January 19, 2017
Seniors Sector News
2017 GREY MATTERS CONFERENCE: CALL FOR PRESENTERS

The 2017 Grey Matters conference will be held September 11-13 in Hinton. The conference offers provincial seniors service providers opportunities to network, gain knowledge and increase awareness of issues, supports and services for seniors.

The conference planning committee invites submissions from individuals and organizations interested in presenting at the conference. The committee's vision for the conference is Footprints in the Foothills and will focus on the benefits of an active seniors' community. Preference will be given to presentations using one or more of the following topics: engaging seniors in healthy life styles, Age-Friendly community development, seniors and technology, multiculturalism and diversity, mental health and wellness, seniors housing, elder abuse prevention programs, employment, different demographics within seniors, self esteem, and succession planning.

Learn more about the call for presenters and poster presentations. The deadline for submissions is March 24.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Grants and Awards
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Canadian Internet Registration Authority

The Community Investment Program funds innovative community projects to build a stronger, safer and more accessible Internet for all Canadians. Some examples of the types of Internet-related projects that may be considered for funding include:
  • Community access to the Internet, Internet tools, and devices
  • Online services for vulnerable or disadvantaged groups; (these online services must create efficiencies)
  • Digital literacy and/or web safety
  • Infrastructure and Internet security; (infrastructure must bring new or improved Internet services to regional, rural and remote communities)
  • Research focused on technological aspects of the Internet
  • Knowledge-sharing activities that lead to more effective Internet governance
  • Increase public participation in policy making and political processes
  • Address social, economic and/or environmental needs
The application period closes March 1, 2017.
EDMONTON'S HALLS OF FAME AND AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

The City of Edmonton's Halls of Fame and Awards of Distinction awards recognize and honour Edmonton's most outstanding citizens who, through their contributions in arts and culture, community service, and sports, or through extraordinary service to their communities have made exemplary contributions to the quality of life in Edmonton. Nonprofit organizations and teams are eligible, although groups of more than four people are eligible for Awards of Distinction only. The nomination deadline is February 16.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Resources
REPORT ON CHARITIES

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released their first Report on the Charities Program. The report provides an interesting background on the charitable sector in Canada including the total amount of receipted donations and top fundraising methods. The report also outlines the work of the CRA's Charities Directorate and how they help charities and provides valuable information related to applications and audits.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
AGE-FRIENDLY & DEMENTIA FRIENDLY: CREATING INCLUSIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES, TOGETHER
CHNET-Works!
January 24, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Eastern
Free

Researchers, policy makers, community programmers and practitioners, health care professionals, seniors and caregivers with an interest in age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities will be interested in this webinar and discussion hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
CULTURE CHANGE
Schlegel Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) and Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
January 26, 1 p.m. Eastern
Free

This is part of a series of webinars focusing on changing the culture of aging in Canada. This webinar features the Weston Terrace Care Community located in Toronto and provides an overview of their journey of promoting the warmth of human connection in the care community. Highlights from focus groups will be shared, opportunities implemented throughout the journey to enhance the culture will be discussed, and strategies to enhance team engagement will be explored. The culture change journey from an organization level, support level and facilitator level will be shared.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE
Alberta Human Rights Commission
February 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Radisson Hotel Edmonton South, 4440 Gateway Blvd.
$131.25 lunch is included

This workshop will provide participants with:
  • an overview of Alberta's human rights legislation
  • information about the duty to accommodate
  • an understanding of harassment in the workplace
  • strategies for preventing harassment in the workplace
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
PROVINCIAL COORDINATOR
Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council

The Provincial Coordinator's role is to support the work of the Council. In this key role the Coordinator will lead special projects, promote and market the goals and activities of the Council. The Coordinator will maintain strong communication links with key stakeholders across Alberta. 

This is a one-year contract position with the possibility of extension. Review the request for proposals for details on the position and application instructions. The deadline to submit proposals is February 4 at 4 p.m.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
TAX TIPS FOR SENIORS

This list from the Canada Revenue Agency provides information on the 11 most common tax credits, deductions, and benefits seniors are eligible for.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
January 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Free

This will be an introduction and overview for the possibility of an eight-week course that will give participants insights, skills and resources to enhance their relationships with their adult children. The presenter is Patrick Power, with the Senior Protection Partnership, City of Edmonton, Citizen Services. If, at the end of the presentation and the Q&A, there is enough interest in pursuing the issue, the course will begin in March 2017. To register call 780-433-5809. Refreshments will be provided.
AN ANSWER TO ANDROID TABLETS
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
January 25, 2:30 - 4 p.m.
$14

The competition has caught up; Apple products no longer monopolize the industry. This workshop is focused on other tablets on the market. Come out and learn what Android offers, the little features to differentiate and get comfortable and efficient using your latest purchase. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
WILLS AND ESTATES
Edmonton Community Legal Centre
January 30, 7 p.m.
Location: Capilano Library (200 Capilano Mall, 5616 101 Avenue)
Free

The workshop will cover wills, responsibilities of an executor, power of attorney, personal directives, where to go for help, and more. Call 780-702-1725 for more information.
CHINESE NEW YEAR POTLUCK
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
February 2, 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster. Bring a dish to share. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
Saturdays, February 4-April 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
$144 members; $180 non-members

This 12-week program is for beginners and those with some basic French knowledge. Register by January 28. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.
PHILOSOPHERS CAFE
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)

Two interesting topics are on tap in February at CLSA's Philosophers Cafe.

The Challenge of Freedom of Speech: Feb. 9, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Free speech has been a hard won social advance. However, representations of sensitive subjects often seem to put this freedom under attack. How do we treasure this freedom and discern when it is mischievous or hateful?

Cree History & Philosophy: Feb. 16, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Join a traditional Cree wisdom-keeper as she shares her wisdom in relation to ancient traditional Native philosophy and learn about the history of the Cree people.

More information can be found on page 38 of the CLSA Winter Program Guide and by calling 780-496-7369.
MEDICINAL MARIJUANA IN CANADA: HOW DOES IT WORK?
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
February 7, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
$2

In 2016, there were approximately 37,000 authorized medicinal marijuana users in Canada. By 2024, the number is projected to be 433,638. Cannabinoid Medical Clinic (CMClinic) is at the forefront of patient care in the field of prescription cannabinoids and medical marijuana, treating the needs of patients suffering from chronic illnesses through a stringent marijuana regulatory system. A CMClinic educator will discuss the process of getting a referral to the clinic, finding effective treatment for chronic and serious conditions, and navigating the new medical marijuana regulatory system. Call 587-987-3200 for information.
VALENTINE'S DAY TEA
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
February 10, 2-4 p.m.
$15

Entertainment is by Tony Wait. Tickets are on sale until February 3 at the NESA front desk. Call 780-496-6969 for details.
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.