Message from Your Local Branch President

Isn’t it wonderful to see the colours of summer! I recently read something that says, “Multiple studies show that proximity to plants has profound health benefits for human beings. We all know that a bouquet of flowers can convey appreciation, but research finds that simply being around flowers also reduces stress, speeds healing, enhances concentration, and improves mood.” I go out to my yard first thing every morning, just to wander among the flowers, checking to see if plans grew overnight (!) or if new blooms have opened. During the long winter days it’s calming to close my eyes and think of the yard in the summer. I trust you are enjoying your gardens and flowers, the lake, grandchildren, holidaying, and taking a break from winter soup-making.

Thanks to everyone who enjoyed meeting at the Burger Cabin in June. The weather was lovely, the conversation was great, and it was gratifying to see the Burger Cabin open again. Try the root beer milkshakes. I’ve tried them everywhere and these are the best.

The social activities/excursions that were suggested a year ago will be attempted this summer. These received the most votes: Big Muddy, Trolley Tour, Omega Train Trip, Grasslands Provincial Park, Doukhobor settlement in Verigan (near Yorkton.) If you are interested in adding your name to the lists, please contact me at s.susut@sasktel.net.

On your calendars, please circle Wednesday, September 3, 10:30 a.m., Wildlife Center (behind the old Zellers) for the Hell With the Bell Breakfast where we will welcome the new superannuates—of which there is a long list! Later that month, our luncheons begin on Wednesday, September 17 at the Masonic Hall at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be from Blue Cross and will be accompanied by Murray Wall from the provincial STS office. This is a very important program to hear as there will be ample time for questions.

See you in September! (Below are 2 new varieties in my garden this year.)

🔎 Finding What You Need on the STS Website

Take a minute and check out the STS website,
https://www.sts.sk.ca/membership

Click or hover your mouse on Membership & Benefits. Here you will find all the information you need, under these headings:

Membership
Group Benefits
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Benefits Information Package
Frequently Asked Questions
Outreach Publication
Executive Notes
Links
Resources and Forms

This is one of the questions from the “Frequently Asked Questions” link:

My doctor has indicated that even with my pre-existing condition, I am medically okay to travel. Does this ensure that I have travel insurance coverage?

Not necessarily as your doctor cannot speak on behalf of Blue Cross travel benefits.

Emergency travel coverage is designed for sudden and unforeseen medical emergencies while travelling away from your home province. If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition or are working with a doctor to explore a current health condition, the condition must be considered stable if any travel is planned.
To be considered stable, a condition must not have required new medical investigation, diagnosis, treatment or hospitalization in the 90 days immediately preceding the departure date. Routine checkups with no change in medication or treatment are not considered medical investigation, diagnosis or treatment.