October 18, 2018
Seniors Sector News
BUS NETWORK REDESIGN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Don't miss your last chance to check out the proposed new bus routes coming in 2020. The City presented a new draft bus network this spring and asked for feedback. The transit planning team reviewed thousands of comments and made adjustments to many of the proposed routes to better meet people's needs. Some of the changes include:
  • Adjusting routes so most people are within a 5-7 minute walk to a bus stop
  • Adding community bus routes
This fall, Edmonton Transit Service will be gathering input from the public to advise on the final draft bus network that will be going to City Council in the new year. You can:
  • Attend one of 13 workshops the City is hosting around the city from October 25 to December 7. Visit edmonton.ca/busnetworkworkshops to find a workshop in your area.
  • Fill out an online survey from October 25 to December 9 to share your perspectives on the final draft network. Learn more at edmonton.ca/newbusroutes.
TIME TO TALK: FUTURE OF WASTE
Session focusing on seniors

Changes are coming to the way you sort and manage your household waste. Stantec has been asked by the City of Edmonton to facilitate conversations regarding waste management and landfill diversion. They have organized a facilitated conversation to focus specifically on the voice of Edmonton seniors.

Join this in-person facilitated conversation to help shape these changes by providing your input.
November 5, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Central Lions Recreation Centre (11113 113 Street)
RSVP to rhoda.ongcoy@stantec.com.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
FALLS PREVENTION MONTH: FINDING BALANCE CAMPAIGN

November is Seniors' Falls Prevention Month across Canada. The latest evidence on interventions to prevent falls is placing an emphasis on maintaining and improving strength and balance as the best intervention. The messages being focused on in the 2018 Finding Balance campaign highlight this evidence, and people who work with seniors are encouraged to share Finding Balance materials.

The Injury Prevention Centre has developed a brochure featuring the new message, a new information sheet on Strength and Balance, Everyday Exercises poster and exercise cards. You can find and other resources on the Finding Balance website.

You are also invited to attend a learning and networking event.
Practitioner's Day: A Foundation for Strength & Balance
November 14, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Free
Do you work with seniors and want to know more about preventing seniors falls? Attend this full-day of learning and networking. Learn specific types of strength and balance exercises that are proven to reduce fall risks. To register email injury.prevention@ahs.ca, subject line: Practitioners' Day Registration.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Professional Development
ANATOMY OF A CYBER ATTACK
Tech Impact
October 24, 2 - 3 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Non-profits are being targeted by sophisticated digital attacks at an unprecedented rate. This webinar will take a close look at exactly how these attacks work from end to end: how the attackers get into your systems in the first place, what they do once they're in, and the mess they leave in their wake. 

The webinar will provide an overview on what you need to do to clean up after an attack, and what you can do to prevent attackers from getting into your systems in the first place. It will also dispel some common myths about IT security and tell you exactly what you need to know to defend your organization against today's threats.
HOW TO JUMP START YOUR PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM DURING YEAR-END
everyaction
November 7, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Did you know that last year nonprofits received over $36 billion through bequests and other planned gifts? The stats are clear, and if you haven't built out your planned giving program, you're leaving money on the table. The good thing is End-of-Year is one of the best times to acquire new planned gifts, so join this webinar to learn more about what you can do to expand your planned giving program or how to get a new program started.
REBOOTING YOUR BOARD CULTURE
Grantspace
Nov 8, 12-1:30 p.m. (Mountain)
$49 early bird before Nov. 1

The best boards come from communities that take a long-term perspective and develop leadership as a sustainable resource while creating a high-performance culture that promotes effective leadership through teamwork and collaboration. This includes creating a collaborative culture and values, building organizational commitment, cultivating collective thinking, and using a team approach to build sustainable board engagement and satisfaction. 

This webinar guides participants through a process that focuses on the different steps needed to build an effective board that is sustainable over the long term, including strategies for creating a collaborative board culture that delivers higher levels of productivity and satisfaction.
WINE AND WISDOM
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
November 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Almanac (10351 82 Avenue)
$10 ECVO members; $15 non-members

At this edition of ED Networking, leaders are gathering around the topic of self-care for non-profit leaders. Wine & Wisdom is open to all Edmonton area non-profit Executive Directors and CEOs and will be of particular interest to leaders of human services organizations. Please share with your fellow leaders and encourage them to join in the conversation; whether they're new to the position or a seasoned leader, there's plenty to learn from the community.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
DRAMA CLUB
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
Mondays, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Drop-in fee of $2 for MWSA members/$4 non-members

MWSA Drama Club is looking for new members to share stories, create skits, express themselves through fun activities, and more! MWSA strives to provide a supportive environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level, ability, or background. No performance background or drama club experience is necessary - just bring a fun attitude and open mind. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.
SUNSHINE SINGALONG
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Thursdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Free

If you love music, singing and being among friends, then join this weekly gathering of singalong favourites with Elaine. Everyone is welcome to join this drop-in activity. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for more information.
WINTER CLOTHING SWAP
Edmonton Indigenous Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107 134 Avenue)
October 25, 1 - 3 p.m.

Bring gently used winter item such as gloves, mittens, hats, toques, scarves, sweaters, jackets and boots for swapping with EISC members, guests and visitors. There will be free tea and coffee served with a snack. Call 587-525-8969 or email volunteer@easc.ca for more information.
THE ART OF REDESIGNING JEWELLERY
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
October 26, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Ave.)
Member $15; Non-member $20

This workshop will guide you in taking apart your own existing costume jewellery to recreate something different. Have fun marrying pieces together and using your imaginations to create and design a new necklace and pair of earrings along with tips and techniques that open your minds to thinking outside the box. Green, unique, versatile and local - taking vintage to a whole new level! Registration is required. Call 587-987-3200.
CHILI BASH & JAM SESSION
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
November 2
Tickets in advance $15/person

Enjoy a chili dinner followed by a jam session. Bring an instrument to play or just come to listen. Doors at 5 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Jam 7- 10 p.m. There will also be a cash bar and 50/50 draw. The deadline to purchase tickets is October 29 at noon. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
CAREGIVER SELF-CARE FAIR
Caregivers Alberta
November 7, 5 - 8 p.m.
Free

Enjoy an evening of respite and connect with fellow caregivers. Activities include:
  • Beauty treatments
  • DIY painted rocks
  • Soup mix in a jar
  • Refreshments and snacks
  • Raffle prize of Gift of Flight voucher for 1 round trip flight for 2 guests to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination.
Register by November 6 on Eventbrite or call 780-453-5088.
REMEMBRANCE DAY TRIBUTE & TEA
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
November 9, 1-3 p.m.
$2

Tickets are on sale October 2 to November 2. Call NESA at 780-496-6969 for more information.
PERSONAL DIRECTIVE AND ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY WORKSHOP
Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network (#100 3110 Calgary Trail)
Dates and times vary (see below)
Free

Get help creating your own Personal Directive and Enduring Power of Attorney. It is important to identify a person(s) you trust to make financial, personal and health related decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so. This is more than just an information session; participants will leave this workshop with their own completed Personal Directive and Enduring Power of Attorney. The facilitator will assist in filling out the forms as needed and will answer any questions participants have about the documents or issues and situations related to the documents.

Workshops are held twice a month on weekdays for a duration of 2-2.5 hours. Upcoming dates/times:
  • November 15 - 5:45 p.m.
  • November 27 - 1:30 p.m.
  • December 11 - 5:45 p.m.
  • December 13 - 1:30 p.m.
Call 780-395-2626 to register.
SGT. WILSON PRESENTS: MUSIC ON THE BRIDGE
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
November 21, Doors at 11:30 a.m. Dinner at 12 p.m. and Show at 1:30 p.m.
$25

Feel the unforgettable sound of the 40s and 50s complete in army style with lights and special effects. Tickets must be purchased by October 26. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
SEEKING SENIORS TO PRESENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO THEIR PEERS
Seniors Financial Empowerment Network

The Seniors Financial Empowerment Network (SFEN) has created learning modules in financial literacy designed to help seniors protect themselves financially.

The SFEN is looking for seniors who are interested in receiving training so they can educate their peers. Contact Pat at 780-983-4593 for more info.
(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 memberservices@seniorscouncil.net.  Review our submission guidelines for more information.