April 5, 2018

CORRECTION NOTICE

We inadvertently included incorrect information about Edmonton All Access Day in the newsletter sent earlier today. 

There will not be free access to City of Edmonton facilities this Sunday, April 8.

We sincerely apologize for any confusion.
Resources
USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY OLDER ADULTS

A December 2017 study by AARP Research highlights some interesting statistics about the use of technology by older adults.
  • Devices used: Of adults over age 50, 92% own a computer or laptop, 70% own a smartphone and 43% own a tablet. Adults 70+ do fewer activities on their computers than those under 70 with a couple of exceptions such as gaming and email.
  • Computer use: Top activities include surfing the internet, making purchases, getting news, and banking.
  • Tablet use: Surfing the internet is the top activity.
  • Smartphone use: Top activities for adults 50+ focus on staying connecting and being on the go. Nearly 90% of smartphone users say they use their device to send IMs/texts or emails, more than 75% say they use it to get direction or traffic information. Other top activities include purchasing apps, surfing the internet, getting news, and accessing social media.
  • Among those who use all three devices (computer, tablet, smartphone) each device has a different use: computers are used for more practical tasks, tablets for entertainment, and smartphones for social and on the go activities.
  • Social media: More than 70% of adults 50+ are on social media.
  • Privacy and security: Many older adults don't take proactive steps to protect themselves. A little over half use a passcode on their phones or tablets and only 45% regularly change their passwords.
  • Connecting with people: 91% say they use technology to stay in touch with friends and family. 86% connect through text messaging and 72% connect through social media. Among those under 70, text messaging has overtaken email as the tool most used.
Technology Use and Attitudes among Mid-Life and Older Americans, December 2017, AARP Research
Infographic
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN RECREATION AND LEISURE IN RETIREMENT HOMES AND LTC
Room 217 Foundation
April 11, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Room 217 Foundation presents a monthly music care webinar series. This month's topic is The Role of Music in Recreation and Leisure in Retirement Homes and LTC presented by Dr. Kate Dupuis.
HOW NONPROFITS CAN GET $10,000 PER MONTH IN FREE GOOGLE ADVERTISING
CharityHowTo
April 17, 11 a.m. or April 25, 11 a.m. (Mountain)
Free

Google Grants gives eligible nonprofits $10,000 per month in free online advertising to promote their organizations and causes on Google.com. This webinar will cover what you need to know about the program, how it can benefit your nonprofit, the application process, what is required to succeed when using Google Grants and information about a paid service that will get you more than your money's worth.

Note: You must be a registered charitable organization with a website to be eligible for Google Grants.
VOLUNTEER AND BOARD APPRECIATION ON A SHOESTRING - HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND INSPIRE DEEPER COMMITMENT TO YOUR CAUSE
CharityHowTo
April 18, 1 p.m. or April 26, 11 a.m. (Mountain)
$87

Gestures big and small can be meaningful to your volunteers, but many nonprofit staff are still using outdated ideas about motivation. Learn how to demonstrate genuine gratitude that is truly meaningful to volunteers and board members and you'll keep them coming back year after year. This webinar will share simple ways you can keep volunteers and board members motivated and engaged all year long using methods that are creative, inspiring, and easy on the budget.  
BECOMING A DATA DRIVEN ORGANIZATION
Tech Impact & Microsoft
April 25, 2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

It's possible to do more with data than report out to your funders and it doesn't take a big investment. Hear from nonprofits on what they're doing to shift to a data-driven culture inside their organization. Learn best practices for empowering staff to make better decisions, hear about mistakes made and lessons learned along the way, and leave with practical steps you and your organization can start taking today. 

For organization leaders, programmatic staff, and techies, this cultural-change focused webinar will help everyone in your organization use data in everything they do.
2018 GREY MATTERS CONFERENCE
Alberta Seniors and Housing and the Alberta Association of Seniors Centres
September 24-26, 2018 in Calgary

The Grey Matters Conference offers provincial service providers opportunities to network, gain knowledge and increase awareness of issues, supports and services for seniors. Conference delegates will hear from dynamic speakers and learn about best practices, emerging issues and trends that enhance seniors well-being. 

This year's conference theme is OUR COMMUNITY GATHERS: Listening, Learning and Leading. The conference topics will focus on supporting seniors to age well. Registration opens in May.
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 TEE-OFF
April 11, 1:30-3 p.m.
Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence - Presentation Centre at #102, 16224 Ellerslie Road SW (On the corner of Ellerslie Road and 163 St. in the strip mall with the Esso and Circle K, next to Mary Browns Chicken.)

Join Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence for an afternoon of golf. Enjoy an indoor Putting Green and Golf Simulator and perfect your skills with their Golf Pro. There will be a door prize plus other prizes for closest to the pin and longest putt. Plus, there will be snacks and refreshments.

RSVP by April 9 to:
Tania: 587-988-5981 / tnichol@chartwell.com
April: 780-722-4153 / awilliamson@chartwell.com
FILMS & LUNCH
Bonnie Doon Community League (9240 93 Street)
Film at 10:30 a.m. / lunch at 11:45 a.m.
$2

At Films & Lunch National Film Board documentaries are paired with short animated films which provide opportunities for lively discussions over lunch. 
 
On Thursday, April 19 the feature film is Dashan - Ambassador to China's Funny Bone (1996, 50 minutes). Dashan is the stage name of Canadian comedian Mark Henry Roswell who was born in 1965 in Ottawa. He is a well-known celebrity in China. This look at his early career in China was filmed in 1996. It is matched with the short animation The Dingles (1988, 8 minutes), created by director Les Drew. Everyone will enjoy grandmotherly Doris Dingle as she gets through another busy day.

Bonnie Doon Hall is wheelchair accessible. All seniors are welcome. Phone 780-469-1179 for more information.
THURSDAY LUNCHEONS WITH ENTERTAINMENT
Southwest Seniors' Outreach Society
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and tickets can be purchased until noon
Location: Pleasantview Community League Hall at 10860 57 Ave. (except for the first Thursday of each month)
$10/member or $12/non-member

Come enjoy a hot meal followed by entertainment:
  • April 19: Chwyll Brothers
  • April 26: Brian Riehl
  • May 10: Marvin Kneller
Call 780-435-9515 for more information.
SENIOR'S SPRING TEA
Edmonton Valley Zoo
April 24 and April 25, 1-3 p.m.
$20

Enjoy spring by having tea at the zoo. Listen to musical performances by local children and learn through engaging animal encounters and talks. Enjoy complimentary tea, cold drinks and baked goods. 

Advance registration is required. Register online, over the phone by calling 311, or in person at any City of Edmonton Recreation Centre or City of Edmonton attraction. Use the following course code to register:
April 24 - 625122
April 25 - 625123
EFT - TAPPING FOR EMOTIONAL FREEDOM
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
April 25, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$23

Learn this powerful "tapping" tool for clearing trapped emotions and negative energy to find peace and balance. EFT is a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture. It is a universal healing tool that can provide impressive results for physical, emotional, and performance issues. EFT operates on the premise that no matter what part of your life needs improvement, there are unresolved emotional issues in the way. 

Register in advance at the WSAC front desk to secure your spot. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.
HEAR MUSIC PLAY ART
The Paint Spot (10032 81 Avenue)
April 25, 5:30 - 6 p.m. meet the artists; 6 - 9 p.m. listen and create
$60

Watch Nancy Corrigan, a joyously spontaneous artist, respond to the music of the cellists, Diana Nuttall and Kasia Saturna, and then, when you want, start to paint, too, responding to the music in your own way. You can come at this class from any angle: painter, musician, audience member. The important thing is to feel the music and respond to it. You may want to do several small, swift paintings, moving your hand to the music, or larger, more layered works - the choice is yours.

Supplies: Bring the brushes, paper, watercolour, pastels, markers of your choice. If you don't have art supplies, you can use supplies provided by The Paint Spot for a fee of $20 cash at the door.

IF YOU GO DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY: DINNER, DANCE AND SILENT AUCTION
S.C.O.N.A. Seniors Center (10440 84 Avenue)
April 28, 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Ritchie Community Hall (7727 98 Street)
$25

Enjoy entertainment, special guests and dance to the Variety Pak Dance Band. Cash bar. Attire is casual. Get your ticket by calling 780-433-5377.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
8th ANNUAL EDMONTON VOLUNTEER FAIR
April 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: West Edmonton Mall. Centre Stage, Level 1 Phase 1 in front of The Bay

This is your chance to find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Meet local organizations and come explore how you can make a difference in your community. Amazing causes need passionate people. Where will you make your mark?
(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 memberservices@seniorscouncil.net.  Review our submission guidelines for more information.