March 9, 2017
Seniors Sector News
SENIORS CENTRES OF THE FUTURE REPORT

The Seniors Centres of the Future Report has been released today by the City of Edmonton. The report will be discussed at the next meeting of the City's Citizen and Public Services Committee on March 13.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Grants and Awards
2017 LAUREL AWARDS

The Laurel Awards, established by Duncan Craig LLP, recognize nonprofit organizations that further their objectives through exceptional creativity and innovation. Monetary awards range from $500 to $5,000. Review the eligibility criteria and submit an application by May 31, 2017.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Professional Development
FORUM ON SENIORS' DRUG POLICIES
March 9, 7 - 9 p.m.
Meeting Room B at the Terwillegar Recreation Centre 

Dr. Bob Turner will host this forum on seniors' drug policies and has invited five experts to speak on the issue of drug costs, efficacy, and accessibility within the seniors' drug program.
  • Dr. John Bachynsky - "Clinical guidelines, not prices: The best way to achieve an accessible, affordable, and effective drug program"
  • Dr. Lisa Guirguis - "Med Wise Alberta: Improving medication management and communication for seniors"
  • Dr. Morris Maduro - "Proposal for an Alberta Comprehensive/Integrated Seniors Health Care Plan"
  • Kit Poon - "Scope of practice: How pharmacists can reduce expenditures and optimize therapy"
  • Jody Shkrobot - "Better care, responsible treatment: Improving the culture of care in Alberta"
Representatives from Alberta Blue Cross and the Ministry of Health will be in attendance. If you have any questions, contact Jordan Elias, Constituency Manager for Edmonton-Whitemud at Edmonton.Whitemud@assembly.ab.ca. No RSVPs required.
UPDATE ON CANADA'S ANTI-SPAM LEGISLATION (CASL) FOR NON-PROFITS AND CHARITIES
TechSoup Canada and MTZ Law
March 22, 12 - 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) was developed to help Canadian individuals, businesses and organizations deal with spam and other electronic threats. All Canadian organizations must comply with CASL, including nonprofit organizations and charities. The next deadline for CASL comes into effect on July 1, 2017. In this webinar you will learn:
  • How CASL applies to nonprofits and charities
  • What changes July 1, 2017 (transition period for implied consent ends and private rights of action will be in force)
  • How to be compliant with the legislation
BOLD ADVOCACY FOR BIG CHANGES
Public Interest Alberta's 11th Annual Conference
March 30-31
Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre in Edmonton

The conference begins with advocacy training and evening keynote on March 30. The advocacy training will prepare participants for meeting with their MLA and advocating on issues that matter. Participants will receive training, get the chance to practice their skills, and receive resources to take home. 

On March 31, conference speakers and panelists will dive into topics like the current state of media, experiences in community organizing, the current state of health care in the province and the country, and how to advocate effectively. Participants will be invited to workshop issues in many action areas including seniors issues. Registration closes March 22.
NAVIGATOR FOR PROFESSIONALS AND HEALTH PROVIDERS
Caregivers Alberta
April 5 or May 12 (one-day workshop)
Fulton Place School (10310 56 Street)
Free

Navigator trains health professionals, service providers and community agency staff to better support caregivers by showing how to identify caregivers early in their journey, support caregivers to adopt self-care practices and facilitate caregivers' access to programs/resources and referrals. Review the brochure for more information. To register, contact 780-453-5088 or navigator@caregiversalberta.ca.
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
REGISTRATION FOR SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMS

Thinking of making plans for classes, workshops and day trips for the spring and summer? Some Edmonton seniors centres offer registration in March and April for their spring/summer programming. 
  • Central Lions Seniors Association: Registration for CLSA members begins March 13 at 10 a.m. Non-member and reciprocal program registration begins March 27. You can register online, by phone or in-person. The CLSA Spring/Summer Program Guide is now available. For more information, call 780-496-7369.
  • North Edmonton Seniors Association: Registration begins March 6 at 8 a.m. at 7524 139 Avenue. The NESA Spring/Summer Program and Activity Guide is now available. For more information, call 780-496-6969.
  • South East Edmonton Seniors Association: Registration happens on Saturday, March 11 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 9350 82 Street. The SEESA Spring Program Guide is now available.
  • SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association: Registration is April 25-27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue) For more information, call 587-987-3200.
  • Westend Seniors Activity Centre: Registration opens March 20 at 9 a.m. Register in-person at 9629 176 Street. The Spring/Summer Program Guide will be available in print and online on March 13. For more information, call 780-483-1209.
Other centres don't set specific dates for spring/summer registration. Review a list of Edmonton seniors centres and contact them directly to find out about their programs and registration process. 
ELLA SPRING SESSION REGISTRATION
Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA)
$250 plus a $20 current membership for up to 4 courses

Sign up for ELLA's Spring Session being held at the University of Alberta's Education Centre from May 1 to 19. Registration begins March 14 at 10:30 a.m. All aged 50 or over are cordially invited to take part in this fun, exciting continuing education happening that's bound to sharpen up the grey matter and present opportunities to make new friends. 

Go to my-ella.com or call 780-492-5055 to get information on the course timetable, how to obtain a membership, and the registration process.
CHAIR YOGA
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107 134 Avenue)
Thursdays, March 16 and 30, 2 - 3 p.m.

EASC's certified yoga instructor offers a great yoga class that is do-able for anyone, even with mobility issues. Come on down and give it a try. The class is held in a sunny dining lounge and all you need are slippers.  A suggested donation is $5 to help cover the cost of the instructor's time. Call 780-476-6595 extension 2 for more details.
ESTATE PLANNING PRESENTATION
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
March 17, 1 - 2 p.m.
$2 members; $3 non-members

More than just investments, a successful estate plan is about caring for family, friends and special organizations through some simple preplanning. The presenters will speak about some important ideas to consider for your estate planning and answer legal questions. Included in this presentation are the new increased taxation rates (since 2016) with setting up an estate testamentary trust. RSVP by calling 780-496-2997 or registering in person.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY CEILIDH
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
March 17, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
$10 member; $15 non-member

A ceilidh ("Kaylee" Irish pronunciation) is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering. In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit. But in contemporary usage, it usually involves playing folk music and dancing, either at a house party, social hall or other community gathering place. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, so put on every article of green clothing that you own and join us for music, snacks and fun with SWESA friends. Register by March 10. Call 587-987-3200 for information.
CABLE KNITTING
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
March 17-April 21, 1:30 p.m.
Six classes for $20

If you want to impress your family and friends, try cable knitting. It's not as difficult as it looks. It is challenging at first but with patience and practice the techniques can be fairly easily learned by anyone with basic knitting skills. Two simple patterns will be taught, one reversible and one non-reversible. Participants should be familiar with basic knitting stitches. Supplies will be provided. Call 780-342-8625 for information.
BLUE PENCIL CAFE WRITING CLASSES
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Tuesdays, March 28-May 16, 9:30 a.m.
$45

Do you want to write but don't know where to start or lack the motivation? Join this weekly writing circle where your stories, poems, and memoirs take center stage. You will find a supportive environment where you will receive constructive feedback from your classmates and instructor, Melle Huizinga.  Small class size and no writing experience necessary. Register by March 20. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for information.
ALBERTA SENIOR SUPPORT PROGRAMS PRESENTATION
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
March 28, 10 a.m.
Free

This health and wellness presentation will focus on Alberta Seniors Benefits, Special Needs Assistance, Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors, Property Tax Deferral Program, and Seniors Housing Adaptations & Repair Program. Call 780-451-1925, email voluncal@telus.net or visit the centre to sign up.
THEATRE TRIP
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
March 30, bus leaves at 5:30 p.m., play at 7:30 p.m.
$35 (for play and transportation)

Join this group heading to the Westlock Cultural Arts Centre to see the play "Having Hope at Home". The play is a side splitting look at three generations on a winter night in a drafty farmhouse. A baby is about to arrive when modern medicine meets mid-wifery head on in a torrent of family feuding. RSVP by March 16 by calling 780-488-4241.
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

The University of Alberta is conducting research on the Comparison Between Seniors with Chronic Knee Pain and a Healthy Control Group using Gait and Pedobarographic Analysis. They are seeking people age 65 years of age or older and need both healthy and knee pain participants. The study involves only one visit where researchers will watch you walk on a special mat. There are no needles or medications involved. Contact Dr. Angela Juby, Division of Geriatrics, at 780-492-6233 for more information.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
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