March 28, 2019
Seniors Sector News
VOTING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Elections Alberta has implemented strategies that will make it easier for Edmonton seniors to vote in the 2019 provincial election.

Tools available at polls
  • Ballots with larger font size, better contrast, and easier-to-read font choices
  • Large-print ballot poster to assist the visually impaired
  • Handheld magnifiers
  • Voter template to assist visually impaired voters to vote on their own
  • An over-sized pencil for electors who have trouble holding the provided golf pencil
Voting Options
To make sure everyone has equal access to their ballot, several voting options are offered:
  • Election Day: Vote at your designated Election Day polling place.
  • Advance Poll: Vote at any advance poll in the province.
  • Mobile Poll: If you are a resident of a treatment centre, a supportive living facility, a community support centre, or an emergency shelter, it may be possible to vote at your facility on Election Day.
  • Special Ballot: If you will be unable to attend a poll due to an absence or disability, you may request a Special Ballot online or, you may call 1-877-422-VOTE (8683).
  • Help from a Friend: If you prefer, a friend can help you vote. Your friend could read the ballot to you or they can help you mark the ballot.
  • Polling Places with level access: Where possible, Election Day polls will be in locations with level access. Also, where possible, all Returning Offices and Advance Poll locations have level access.
Elections Alberta has provided the following resources:
  • Stakeholder Letter: Information on eligibility, registration, voting options, electoral boundaries, and candidates
  • Voter Services Info Sheet: Information on acceptable identification, ballots, assistive devices, voter assistance, and polling places
  • Authorized ID List: A list of Acceptable Identification types
For more information, visit www.elections.ab.ca or contact the Voter Information Centre at 1-877-422-VOTE (8683).
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
SAGE BUS PROGRAM

Sage offers a free, wheelchair accessible bus service from senior residences to and from Sage.

The service which runs on Thursdays brings seniors to Sage to access health services, participate in life enrichment activities, or see a social worker. Seniors can also hang out and purchase coffee or lunch in the cafe.

Residences currently participating are Matheson Seniors Residence, Kiwanis Place, Ansgar Villa, St. Joachim Manor, Cathedral Close, Ashbourne Assisted Living, Queen Alexandra Place, Montgomery Place, Virginia Park, and Boardwalk Centre.

If your seniors residence is interested in participating in the program, contact Duncan Maguire at 780-809-9401 or [email protected]. Duncan is happy to give a presentation on the program at your organization.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
UNCONSCIOUS BIAS WORKSHOPS
Centre for Race and Culture
Location: Edmonton Intercultural Centre (9538 107 Avenue)
$85 each

These interactive workshops provide a non-judgmental approach aimed at understanding what unconscious bias is (and is not), how it operates in the workplace, and how it can undermine organizational objectives. In these workshops, you will have the opportunity to increase self-awareness, get up to speed with the latest research on unconscious bias, and learn some simple strategies to notice and counter your biases. Through case studies and interactive exercises, you will identify your biases and assumptions, and learn how words, actions and demeanor affect others in the workplace.

Introduction to Unconscious Bias (Level 1)
April 4, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Addressing Unconscious Bias (Level 2)
April 11, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
5 SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR NONPROFIT'S MEDIA RELATIONS STRATEGY
bloomerang
April 18, 2 - 3 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Learn simple ways to boost coverage in this webinar focusing on a G.R.E.A.T. [Goal-Oriented, Responsive, Empowered, Attractive and Targeted] media relations strategy. Gain understanding of:
  • Why you should establish media relations goals
  • How to create a two-way relationship with journalists
  • How to have an empowered media strategy
  • How to make your mission, programs and even data appealing to media outlets
  • How to be more strategic in 2019
ABCD HEALTHY NEIGHBOURHOODS, HEALTHY CITIES
City of Edmonton and Tamarack Institute Vibrant Communities
May 28-30
Edmonton
$695 for a single registration; $625 per person for two people from the same collaborative; and $555 per person when three or more colleagues from the same collaborative attend together

This workshop will gather together Canada's premier community development leaders and neighbourhood practitioners to explore the use of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and leading neighbourhood revitalizing techniques. The workshop brings together for the first time seven of the world's top authors and practitioners in the field.

Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in one of two Masterclasses and can earn a certificate in either Asset Based Community Development or Neighbourhood Community Development.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
FINANCE COORDINATOR
Sage Seniors Association

Reporting to the Finance Manager, this position is responsible for assisting the Finance Manager in maintaining the accounting records of the organization and preparing financial reports. The successful candidate will have a diploma in Financial Management/Accounting or the equivalent with proven bookkeeping experience (3 to 5 years) or be working towards a Chartered Professional Accountant designation. 

This is a permanent position working 28 hours/week (0.8FTE).

Review the job posting for details on the position and application instructions. Submit your cover letter and resume by April 12.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
News and Events for Seniors
COLOURING FOR RELAXATION
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
Fridays, 1-2 p.m.
$25

Join in a tea party, meet new friends and learn mindfulness basics. Call 780-342-8625 for more information.
NESA WEDNESDAY NIGHT DANCES
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
$8 member; $11 non-member

Enjoy different bands weekly: April 3 (Diamonds); April 10 (Convertibles); April 17 (Sparkling Tones); and April 24 (Romantics). Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
April 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$7 per plate

Bring the whole family for breakfast. No cooking, no cleaning! What could be better? Each plate includes three pancakes, two sausage, scrambled eggs and a beverage. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. 50/50 raffle tickets are available and the monthly 50/50 winner will be drawn. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE INFO SESSION
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
April 9, 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Ave.)
$2

For over 40 years, the Parkinson Association of Alberta has been the only charitable organization dedicated to improving the well-being and day-to-day lives of Albertans living with and affected by Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's-plus syndromes. This information session will provide an overview that will focus on the signs, symptoms and medications for those afflicted with Parkinson's. Registration is requested but not required. Call 587-987-3200.
HO'OPONOPONO - FORGIVENESS & PATH TO FREEDOM
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
April 10, 9 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
$20

Hoʻoponopono is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. It is a method of mental cleansing that is effective in freeing you from the stuck energy, resentments and heaviness of the past in order to move forward in your life with greater ease and harmony. This powerful experience will lead you through an insightful forgiveness lesson, share transformational tools and an energetic experience that will shift one of the biggest blocks to love and happiness. You will be working on all levels to align your body, mind and soul with real, unconditional love. End the battle and take back your life and your power. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.
LUNCH & LEARN: MEET THERESA SHEA
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
April 11, 12 p.m.
$10 members; $13 non-members

Theresa's debut novel, The Unfinished Child, was a finalist for the Alberta Book Award in Fiction (2014), the Alberta Readers' Choice Award (2014), and the BookBundlz "Book Pick" Contest (2013). The Unfinished Child dramatically explores the moral challenges that result from the increased scientific interventions in human reproduction. RSVP by phoning 780-488-4241.
SPRING FLING RAFFLE AND LUNCHEON
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
April 26, 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon tickets are $12

Raffle tickets can be purchased starting on March 25. Purchased tickets can be placed in numbered jars to win various prices. Raffle tickets are 50 for $10, 25 for $5, and 1 for 50 cents. All tickets can be purchased at Strathcona Place Society. Call 780-433-5807 for more information.
RUMMAGE SALE DONATIONS
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)

Start your Spring cleaning. Donations of clean, good quality items will be accepted starting March 29 at SEESA's south door. They will take most anything except baby furniture and supplies, dated materials (such as encyclopedia, magazines, calendars, etc.), Readers Digest books, heavy and upholstered furniture, computer hardware, televisions and shoes. Please save any Christmas decorations for their Fall sale. Donations will be accepted until April 25 at noon. Dates for the Rummage Sale are April 27 and 28. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
SENIOR CHOIR FLING IN ATHABASCA
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
May 3, depart Sage at 9 a.m.
$48 includes lunch and bus

Back by popular demand! Every year senior's choirs from across Alberta get together for a concert. This year's theme is music of the 50s. The trip includes lunch in Athabasca. End the day with the choir performance or wander the town even if you don't watch the choir. You must pre-register by April 26 to ensure a spot. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
WELLNESS RETREAT: CAREGIVERS OF ALZHEIMER'S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
May 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Didsbury, Alberta
Free

Attend this full-day retreat for caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementias. Learn techniques to reduce stress and create a home self-care practice including gentle or chair yoga, guided meditation, nutrition and other powerful tools.
The retreat is solely for the caregiver and will be one day only. Learn more and register.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
BAKER AND CRAFTY VOLUNTEERS
Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre and Good Samaritan Mill Woods Care Centre

The Extended Hands has approximately 14 members who volunteer in many areas of the Southgate Care Centre. Extended Hands meet every first Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at 1 p.m. at the Home.

The Extended Hands needs help with fundraising projects throughout the year such as gift shop, silent auctions, bake sales/craft sale and pie making. All proceeds from Extended Hands fundraising go directly to residence comfort.

If you are interested in participating, contact Alan MacKenzie at [email protected] or 780-431-3825.
MALE ACTORS
Standardized Patient Program, University of Alberta

The Standardized Patient Program is recruiting six or more actors (standardized patients) to play the role of a 73-year-old male.
Actors should be able to simulate a role/fill in the missing details for a longer station, able to portray dismay at diagnosis of cancer, and able to portray anger.

First Training (it is mandatory to attend one):
  • Saturday, March 30 (11:00-12:00pm)
  • Sunday, March 31 (15:30-16:30pm)
  • Wednesday, April 3rd (18:30-19:30pm)
Second Training: Thursday, April 18 (18:00-19:30pm)
Dry Run: Tuesday, April 30 (17:00-19:00pm)
Exam Day: Saturday, May 4 (all day)

$17.34/hour for any on-site training for this role
$204 for the exam day
$76.50 spare rate (if sent home after the exam begins)

Those interested should contact Allison Barton at [email protected].
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
MORE INFORMATION

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