March 14, 2019
Seniors Sector News
ELECTION RESOURCES

Provincial government policies and funding impact how seniors' issues such as transportation, home supports, and social isolation are addressed in the community.  Are you prepared to ask candidates in the upcoming provincial election what their plans are to ensure seniors' issues are addressed? 

The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council's Seniors' Issues Primer provides background on key issues affecting seniors to help you ask informed questions.

If you're looking for additional election resources, check out the list of helpful tools compiled by the Alberta Nonprofit Network.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
2019 EDMONTON VOLUNTEER FAIR
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
April 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
West Edmonton Mall, Centre Stage
$50 ECVO members; $75 non-members

The Edmonton Volunteer Fair is an opportunity to raise awareness for your organization and recruit new volunteers to use their passion and skills to impact community. Book a spot for your non-profit and connect with hundreds of volunteer hopefuls at the 10th annual Edmonton Volunteer Fair.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
5 SECRETS OF EMAIL MARKETING GENIUSES
Firespring
March 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Central)
Free

There is more power and leverage in one email subscriber than 100 Facebook likes or 50 Twitter followers if email marketing is done right. Problem is, 9 out of 10 nonprofits don't do it right. This webinar will share the secrets of email marketing geniuses, including:
  • The 5 types of nonprofit emails
  • The anatomy of an email marketing campaign
  • 6 email marketing mistakes to avoid
  • 5 secrets of email marketing geniuses
SPEAK OUT! COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE, ANTI-RACISM AND INCLUSION
Centre for Race and Culture
March 22 and 23
Location: Main Hall, Strathcona Community League (10139 87 Ave.)
Admission by donation

The Centre for Race and Culture is pleased to bring together local academics and researchers, community and grassroots organizations, and local artists and activists to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. All community members are invited to join this 2-day symposium on race, anti-racism, and inclusion.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY WORKSHOPS
REACH Edmonton
$35 REACH member; $45 non-member

The training offered by REACH Edmonton assists front-line workers and volunteers to expand their attitudes, knowledge and practices to work with diverse populations and communities in cross-cultural situations.
INCLUSIVITY IN CONTINUING CARE
Institute for Continuing Care Education & Research (ICCER)
April 11, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Shepherd's Care Kensington, main floor auditorium (12603 135 Ave.)
Free for ICCER members; $50 non-members

This networking event focuses on the importance of inclusivity in continuing care. Knowledgeable speakers will share information on creating environments that welcome and meet the needs of those from the LGBTQ community, as well as individuals with invisible disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with the speakers, as well as collaborate with one another over small and large group discussion.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
HEALTH SERVICES NAVIGATOR
Sage Seniors Association

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing outreach, case-finding and follow-up services addressing the social, emotional and health needs of older adults through assessment, support, connecting to resources, and system navigation. They will also foster social supports by connecting them to seniors' centres and other community resources to increase their social connections. This includes assisting the older adult in becoming familiar with housing options including transitional housing. This position will provide in home outreach services to allow seniors to stay in their own home in order to improve quality life and well-being.

Review the job posting for details on the position and application instructions. Submit your cover letter and resume by March 21.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
News and Events for Seniors
KARAOKE KORNER
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Free

Ever wanted to sing Karaoke but everywhere else seemed intimidating? Drop-in to sing your favorite song in a welcoming atmosphere. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for more information.
OFFS 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE CELEBRATION
Operation Friendship Seniors Society
March 20, 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: City Hall foyer

OFSS invites you to attend their video launch at City Hall. Light snacks and coffee will be provided. Also that night the City of Edmonton will light up the bridge in OFSS colors to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
TRAVEL TALK: PERU - FROM LIMA TO LLAMAS
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
March 20, 1 - 3 p.m.
$3

Hear about a 17-day southern Peru journey from Lima to Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca and Cusco aboard buses, small vans, boat, planes, and train. You'll discover some of the history and cultural delights of this land famous for its Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. Register using barcode 645384. Call 780-496-7369 for more information.
THURSDAY LUNCHEONS WITH ENTERTAINMENT
Southwest Seniors' Outreach Society (10832 62 Avenue)
$10/member; $12/non-member
Easter luncheon is $15/member; $17/non-member

On March 21 enjoy music from Joyce Smith and on March 28 from Runaway Train. The band has yet to be announced for the April 4 luncheon. April 11 is the Easter Luncheon with Southwest Seniors' Choir performing. Call 780-435-9515 for more information.
WISE MEN AND WONDER WOMEN
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
March 27 and April 10
Free

These conversation groups meet every second Wednesday. Wise Men meet at 9 a.m. and Wonder Women meet at 1:30 p.m. An interesting new topic of conversation is chosen for each meeting. Call 780-433-5807 for more information.
LUNCH & LEARN: BLUE CROSS TRAVEL INSURANCE
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
March 28, 12 p.m.
$10 members; $13 non-members

It's important to have travel insurance when you leave Alberta-no matter if your trip is for one day or for 365. This presentation discusses your provincial coverage while travelling both in and out of Canada, as well as what to be aware of when you buy travel insurance including benefits, exclusions and what it all means to you. RSVP by phoning 780-488-4241.
CANNABIS PRODUCTS: A PHARMACIST'S ROLE
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
March 29, 12 - 2 p.m. 
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
$2

Join this discussion about the differences between recreational and medicinal cannabis. Learn more about the uses and formulations and how to choose a product that works best for you. The presenter will share his perspective on important information exchanges between the pharmacist and customer to ensure that there are no interactions with these products and the patients' ongoing medication. Registration requested but not required. Call 587-987-3200 for information.
LUNCH & A SHOW
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
March 29, 10:30 a.m.
$10

Join NWESS for a big screen double feature in their large gym. The first show will be at 11 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m. and the second show at 12:30 p.m. The price includes chicken fingers, coleslaw, chips, a treat, and juice. Purchase your tickets by March 22. Call 780-451-1925 for information.
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
March 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free admission

This fair featuring informational and interactive displays from local organizations, individuals and businesses will help you learn about products and services available to enhance or improve your quality of life. MWSA's 2nd Floor Café will offer a pancake breakfast 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.
FOUR LESSONS FOR INNER PEACE
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
Tuesdays, Apr. 2 - 23, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
$72

The instructor will lead the group through four lessons to give individuals a taste of the transformational tools that Zen Trilotherapy has to offer. The tools provided will help individuals come to a place of profound self-awareness and clarity about who they really are and why they behave the way they do. The instructor will also share activities and meditations for self-love and forgiveness, which have resulted in individuals awakening to a more peaceful and purposeful life. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
NESA SPRING SALES
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)

Book Sale: April 2 - 6, daily 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; extended hours April 3, 3 - 7 p.m. Donations of books gratefully accepted.

Bake Sale: April 6. Donations are needed for the bake sale; these can be dropped off on April 4 and 5, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Community Garage Sale & Spring Craft Fair: April 6, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Vendors can sell used, new or handmade goods and keep the proceeds for themselves. Tables available to rent for $50. Call 780-496-6969 for more details or to reserve your table.

For more information on any of these sales call 780-496-6969.
JAM SESSION
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) (9350 82 Street)
April 5, 7 p.m.
$3

Join SEESA musicians at the monthly Jam Session. Bring an instrument or just come to listen. The next jam is April 5. The fee includes coffee and cookies. You don't need to be a SEESA member to attend. All are welcome. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
LEVEL ONE SPEECHREADING COURSE
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Edmonton Branch
Wednesdays, April 10 - June 5, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre (12122 68 Street)
$175

Are you hard of hearing, and would like to learn better communication and coping skills? Research shows that hearing aids plus speechreading gives the best results. 

In this course you will learn basic speechreading (lip reading) plus strategies to communicate better and get information on hearing aids, technology, tinnitus, and other subjects of interest to the hard of hearing. You'll also meet others who share your challenges and are determined to do something about them.

To register call 780-428-6622, email chha-ed@shaw.ca or visit the website.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
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 memberservices@seniorscouncil.net.  Review our submission guidelines for more information.