Budget 2015 presented by the federal government on April 21, contained some good news for seniors:

• Introduction of the Home Accessibility Tax Credit which will allow a 15 per cent, non-refundable income tax credit on up to $10,000 of eligible home renovations expenditures per year (therefore a maximum of $1,500). Eligible expenditures include wheelchair ramps, walk-in tubs, wheel-in showers and grab bars.
• Changes to RRIF withdrawal rules which will reduce the amount of money seniors 71 and older must take out of their Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) annually.
• Increase of the annual contribution limit for tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) to $10,000 from $5,500.
• Extension of Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits from six weeks to six months to better support Canadians caring for gravely ill and dying family members.

Local web design company Box Clever is offering an Edmonton based non-profit or charity an opportunity to get a new website for free.  In addition to developing a responsive website, the offer also includes content writing, hosting, domain registration and a logo refresh. 

The entry deadline is June 30 and the successful organization will be selected by August 31. Box Clever is Sage's website developer and they speak highly of the company. Apply for this great opportunity at www.boxclever.ca/giveaway.

The Laurel Awards established by Duncan Craig LLP recognize non-profit organizations which further their objectives through exceptional creativity and innovation. Four awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are awarded annually. For more information on eligibility and to get the nomination form visit www.dcllp.com/laurelawards. The deadline is May 29.

Let's Get Physically Active! Motivating People to Start and Maintain a Physically Active Lifestyle

Why do people initiate physical activity and exercise? Why do they maintain it? What does it mean to be motivated? This presentation will address the transitions from exercise initiate to exercise maintainer, and consider the differences between new exercisers and regular exercisers. These phases of exercise adoption and transitions are tied to key characteristics or types of motivation. Motivational concepts such as self-determination, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy will be discussed as they relate to exercise adherence (and non-adherence) among sedentary adults.

Aging experts and the U.S. public do not share a common understanding of older adults, according to recent research by The FrameWorks Institute commissioned by a group of eight American aging organizations. This webinar covers background and context of the research, a summary of the key findings and discussion of implications and next steps.

Wondering if you are eligible for a casino and gaming licence? Want to know how you can use the proceeds? If you are new to a non-profit organization or new to fundraising, be sure to attend this session. Representatives from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) will take you step-by-step through the application process and outline how you can use the proceeds. Learn more. 

Working with seniors who are experiencing mental health issues can be challenging. What resources are available to assist them, how can you help them access the help? What is the difference between a capacity assessment and a cognitive assessment? This presentation has been designed to answer these questions and others that you might have regarding navigating the systems and getting seniors the help they need regarding mental health issues. Registration closes May 4. Learn more. 

This year's conference features 55 workshops, 8 tours and 40 speakers covering all facets of the voluntary sector including social innovation, grants, communication, corporate investment, strategic thinking, board governance, community engagement and partnerships, and volunteer management.

The early bird registration price of only $165 (plus 5% GST) is available until May 4. After May 4, registration is $195 (plus 5% GST).

All parties have been invited and only one (Wildrose) has declined due to prior commitments. Though the forum is open to the general public, organizers hope to focus questions primarily on seniors issues (though not limited to). 

Come out and turn Mother's DAY into Mother's WEEK - we all know they are more than deserving! Treat mom or grandmom to parmesan chicken, mashed potatoes, garden salad and cheesecake. There will also be door prizes. The cost is $12 members and $14 non-members.

A walking group is meeting every Monday for a one hour stroll through the parks of Old Strathcona. Meet in the lobby of the centre (10831 University Avenue) at 10:30 a.m. $3 drop in fee.

Bingo is also back on Friday at 10 a.m. Sign up at the front desk.

The Korean Seniors Choir Group will also be singing at the centre on April 24 at 12:30 p.m.

For more information email [email protected] or phone 780-433-5807. 

Come out and enjoy a two hour production of a wonderful selection of music by the Westend Seniors Activity Centre Choir. Tickets are $10, includes coffee and snacks. Location: 9629 - 176 St. Call 780-483-1209 for information.

Join Mike Jenkins (Biological Sciences Technician with City of Edmonton) to find out more about the critters in your yard. Mike will talk about BUGS, good and bad that live just outside your door. He will have slides and stories and interesting tidbits of information you may have never heard before. $3. Call 780-488-4241 for more information. Location: 10052 - 117 St.

ELLA invites you to consider joining the organization as a board member or volunteer in another capacity. Current vacancies include: marketing committee, document management, program implementation committee, recruitment/volunteer, social committee, and Information Technology.

Board members provide direction and leadership to their committees, report on their activities andattend monthly meetings. Good communication skills, experience in running meetings and serving on a decision-making body and experiencein management or human relations are assets.

Learn more about the positions by reviewing the Call for Board Members and Volunteers or attend an informal dialogue session hosted by the ELLA board on April 30 at 4 p.m. (Room number TBA). If you have questions contact [email protected]/ella attention Judith Hibberd, Recruitment Chair. The deadline for submitting your nomination is May 5 at 1 p.m.