Message from Your Local Branch President

When I walked outside today, to wander through the flowers and garden, I noticed, once again, one of my kitties in the “dead cat” position—where he’ll stay all day. I thought of the therapeutic value of pets, and what I read the other day. They are full of love, they provide companionship, reduce stress and anxiety, reduce feelings of loneliness and are grateful and loyal. My four pets keep me very busy but I thank them for their devotion—even the “dead cat.”

Remember how summer was a time to rejuvenate from the stresses of the school year? Well, now is our time to just enjoy ourselves, our grandchildren, to summer at the lake, or to simply contemplate nature’s wonders. When I look at the flowers in the garden I remember reading, “Flowers are restful to look at; they have neither emotions not conflicts. Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” In my yard, I have an amazing new lily that has the most wonderful jasmine fragrance that I will think of when the cold winter winds blow and I’m looking at a day of shoveling. I trust all of you are going for walks, visiting Wakamow (and the Burger Cabin…), and soaking up nature’s bounty.

In July, we attempted to kick-start our excursion list but found that almost everyone was unable to participate due to trips, company, or illness. We’ll try again in the fall.

Don’t forget the Hell With the Bell Breakfast on Wednesday, September 3, 10:30 a.m. at the Wildlife Center (behind the old Zellers) and the September Luncheon on Wednesday, September 17 at the Masonic Hall at 10:30. The guest speaker will be from Blue Cross and will be accompanied by Murray Wall from the STS provincial office. Do not miss this one!

🏥 Great Health Info from Sunil Pandila

Did You Know…?
You can request a rebate using your Health Spending Account (HSA)!

Here’s how:

Call the STS Office in Saskatoon to request a statement showing the premiums you’ve paid over a specific period.

Submit that statement along with a Blue Cross Claim Form to receive a reimbursement—just like any other medical claim.

Alternatively, you can check the box on your Blue Cross claim form to indicate that you want to use your HSA funds.

Keep doing this until your HSA is fully used.
But don’t wait too long—you have until December 31 to submit your HSA claims.

Money back in your pocket—make the most of it!

🇨🇦 A Highlight from the ACER-CART June 2025 AGM

Association canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités
Canadian Association of Retired Teachers

At the June 6, 2025 Annual General Meeting the following resolution from the Retired Teachers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (RTANL) was approved by the delegates in attendance.

“Moved that ACER-CART make an official statement in support of Canadian sovereignty.”

Sovereignty generally refers to the supreme power or authority of a country to govern itself and its residents, free from external interference. This includes the power to make and enforce laws, control its borders and conduct its foreign affairs. It also encompasses the cultural and political identity of Canada as a nation.

Key aspects of sovereignty include the following:

Internal Governance
Canada has the authority to create and implement its own laws and policies without interference from other countries.

External Relations
Canada can independently engage in international relations, including formal treaties and alliances, and is not subject to the authority of any other country.

Territorial Integrity
Canada has the right to control its own territory, including its land, airspace and maritime boundaries.

Constitutional Framework
Canada’s sovereignty is enshrined in its Constitution, which outlines the distribution of powers between the federal, territorial, and provincial governments.

In simpler terms, Canadian sovereignty means Canada has the right to govern itself and make its own decisions, free from control from any other country.

ACER-CART believes it is essential that Canada control its own destiny, support and strengthen its sovereignty and economic security and respond rapidly and effectively to any action threatening Canada’s vital interests. Our future as an independent and prosperous nation depends on this. Elbows Up!

Bill Berryman
President, ACER-CART

⛴️ Wondering What Dave Wentworth Has Been Up To?

Our former webmaster, Dave Wentworth, has been off on some incredible adventures! He's traveled to some amazing places, and you can follow his journeys—and even sign up for a few yourself—by visiting his website: destinationwhatever.com.

If your soul’s been whispering, “Run away to sea…” — listen up.

Because this time, you don’t have to compromise comfort, adventure, or your wallet.

Star Clippers' Solo Cabin Sale is on now — with no single supplement across dozens of dreamy itineraries from now through 2027. European and Caribbean waters. That means you can claim your very own stateroom aboard a majestic tall ship without paying double the price for the privilege.

These are not your average cruise ships. These are elegant sailing vessels where the sails do the work, the sunsets do the talking, and the experience is nothing short of cinematic. Picture this:

Where can you go? – Glad you asked, sailor:

🌴 Wintertime: Warmer waters in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Panama.
🎄 Holiday Getaways (yes, Christmas under the stars is a thing!)
🇮🇹 Next Summer’s Mediterranean sailings – from the Amalfi Coast to the Greek Isles, from coastal Spain to the rivieras of France.🧭 60+ itineraries across three stunning ships, maxing out at just 227 guests.
Relaxed, unpretentious, and wildly memorable.

🪪 Solo fares from $2,430 CAD
📅 Departures from 2025–2027
🚨 Book by August 31 — or while solo cabins are still available (they’re flying faster than a schooner in a stiff breeze!)

Why trust me with your tall ship dreams?

Because I’ve done this. I’ve stood at the bow with the wind in my hair… ok I was wearing a ball cap. I’ve helped countless travellers find their sea legs, and I know how to match you with the right ship, cabin, and sailing vibe.

If you’re a solo adventurer or just someone who likes their own space, this is immersive travel at its absolute finest.

Or if you and your friends want your own space but the same adventure this might be your next adventure together.

⚓ Let’s chart your next course, Aye Aye Captain Dave. Visit the Deals section of my website, or click on the image below and be tempted by the bounty of departures that await you.

So whether ye be a lone sailor chartin' yer way or ye just fancy a bit of quiet in yer own cabin (no judgement here—some of us snore like a foghorn), this sale’s the real deal. And if you’re sailin’ two to a cabin? Don’t be frettin’—there be deals for doubles too, no need to walk the plank.

So let’s haul anchor, chase the sun, and write some sea stories worth tellin’.

Fair winds, me jollies.

DW

Dave Wentworth

destinationwhatever.com

🛠️ Website Updates Are Underway!

We’ve been working behind the scenes to improve your experience at stsmoosejaw.com! Dianne Newman, June Parker (our new web designer), and I (Sandi Hutchinson) recently got together to review your suggestions and discuss ways to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

As part of the refresh, some older sections have been removed — they were just too tricky for us to keep updated regularly. June has made great progress on the new layout and design, and while we’re not quite finished, we’re excited about the improvements so far!

If you notice anything that needs attention, or if you have ideas to share, please send us an email at stsmoosejaw@gmail.com.