April 19, 2018
Seniors Sector News
INPUT ON CHANGES TO BUS ROUTES

The City of Edmonton's plan to redesign the bus network will impact seniors who rely on public transportation. The City of Edmonton has released draft route types and maps and is seeking feedback on the proposed bus network. Check the proposed routes to make sure you still have access to important locations like seniors centres and grocery stores.

You can provide feedback in two ways:
INPUT ON CHANGES TO WASTE SERVICES

The City of Edmonton is asking residents to share their feedback and perspectives on possible changes to grass and yard waste collection services. Complete the online survey which will be available from April 16 to May 1.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Grants and Awards
LAUREL AWARDS

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Duncan Craig Laurel Awards which recognize the innovation and creativity of non-profit organizations in Edmonton and area. The nomination deadline is May 31.
The program or project must:
  • Further the recognized mission of the organization
  • Have met predetermined goals and objectives
  • Demonstrate innovation through the creative utilization of resources (e.g. volunteers, partnerships, sponsorships, etc.)
  • Exhibit original thought in the creation or implementation of the project
  • Have taken place within Edmonton and area including Drayton Valley
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Resources
A NOISY CLANG TO STAY WELL!

A 2017 article by the International Federation on Aging calls for a holistic 'psychosocial approach' to the worldwide Age Friendly Communities movement. While applauding the work of Age Friendly projects to improve external/environmental conditions that affect older people, they also warn not to neglect people's internal (psychological and emotional) lives.

They recommend using the evidence-based, positive mental health messaging in the Five Ways to Wellbeing (Aked, et al 2008). A simple way to remember the five is: C-L-A-N-G!
Connecting - with others; talk and listen
Learning - something new
Activity - moving in ways you enjoy
Noticing - the world around you
Giving - your time, words, presence

Colourful Five Ways to Wellbeing posters, bookmarks, and post cards in several languages can be downloaded. A report on how the Five Ways to Wellbeing have been used in the United Kingdom is also available.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
INTIMACY & SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN LONG TERM CARE
Institute for Life Course & Aging at University of Toronto
May 7 - June 3 (online weekly at your discretion)
$240

In this online workshop for healthcare and other professionals, participants will:
  • Explore values and beliefs about intimacy, aging and the relationship between these sensitive topics
  • Appreciate the challenges presented by the desire for intimacy when faced with physical, mental, psychological, social and environmental barriers
  • Increase awareness of strategies and opportunities we can embrace
The registration deadline is April 30.
'BEST OF' DIGITAL FUNDRAISING EXAMPLES: 45 SLIDES IN 45 MINUTES
bloomerang
May 10, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

This webinar will inspire and equip you with concrete tactics you can implement in your next digital fundraising campaign. You'll explore great content, unique thinking and delightful design through emails, websites, online advertising, donation pages, videos-and anything else that increases online donations. By the end of this presentation, you'll know:
  • How nonprofits are using creativity and interactivity to engage donors and supporters
  • What makes these "best of" examples successful
  • How to take inspiration from these examples and turn them into real change at your organization
TIPS FOR DEMONSTRATING IMPACT IN GRANT PROPOSALS
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
May 17, 2 p.m. (Eastern)
$79 early bird; $99 after May 10

The ability to demonstrate your nonprofit's impact is vital to securing support from all types of donors, especially foundations. Join this webinar where grant makers explain which kinds of outcomes they want measured, how to use commonly available data to demonstrate the changes you are bringing about, and how to blend qualitative and quantitative information and how to mix data and stories for optimal results.
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
Spring Open House
Chartwell Wild Rose Retirement Residence  (9612 172 Street NW)
April 29, 1-4 p.m.

Join the Chartwell Wild Rose Retirement Residence for their Spring Open House. Come have a tour of their beautiful residence and enjoy spring snacks, refreshments, and entertainment. Call 780-443-1234 for more information.
MWSA GOES TO THE WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
May 4, bus leaves MWSA at noon and returns at 3:30 p.m.
$10 for MWSA members and $15 for non-members

Join this tour of the facility where our garbage and recycling ends up. Feel free to bring a bagged lunch. Cost includes transportation and tour. Register in person at Mill Woods Seniors Association. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.
MELODY SINGERS' SPRING PERFORMANCE
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
May 6, 2 p.m.
$7
 
SEESA's performance choir is please to present "Weather Forecast: Songs of Spring". Tickets may be purchased in advance at the SEESA front desk or at the door if not sold out. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
SPANISH LUNCH WITH FLAMENCO PERFORMERS
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
May 6, 12 p.m

Join JSCC us for a Spanish lunch ($13 for non-members) and enjoy a complimentary performance of the Las Palomas Spanish Flamenco Dancers. Please RSVP. Call 780-488-4241 for more information.
GARDENING IN CONTAINERS: FOOD PRODUCTION IN SMALL SPACES
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
May 7, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$20 members & non-members

Growing food in containers is a great solution for small spaces, balconies and decks. Learn what's needed to produce a harvest of healthy, fresh veggies and herbs.

Register online, by calling 311, or in person at the front desk of Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Monday to Friday) or at any City of Edmonton Recreation Centre. Use barcode: 628209 for this class. Call 780-496-7369 for more information.
YOGA FOR HEALTHY BACKS
Southwest Senior's Outreach Society (10832 62 Avenue)
May 9, 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Allendale Community League Hall (6330 105A Street)
$10

Register for this yoga workshop by phoning 780-435-9515. A minimum of eight students is required to run this class.
MOTHER'S DAY TEA
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
May 11, 1 p.m.
$5

Enjoy afternoon tea and fresh baking. Entertainment will be provided by the Creative Writing Group. Call 780-433-5807 to reserve a seat.
MOTHER'S DAY TEA
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
May 11, 2-4 p.m.
$5

Come and celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. Tickets on sale until May 4. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
MOTHER'S DAY TEA
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
May 11, doors open at 11:30 a.m.
$8

Entertainment for the event will be a Marilyn Monroe performer. Purchase tickets by May 4. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
FORT EDMONTON PARK HIGH TEA
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
May 23, meet at centre at 2 p.m.
$62 member / $72 non-member

Step back in time to a unique tea experience. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and desserts made exclusively for the occasion by the Fort Edmonton Park culinary team and then indulge in a wide selection of high-quality teas. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up, enjoy yourselves and socialize. Cost includes bus transportation, high tea, and admission to Fort Edmonton Park for an hour. Tickets are limited so be sure to purchase your ticket by May 2. Tickets can be purchased at the WSAC front desk. Call 780-483-1209 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: SUMMER 2018 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Your Experience Could Open a Door to Discovery! Share your expertise and love of working with people to 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: Gallery Interpreter, Science Garage Apprentice, Science Garage Workshop Assistant, Assistant Observatory Attendant, and Birthday Party Attendant
  • Summer Camp Positions: Assistant Camp Leader
  • Visitor Services Hosting and Ambassador Positions: Hospitality Host
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.