Plan, please speak with your pharmacist or contact the Seniors’ Drug Plan office at 1-800-667-7581. If you live in Regina please call 306-787-3317.
For any changes to your address and/or Group Benefits coverage, please contact the STS Office directly at 306-373-3879 or email sts@sts.sk.ca
Do you have a story idea, topic or image you would like us to consider? Email us at sts@sts.sk.ca
Content Curator Kevin Schmidt
Executive Director Murray Wall www.sts.sk.ca
BELOW IS A selection of photos by members of the STS. Do you have a photograph, idea or a topic you would like us to consider? Email us at sts@sts.sk.ca
Please note that if you'd like your photos to be considered for the cover of Outreach, they must meet the following requirements: a minimum resolution of 3000 x 3000 pixels and a file size greater than 10 MB. For all other photos, we recommend they meet at least 1000 x 1000 pixels and be larger than 1 MB in size.
Wayne Busch
Arlis Foley
Wendy Tingle
Murray Wall
Rene Goertzen
Beverly Magel
Moose Jaw & District
BY ELAINE PARSONS
THE MOOSE JAW & District
Senior Citizens Association (MJDSCA) is dedicated to improving the social, mental and physical well-being of the seniors age 50 and over in our community. Based at the Timothy Eaton Centre in Moose Jaw, MJDSCA recently entered a collaborative relationship with Age-Friendly Moose Jaw and Social Prescribing Moose Jaw. The relationship is a natural fit due to shared goals and the significant dovetailing and overlap in their clientele. As a result of this partnership, their local offices are located within the Timothy Eaton Centre, and they use this space and facilities to offer their services and programs.
Some examples of shared initiatives among our three groups are as follows:
• a monthly Book Club for seniors at the Timothy Eaton Centre in partnership with the Moose Jaw Public Library
• a one day open showcase of “Services for Seniors” hosted along with the Moose Jaw STS Chapter on October 1, 2024, the United Nations International Day of Older Persons
• February 13, 2025, our three groups hosted “Let No One Be Alone”, a day for everyone to mingle, eat, and try out different activities
Shaunavon Supports
BY DEBBIE OLESEN
AWe continue to work with our partner organizations to plan for more programming. ●
Elaine Parsons taught for 35 years with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and has been retired for 20 years. She is presently on the Board of Directors of the MJDSCA and the Executive of the Moose Jaw STS Chapter. At the Timothy Eaton Center, she leads twiceper-week “Forever…in motion” fitness classes and volunteers extensively in fundraising, marketing, and security, as well as many other activities.
GE-FRIENDLY SHAUNAVON was formed in 2022. Based on an assessment of community needs identified by older adults, action plans were implemented to address specific AgeFriendly domains.
Information regarding transportation and communication were identified as needing urgent attention. The Age-Friendly Committee compiled a Directory of Services and a Transportation Directory for local seniors. A Senior Resources Coordinator was hired to manage the work of the Committee, and to create opportunities for social interaction to address the domain of Social Participation which had been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Older adults reach out to the Senior Resources Coordinator seeking information, support, and to indicate specific needs. Volunteer recruitment to meet those specific needs has increased the availability of home supports.
In 2024, the Town of Shaunavon entered into an agreement with SSM (Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism) to participate in a provincial Social Prescribing Initiative. Social prescribing is a means for health care providers to improve overall health and well-being of patients by connecting them to a range of non-clinical services in the community. Through the pilot funding, a Community Connector was hired. The Community Connector accepts referrals from health care providers and supports individuals in accessing community resources that help address social determinants of health.
Resources developed by Age-Friendly Shaunavon are valuable for the Community Connector to
develop individual plans with clients that address their overall health and well-being. The Senior Resource Coordinator and Community Connector collaborate to identify and fill gaps which provide the best resources for individuals, whether initiated through Age-Friendly, or the Community Connector via Social Prescribing. ●
Debbie Olesen is a retired teacher from Shaunavon who questions her retirement because most days she is a substitute in one of the three schools in the community. She chairs Age-Friendly Shaunavon and is the President of Shaunavon's STS Chapter.
Age-Friendly Moosomin – The Journey
BY DEVONA PUTLAND
IFIRST HEARD ABOUT the Age-Friendly movement when I joined the board of Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism. There are many ways a community can become Age-Friendly. To begin, there needs to be interest in forming a committee. During the COVID pandemic, I ran a newspaper ad that asked people to contact me if they wanted to be added to a Zoom meeting about Age-Friendly. That meeting caught people in a time where many were looking for things to do, and 18 people attended the Zoom meeting. After the meeting, the decision was made to create a contact list of interested people, and the journey began.
The local newspaper promoted the idea of AgeFriendly through an interview, and once in-person meetings were again possible, and the group began to meet once per month. To start, the group needed Terms of Reference and a purpose. We also needed the community to know what we were about so a couple of us attended town council and RM meetings to relay information. A Coffee House was hosted on October 1, the International Day of Older Persons, where we celebrated our older adults, got word out in the community and increased interest.
The Coffee House generated revenue from a silver collection which funded a community survey that our group members hand-delivered around town. Lack of funds for postage meant surveys needed to be submitted in the public library book drop. The return rate of 25% was very exceptional
(5% return is considered a success), and those survey results guided our action plan.
Our Age-Friendly Community group has many accomplishments, including:
• a sidewalk audit that guided the town in an improvement plan
• a bench campaign where 22 benches were sponsored and now provide rest spots
• acquiring a grant for the purchase of iPads and provision of Tech Time classes so people could learn about using technology
• fundraising where we raised over $4,000 for the new daycare
• Forever…in motion weekly exercise class for seniors
• submitting a grant application for the purchase of a vehicle for transportation to out-of-town medical appointments
And so, our journey continues! ●
Devona Putland is a retired teacher/administrator from Moosomin, Saskatchewan. She currently serves on the Executive of the Provincial STS and is a trustee for subdivision one on the South East Cornerstone Board of Education. She is the chairperson of AgeFriendly Moosomin and actively volunteers in her community.
STS Goes to Camp
BY BEVERLY MAGEL
THE STS IS a fabulous organization with so many benefits! It’s a great place for superannuating teachers to transition from their career. One benefit of the STS includes recreational activities. The Last Mountain Chapter celebrated the STS 50th Anniversary by offering our members activities such as team building, low and high ropes, axe throwing, archery, kayaking/canoeing and mini golf. It was so much fun that we wanted to offer these activities to all STS members provincewide We teamed up with the Regina Chapter and built an itinerary with various activities to fit as many interests and physical levels as possible! Our activities strengthened social relationships, assisted participants to demonstrate their skills, pushed them out of their comfort zones and instilled an incredible sense of accomplishment. On a personal note, I have a fear of heights; however, being distracted by the beautiful view of Last Mountain Lake from 30 feet up in the air made it worth it. And of course, there was delicious food to nourish us. Recreation activities are a great way to attract people to the organization!
Comments from our Past-President and our current President are as follows:
“STS Goes to Camp was an opportunity for a variety of experiences in a beautiful setting at Last Mountain Lake. These ranged from more physical activities during the day to evenings where we were able to socialize. All in all, it was a great way to build friendships.” Doug Still, STS Past-President
“What I liked best about my experience at STS Goes to Camp was the wide variety of activities of which some I was really comfortable, some took me out of my comfort zone, and some I could opt out and just cheer on the other participants. It was a lot of fun.” Sue Amundrud, STS President
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will portray our activities through pictures!! ●
Bunnock and Burger Bash
BY ALAN LAUGHLIN
May 2024 found the Lloydminster, Unity, Northwest and The Battlefords and District STS Chapters wrestling
with the question of how to attract new members. We agreed that retaining members is less of a challenge than attracting them in the first place.
The four chapters decided to host a purely recreational event which they called the "Bunnock and Burger Bash." The purpose of the event was to invite teachers who were within five years of retirement to come together and socialize over barbecued burgers and a game or two of Bunnock or other games. To facilitate travel, we selected the community of Maidstone as a central venue.
Now came the primary question, how do we gain access to the lists of names of potential retirees? We contacted local association Presidents and asked them to email our poster to their members. Teachers could self-identify as potential participants. Without the assistance of the locals, making contact would have been challenging. The advertising campaign resulted in fifty-five soon-tobe retired teachers who took us up on the evening of fun and feasting. It poured rain but the spirits of the participants were not dampened!
The final question was, “What did we learn?”
We learned:
• that when several chapters share the work and the costs, interesting things can happen.
• that there are valuable resources found within the local associations of active teachers.
• that some communities are not being well served by STS chapters and those chapters are working to be more inviting and inclusive of retired teachers who are not yet members.
Yes, it was just a night of eating burgers and playing Bunnock, but more importantly, it was an evening of connecting with prospective STS members. ●
Written by Alan Laughlin on behalf of the four chapters. Alan is a former Provincial Executive member and the former Chapter President of the Battlefords and District Chapter.
A Cautionary Tale: Life Lessons on Wills and Estates Part I
BY JEROME LINNELL
IN THE SUMMER of 2022, my family and I had the opportunity to visit a retired teaching friend in British Columbia. We had a great week of visiting, and during this week my friend took me aside and asked me if I would be willing to look after his estate when he passed. I accepted immediately and without hesitation. His friends in British Columbia were of similar age to him, and his only family member was in the United States. I knew that it made sense for him to ask me, even though I was in another province. I also reasoned that I had taught for 34 years and would likely retire soon, so I would be free to travel to take care of his estate. He was in good health, and at age 82 still walked the golf course six days a week when he played with his friends.
When I began my 35th year of teaching in the fall of 2022, I had no idea how quickly things would change. In November I received word that my friend had passed away suddenly.
LIFE LESSON #1: WHEN SOMEONE ASKS YOU TO BE EXECUTOR OF THEIR ESTATE, YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO DO IT TOMORROW.
That means having a discussion that might not be comfortable, but will prepare you with the basic knowledge that you will need to carry out your tasks.
Ask questions such as “Where is the Will?” “Do you have any requests for your funeral?” “Would you like burial or cremation?” “Where can I find the contact information for all your family members?” “Do you have a summary of where all your financial holdings are kept?” “Do you have a list of all your important numbers needed for the estate (SIN, credit card numbers, etc.)?”
Of course, I had asked none of these questions. I was so lost. Who do I even contact in British Columbia now? I started with the golf course. I did not ask for anyone’s personal information but rather gave out mine so that his friends could contact me. They did, and we discussed the situation. They were a huge help, and I could not have succeeded without them.
Ask questions: “Where is the Will?” “Do you have any requests for your funeral?” “Would you like burial or cremation?”
LIFE LESSON #2: A WILL IS ONLY USEFUL IF YOUR EXECUTOR KNOWS WHERE IT IS.
It may be that there is no Will (or you can’t find it), but you can’t make progress without a death certificate. Fortunately, in my case, I was able to obtain this with some help from the BC Coroner’s office and the funeral home which had taken my friend’s remains. This was a big break, as I didn’t have the Will and I did not have the contact
for the next of kin. The Coroner’s office had no contact information for anyone in his family, so they were actually relieved to hear that I was the Executor (or so I thought…). That death certificate allowed me to now search for the Will.
BC has a provincial Wills registry, which anyone can search with the death certificate. This search was negative. A BC lawyer later told me that few of their clients register their Wills, as this costs money! I flew to BC to do a search in his home with the help of his friends, which did prove successful. However, I was not listed as the Executor. Looking at his papers, it was obvious that he did not complete the revision of his Will after talking to me in the summer. He had also noted that this was the current Will.
LIFE LESSON #3: DO NOT PUT OFF UPDATING YOUR WILL.
I knew my friend very well. Winter was a slower time for him, and his plan was to revise it in December or January when he had more free time. I am sure that he never considered the series of events that his delay would set off. I will never regret looking after his estate, but it would have been so much easier if he had just updated it and listed me as the Executor as you will quickly realize in the rest of the story.
He had listed his sister as Executor in his Will. I found her number in his contacts book. This was a hard conversation. She did not know that her brother had passed away. She also was surprised to learn that she was the Executor. She conveyed the impossibility of looking after the Will as she was in the USA and in her 80s. She asked me to do it before I even had a chance to offer, and of course I agreed. Now things were going to get very difficult… to be continued in the next issue. ●
Jerome Linnell is a retired teacher living in Melfort, Saskatchewan. He has taught high school science, computer science, and mathematics for 35 years in Estevan and Melfort. He has five adult children and resides with his wife of 29 years, Kelly, who is an active teacher at Melfort Comprehensive. He is an active member of the Carrot River Valley Chapter of the STS.
Planning for the Future: Making a Will
BY Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA)
Reaching retirement is a milestone to be celebrated. It is also an opportune time to re-examine your financial goals and plans for your estate. In this article, your estate refers to all your assets – real property, such as land and buildings, as well as personal property such as bank accounts, investments, vehicles and furnishings.
KEEPING CONTROL
During your lifetime you are generally free to deal with your property as you see fit. If you also want to determine what will happen to your property after your death, it’s important to have a properly prepared Will. A Will covers the distribution of your estate after your death and can help ensure that your estate is dealt with in accordance with your wishes. A Will also allows you to choose an Executor who will be responsible for handling your estate.
You can choose anyone you want as Executor. Some people choose their spouse, a family member or friend, while others choose a professional, such as a trust company. You can name an Executor who is also a beneficiary. In fact, it is common to name your main beneficiary as your Executor. Whoever you plan to name, it is a good idea to discuss the matter with them first.
OF SOUND MIND
Individuals 18 years of age or older can choose to prepare a Will provided they are “of sound mind.” This means that you understand the value and extent of your estate. You must also understand how your estate will be distributed under the terms of your Will. When a lawyer prepares a Will, they have a duty to make inquiries to determine whether you are of sound mind.
VOLUNTARY
You must voluntarily make your Will without someone unduly influencing you. Undue influence includes things like using force or threats to pressure you to distribute your estate in a certain way. Undue influence is more than merely offering advice or suggestions. The pressure must be so great that you feel unable to refuse to go along with it.
FORMALITIES
In Saskatchewan, all Wills must be in written form and signed by the maker of the Will, referred to as the Testator. Other than a Holograph Will, Wills must be signed in front of two witnesses who must also sign the document. A beneficiary under the Will or the spouse of a beneficiary should not be a witness. They will lose any benefit under the Will unless a court directs otherwise.
An Affidavit of Execution of one of the witnesses is required when applying to have the court deal with the estate. It is always a good idea to have the witness complete the affidavit and swear it before a Commissioner for Oaths when you make your Will. This can avoid the trouble and expense of locating the witness in the future, assuming they are still alive and capable.
Many individuals have a lawyer prepare their Will. A lawyer can help protect your interests and ensure that:
• the requirements for a valid Will are met.
• the Will states your intentions clearly.
• you receive advice about whether the terms are enforceable.
• you receive advice about the contents of the Will and general estate planning. ●
This article was prepared and written by the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA). PLEA is a non-profit, non-government organization providing free legal information across a variety of platforms. They offer programs and services to the general public and school communities across Saskatchewan through dedicated websites, print resources, presentations and more.
For more Information
To learn more about this area of the law, check out the Planning for the Future section of PLEA’s website at plea.org. The legal information that PLEA provides is intended as general information only and
Wills & Estate Planning for Canadians for dummies, 3rd Edition
BY MAGI MCFADDEN
It’s never too early or too late to start planning your estate. Whether you’re at the beginning of your teaching career or nearing the end, no matter what your net worth, this expert maintains that you can devise an estate plan that protects your loved ones and the assets you have worked diligently to acquire. By going through this process, you will learn about yourself, your life, and what you want to leave behind for your loved ones. This will not only be of benefit to you, but for those who depend on you.
... minimizes the complexity of estate planning by providing straightforward advice
JoAnn Kurtz, a Toronto-based lawyer, educator, and author has done a masterful job of taking readers step-by-step through the estate planning process. Organized into distinct sections, readers will learn the essentials of estate planning basics, estate planning tools, creating an estate plan, putting an estate plan into action, readying an estate plan and keeping it up-to-date, internet estate planning, questions to ask before hiring a lawyer, and determining an Executor. With a focus on Canadian laws and policies, this book has upto-date information on tax changes, appointing an Executor, business succession, and life insurance in the provinces. This unpretentious guide
minimizes the complexity of estate planning by providing straightforward advice about preparing end-of-life documents, planning your estate, transferring your assets to your heirs, making charitable gifts, preparing a living will, donating organs, and communicating last wishes. Readers also receive information about family law in Canada, powers of attorney, Will preparation, funeral planning, and tax implications. With this reference book, readers can make sure their loved ones are taken care of after their deaths and their wealth and assets go where they intend. This reference belongs on every Canadian teacher’s bookshelf. ●
Magi McFadden is a member of the Regina Chapter of the STS and has served at the chapter level as Social Committee Co-chair. Magi is also a member of the STF professional growth network LEARN and has served at the provincial level and local council level of LEARN as President, Vice President, and editor of their official publication “Query” for more than a decade.
Meet Your Executive
Sue Amundrud
PRESIDENT/COUNCILLOR
• 10-year career teaching high school in Major & Big River; 3-year career in Parkland School Division office and 17-year career in various roles in curriculum and technology/e-learning in the Ministry of Education
• 10th year on the STS Provincial Executive
• staying connected to education overall and paying attention to the needs of retired teachers as well as to the importance of public education in our province
Terri Mitchell
VICE-PRESIDENT/
COUNCILLOR
• career of teaching English Language Arts at the Yorkton Regional High School led to superannuation in 2012
• 7th year on the STS Provincial Executive
• valuing opportunities to connect with colleagues, make new friends, honouring the work of those who created this organization, and helping to carry the vision of the STS into the future
Doug Still
PAST-PRESIDENT/ COUNCILLOR
• 31-year career teaching Social Studies and History at Humboldt Collegiate
• 9th year on STS Provincial Executive
• contributing to our organization, staying connected with colleagues, and continuing to work for the betterment of superannuated teachers in the tradition of the 52 years of our organization
Helen Sukovieff
ACER-CART
• 32-year career teaching primarily in Regina
• 13th year on the STS Provincial Executive (5th year as ACERCART Director)
• working with the STS Provincial Executive and ACER-CART to make improvements for seniors and focusing on the "big picture" with our partners across Canada
Martin Berg
COUNCILLOR
• 31-year career teaching in Kamsack, Mayfair, and 26 years at Unity
Composite High School
• 3rd year on the STS
Provincial Executive
• focussing developed governance skills for the benefit and to enhance the lifestyles of current and future STS members
Huguette Kitchen
COUNCILLOR
• a teaching career that began in 1977 in New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan, both French Immersion and English programs
• 5th year on STS
Provincial Executive
• representing our membership and assisting fellow Provincial Executive members to advocate and support our members in achieving the aims of the STS
Devona Putland
COUNCILLOR
• 30-year teaching career plus a second 11-year career as a substitute teacher
• 7th year on STS Provincial Executive
• connecting with colleagues and contributing to the well-being of retired teachers
Owen Sebastian
COUNCILLOR
• 35-year career teaching in rural Saskatchewan
• 3rd year on the STS Provincial Executive
• serving our members and advocating for their interests with many great people at the provincial level and from other parts of Canada
Anna Wehrkamp
COUNCILLOR
• 30-year career teaching primarily in Gronlid
• 11th year on the STS Provincial Executive
• representing the Northeast of our province in working with members who care about public education and supporting both active and superannuated teachers
Chris Atkinson
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 14-year K-12 teaching career, 23-year career at the Ministry of Education, and an 8-year career ongoing with SUNTEP
• 1st year on the STS Provincial Executive
• adding my voice to the advocacy for a quality of life for seniors and for the well-being of our provincial education system
Joyce Hoffman
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 38-year teaching career at Success and Waldeck Schools, in Southwest Saskatchewan
• 16th year on the STS Provincial Executive
• working with like-minded individuals to advocate for retired teachers at both the Provincial and Local levels
Gail Huber
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 35-year career teaching in the Wakaw/ Horizon School Division and 9-year career as a substitute teacher
• 1st year on the STS Provincial Executive
• seeking to increase my knowledge of the work of the provincial organization and contributing to help local chapters succeed in their endeavors
Jane Isinger
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 35-year career as a K-9 classroom teacher, Principal, and Consultant. Assistant Director in Prince Albert Catholic S.D. and Saskatoon West S.D., and a Superintendent in Prairie Spirit S.D.
• 11th year on the STS Provincial Executive
• giving back to my profession and supporting retired and active teachers at both the chapter and provincial levels
Beverly Magel
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 33-year career with roles in teaching and consulting
• 2nd year on the STS Provincial Executive (2nd year as Co-Director for ACER-CART)
• collaborating with colleagues and other STS Provincial Executive members to support and advocate for our superannuated members
Sunil Pandila
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 33-year career in teaching and administration in Moose Jaw Public
• 14th year on the STS Provincial Executive (former STS President)
• continuing to serve superannuated teachers by building support to enhance the welfare of retired teachers through the work of our wonderful organization
Sonja Susut
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
• 38-year career teaching in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Moose Jaw and at the University of Regina
• 1st year on STS Provincial Executive
• looking forward to focusing on enhancing the welfare of superannuated teachers and promoting the value of connections through membership in local chapters. ●
I Attended My First STS AGM
BY PAT FERGUSON
In May 2025, I attended my first STS Annual General Meeting (AGM).
My life circumstances presented the opportunity for me to attend my first STS AGM this spring. One might ask why this should matter to me in retirement, or what does the STS really do for me? I have been retired long enough now to observe how people of different professions and areas of interest fall into the retirement lifestyle. I am pleased with the communication, benefits, and focus on healthy aging that the STS has taken the lead on for our members. The AGM gave me the firsthand opportunity to ask questions directly to the STS Provincial Executive. The educational sessions were relevant to my needs as a retiree: Saskatchewan Blue Cross information, cyber security, maintaining physical activity, and, of course, the workings of the STS.
First Time
BY TANNIS SCHMIDT
Meeting people with a common bond of education was certainly a highlight for me as a first-time delegate to the STS 2025 AGM. Inside the Dakota Dunes Hotel, located on White Cap Dakota First Nation, I entered the vast plenary space carrying no set expectations. Warmly greeted by Executive Director Murray Wall, who provided me with a prepared delegate package, I found my way to the seat that beckoned. Keen by nature, I chose a seat at the front middle table where sound was resonant and large screens were easily visible. Here was beginning of great conversation.
Breaking into smaller groups to hear people address and speak to the resolutions resulted in some meaningful processing. It was important to hear diverse perspectives. I attended my full quota of three “Interest Sessions”. True to their title, I was interested in all of them and strategically chose my final session to be “Forever…in motion”, knowing it would move some muscles, and so it did.
The banquet offered oodles of mingling and good
There is nothing quite like the camaraderie of a group of teachers. A person does not realize how much they miss something like this until they are no longer around it. The opportunity to reconnect with colleagues was a bonus. Attending the AGM strengthened my confidence in the support that the STS provides for retirees. ●
Pat retired in 2018 from the Southeast Cornerstone School Division where she spent most of her career at the Estevan Comprehensive School. She and her husband moved to Vernon, BC, in August of 2018. She is a member of the Okanagan Valley Chapter of the STS. She enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and spending time in her garden.
food, but most impressive for me was to hear of the amazing initiatives of Fred Herron, to whom special recognition was given. I exited after a long but rewarding day by dancing out to the music of “No Hurry,” an excellent local band.
On the last day, it was time to make decisions and vote. Pre-emptively, I had signed up earlier to register for digital voting and made sure my phone was charged. This made the voting process smooth. Using our phones (or devices provided), we voted for the new Executive and then the resolutions.
What a privilege to be part of a member-driven organization! I recommend superannuates to join a chapter, get involved and consider being a delegate to the AGM. ●
As a 2020 superannuate and former music teacher, choir director, performer, adjudicator, accompanist, and musician-in-residence, Tannis remains an active pianist and singer-songwriter.
Diane Selby
Exploring Canada in Fall and Winter: A Seasoned Traveller’s Guide
BY JAMIE MILTON
For nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of helping people plan unforgettable journeys around the world. My passion for travel runs deep and not just professionally, but personally. Over the years, I’ve explored destinations across the globe and these experiences have shaped my understanding of what makes travel truly memorable. Of all the places I’ve visited, Canada continues to be one of my favorites.
.. beauty, diversity, and adventure waiting right here at home
As we look ahead to the upcoming fall and winter travel seasons, I want to shine a spotlight on a few Canadian destinations that showcase the beauty, diversity, and adventure waiting right here at home.
FALL
ESCAPES:
EMBRACE THE COLOURS OF THE EAST
Autumn in Canada is a spectacular time to travel. Cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make it ideal for a relaxed yet enriching escape.
Two of my personal fall favourites are the Maritimes and Quebec. In the Maritimes, many attractions remain open through October, and the vibrant fall foliage is simply breathtaking. There’s something magical about watching the leaves turn crimson and gold along the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. For a truly immersive experience, time your visit with the Celtic Colours International Festival, held October 10–18, 2025, on Cape Breton Island. This unique celebration of music and culture features hundreds of performances and events across stunning coastal venues.
Other must-dos in the Maritimes include apple picking and wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley, strolling through the colourful waterfront of Lunenburg, and – if you’re lucky – catching a glimpse of the legendary Bluenose schooner.
Further west, Quebec City offers its own brand of autumn charm. The historic streets of Old Quebec, crowned by the majestic Château Frontenac and framed by fiery red and orange foliage, make for an unforgettable scene. There’s nothing like warming up with a bowl of authentic French onion soup and a coffee laced with maple cream whiskey after a brisk walk through cobbled alleyways.
Fall is also one of the best times for whale watching on the St. Lawrence River. From September through October, you may spot minke, fin, humpback, or even blue whales, while belugas remain year-round residents in the area.
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
WINTER WONDERLANDS: FROM SKI SLOPES TO STORM WATCHING
Winter in Canada isn’t just about snow – it’s about experiences. Whether you're craving adrenaline, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re an adventure enthusiast, look no further than world-class resorts in Whistler, Banff, and Jasper. Here you’ll find endless opportunities for skiing, heli-skiing, dogsledding, and snowshoeing. But for something a little different, consider Club Med Québec Charlevoix – Canada’s first allinclusive ski resort and Club Med’s first in North America. With over 26 included activities, from spa treatments and yoga to skiing, horseback riding, and sledge excursions, it’s an elevated yet effortless way to embrace winter. Plus, all your meals, drinks, and entertainment are part of the package.
For a truly northern experience, head to the Yukon. Winter is prime time for aurora borealis viewing, and there’s no better place to witness this natural phenomenon. Many Yukon tours also include wildlife adventures, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dogsledding, offering an immersive journey into Canada’s rugged beauty.
Prefer a milder winter? Then Vancouver Island is the perfect retreat. Thanks to its temperate climate, the island offers year-round comfort, making it ideal for longer stays. In Victoria, unwind at the Ritual Nordic Spa, enjoy High Tea at the Fairmont Empress, or explore the Royal BC Museum and its IMAX theatre. From January to March, the Blue Poppy Restaurant at Butchart Gardens is transformed into a vibrant indoor spring garden—a true treat for the senses in the heart of winter.
Another unforgettable experience awaits in Tofino, where storm watching season peaks between November and March. Nestled between the rainforest and the sea, the Wickaninnish Inn offers cozy fireplaces and panoramic views, allowing you to witness the dramatic forces of nature from the comfort of your room.
TRAVEL BETTER, RIGHT HERE AT HOME
Canada’s fall and winter seasons are rich with opportunities to connect – with nature, culture, and each other. Whether you seek peaceful escapes, thrilling adventures, or something in between, this country delivers in every season.
As an experienced traveller, travel advisor, and travel agent, I feel that local expertise, global reach, and genuine love for travel are necessary resources to help you plan with confidence and craft your own unique journey.
So, this season, don’t just travel – travel better. Explore Canada. ●
Jamie Milton is the Owner and Managing Partner at Uniglobe Carefree Travel. Uniglobe Carefree Travel, headquartered in Saskatoon and proudly 100% Canadian-owned shares a common goal: to help you travel better.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Quebec City, Quebec
Cape Spear, Newfoundland Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
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