History of the STS - Swift Current Chapter

Forty one years ago that was NOT the case in Swift Current. The problem was articulated: There’s need for a change in the Superannuation Act. Pension allowances are much too low. Collective, co-operative action is required AND so, the Swift Current Chapter of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan was organized June 12, 1972.

 

There was a veritable pool of ‘superannuation experts’ like our own Floyd Johnston (SC), Bruce Wiggins (SC, STF),  Bill Perkins (STF), Emma Stewart (Saskatoon), Carrie Robins (Saskatoon), Harry Costello (STF), Stan Fowler(STF), and Avery McDowell (Regina) who served as resource personnel and encouragers of getting organized and working together to improve the pensions and the rights of superannuates.

 

Our first executive included: Floyd Johnston (President), Lang Shaw (Vice President), Alice Bloom (Secretary) and Ella Humphries (Treasurer). Fourteen were present at the first meeting; Annual fee:$1.00. Action#1: Presented  a brief to our M.L.A., E.I. Wood, regarding the lamentable state of superannuate pensions.

 

Our Chapter has always had a provincial bent. Since we were the third chapter formed in the province we provided help in organizing the Provincial Organization in 1973 and Floyd Johnston was its 3rd Vice President. In 82-83, Frank Mudry was its Vice President and the President in the following year, Wanda Eddingfield worked diligently on the provincial executive particularly in CAPP (Canadian Association of Pre-Retirement Planners) which later evolved into Pre-Retirement Life Style Planning that is being carried on today so capably by the committee of which Shirley Dyck, is a member. Shirley Dyck also served on the Executive for 20 + years and was co-chair of the AGM planning for many of those years, Loretta Romankewicz served as Outreach editor for 12 years and Joyce Hoffman serves presently on the executive. ( Frank, deceased,  Wanda, deceased, Shirley and Loretta are Honorary Life  members of the provincial STS.)

 

We have done our bit and hosted a number of Provincial recreational activities: Curling in 1988 and 2011, bowling in 1999, bridge in 1993, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2006 and golf in 1992, 2001. We’ve also had participants at  many of the provincial recreational events held in other areas.

 

Our numbers have changed from the initial 14 to our most recent count of 324 members, some of whom serve on our executive and  committees while others lend their support financially and  at our various functions. We’re entitled to send 7 representatives to the annual general meeting and each year we’re pleased to do so.

 

Our fees have changed as well from the original $1.00 to the present $30.00 (with a rebate of $8 ) which is money well spent as we realize how fortunate  we are to be under the umbrella of our provincial executive who work diligently to preserve our pensions.

 

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to our original aims, to each other and to our community. We care about each other, socialize with each other (we had a Thursday evening whist/bridge group that met for years as well as  a men’s bridge afternoon group and a ladies’ bridge group that are still on-going)  and we  also have excellent turn-outs at our “To Heck with the Bell and Golf” fall event, our Christmas banquets, our Spring Flings and our June Outings.

 

We help to keep our members informed of local happenings and beyond in our local newsletter which was begun in I 988 by Al Hrycyna, continued by Loretta Romankewicz since the winter of 1991, named “In Touch” in 1994,  and still sent to our members 4 times a year.

 

We’re very community-minded and it’s not too likely that you will find a committee or an organization in Swift Current and surrounding communities that does not have one or more superannuates playing an integral part.  For years, as well, we delivered Meal-on Wheels and many of us are busy in our churches also.

 

Leadership has played a key role in keeping us together and operating. People like Marg Sillerud(1982/83), a survivor from our first 10 years, and in  the following 30 years like Winnie Ellerman , Shirley Dyck, Edith Rogers,  Leon Eckert, Beryl Robinson, and Joyce Hoffman have served as our president and have brought their enthusiasm and ideas to keep us strong and viable. Treasurers of which we’ve had only three in the last 25 years , Don Wilmot (deceased) , Marlyn Buhr, and  presently Rosalie Flynn, have kept us in the black. Other members of the Executive and the newsletter all helped to keep us in touch with each other.

 

Forty one years have, in retrospect, been fairly kind. It’s true that we’ve lost many dear, dedicated members but we have also gained many new ones that, hopefully, will step up to the plate and continue to work towards the betterment of the welfare of our superannuates, help to preserve our pensions and live a productive, fulfilling retirement.