January 30, 2020
Seniors Sector News
ETS FARE CHANGES START FEBRUARY 1

Starting February 1, ETS will implement transit fare changes affecting Edmonton seniors. The price of a Senior Ticket Pack (10) is decreasing from $23 to $19. The price of a Senior Monthly Pass and Regular Senior Annual Pass will increase starting February 1. The new cost of a Senior Monthly Pass is $34 while the cost for a Regular Senior Annual pass is $374.  

The increase in regular senior fares is intended to help low income seniors receive free transit. Additionally, the income qualification for the Low Income Senior Annual Pass has increased, allowing more seniors on low income to qualify for free transit. As of February 1, if you're an Edmontonian over 65 with an income below $28,513, you qualify for free transit.

Download the new rate sheet, visit www.takeETS.com/fares, or call 311 for more information.
HELP SECURE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE COMMON GOOD RETIREMENT PLAN

Common Good has submitted a formal proposal to the Government of Canada to fund the creation and growth of the Common Good Retirement Plan for employees in the non-profit sector. If successful, the plan can be built and start enrolling members by early 2021. To get the Government of Canada to fund the plan, key decision-makers in Ottawa need to hear from non-profit employees. Take five minutes to send a letter of support to Canadian leaders using Common Good's letter template.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
NONPROFIT STORYTELLING WITH FINANCIALS
Bloomerang
Put your best foot forward and impress stakeholders with a compelling presentation of your organization's financial data. In this free recorded webinar, learn the foundation of financial management, why transparency in your financials is important, who should see your financials, and how to present your financials. This webinar will also detail specific reports and metrics attendees can review and share with stakeholders.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
2020 HEALTHY LIVING AND AGING: IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY, BY COMMUNITY
Abrio Health and the Brenda Stafford Foundation
February 10, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Woodside Golf Club (525 Woodside Drive NW, Airdrie)
Free

What does healthy aging in community look like? Attend this forum to find out! Join industry thought leaders to learn about international, national, and provincial trends, as well as priorities and innovations for healthy aging in community, with a specific focus on strategies to enhance community focused work. To register, contact Stacey Lush at  [email protected] by February 6.
THE E.D. ROOM: ON COLLABORATIVE FUNDRAISING
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
February 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: La Cité Francophone (8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury)
$25 members; $35 non-members

Edmonton's non-profit leaders can connect at the E.D. Room, a space for casual conversation that generates ideas and inspires collective action. Each edition of this event series sees different leaders taking the stage to lead discussions on a variety of leadership topics, from managing boards and building team culture to creative fundraising and managing change. This upcoming event will share ideas about successful collaborative fundraising.
RESPONSIVE BEHAVIOURS SYMPOSIUM
Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research (ICCER)
February 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free members; $75 non-members

Responsive behaviours refer to the actions, words, and gestures of patients with dementia. Responsive behaviours are the result of changes in the brain affecting memory, judgment, orientation, mood, and behaviour. This symposium will explore in detail the three triggers of responsive behaviours: sleep, pain, and incontinence.
HOARDING INTERVENTIONS CONFERENCE 2020
Edmonton Hoarding Coalition
May 28 and 29
$265 full conference, $160 one-day workshop (early bird admission);
$325 full conference, $190 one-day workshop (regular admission)
Location: Santa Maria Goretti Community Centre (11050 90 Street)

Join leading industry experts at this conference providing the latest research, interventions, and strategies, for supporting persons with Hoarding Disorder. This conference will provide two days of workshops with recognized leaders in the area of hoarding research and interventions. Service providers, family members, friends, and persons with lived experience of hoarding will all benefit from attending. Early bird pricing is available until March 31.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors

LISTEN TO CONVERSATIONS FOR THE AGES ON THE SHARED MIC INTERGENERATIONAL PODCAST
Age Friendly Edmonton

Released on January 20, The Shared Mic: Conversations for the Ages is a free new podcast by Age Friendly Edmonton. The first season brings together people from all ages, stages, and backgrounds to discuss topics like finding love, belonging, and moving to Canada.

By creating space for intergenerational discussions, AFE hopes to build a city that values, respects, and actively supports citizens from all walks of life.
Access the podcast online or wherever you get your favourite podcast, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
FLYING CANOE VOLANT FESTIVAL
La Cité Francophone (8627 91 St) and surrounding area
January 30-February 1
Free admission (donations appreciated)

This weekend, celebrate your inner voyageur with light, music, legends and dance! Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions, this festival celebrates Edmonton's beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter. Watch canoe races, a tradition that consists of racing a canoe down a ski hill! While you're at it, take in traditional Métis jigging and snack on maple taffy. It doesn't get more Canadian than this!
GOVERNING BY SOCIAL MEDIA?
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
February 18, 1-2 p.m.
Free

Join this presentation on t he recent political phenomenon of using social media as a governance tool. The discussion will look at the case study of Nayib Bukele, the young Salvadorian president who won by a landslide in 2019 and who governs by tweets. Pre-register in person or by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for this free presentation. The presentation will take place in classroom C.
SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS BROADCAST PARTY
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
February 23, 3:30 p.m.
$10 + item for potluck

Watch sixteen elite women's curling teams from across the country vie for the opportunity to win the Canadian women's championship and wear the Maple Leaf at the World Women's Curling Championship. The competition will be broadcast on the big screen, so you won't miss a moment. Wine and beer and 50/50 raffles will be available for purchase. This is a potluck event, so please bring along a tasty game time treat to share with the group. Call 780-451-1925 by February 18 to get tickets.
WINTER ARTS CLASSES
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
Various dates
$93-120 members; $123-150 non-members (varies by class)

Add a bit of colour to your world with creative painting classes. Splash your ideas across a canvas in striking jewel tone oils or soft, pastel watercolours. The new year is a great time to pick up a new hobby and try something new. Already have skills that rival the old world masters? These classes are also great for those who wish to hone their skills among fellow art enthusiasts.
  • Easy Landscape Painting: Wednesdays, February 26-April 1,
    9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Painting with Oils: Fridays, February 28-April 3, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Watercolor with Willie: Mondays, March 2-30, 1-4 p.m.
For more information about any of the above classes, call 780-496-6969.
TOONIE TALK - WHEN I'M 64: A MUST DO CHECKLIST
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
February 26, 6:30-8 p.m.
$2 for members and non-members

Did you know there are several seniors' benefits you need to apply for BEFORE you turn 65 years of age? Come learn how to access federal and provincial benefits. There will be a Q&A following the presentation. Informative brochures from both levels of government will be given to all attendees. Please note: This is not a financial planning course. Call 780-483-1209 to register. Go online to see a full listing of upcoming Toonie Talks.
TRUE COLORS SUPPORT GROUP
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
First and third Monday of the month, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Free

This is a social group for seniors who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning. This is a safe space to discuss your experiences, concerns, stories, educational opportunities and other suggested topics. Bookworms will also love the new LGBTQ+ book club. Call 780 425-8625 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
LEADERSHIP TRAINING: START YOUR OWN URBAN POLING GROUP
Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues

Have you heard of urban poling? It's a fun full-body walking workout suitable for all ages! If you'd like to start an urban poling group with your community league, Pole Walking Leadership training is available through the EFCL. Contact Kim Mah at [email protected] for more information about how you can get your community walking!
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
MORE INFORMATION

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