March 3, 2016
Seniors Sector News
2016 MINISTER'S SENIORS SERVICE AWARDS

Nominations are now open for the 2016 Minister's Seniors Service Awards. The awards recognize Albertans of any age who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of seniors. Nominees will be recognized during Seniors' Week 2016 (June 6-12) and award recipients will be recognized in a special ceremony in the fall. Nominate an individual or organization brightening the lives of seniors by March 31, 2016.
SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AT GREY MATTERS

The call for presenters for Grey Matters 2016 has been extended. You now have until March 21 to submit your proposal for a presentation or poster session. Grey Matters takes place September 20-21, 2016 in Grande Prairie.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Professional Development
10 EMERGING TRENDS IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUNDRAISING
Nonprofit Tech for Good
April 5, 4 p.m. PDT
Free

This webinar will focus on what's new and next in digital communications and fundraising so that your non-profit can prepare for the future and embrace being an early adopter. Topics include:
  • What's new in online and mobile fundraising
  • What's next in social media and online community engagement
  • An exploration of real-time communications and fundraising
  • The Internet of Things and its impact on nonprofit communications and fundraising
  • Demographic changes and their impact on the nonprofit sector
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Resources
5 TIPS FOR TALKING TO BOOMERS AND SENIORS ON FACEBOOK

This blog post by Immersion Active provides tips on using social media in a way that aligns with the sensitivities of boomers and seniors.
TRANSPORTATION TOOLKIT
Medically At-Risk Driver Centre

The Transportation Toolkit for the Implementation of Alternate Transportation for Seniors in Alberta is now available. The Toolkit provides information and resources to help communities successfully develop and implement sustainable, responsive models of alternate transportation services for seniors. You can also request a print copy by calling 780-492-6273 or emailing [email protected].
NON-PROFIT MISSION STATEMENTS

This blog post by nonprofithub includes good and bad examples of mission statements developed by non-profit organizations and explains the elements of a great mission statement:
  1. A Cause or Who You Serve (What matters? Who is important?)
  2. An Action (What are you doing?)
  3. A Result (What change can you see?)
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
INPUT ON PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED DEATH POLICIES

The Government of Alberta is seeking public input to help ensure Alberta's policies and practices on physician-assisted death serve and protect patients, health care providers and the vulnerable. Albertans are encouraged to share their views via an online survey by March 31.
VINTAGE MOVIES IN A VINTAGE THEATRE
Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park
Starting March 3, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy classic films on the big screen. Time travel and watch some of the most talked about movies of all time. All movies have been carefully picked by Artistic Director Dana Andersen who will greet you and introduce the movie each week. The first films in the Cinema Series are Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Life of Brian (1979) and Waking Ned Devine (1998).

Tickets are available online and may also be available at the door for $12 (cash only).
OPEN NIGHTS AT EDMONTON SACRED CIRCLE DANCE
Riverdale Hall (9231-100 Ave)
Every second Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m.
Drop in Fee: $10

Open nights are for everyone and no partner is required. All dances are taught to a variety of music and songs. It's good fun and exercise and many people over 55 years participate. View the calendar to see when the next open night is.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY: RED FOR GREEN DAY
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
March 17, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
$18

Join in the fun for Edmonton Seniors Centre's Red for Green Day. You'll enjoy musical guests Ray & Joan, a delicious Irish stew luncheon, and a hilarious tribute to Red Skelton with bingo to follow! Call 780-342-8625 for information.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PANCAKE PETIT-DEJEUNER
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 - 176 St.)
March 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
$8 members; $10 non-members

Come out for Pancake Petit-Dejeuner and have a happy St. Patrick's Day! Pancakes, sausages, green goodies and door prizes. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.
ST. PATRICK'S CELEBRATION
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 St.)
March 18, 1 p.m.

$5 for coffee and cupcakes. Entertainment by So So Virtuosos. Call 780-451-1925 for information.
BRUCE HOTEL STEAK DINNER TRIP
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
March 18, depart ESC at 3:30 p.m. and arrive back at 8:30 p.m.
$55 (includes bus, meal, tips and tax)

Enjoy a beautiful drive and an unbelievable meal! Register and pay by March 11. Call 780-342-8625 for information.
SPRING BAKE SALE
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
March 19, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This bake sale is a fundraiser for MWSA. You can support them by donating baked goods or purchasing items from the Bake Sale. Donations will be accepted on Friday, March 18 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information call 780-496-2997.
EASTER DINNER BUFFET
Sage (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
March 23, 11:30 a.m.
$15.95 members, $17.95 non-members

Join Sage for a delicious Easter dinner including baked ham, meatballs, scalloped potatoes, veggies, salads, assorted dessert, coffee/tea, live entertainment and more.  Pre-register by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
PURIM CELEBRATION WITH PURIMSPEIL
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 - 117 St.)
March 24 at 11:30 a.m.
$11

None of these words sound familiar? Celebrate the happiest holiday of the Jewish calendar and enrich your vocabulary. Call 780-488-4241 to RSVP.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
MORE INFORMATION

Link Letter includes new items each week.  If you're looking for content that was included in a previous issue of Link Letter, refer to the ESCC website:
Back issues of Link Letter

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to [email protected].  Review our submission guidelines for more information.