May 5, 2016
Seniors Sector News
CONTINUING CARE AND COMMUNITY LIVING EXPO 2016
Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health
May 6, 12-8 p.m.
Northlands Expo Centre, Hall H (7515 - 118 Ave)
Free admission and parking

Continuing Care and Community Living EXPO 2016 is this Friday. The EXPO will provide information about continuing care and community living options and offer the latest thinking, strategies, technologies and solutions to support independent living. 

The program guide is now available and includes descriptions of the presentations and poster sessions and a list of exhibitors. ESCC staff and many of our member organizations will be providing valuable information for seniors through presentations or at booths in the exhibit hall. This is a great opportunity to gather information from a variety of service providers in one convenient location.
FREE WORKSPACES FOR FORT MCMURRAY NONPROFITS

ALIGN, Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, and Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council are pleased to offer free workspaces for nonprofit and charitable organizations displaced by the Fort McMurray wildfires. Two workspaces with private phone lines and laptops are available.

Workspaces can be booked by contacting Sharon at 780-801-4727 or [email protected]

We send our thoughts and well wishes to those affected by the wildfires in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas. To all the brave first responders, thank you for your service. 
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Professional Development
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS WEBINAR SERIES
Stanford Social Innovation Review
$49 for one webinar or $129 for the three-part series (includes the live webinars, unlimited access to the archived webinars for 12 months and downloadable slides)

Successful organizations have one thing in common - an effective communications strategy that is guided by what the organization wishes to achieve. The most impactful organizations make communications the cornerstone of all their activities. This three-part webinar series will address the three core components of an effective communications plan:
  • May 26: The Importance of Strategy in Communications
  • June 9: Creating a Winning Campaign
  • June 23: Storytelling in Communications
PREVENTING HARASSMENT/BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
Alberta Human Rights Commission
May 31, 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Four Points Sheraton, 7230 Argyll Road, Edmonton
$52.50, breakfast is included

Presentations and a Q&A session will cover employers' rights and obligations regarding harassment and bullying in the workplace including:
  • What is the difference between harassment and bullying?
  • Are all forms of harassment and bullying prohibited by the Alberta Human Rights Act?
  • How should an employer respond to a complaint of harassment or bullying?
  • Do organizations have to develop a policy to deal with harassment and bullying?
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR SENIOR'S CENTER WITHOUT WALLS
Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network

The Project Coordinator will be responsible to plan, develop, implement and evaluate the project over three years. As part of the Project Coordinator's role they will serve as a community liaison for seniors serving the front line public needs of isolated seniors. This trusting relationship enables the Project Coordinator to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve service delivery. The Project Coordinator will also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

Qualifications include:
  • Bachelor's (Master's preferred) degree in related field e.g. Public Health
  • Previous experience with group facilitation/instruction; senior's centre or other community based health/social service organization; and telephone/computer based meeting programs/software
  • Skills including accountability, written and verbal skills, problem solving/critical thinking, understanding of Alberta privacy laws
  • Vehicle/license and Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required
Review the complete job posting for details on the position and application instructions.
COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR
Sage Seniors Association

This position is responsible for providing follow-up and outreach services to isolated older adults with complex issues. This includes assessing needs, providing information, support and developing a comprehensive client centred case plan. It may also include client advocacy, system navigation and connection to other resources in the community. This role may include working with older adults experiencing hoarding, homelessness and/or other complex issues impacting their lives. 

The successful candidate will be college or university prepared in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Community Development, Human Ecology or Nursing and be registered with their specific regulatory body. Experience working with older adults and knowledge of case management is required. An understanding of community development is an asset. A valid Driver's License and access to a vehicle with 2 million dollars of liability insurance is also required. 

Three temporary full-time positions are available to May 2019.  Review the complete job posting for details on the position and application instructions. The application deadline is May 13.
COLD KITCHEN COOK / WARE WASHER
Sage Seniors Association

The dining area at Sage is the Sunshine Café. The cafe is a welcoming place for members, visitors and the general public who come for a coffee, for breakfast, or for lunch. The Sunshine Café is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Reporting to the Manager Food Services, this position is responsible for the cold kitchen items, showcase items, food services line and ware washing for the Sunshine Café. Qualifications for this position include a minimum two years related experience. Experience working with seniors and a Food Safety Certificate are assets.

Review the complete job posting for details on the position and application instructions. The application deadline is May 11.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
100 IN 1 DAY
CITYlab and Make Something Edmonton

What if hundreds of people united, each taking one small action to improve their city, all on the same day? 

100 in 1 Day provides a chance for Edmontonians to share their love for their city and participate in small projects that spark conversation and create inviting places. Projects can be practical, like planting trees or pop-up street furniture. They can be social, like hosting a block party. They can be artistic, like flash mobs or yarn bombing. They can challenge us or fix a problem. They can be as big or small as you want. All projects must be safe, legal and inclusive. 

The goal is to get at least 100 projects across the city and organizers encourage seniors to participate. Groups and individuals are invited to join the festival by registering their project. 100 In 1 Day will take place on June 4 and you must submit your idea before June 1 at midnight.
HEALTHY AGING PHONE CHATS
Age Friendly Edmonton
May - July

You can participate in free interactive, small group educational sessions via telephone from the comfort of your own home. This is an innovative pilot project that connects socially isolated or homebound seniors and their caregivers to health and wellness information from knowledgeable professionals. 

Eight different topics ranging from brain games, decluttering, financial education, personal wellness and reducing caregiver stress are designed to promote healthy living and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen social connections. Check the list for more details including dates and times. 

The Healthy Aging Phone Chats have ongoing registration.  To register for one or more sessions, call Dauna Thomson at 780-735-3061 or email [email protected].
MOCCASIN MAKING
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107-134 Ave)
Every Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Free with EASC membership (50+ $5/year, Under 50 $10/year, 80+ free)

The EASC Sewing & Crafts group is starting a Moccasin Making project and everyone is welcome to join. Registration is required to ensure they have enough material. Contact Carmen at 780-476-6595 Ext. 2 to register or email [email protected].
MOTHER'S DAY TEA & SOCIAL
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107-134 Ave)
May 9, 12 - 2 p.m.
Free with EASC membership

Enjoy coffee, tea and refreshments. Registration is not required.
EDMONTON TRANSIT STRATEGY: SENIORS WORKSHOP
May 10, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629-176 St.)

The City of Edmonton is offering one more opportunity for seniors to give their input on the transit strategy. Transportation is a significant issue for seniors so it's important for Edmonton Transit Services to hear seniors' opinions.
13TH ANNUAL NIGHT OF MUSIC
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629-176 St.)
May 13, 7 p.m.
$10, includes coffee and goodies

Enjoy an evening of live music hosted by WSAC's wonderful choir The Westend Singers Choir. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
SENIORS UNITED NOW MEETING
May 18, registration at 1 p.m. and speaker at 2 p.m.
Location: Trinity United Church (8810 Meadowlark Road)

The North West Edmonton Chapter of SUN Seniors United Now welcomes you to attend their monthly meeting through which they address seniors issues of concern. A friendly welcome awaits all. Please join them for coffee, friendship and informative speakers. Representatives from Edmonton Transit System (ETS) will be the featured speakers for May.
SPRING RUMMAGE SALE
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave.)
May 27, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tombola prizes, freshly knitted items and popcorn! Contact Jane at 780-342-8625 to book a table.
CLSA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113-113 St.)
June 11

Open House and Family Fun Day
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bring the kids, bring the grand kids, everyone is welcome! Visit CLSA club and class demonstrations and participate in the giant treasure hunt and dig to win great family prizes. Many activities are planned including bocce, lawn bowling, a kids zone with free arts and crafts, balloon animals and many City of Edmonton family attractions including the Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory and River Valley Day Programs.

Edmonton Host Lion's Club will run a pancake breakfast and BBQ alongside a beer garden sponsored by Prince Rupert and Queen Mary Park Community Leagues. Enjoy music and dance performances and participate in the 50th Anniversary raffle and 50/50 draws for a chance to win cash and other great prizes. CLSA will also be collecting your non-perishable food items in support of The Edmonton Food Bank.

Gala and Fundraiser
5:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

During the evening CLSA will host a special 50th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser featuring The Emeralds. Dinner will be an elegant buffet by ELA EURO Catering with fine wines from BIN 104 Fine Wines and Spirits.
Tickets are or $65 per person for the dinner/dance or $25 per person for the dance only. Limited availability so purchase your tickets early by calling 311 (quote codes 570211 for the dinner/dance or 570212 for the dance only) or registering online.

For more information on the 50th Anniversary, visit CLSA's 50th Anniversary web page or call the CLSA office at 780-496-7369.
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Edmonton Branch
June 15, 2 p.m.
Location: The Links at Spruce Grove
$150 for individuals, $550 team of four, $45 additional dinner tickets

Open to all interested golfers who want a little exercise with an afternoon of fun followed by a delicious dinner and presentations. Celebrity Marshalls are Edmonton Eskimos Alumni Hector Pothier and Jed Roberts. All funds raised will go to CHHA-Ed programs including Your Third Ear Workshops and Hearing Aid Assistance Fund. Registrations are now being accepted online or by email at [email protected]. For more information phone 780-428-6622.
IMAX TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE: SHERLOCK HOLMES DAY TRIP
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre
June 15
$30.95 +GST (50% non-refundable deposit is required)

Includes science centre admission, science program and demonstrations, IMAX theatre films, Margaret Ziedler Star Theatre planetarium shows and special events. Bring your own lunch or order from the café. Call 780-433-5807 for information.
FATHER LACOMBE CHAPEL & ST. ALBERT BOTANICAL PARK
CLSA and SEESA
June 29
$50 includes lunch, guided tours and transportation

Central Lions Seniors Association and South East Edmonton Seniors Association are joining forces for this day trip. The bus departs at 8:45 a.m. and returns approximately 3:15 p.m. Register by May 30.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
CASINO VOLUNTEER - JULY 27 & 28 IN EDMONTON
GEF Seniors Housing

Can you wager eight hours of your time to volunteer at the Yellowhead Casino on Wednesday, July 27 or Thursday, July 28, 2016? GEF Seniors Housing, the largest not-for-profit seniors housing organization in Alberta, has upped the ante and wants to raise money for their seniors' residence enhancements.

A number of positions are available:
  • Cashiers: interact with casino players by redeeming cash for chips
  • Chip Runners: take chip orders to and from casino games
  • Count Room Volunteers and Supervisor: ensure that the count room is secure; supply cash to the banker if required; and also sort, count, amalgamate, and record all drop boxes
  • Back Up positons: back up volunteers do not need to come to the casino unless they are called in which only happens if another volunteer calls in sick
There are position supervisors and GEF's casino advisor available at all times for training and answering any questions. Volunteers will get a free meal at the casino restaurant, free taxi coupons if needed, and GEF's heartfelt thanks and gratitude. Contact Morgan at [email protected] or by phone at 780-482-6561.
VOLUNTEER AT CLSA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Central Lions Seniors Association

An array of volunteer positions from crafting and decorating to security and fundraising are available. Give back to CLSA and the 50+ community, meet old friends and make new ones by donating your time, talent and skills to a great organization while participating in the fun events they have planned.

For a full listing of volunteer positions and an application, visit the CLSA website or call 780-496-7369 for more information. You can also apply in person Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the CLSA office at 11113-113 Street.
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE EDMONTON - SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Your experience could open a door to discovery! Share your expertise and love of working with people to help others discover the world and beyond in a fun and interactive environment. You can volunteer in a variety of roles including:
  • Educational Positions: Gallery Guide and Interpreter, Science Garage Assistant and Attendant, Assistant Observatory Attendant, Robotics Lab Attendant
  • Summer Camp Positions: Assistant Camp Leader
  • Visitor Services Hosting and Ambassador Positions: Hospitality Hosts and School Program Host (recruiting for the fall)

Shifts for these positions are available on weekends, weekdays and evenings.

 

For more information visit the TELUS World of Science Edmonton volunteer web page or contact Volunteer Resources at 780-452-9100 or by email at [email protected] [email protected].
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities 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.