May 9, 2019
Seniors Sector News
PROMOTION OF SENIORS' WEEK ACTIVITIES

Alberta Seniors' Week is June 2 - 8 and ESCC is compiling a list of seniors' week activities happening here in Edmonton. If your organization is hosting an event, open house, or other special activities let us know and we'll help spread the word.

Provide the date, time, location, title of the activity, description of the activity, cost, and a phone number/email people can contact for more information. Email your information to [email protected].
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Learning Opportunities
ELDER ABUSE LEARNING DAY
Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC)
May 14, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel (10155 105 St.)
$25 AEAAC members; $100 non-members

This exciting day of learning will begin with a continental breakfast and workshop on Collective Impact by Sagesse. Attendees will enjoy lunch together followed by a presentation on Trauma-Informed Practice by Christine Berry from Calgary Counselling Centre. The day will end with the AEAAC AGM, which will share the work that the AEAAC has been able to accomplish this year.
HOUSING FOR HEALTH

The University of Alberta's Housing for Health Project brings together multiple sector partners from over 20 organizations in Alberta, working together to improve housing developments that better support the health and wellbeing of our communities' aging populations.

Three events are planned for May 14:
Housing for Health Launch Ceremony and Panel Discussion
12:30 - 3 p.m. |  City Hall

Southwoods Site Tour
4 - 5 p.m. |  9430 67 Avenue
Southwoods is one of two pilot projects provided by Christenson Developments to be used for improving site planning and building design for health and wellbeing.

Family Block Party
5 - 7:30 p.m. |  9630 66 Avenue
Learn about this exciting initiative. Enjoy food and drinks from local merchants and healthy, fun activities and entertainment for all ages.
RSVP
"IS THIS NORMAL?" NONPROFIT WEBSITE BENCHMARKS IN 2019
Smart Cause Digital
May 23, 9 a.m. (Mountain)
Free

What's normal for a nonprofit website, and how does your organization website's compare to others like it? This webinar will answer questions such as:
  • What's an average bounce rate for a nonprofit website?
  • How much traffic should we be getting from Google?
  • Is our social media audience more or less engaged than normal?
OVERCOMING POWER AND PRIVILEGE IN COMMUNITY CHANGE
Tamarack Institute
May 28, 2 - 3 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

As a community changemaker, have you ever stopped to wonder where the power lies in your project? What are you trying to achieve, and for whom? How does your place of power (as a creator and an individual) hinder your ability to relate to those you are trying to help? 

We often use power unknowingly in the work of change. But, when we recognize the influence of our training, politics, access, and privilege we allow ourselves to understand our clients, communities, and abilities more deeply. This webinar will help participants understand the mechanics of power and how to wield it with care as they move forward in community change efforts. 
INDIGENOUS SENIORS' SOCIAL ISOLATION REPORT LAUNCH
Edmonton Social Planning Council
June 5, 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society (11648 85 St.)
Free

The Edmonton Social Planning Council invites you to the launch of their report on Social Isolation of Indigenous Seniors.

The purpose of the project was to create a more robust analytical understanding of strategies to address social isolation of Indigenous seniors. They explored how outreach workers, other professionals, and caregivers are responding to this challenge here in Edmonton and how Indigenous seniors themselves view the issue of social isolation.

RSVP by May 20 by contacting Justine Basilan at [email protected] or call 780-423-2031 ext. 349.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
SENIORS POP-UP RESOURCE CARAVAN
Comfort Keepers Edmonton
May 23, 2-4 p.m.
Location: SEESA (9350 82 Street)
Free

The focus of this month's event is nutrition, independence and friendship. Hear a presentation by Lindsay Rothman of Meals on Wheels and enjoy appetizers, dessert, and tea/coffee. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 draw. 

You can also find answers to your questions about resources and services for seniors. All seniors are welcome to attend. Free transportation is available.  RSVP by May 15 to the Comfort Keepers office at 780-465-4665.
SPRING FASHION SHOW WITH SHOP EASY
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
May 24, doors 12:30 p.m.
$12 includes lunch

Join NWESS for their Spring fashion show and shopping. Enjoy a delicious lunch and watch the new spring line get modeled by their team. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 draw. Purchase your tickets by May 21. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
SPRING DANCE CLASSES
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)

If you think you have two left feet when it comes to dancing, check out these spring classes offered at CLSA.

Classic Country Dancing (Six Step & Line Dance)
Fridays, May 24 - June 14, 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. 
$39 members/$74 non-members
Classic country dancing is all about having fun dancing to great country music. The feeling is informal and the gliding steps easy. Anyone can learn and everyone is welcome no matter your dance level.

Anyone Can Dance Ballroom Social Dance
Tuesdays, May 28 - June 25, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
$58 members/$93 non-members
Laugh, learn and have fun trying the Waltz, Rhumba, Swing, Fox Trot and Two Step. Great for beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on their dance skills.

Review the program guide for registration details or call 780-496-7369.
SEGWAYS OR SUCKERS?
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
May 27, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: River Valley Adventure Co. (9735 Grierson Hill)
$50

Choose between taking a 60-minute Segway tour or trying your luck fishing from the public dock at the North Saskatchewan River. Segway riders will receive 30 minutes of instruction and should wear closed-toed runners. Fishing folks should bring either a copy of their fishing licence or cash to purchase one. Refreshments may be purchased on site at the Urban Eco Café. Registration is required by May 20. Call 587-987-3200.
LATE BLOOMING
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
May 29, 12:15-1:45 p.m.
Free

Come hear how the final third of your life can be the best third! Some topics include youth is a gift of nature, ageing is a work of art, recovering the spirit of youth, and the science of "hope." Coffee and cookies will be available. Call 780-433-5807 to reserve your spot.
4TH ANNUAL SENIOR SPRING TEA
Society of Seniors Caring About Seniors (SSCAS)
May 30, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School (6614 129 Ave.)
Free

Students from St. Francis of Assisi will perform at this intergenerational tea. Tea and squares will be provided. Enjoy this event with friends or family. If you need a ride to the event you can book through SSCAS. Contact Val at 780-465-0311 or email [email protected] for more information.
DANCE TO MIKE & THE RELICS
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
May 31, 6:30-10 p.m.
$10 in advance and $12 at the door

Come down for old-time, big-band, country, rock and roll, and more. The cash bar will have wine, beer, and coolers. The cafeteria is open 6:30-9 p.m. 
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
GO-OUT STUDY

The University of Alberta is seeking volunteers age 65+ for a study to evaluate and compare two different programs designed to help older adults walk outside more easily. Participants will:
  • Attend a 5-hour interactive workshop with lunch tentatively scheduled for June 8 and June 15.
  • Receive a step-counter and $15 gift card after each of three follow-up sessions
  • Be part of a 10-week outdoor walking program OR a 10-week phone education program related to outdoor walking
  • Contribute to the understanding of the health benefits of walking outdoors
If you would like to participate or receive more information, contact Dr. Allyson Jones at [email protected] or 780-492-1610.
(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:

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