August 20, 2020
Seniors Sector News
MASKS IN EDMONTON
City of Edmonton

As hopefully everyone has heard by now, effective as of August 1, 2020, wearing a mask or face covering is mandatory in all indoor public places and public vehicles. For more information about masks in Edmonton go to edmonton.ca/masks
REMINDER: FREE MASKS FOR VULNERABLE SENIORS
Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group 

With COVID-19 rates increasing in Alberta and a mandatory indoor mask requirement in place in Edmonton, all Edmontonians should take precautions to protect themselves and others. The Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group is providing vulnerable, low-income older Edmontonians with masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). 

If you're an older adult in need of PPE, contact Sage Seniors Association at 780-701-9007 and leave a message with your name and number. A Sage employee will call you back to coordinate a delivery. In addition to the masks, individuals can also request hygiene products, incontinence supplies, denture cleaning supplies, M&M Meats packages and food security gift cards (while supplies last). This document outlines kit options. 

Organizations that serve seniors can request supplies for clients by completing a referral form and emailing it to [email protected].

The Government of Alberta recently provided an additional 100,000 masks to the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC), of which 10,000 will go to the Coordinated Pandemic Response kits being assembled at Sage Seniors Association with the remaining 90,000 available to seniors-serving organizations for further distribution to vulnerable seniors in need. 

If you're an organization seeking masks for seniors, please contact the ESCC by emailing [email protected].
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Grants and Awards
MINISTER'S SENIORS SERVICE AWARDS:
NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
Government of Alberta 

In response to popular demand, Albertans now have until August 25 to nominate a worthy person or organization for a 2020 Minister's Seniors Service Award.  

Through the pandemic, Albertans of all ages have been there for seniors. Organizations and businesses are devising innovative ways to deliver services and supports, like virtual classes and special store hours. There are countless Albertans who are using their time, energy, and skills to help our older citizens. Nominate a person, organization or business for a Minister's Seniors Service Award today!
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES PROGRAM PROJECT-BASED GRANT  
Government of Alberta 

Alberta's government is reopening the Community Initiatives Program Project-Based grant stream to support economic recovery and build social connections. Non-profit and community organizations can now apply to the September 15 intake of the Community Initiatives Program Project-Based grant stream, which aims to foster healthy and vibrant communities across Alberta. Funding will focus on events, festivals, programs and projects delivered in innovative and creative ways that align with public health measures. For more information, click here.
More awards and funding news (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages)
Resources
LIFE WITH DEMENTIA  
Caregivers Alberta

Life With Dementia is an interview-style podcast sharing relevant research, personal stories, and practical tips for living well with dementia. Listen to conversations between people all over the world: scientists, researchers, practitioners, family care partners, industry professionals, and people living with dementia to hear firsthand about solutions they've discovered and what we can do to improve resources and support for people affected by dementia.
CAREER MOVES: EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM FOR MATURE WORKERS 
Norquest College
$50

Career Moves is a professional development program supporting mid-career workers in their transition to new employment and career opportunities. Career Moves focuses on career development and soft skills training to empower participants to choose alternative careers, whether through further education or through connections to new industries. 

The Career Moves program provides one-on-one coaching, self-assessment, skill development, opportunities for work-integrated learning and connecting with employers, and a community of participants. A tuition credit of up to $2,000 is also available to support further education. 
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS: RESUMING AGM AND ANNUAL RETURN REQUIREMENTS
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations 
August 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Mountain) 
Free

On April 9, 2020, the Government of Alberta issued a Ministerial Order to assist Alberta non-profits in remaining compliant with annual general meeting requirements, annual return requirements and the Charitable Fund-raising Act throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary provisions expired on August 15, 2020, impacting organizations that postponed their annual general meeting or were planning to hold a virtual one.

This 60-minute virtual Q&A session will introduce the expired Ministerial Order and the reverted policies non-profit organizations should be aware of. Relevant questions submitted in advance will be prioritized. The session will be recorded. Registration is required. 
CORE 101 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES
CORE Alberta
Free

Grab your lunch and join others working within the community-based seniors serving (CBSS) sector to learn about the vision of CORE Alberta and how you can be a part of it. These 45-minute virtual open houses will help you learn about the efforts to create a coordinated CBSS sector, find out what CORE Alberta can offer you, discover how you can become an active member of the digital knowledge hub and make new connections to further your work
  • Session 1: August 27, 12-12:45 p.m. (Mountain)
  • Session 2: September 17, 12-12:45 p.m. (Mountain)
If your organization would like to arrange a tailored CORE 101 session, contact [email protected] to set one up.
PROGRAM EVALUATION AMIDST CHANGE
Non Profit Learning Lab
August 31, 2-3:15 p.m. (Eastern) 
$25 members; $50 non-members
 
How can mission-driven organizations sustain their evaluation and learning in the midst of the COVID-19 emergency? In this webinar, gain suggestions for how to evaluate quality and effectiveness in these disrupted times. Topics include: what to do with incomplete or missing data, what to do when the data you want is no longer available, how to switch to digital data collection, and how to get the most from your online program platform.
AGE WELL PUBLIC WEBINAR SERIES
Age Well Canada
Free
 
Age Well has created an archive of their public webinars on aging research and technology. Learn about topics like how digital games can help older adults combat social isolation, and how to support those who work and are caregivers. To watch all webinars, click here.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Jobs in the Sector
INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR 
Sage Seniors Association

The Intensive Case Management Coordinator is responsible for providing intensive case management services to seniors in the community experiencing abuse. The role will include assessing needs, providing information, support and client advocacy while assisting clients to be safe in the community. The role includes developing relationships with other agencies within the community to best meet the individualized needs of each client and to coordinate the appropriate services required. This position works closely with both the Sage Seniors' Safe House and Seniors Protection Partnership teams.

View the detailed posting for additional information and application instructions. The deadline to apply is August 26. 
More job opportunities in the seniors sector (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
FULL BODY FITNESS ONLINE CLASS 
Strathcona Place Society 
August 20-September 10, Thursdays at 11 a.m.
$15

This sixty-minute, low-impact workout can be done in the comfort of your home and is perfect for wheelchair bound and immunocompromised seniors. No need for fancy workout gear--the instructor uses everyday items from your home and provides modifications to fit every fitness level. Register and pay here (ensure that you return to the registration form after payment and hit the submit button).
ONLINE FALL ACTIVITIES FOR EDMONTON SENIORS
Edmonton Seniors Centre

There are so many online classes to stay busy with this fall! Aspiring artists will enjoy dabbling with watercolours while fitness fanatics can break a sweat with Zumba. Those looking for clarity can find it in "What Truly Matters", a six-week program were you share your thoughts and ideas with others for rich discussions.
EMBELLISHED IMAGES 
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
September 10,10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Blue Quill Community League (11304 25 Avenue)
$5

Calling all crafters! Learn a new collage technique using scraps of coloured paper, felt or tissue paper to add dimension to magazine images. No previous experience is required. Just bring an open mind and a dash of imagination! You are also welcome to bring along your own project to work on. Supplies will be provided, but you are free to bring your own supplies if you prefer. To register, call SWESA at 587-987-3200 or email to [email protected]. 
Note that registration is currently limited to SWESA members and reciprocal members belonging to other local seniors centres.
MARKET GARDEN
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street NW)
Every Saturday in August and early September at 10 a.m.
Free admission

The seniors at NWESS work hard every year planting, weeding and growing their gardens to bring the neighbourhood organic produce at great prices. This year, handmade masks will also be for sale. Shop fresh local produce in the NWESS parking lot every Saturday until early September. Note that produce sells out fast, so make sure to arrive early! The sale ends when all the fresh fruit and veggies have been snapped up. COVID-19 measures are in place, so remember to follow social distancing guidelines, use sanitizer and wear your mask. For more information, email  [email protected]. 
BEGINNER FIDDLERS LESSONS AND WORKSHOPS
Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Association 
September
Prices vary 

Interested in enhancing or learning new skills on the fiddle? Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Association is starting lessons and workshops again starting in September. For more information, contact Wild Rose Fiddlers President, Ava Wood at 780-962-8857 or visit at www.wildrosefiddlers.org. 
ESCTV
Edmonton Seniors Centre 
Programming runs Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-Midnight
Free

With no software to download and no fees to pay, ESCTV is a great and innovative service that streams local content curated for the 55+ community. All you need is an internet connection to watch from your computer, smartphone, tablet or TV. This new channel features everything from cooking shows, poetry, book-reviews and history, and more. 
More news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer Opportunities/Jobs 
UNDERSTANDING NEWCOMER EXPERIENCES OF INCLUSION SURVEY 
Centre for Race and Culture 

Share your experiences of settling in Canada. The survey is a two-year community-based research project looking at newcomers' experiences of settlement, integration, and inclusion. This project defines 'newcomers' as immigrants and refugees who have lived in Canada for up to 10 years. You will be given a $10 Tim Horton's gift card as thanks for participating. 

Additionally, the Centre for Race and Culture is still looking for participants for an online interview or focus group. Participants will receive a $25 gift card. Please contact Myriam at [email protected] for more details.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMAGES STUDY
University of Alberta

The U of A Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation is hoping to recruit people who work in the physical activity sector to participate in a study that examines how physical activity practitioners react to images of people being physically active. Participants should be between the ages of eighteen and seventy years. Participation in this study is completed entirely online and should take at most 30 minutes. You will receive an electronic gift card worth 10 Canadian dollars as a thank you for completing the study (your choice of Starbucks or Chapters/Indigo). If you are interested in finding out more, email the study team at [email protected]
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED
Drive Happiness

Drive Happiness is looking for volunteer drivers! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for this service. Volunteers are urgently needed to transport older people to appointments and to deliver groceries, medications, and essential items to their homes. This opportunity involves flexible scheduling and a fuel reimbursement. Call 780-424-5438 to sign up! 
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities 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 [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.