A recent post on nonprofit hub These 12 Ways to Thank Donors Will Keep Them from Saying Goodbye shares thoughts on the importance of thanking donors and tips on how to say thank you. Some of the insights shared are: offer a next step, don't ask for more money yet, make your response relevant to the donor, and be prompt.

Are you new to proposal writing or want a quick refresher? This webinar provides an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation. It will include:

• The basic elements of a proposal
• The "do's" and "don'ts" of writing and submitting a proposal
• How to follow up whether the answer is yes or no

The Canadian Geriatrics Society 2016 Scientific Planning Committee is now accepting abstracts for the 36th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) to be held in Vancouver from April 14 - 16, 2016. The theme of the 2016 ASM is Environments for Aging: From Health Promotion to End of Life. Topics that will be covered at the meeting include:

• Sedentary Behaviours in Seniors
• Quality Assurance for Older Adults in Acute Care
• Advocacy for Seniors
• Preoperative Assessment for Older Adults

Review the submission guidelines and submit an abstract by January 8, 2016 if you're interested.

Caregivers play a major role taking care of family members with neurological health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis. Yet caregivers need help to see to their own needs. Stress can be a serious issue and can lead to poorer health for caregivers. This webinar will explore:

• physical and emotional changes that can come with each stage of caregiving
• typical range of feelings (the ups and the downs) as a natural part of caregiving
• ways to spot stress and other mental health concerns
• tips to staying healthy and well

Volunteer Jerry Shaw will lead a series of talks - Issues for Climate Warming and the Future of Energy - beginning in January (see poster for details). An introduction to the series will be held on December 11 at 1 p.m. ($3). RSVP by email at [email protected] or phone 780-433-5807.  

Christmas is the time for giving rather than receiving. Join WSAC for their annual intergenerational Mavie's Mitten Tree Christmas luncheon. Enjoy a warm meal, music provided by the Melody Makers and a visit from Santa Claus. Children from a grade 1 class at Belmead School will share in a quick chat with Santa and pick a pair of mittens from the Christmas tree. The smiles and laughter are contagious and remind us what the spirit of Christmas is all about.

Enjoy lunch in the café and participate in the Kitchen Raffle Draw at 12:30 p.m.  Join in a Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long in the auditorium to follow. Call 780-433-5807 for information.

Join in the festivities at the Edmonton Seniors Centre:

• Christmas Social from 2 - 4:30 p.m. Performance by country singers Andrea & Aurora (free)
• Christmas Dinner (turkey and trimmings) from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the auditorium ($5)
• Performance by the Richard Eaton Singers from 5 - 6 p.m. in the auditorium

Call 780-342-8625 for details.