September 7, 2017
Seniors Sector News
CALL FOR CONFERENCE SESSIONS

The third national Walk with Me conference will be held March 5 - 6, 2018 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  The conference brings diverse stakeholders together to learn with and from each other about how to support changing the culture of aging in Canada. 

Don't miss this opportunity to share your knowledge and experience about a culture change initiative, practical tools and strategies, or inspiring research that promotes quality of life for older adults with delegates from across the country. Submit your proposal by September 29.
SENIORS' HOUSING FORUM
September 23, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre (11113 113 Street)
Free

The Seniors' Housing Forum Planning Committee, comprised of key community stakeholders, is presenting the 11th Annual Seniors' Housing Forum for seniors, their families and caregivers. The goal of the Forum is to educate participants about the range of housing options and community resources available for older adults and to guide individuals in planning appropriate future housing for themselves and/or significant others.

For more information about the event, download an event poster or view the Sage website. Agencies interested in participating should review the Sponsor & Exhibitor Information Package

Sector staff are also asked to help spread the word about the Forum. Extensive information and resource materials, event admission, lunch and parking will be available free to seniors, their families and caregivers. Register by calling 780-809-8604.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Grants and Awards
ALBERTA CANADA 150 GRANT

The Community Initiatives Program Canada 150 Grant provides $2 million to support projects that align with four themes:
  • Diversity, inclusion and the building of common interests and relationships
  • Supporting efforts toward reconciliation
  • Engaging and inspiring youth to carry forward Canada 150 legacy
  • Connecting Canadians with nature and raising environmental stewardship
The application deadline is for the last intake is October 15, 2017.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Resources
VOLUNTEER SCREENING RESOURCE

Volunteer Alberta has released a new Volunteer Screening Policy & Procedures Workbook. The workbook provides information on volunteer screening, includes helpful resources, and offers a starting point for organizations to develop effective policies, identify challenges, and mitigate potential issues related to volunteer screening.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY?
CharityVillage
September 21, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

You have a successful program or pilot project and you've been actively working to make it stronger. Now, how will you sustain it over time? New research into the area of program sustainability has shown that there are concrete steps you can take to increase the longevity of your programs. Although many organizations diligently develop a strategic plan, few seem to draft a formal sustainability plan. In this webinar you will learn what factors can increase the sustainability odds of your program and the benefits of developing a formal sustainability plan.
HR IN A BOX SERIES 2
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and Talent Pool
September 26, October 24, and November 28, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Santa Maria Goretti Centre (11050 90 Street)
$55-$200

Series 2 builds on the foundations of Series 1 with a problem-solving focus. Case studies will be at the core of these sessions to help you implement practical solutions in your everyday HR practices. This series will include three dynamic sessions. Register for one or for the entire series for a special price.
  1. Aligning Business and People
  2. Retention Strategies: One Size Never Fits All
  3. Strategic Performance Management: Always an Integrated Process
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH ACTION PLAN UPDATE
The Community Mental Health Action Plan Steering Committee
October 4, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Maria Goretti Centre (11050 90 Street)

In October 2016, the Community Mental Health Action Plan: Edmonton and Area was released. It is currently in the implementation phase and stakeholders are working to make the goals and actions in the plan a reality. Help further this work by participating in a day of updates, sharing and creating action to ensure individuals and their families have access to a better coordinated mental health system.

RSVP to Kahn Lam, along with any dietary needs, to [email protected] or 780-443-8321 by September 25. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
NETWORKING EVENT - ENHANCING MEALTIMES IN LONG-TERM CARE
Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research
October 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Room 4-036, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (11405 87 Avenue)
Free for ICCER members; $25 for non-members

Dr. Susan Slaughter (Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta), will be speaking about the Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3) study. Susan will draw upon the health care literature, findings and knowledge and experience of participants to discuss how the mealtime experience, meal quality and meal access all support food and fluid intake of long-term care residents as well as enhance their quality of life. An opportunity to network is included at this event.
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
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Sage Seniors Association

The Administrative Coordinator position has significant impact on the culture and operations of Sage Seniors Association, as the individual in this role engages with the staff and volunteers on a regular basis. This position is responsible for coordinating the administrative functions within Sage, day to day operations and providing support to the Executive Director. Duties includes implementation of administrative policies and procedures and supervision of administrative volunteers.

If you have a diploma in Office Management or suitable equivalent, with 3 - 5 years admin support to management experience, and are interested in exploring this opportunity, visit www.mysage.ca for the full job description and application details.

Submit a resume by September 13 to:
Sage Seniors Association
15 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton AB T5J 2E5
Attn: Emily Weisbrot, External Relations Coordinator
Fax: 426- 5175
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
STUDY OF ENTREPRENEURS 50+

The Centre for Elder Research at Sheridan College in Ontario is conducting a nation-wide study to learn more about new and established Canadian entrepreneurs age 50+ as well as those individuals 50+ who are actively pursuing a defined business idea. The study is funded by the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC).

If you are a Canadian entrepreneur age 50+, you are invited to complete the survey in English or French.
SPEECHREADING CLASSES
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-Edmonton Branch
Wednesdays, September 13 to November 9, 1 - 3 p.m.
Location: Northeast Edmonton Senior Association (7524 139 Avenue)
$175 for 10 sessions

Speechreading is wonderful for new situations or noisy environments. Students are taught the basics of speechreading (lipreading) plus communication strategies. They also spend some time in a community of people with the same issues and many students find this the most valuable part of the process. Learn more and register by contacting NESA in person or by phone at 780-496-6969. The registration deadline is September 8.
PUCK DROP PARTY
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
September 13, 5 p.m.
$18

September marks the start of our monthly dinners beginning with our Puck Drop Party to celebrate the start of hockey season. Wear your favorite team's sweater to qualify for a prize. Special guests will be in attendance. Call 780-433-5807 to book your tickets. 
SHOWCASE
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107 134 Avenue)
September 13, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre is hosting an all-day showcase of the centre while the National Gathering of Elders conference is in town. It is the only Aboriginal seniors centre of its kind in Canada and they are grateful to be a part of the Edmonton community for over 30 years. 

The schedule will include a light breakfast; Aboriginal vendors; a traditional wild meat stew and bannock luncheon; live music and performances including pow wow and Metis dancers; bannock making demonstrations; storytelling in the tee pee; a traditional pot luck dinner; a mini round dance; and two 50/50 draws, a star blanket raffle and door prizes. 

The price for the stew and bannock luncheon is $4 and includes stew, bannock, dessert and a beverage. Call 587-525-8969 for more information.
PATIO PARTY
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
September 15, 2 - 4 p.m.
$10

Come soak up that last bit of summer and join the patio party! There will be live musical entertainment, refreshments and a cash bar. Come sip and socialize with WSAC members while enjoying the beautiful patio that overlooks the lake. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk in advance. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.
DANCE NIGHT - MUSIC OF THE 60s
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
September 15, 7-11 p.m. 
$10 advance tickets/$12 at the door

Dance night features the Six Feet Up Dance Band. Advanced tickets are available until September 15. Wine, beer and coolers will be available at the cash bar. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
AUTUMN DINNER & DANCE
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
September 16
$35

The dance features The Melody Makers. Advance tickets are available at the SEESA Front Desk until September 12 at noon unless sold out prior. A cash bar is available for members and invited guests (by reading this please consider yourself invited). Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
PAYWHATYOUCANWEEK
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
September 18-23

Combat your fear of commitment and try out a class before you decide to register. The instructors will provide an insight into the class they will be offering this fall. Participation for this special class is by donation. All monies collected will go the SEESA Benevolent Fund which is used to subsidize programs for low income seniors. 

Try out one of the following classes: Zumba Gold, Fit For Your Life, Keep Fit, Sit Down For Fitness, Yoga, Yoga Chair, Barre Fitness, Clogging, Line Dancing, Qigong, Group Vocal, Learn to Chord, Small Ensemble Workshop, Soft Pilates Evening, and more. For exact start times consult the online program guide.
MWSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
September 19, 5-10 p.m.
$25

MWSA will celebrate their 10th anniversary with delicious food, live entertainment, special guests and more. Purchase tickets by September 14. For more information, call 780-496-2997.
PAINT-A-RAMA
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
September 30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
$35 (group rates for 10 or more)

Contribute to your community while having fun. Join a pride of lion-hearted painters in a 'fun'draiser for CLSA and help set a record of 250 artists simultaneously creating lion-themed acrylic paintings. No experience is necessary. Guided instruction and all supplies are included in your registration fee. Purchase tickets at the CLSA reception desk, phone 311, or register online at Edmonton.ca/eReg (Barcode 611520). For more information, visit the website or contact CLSA at 780-496-7369.
OPEN HOUSES
Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi® Edmonton Branch
September 29, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and/or October 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 15740 Stony Plain Road

In conjunction with the United Nations Day of Older Persons on October 1, Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi® Edmonton Branch is hosting two Open House events. With the practice of Taoist Tai Chi Arts®, explore the harmony of health and wellbeing understood by the ancient Chinese and experience balance, flexibility and relaxation. The open houses will feature Taoist Tai Chi demos, information, and a free class followed by a Jai (vegetarian lunch). For more information, class schedules and events visit www.taoist.org/edmonton, email [email protected] or phone 780-489-4293.
NEW SENIORS PROGRAM
Catholic Social Services Immigration Services
Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.
Location: 8212 118 Avenue
Free

At this drop-in program, seniors can enjoy activities, games, art, crafts and knitting, and practice English in a fun and interactive way. The flyer has more details. Contact Ockhee Kang at 780-391-3279 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE - EDMONTON: FALL 2017 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton: Fall 2017 Volunteer Opportunities
Your experience could open a door to discovery! Help others discover the world and beyond in a fun and interactive environment. 

A variety of unique opportunities await you in educational or ambassador roles as a volunteer staff member at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton:
  • Educational Positions: Science Garage Workshop Assistant, Gallery Interpreter, Assistant Observatory Attendant, and Robotics Lab Attendant
  • Guest Services Volunteer Hosting and Ambassador Positions: Hospitality Hosts, School Program Host, and Birthday Party Host
  • School Programs Positions: Assistant School Programs Leader
Weekday and weekend shifts are available. 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].
(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:

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.