May 12, 2016
Seniors Sector News
SUPPORT FOR FORT MCMURRAY SENIORS

Edmonton seniors organizations are responding to the needs of seniors who have been displaced by the fires in the Fort McMurray area. ESCC has compiled a list of seniors organizations offering supports and services to Fort McMurray seniors currently staying in Edmonton and has provided it to relief organizations, media and seniors sector stakeholders. 

ESCC will update the list online as new information is received.  If your organization would like to be added to the list, contact Janelle, ESCC's Communications Coordinator at [email protected].
CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all Sage Award nominees and recipients who were honoured at the award ceremony May 11. Four of ESCC's current and past board members were acknowledged - Mary Fung, Sheila MacKay, Anna Der and Shameem Siddiqui. Thank you all for your efforts. 

The Sage Awards, presented by Servus Credit Union, recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of seniors in Greater Edmonton.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Resources
SENIORS ON THE GO PROGRAM

Edmonton Transit is now accepting applications from recreational, social and residential seniors groups for the 2016 Seniors on the Go Program.

Seniors on the Go combines ETS instruction with community-based field trips on ETS buses and trains. The program is designed to familiarize seniors with public transit options, services and features to help them become confident independent public transit users.

The sessions include information and instruction on age-friendly features and programs, how to pay fares, where to find fare products, where to go for trip planning assistance, safety and security tips. The sessions also include a trip to a popular community destination.

Call 780-944-5593 for information on how to get involved and to get an application.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
UNDERSTANDING LOW INCOME: A PROFILE OF SENIORS
CHNET-Works!
May 18, 1 p.m. EDT
Free

In this webinar, presented by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Dr. Tammy Schirle will discuss her research on seniors in low income. Dr. Schirle will provide an overview of the challenges faced by low-income older Canadians, including geographic patterns on retirement income and living expenses, immigrant status, educational attainment, phased-retirement and the challenges of work at older ages.
AGEISM, EMPLOYMENT AND OLDER WORKERS: WHAT DO WE KNOW? WHERE ARE WE HEADING?
CHNET-Works!
May 25, 1 p.m. EDT
Free

Increasingly, older Canadians are working longer. As we move toward an increasingly intergenerational workforce, there is an opportunity to examine some of the most common barriers that older workers face in the labour market. Moving from ageist to age-friendly practices in work and employment hinges on some fundamental changes in both attitudes and behaviours toward employment and older workers. 

The presenters will expose some common myths and realities about older workers and discuss the extent to which ageism in employment and business negatively affects workers, the economy and society. This webinar will also address some policy considerations and ways to move from ageist to age-friendly practices.
10 ONLINE FUNDRAISING BEST PRACTICES FOR NGOS
Nonprofit Tech for Good
May 31, 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT
Free

Today online donations make up an average of 7-10 per cent of an NGO's annual budget and online giving continues to grow - and will continue grow - every year. Now more than ever it's crucial that your NGO knows the basics of a successful online fundraising campaign and has knowledge of emerging online fundraising trends in order to prepare for the future. Webinar topics include:
  • What to look for in an online fundraising service
  • How to use social media to increase your online donations
  • How to launch a monthly giving program
  • How to launch a crowdfunding campaign
  • A discussion on the future mobile fundraising apps
  • How to be an early adopter of digital wallets
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATION
Campus for Communities of the Future
June 13, 11 a.m. MT
$50

Today the most effective organizations are those that undertake a review of all goals, programs, and services on a regular basis. This requires an assessment of the organization's progress not only toward its own vision and outcomes but the impact it has on the broader community good. Learning objectives for this webinar are:
  • understand different types of evaluation
  • apply strategies for implementing evaluation
  • explore methods for gathering data
  • articulate the potential of storytelling
  • identify errors to avoid when designing surveys
  • review sample evaluation tools
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
WALKING GROUP
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107-134 Avenue)
Tuesdays, 1 - 3 p.m. (except May 17)
Free with EASC membership (Age 50+ $5/year, under 50 $10/year, 80+ free)

Meet at the EASC for the van ride to a walking trail, park, etc. Registration is encouraged but not required. Contact Carmen by email at [email protected] or by phone at 780-476-6595 Ext. 2.
CONVERSATIONAL CREE GROUP
Sage (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Tuesdays at 12 p.m.
Free

This weekly gathering is an informal opportunity to learn and share one of Canada's original languages. Cree is the aboriginal language with the highest number of speakers in Canada. Learning something new is great exercise for the brain, too! Group leader is Andre L'Hirondelle (780-421-7915). Pre-register. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for information.
WOOL DYE DEMONSTRATION
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Ave)
May 18, 9 a.m. - noon

Call 780-433-5807 for more information.
PLANT SALE
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524-139 Ave)
May 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

NESA's Garden Club is hosting a plant sale for all happy gardeners and enthusiasts. Call 780-496-6969 for information.
PIONEER HIGH TEA
Fort Edmonton Park
Wednesdays from May 25 to August 31, 3 and 3:30 p.m.
Location: Johnson's Café, Hotel Selkirk
Seniors (65+) $34.25 + GST and Adults $36.05 + GST

Step back in time to a unique pioneer high tea experience. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and desserts made exclusively for the occasion by the culinary team, then indulge in a wide selection of high-quality teas. The perfect spot to catch up with friends and family. Admission to the Park is included with all Pioneer High Tea bookings. View the menu and reserve your spot.
GOLDEN GIRLS FASHION SHOW
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 St.)
May 29, 1 p.m.

The event features clothing and attire from Tan Jay and a trade show with a wide variety of products and services for women enjoying their Golden Age. Tickets on sale in advance $15 each or bring-a-buddy deal of 2 for $20. Call 780-468-1985 for information.
MANAGING YOUR MOVE: DOWNSIZING TIPS
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 St.)
May 31, 10-11 a.m.
Free

Everyone is welcome to attend this health and wellness presentation. Call 780-451-1925 for information.
FRAUD PRESENTATION
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
June 1, 10-11 a.m.
$2 for members, $3 non-members

Learn tips and advice to protect yourself from scams, identity fraud and more from Edmonton Police Service Detective Bill Allen. Call 780-496-2997 for information.
JOHN W. BILSLAND LITERARY AWARD GALA
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
June 4, 5 p.m.
Tickets are $55 and a tax receipt will be issued for $30

The John W. Bilsland Literary Award Gala honours senior writers in Alberta with awards in three categories: creative non-fiction, fiction and poetry. Call 780-433-5807 for information on this popular event.
SPRING FESTIVAL
Edmonton Korean Seniors College Society
June 4, 7 p.m.
Location: River Community Church (11520 Ellerslie Road)
Free

Festival performances include the Evergreen Choir Senior College Choir, Edmonton Men's Mission Choir, Saxophone performance by Soomgyul, Korock Drum People, Fan dance by Korean Canadian Women's Association, Jeon's Taekwondo, Youth band and two violins. Large groups are welcome to attend the festival. Contact 780-990-4645 or 780-430-7244 for more information.
CREATIVE AGE EVENTS
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524-139 Ave)
June 8 and 9

Visual Art Show & Sale
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Paintings (oil, watercolour, acrylic, coloured pencil, washi chigiri-e), jewelry, stained glass, fibre arts and so much more.

Workshops in theatre, music, writing and visual arts
Art: Introduction to Pen and Ink (June 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.) $20
A Taste of Musical Theatre (June 8 and 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) $30
Writing: 7 Point Plotting (June 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m.) $20
Skit Wits! (June 8 and 9, 1:30-4:30 p.m.) $30
Art: Coloured Pencils. It's all about technique (June 9, 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.) $20
Writing: World Building (June 9, 12:30-3:30 p.m.) $20

Register in advance for the workshops in-person at Northgate Lions Seniors Centre (7524 139 Ave). Review the brochure or call 780-496-6969 for information.
TRIP TO ROSEBUD THEATRE
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 St.)
June 9, bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. and returns approximately 8 p.m.
$115 per person (includes transportation by luxury coach, buffet lunch and matinee)

Join this trip to Rosebud Theatre to see a matinee performance of romantic comedy Outside Mullingar by J. P. Shanley. Call 780-488-4241 or email [email protected] by May 19 to reserve your spot.
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.