The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (EASC) is seeking partnership and donations from the community for their Spring dance to be held in late April or early May. The dance will be open to the public and the EASC is looking for a venue. They are hoping that another Edmonton seniors centre can assist in securing a venue. Contact Amanda L'Hirondelle, Resource and Services Coordinator, 780-476-6595, Extension # 2, [email protected].

Seniors on the Go is a summer program designed to help Edmonton's senior citizens feel more comfortable, confident, and safe using Edmonton Transit. The program offers a free, interactive instructional session for groups (senior's activity centers, senior's residential complexes) that teaches seniors how to independently use the accessible and senior-friendly features and services offered by ETS and provides an opportunity for the group to take transit to a nearby destination to practice their new skills. 

Edmonton Transit is looking for a person with familiarity of public transit and a good working knowledge of routes, programs, and services. You will implement the program, with supervision and support, to provide information and instruction on transit options for senior's groups and residential complexes located along ETS routes.

Learn more.

Many ESCC member organizations are hosting their AGMs at this time of year. As you welcome new board members, here are some resources to help you develop an effective board.

 

The ESCC Nominating Committee Handbook provides foundations to guide the nomination process and build a foundation for good governance. Topics include gap analysis, position descriptions and recruitment strategies.

Social Velocity's ebook Ten Traits of a Groundbreaking Board ($9) and an on-demand webinar How to Build a Groundbreaking Board ($69) cover concepts such as recruiting the right people, ensuring mission, money and competence align, driving strategy for the organization and garnering support from the community.

Vantage Point's webinar on Board Fundamentals: Roles & Responsibilities focuses on board member's key responsibilities and how to align their work and performance with organizational values and vision. 

March 30 from 4 to 5 p.m. (PST) $25.

211 is compiling a list of Easter Meals for the community. If your organization is hosting a meal, contact 211 at 780-392-8722 or e-mail [email protected].

Some of the keynotes and workshops are:

• Seniors Care Strategy: Why Canada Needs a National Seniors Strategy
• Dementia Care in Alberta: Priorities for Today and Tomorrow. Consultation Session on Alberta's Dementia Strategy and Action Plan
• Getting old in Alberta and Canada: How patients and caregivers feel
• Supporting Family Caregivers of Seniors

Learn more about the conference or contact 780-488-2395 / [email protected] for more information.

The Alberta Seniors Care Coalition (ASCC) is designed to represent the many groups who are involved in seniors care through advocacy, work with public agencies and elected officials, the voluntary sector, and communities.

Learn how geographic information systems and community mapping technologies can be used to enhance the local delivery of social programs and services. Presenter: Deborah Morrison, executive director of Mapping and Planning Support (M.A.P.S). Find out more.

Two-day conference that's an invitation to go beyond  grief, do more than cope and explore ways to use experience as inspiration. The focus of the Bridge is to move past the usual focus on coping with loss and offer people practical, potent and playful tools to use their experience as raw material for creating not just suffering. Learn more.

The Edmonton Public Library and Open Edmonton want to hear your stories, musings and memories. Ten minute audio interviews will be recorded, made available to the public and archived for future generations. Volunteers can interview you, you can chat with friends, your grandkids can interview you, etc. The organizers of the project are interested in stories big and small which could include topics like:

• How has Edmonton changed since you arrived or since your childhood?
• What is a special Edmonton memory you have?
• Where are some of your favorite places that aren't around anymore?

You don't need to make an appointment, but you can by emailing [email protected]. Learn more.

The workshop covers: making a valid will, responsibilities of an executor, powers of attorney, personal directives and where to get legal help.

If you need help completing your taxes before the April deadline, 211 can provide information about the Make Tax Time Pay and Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation programs for low-income Edmontonians. Dial 2-1-1 for a list of locations, days/times and contact information for these free programs.

• Kick off St Paddy's Day weekend with a Dance. Friends and Neighbours, a six piece accordion band, is in the house to play some fun music. Come out to dance or just enjoy the show. March 13 at 3 p.m. $8
• St Paddy's Day Pancake brunch. Fun and festivities include green syrup and home-made pancakes. March 17 at 11 a.m. $8 members/$10 non-members.

The Ital Canadian Seniors Association is hosting drop-in yoga classes on March 9, 16 and 23 from 6:45 to 7:45. Everyone is welcome. $2. Call 780-424-1255 or email [email protected] for more information.

Participate in a free Heart Health Checkup Research Project identifying Actionable Atrial Fibrillation for those 65 years of age and older. The checkup program is available in a variety of pharmacies across Edmonton during March and takes just 15 minutes to measure heart rhythm (ECG), blood pressure, diabetes risk, and heart and stroke risk. Review the brochure to learn more about the program, dates and participating pharmacies.

Alberta has strict rules governing door-to-door sales/solicitations and Service Alberta has some good resources that can help Albertans defend against fraud. 

Consumers can call Service Alberta's toll-free Consumer Contact Centre at 1-877-427-4088 to confirm that a business or charity is licensed or they can find this information online.

Tipsheets:

• Door-to-door sales
• Energy marketers
• Charitable fundraising
• Home renovations