As the Christmas season ends, I trust everyone has experienced the warmth and joys of time with family and friends — although the endless goodies of Christmas tend to alter our shape so we now enter the season of let's-get-fit-again. Many of the walking trails, clear of snow, invite us to enjoy walking through the winter wonderland but those of us who deal with shovelling need to remember to take regular rest breaks as it appears that, this winter, we will experience a great deal of "wonderland."

Despite the woes of winter, there are days of exquisite beauty when the frost adorns the trees and fences and grasses. On a recent drive to Saskatoon, I marvelled at the frosty landscape that continued for the entire two hours. Days later, I ventured to Calgary where I was fortunate to see the wonderful light display at Spruce Meadows. It is, indeed, a place of Christmas magic!

The STF provincial bargaining process entered arbitration in December. Let us not forget our former colleagues as they await the results.

I look forward to seeing you at the January Luncheon on Wednesday, January 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Masonic Hall.

January 15 luncheon: RSVPs now open

The next luncheon is scheduled for January 15, 2025 beginning at 1030am with a coffee chat. The guest speaker will be Mary Lee Booth from Square One and the meal will be a roast beef dinner catered by Charlotte’s.

To RSVP, or for further details, please click here or on the image below.

Presentation to the Salvation Army

On behalf to the MJ STS, Doreen Dodd presented a cheque for $452.60 to the MJ Salvation Army Christmas Fund. The money was raised at our December 2024 Christmas Social.

A New Year and New Beginnings

The new year is the perfect time to reconnect or make new connections.

Remember the line from Auld Lang Syne, "Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?".

Now is a great time to touch base with someone you haven't talked to in a while. You can call someone out of the blue or just drop an email or text to an old friend or family member you haven't talked to much this year. Or come out and see some former colleagues at our January luncheon. It's all about reaching out. Hope to see you soon!

Where do you see yourself in 2025?

New Year, New Adventures. Folks, I’ve been in the business for over 15 years and I can tell you, if you’re feeling the travel itch you are not alone. January is one of the business months for Canadians booking travel. From sun holidays to summer plans, for maybe scratching off a bucket list item. Make this the year to make it happen. What are you waiting for, Christmas? Enough jibber jabber from me, here are some travel videos and deals you can sink your teeth into.

Travel Videos: Click on any of the links to see the video.

• New tour: 10 day Walking in Finland and Sweden (2 minutes)

• New tour: 8 day Walking in Northern Ireland & Donegal (2 minutes)

• Wander Vibes: Newfoundland's Remote Southern Coast incl. outport of François with Adventure Canada (2 minutes)

Travel Deals: G Adventures Great Adventure Sale; Explore Big Blue Sale

My next trip…. Next month I’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the busy world behind and raise anchor for the Marquesas Islands. I’ll be experiencing Aranui V, the cargo ship / cruise ship, making 12 day rotations from Tahiti to the edge of Polynesia, the Marquesas Islands. It is a place for travellers who crave a genuine connection to nature and culture, far removed from mainstream tourist destinations.

If you are interested in going, there are Canadian resident discounts for double occupancy, and a limited number of single supplement waiver cabins are available for solo travellers. This are going to go quicker than you can say Bora Bora, click here on the image below for further details.