Benefits Provider Change – Empire Life

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To: All MBS and Employees’ Association Members at Menno Home & Apartments that are enrolled for Benefits.

We sent this information out in an email on March 19th but it has come to our attention that there was a technical issue and not all intended recipients received the email. We apologize for the delay in getting this to you.

Effective April 01, 2024, all members that are eligible for benefits will be changing from Manulife to Empire Life. This transition is intended to enhance our overall benefits offerings. In the next few days you will receive an enrollment email directly from Empire Life. Please open that email and follow all of the instructions to confirm your enrollment details. If you do not receive this email please check your junk mail folder.

We are committed to making this transition as smooth and seamless for you as possible. Please read the following instructions carefully and complete the necessary steps.

Submit Outstanding Claims: If you have any outstanding claims that have not been submitted to your current carrier (Manulife), we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. This will help expedite the processing of your claims and ensure you receive reimbursement under the current plan. Please note: any receipts for expenses incurred prior to April 1, 2024 must be submitted by April 30, 2024 to be eligible for reimbursement.

Download Claims History: Before the transition date, download your claims history from your online portal with the current carrier or contact their customer service for assistance. This will ensure that you have access to your past claims information for reference, if needed, under the new carrier. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to request/ run an additional report of your claims history for the period of Jan 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024 for your tax records next year!

Watch for Enrolment Link: Please be on the lookout for an email (keep an eye on your junk mail folder) from Empire Life containing an enrolment link to complete your registration with the new carrier. The link will provide instructions on how to enroll in the new benefit plan and select your coverage options. It is essential that you complete this enrolment process within the specified timeframe to ensure coverage under the new policy.

Drug Grandfathering: If you are currently using any prescription medications, please be aware of the drug grandfathering process. Certain medications may require pre-authorization or special considerations under the new benefit plan. Every effort is being made to transfer this information from your old carrier to the new carrier. If you find a prescription you were previously covered for is not being covered under the new plan, or have any questions or concerns about the coverage of your medications, please contact Ascension Benefits at service@ascensionbenefits.com and they can assist you.

Fair Pharmacare Registration: If you area resident of British Columbia and are eligible for Fair Pharmacare coverage, please ensure that your registration is confirmed and up-to-date. You may be required to provide your new carrier with your Fair Pharmacare Registration number. Fair Pharmacare may provide additional coverage for prescription medications beyond your employer-sponsored benefit plan. Confirming your registration will help maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Update your Providers April 1, 2024: A digital copy of your benefit card will be available to you on your new plan member website. You can print or save a copy to your phone. Make sure you provide your new coverage information to any provider’s that direct billsuch as your dentist, pharmacy, and other service providers.

If you have any questions please contact Jessy Manhas, Manager of People and Culture Jessy.Manhas@mennoplace.ca.

 

Easter Egg Decorating Contest!

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Calling all artists and egg enthusiasts! 

In celebration of Easter, the Health and Wellness Committee is thrilled to announce our Egg Painting Competition! Gather your team (unit/dept) and unleash your creativity on the humble egg canvas.

How it Works:

  1. Form your units and email Diana (Diana.Bae@mennoplace.ca) to claim your decorating kit. There are 10 kits available, first come, first serve.
  2. Diana will connect with your team to get you the eggs and painting supplies.
  3. Let your imagination soar as you paint your eggs with festive designs and vibrant colors.
  4. Once your masterpieces are complete take a good, clear photo of each egg and also a group shot of your team and email them to Diana for judging.

The top three egg-cellent creations, as voted by randomly selected on-campus participants (non-management), will win fabulous prizes!

Get ready to compete for glory and bragging rights!

Dates:

Claim your kit starting Wednesday, March 13. Kits are first come, first serve. Only 10 kits available.
Submit your photos by midnight on Monday, March 25.
Winners will be announced on Thursday, March 28th.

Don’t miss this egg-straordinary opportunity to showcase your artistic talents and spread some Easter cheer throughout the campus.

Any questions? Email Diana.

Let’s make this Easter egg-stra special together!

Welcome to Rachel – Human Resources Generalist

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Please join me in welcoming Rachel Setka to her new role as Human Resources Generalist in the People and Culture Team. Rachel will transition into her new role on March 18th.

Read more

Time Change – Clocks Spring Forward

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IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please note that the clocks will spring forward at 0200, Sunday, March 10th by one hour. This will give us more light in the evenings. Staff working that night shift will be paid for actual hours worked (which will be one less hour).

Renovations to Terrace West Entrance and Bistro Area

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Date: March 5, 2024
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Leonard Klassen, Manager of Community Enrichment
Re: Renovations to the Terrace West Entrance and Bistro Area

We are starting a renovation project for the Terrace West entrance lobby and bistro area on Thursday, March 7th. We are anticipating completing the project by Thursday, March 28th.

The summary of the project and timeline are below. Please note that the timeline may require some flexibility.

The following are direct impacts to our staff, residents, and visitors:

Thursday, March 7:     No access to TW laundry room for this day only

Thursday, March 7, evening and overnight:  Elevator and front entrance is emergency use only (available again after 5:00am on Friday morning)

Friday, March 8, evening and overnight:       New lobby flooring installed (front door and elevator are able to be used during this time)

The coffee and juice machine will be unavailable during this project.

The fridge for saved lunches will temporarily be in the hallway near the hair salon.

Recreation staff can continue to be reached by phone 604-851-7394 while access to their current office is unavailable.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this project. Stay safe.

Here is a summary of the projects and timelines:

  • Wednesday, March 6th, 8:00am: Terrace West bistro area will be emptied of all furniture and contents.
  • Thursday, March 7th, 8:00am: no access to laundry room for this day only
  • Thursday, March 7th, 5:30pm – Friday, March 8th, 5:00am: Replacement of tiles in the front entrance and Terrace West elevator. The front entrance and elevator are available for emergency use only. The doorway at the west end of the hallway is available to use; your front entrance key opens that side door as well.
  • Friday, March 8th, 5:00pm – Saturday, March 9th, 5:00am: New flooring installed in Terrace West entrance; residents and visitors can use the entrance and elevator during this time.
  • March 11th – 28th: The bistro area will be sealed off with a temporary plastic wall while the bistro is renovated (there will be upgrades to the flooring, lights and cabinets).

Stretch on Your Break!

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It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. The Health and Wellness Committee encourages you to indulge in a quick 5-minute stretch session during your break to rejuvenate both body and mind.

 Why Take Breaks?

  1. Recharge: Stepping away from your duties momentarily helps recharge your energy levels, ensuring you’re ready to provide the best care possible.
  2. Reduce Stress: Breaks offer an opportunity to momentarily detach from work stressors, promoting mental clarity and resilience.
  3. Prevent Burnout: By incorporating regular breaks, you mitigate the risk of burnout, safeguarding your long-term well-being and job satisfaction.

Benefits of Stretching:

  1. Physical Relief: Stretching alleviates muscle tension and stiffness, promoting physical comfort during long shifts.
  2. Boost Circulation: Engaging in brief stretches enhances blood flow, revitalizing your body and mind for optimal performance.
  3. Enhance Focus: A quick stretch session can improve concentration and focus, allowing you to tackle tasks with renewed vigor.

How to Incorporate Stretch Breaks:

  • Set a reminder on your workstation or phone to stretch on your break.
  • Click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRH1To_xyr8 to follow along with this 5 minute stretch video
  • Encourage your colleagues to join you for a brief stretch session to foster camaraderie and support.

Remember, prioritizing your well-being enhances your ability to deliver exceptional care. Take breaks, stretch, and return to your duties refreshed and revitalized.

 Share any photos or videos of you and your colleagues participating in stretching. You never know, there might be a little something in it for you from us!
Email your photos to Diana.Bae@mennoplace.ca .

Weather Alert – Winter Weather Feb 27 – Feb 28

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Please be advised there could be some winter weather Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Feb 27-28). Please be prepared and wear proper footwear.

4:56 AM PST Monday 26 February 2024

A wintry mix of precipitation is expected.

Where: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway.

When: Tuesday evening through Wednesday, potentially impacting the Tuesday evening commute.

A weather system brings a wintry mix of precipitation to the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Howe Sound-Whistler late Tuesday evening through Wednesday. For most regions except Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway, snow levels will be hovering near the surface, and precipitation will start as rain mixed with snow Tuesday evening. Snowfall accumulations are expected to vary greatly with elevation and proximity to the water. With a warming southwesterly flow aloft, snow levels will rise overnight resulting in mixed precipitation changing to moderate to heavy rain late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. During this transition, there is also a risk of freezing rain over the Fraser Valley as warm air overrides the cold air in the valley.

Payroll Reporting: T4s

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MEMO

Date: February 26, 2024
To: All Menno Place Staff
Re: Payroll Reporting – T4s

T4 slips for 2023 have been emailed to the address on file for distribution of payroll pay slips for Menno Place employees.

The initial attempt to email T4 slips for Menno Home and Menno Hospital in the early afternoon of Friday February 23rd was aborted by the software, the second attempt to email T4 slips in the evening of Friday February 23rd was successful, consequently some Menno Home and Menno Hospital employees may have received duplicate T4 slips.

Please be aware that Menno Place staff will receive separate T4 slips for remuneration from each company they are employed (Home, Hospital, Apartments and MBS); as well, under each separate company one T4 is issued for casual employment and one T4 is issued for regular employment.  The employer’s name includes “Qualified” for regular employment and “Unqualified” for casual employment.

MPP pension adjustment (PA) statements will be mailed today for those employees who have not yet opted for distributed electronically directly from MPP.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all employees of the importance of informing us of any changes, such as, address, telephone, marital status, and personal tax credit eligibility (TD1 information).

Go to www.MennoPlaceStaff.com/update-contact to update your contact information.

 

Kind regards,

Marie Ponting, PCP
Payroll Coordinator

Respirator Fit Testing

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All staff who could come in close contact with a resident on precautions should be fit tested for a respirator. This will mainly be direct care staff but can also include maintenance, dietary and housekeeping staff. It’s best if everyone who works on the units gets tested in case a situation arises where respirators are needed.