The Government of Canada has launched the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2019-20 call for proposals for community-based projects across Canada.

The NHSP's community-based stream supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation, and capital assistance. Organizations are invited to apply for funding under the NHSP's three national priorities:

• preventing elder abuse and fraud, including measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors
• supporting healthy aging in community and addressing dementia, including community supports and intergenerational housing
• counteracting ageism in the workplace to promote labour market retention of seniors

Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Up to $5,000 in small grants funding is available to organizations that have not received funding in the past five years. The deadline to submit applications is June 21, 2019.

The Government of Canada is also hosting information sessions via teleconference and WebEx.

After reviewing existing ageism studies, University of Alberta professors Donna Wilson and Gail Low found that 48 to 91 per cent of all older people surveyed experienced ageism, and 50 to 98 per cent of all younger people admitted to having discriminatory thoughts or behaviours toward older people.

In a recent folio article, Wilson mentions commonly held stereotypes about seniors that lead to ageist attitudes and dispels them. She says for example that many people assume older people take up the majority of hospital beds, when only 20 per cent of people in hospitals are 65 and older.

You are invited to join SACE for an exploration of sexual violence justice support in Edmonton. The evening will outline the supports available in Edmonton for people who are navigating, or considering navigating, the justice system. The evening will start with some brief introductions to the new or revamped services offered at the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, Elizabeth Fry Society, University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre, and Saffron Centre. This will be followed by a brief talk on supporting survivors by a SACE Public Educator. Lastly, attendees will hear from Calgary's Adora Nwofor. Adora's unique combination of activism and critical voice with humour and levity makes her a compelling and inspiring voice.

A new collaborative print resource outlining the services available in Edmonton will also be launched, and copies will be provided for agencies to make available. Food and ASL interpretation will be provided, and volunteers will be available for anyone needing additional information or support.
Tickets are free but please register. There are only 100 spots available.

Wine & Wisdom is your chance to network with fellow Executive Directors and CEOs and to exchange insight and stories about your experiences in the nonprofit sector. Wine & Wisdom is built on the belief that regular networking is essential to creating a strong non-profit sector and affecting change in our communities.

The topic at hand for June's edition is Board Relationships. How does one maintain a positive and productive relationship with their board through thick and thin?

Summer is a great time to visit new places in Edmonton and outside the city. Edmonton seniors centres have planned day trips to a variety of events and destinations.  Take in events such as the RCMP Musical Ride, a Prospects baseball game and a music festival. Ride the rails with the Battle River Railway and Stettler Steam Train. Visit historical sites such as the Danish Canadian Museum and Markerville Creamery. Enjoy nature at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Ellis Bird Farm, Birchwood Meadows U-Pick Flower Farm, Peaceful Valley, Elk Island, and more. 

ESCC has compiled a list of the many day trips offered by Edmonton seniors centres. Enjoy!

Edmonton has an active seniors scene and Seniors' Week (June 2-8, 2019) is an ideal time to explore the opportunities available. This Seniors' Week organizations across the city have planned a variety of activities to engage and celebrate seniors.

This group is a chance to practice your Spanish conversational skills, learn vocabulary, and meet some great people. No registration required as this is a drop-in group. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for more information.

Every Sunday, SCONA Seniors Centre offers free computer sessions to seniors who wish to learn digital technology. Seniors are matched with a University of Alberta student who will teach them how to use lap tops, cell phones, tablets, etc. on a one-on-one basis. For more information or to register, call Dellah at 780-450-0738. To get a call back make sure your telephone number is clear.

The Edmonton International Choral Festival will feature professional international and Canadian choirs, internationally renowned guest conductors, and Edmonton's own Pro Coro Canada, as well as engaging local choirs and individual singers throughout the community.

Tickets are available for four concerts: Pro Coro Canada, Tafelmusik Chamber Choir (conductor, Ivars Taurins), the men's folk and chant ensemble Didgori from Georgia, and the Gala concert which will feature a mass choir conducted by Venezuelan conductor, Maria Guinand.

Explore a broad range of topics related to retirement and caregiving with a renowned aging expert. You'll benefit from professional advice on areas such as:

• Life transition planning
• Caregiving
• Starting the conversation with loved ones
• Managing family involvement
• The benefits of senior living

Refreshments and light snacks are included. RSVP at [email protected] or 1-855-844 3923.

Artists have many classes to choose from at CLSA including:

Drawing caricatures is a fun and entertaining way to tap into a different art form - cartoon drawing.

Diversify your painting approach by choosing different art tools such as sponges, fingers and twigs in addition to brushes, your hands and arms.

Review the program guide for more information on these and other art classes. Call 780-496-7369 for more information.

Enjoy a trip around the world in the comfort of where you are! Join Edmonton Pubic Library staff who will share about adventures in a new place. You will be delighted at all the wonderful things you will discover. Sign up in the NWESS Cafeteria. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.

1 - 2:30 p.m. Councillor Knack will visit the centre and update you on current city issues.
Call 780-433-5807 to RSVP.

Participants come from various provinces of Canada and some have come up from the United States to compete for the more than $16,000 in prize money. The weekend's activities include fiddling contests for all ages, open mic and dance, old time family dance, dinner, and camping. 

To find out more:

• Read the brochure and additional information.
• Call Ken at 780-237-2706
• Email [email protected]