April 26, 2018
Grants and Awards
IMPROVE ACCESS TO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for eligible capital projects that increase accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces, creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or access employment opportunities.
 
Not-for-profit organizations could receive up to $1 million for the retrofit, renovation or new construction of accessible facilities or venues through the EAF call for concepts (CFC) for mid-sized projects.

Until May 24, the EAF is accepting concept applications for projects that help improve and make Canadian facilities and venues more accessible for people with disabilities. As a result of their project, organizations must offer or plan to offer services and programs that support the social and/or labour market integration needs of people with disabilities.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Resources
WALKING SPEED

Now that warmer weather has arrived, you may be thinking of going outside for a walk. According to McMaster University, to undertake various activities within the community that involve walking, the average distances required to walk vary from 200-600 metres. The task that usually concerns older persons most in relation to walking speed is how quickly they need to walk in order to cross a road safely. In a series of blog posts, McMaster University outlines:
Part 1 Optimal walking speed and a test to assess walking speed
Part 2 How to improve your walking speed
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
DEMONSTRATING YOUR VOLUNTEERS' IMPACT
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
May 2, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Polish Hall Kingsway Room (10960 104 Street)
$5

Counting heads and hours is a very limited way to measure the impact of volunteer service. What is the real "value" of volunteering (way beyond financial return-on-investment)? Explore better options to assess and demonstrate the substantive difference volunteers make to the work of the organization. Learn how to communicate to impress, educate, and influence a wide range of stakeholders - and gain data that gives recognition to volunteers and attracts new recruits.

Volunteer managers are invited to this educational networking breakfast where you'll learn new ways to communicate the impact of your volunteers. A video seminar courtesy of Energize, Inc. will launch the conversation, and then volunteer managers will discuss opportunities for application and participate in group exercises and discussions to learn from each other.
PET POLICY SURVEY
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
May 17, 1:30 p.m. (Eastern)

This webinar will break down the results of a NCOA survey on pet policies in senior centers, which took place in the fall of 2017 in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Ways to include pets and pet therapy programs at your centre will be highlighted.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE
Charity Village
May 17, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

It's easy to burn out in the nonprofit sector. To accomplish our missions, we need to care a lot about people and the world itself. That caring and passion requires energy. But sometimes we run out of energy because we fail to look after ourselves first. And, this is not just happening for individuals. We have created a culture of personal and employee neglect in the sector that is now the new 'normal'. We are expected to give more than we have, do more than we are paid for and care more for others than we do for ourselves. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. And in fact, we can't sustain it. As a sector, we cannot continually run on empty and still have the energy to create social change. This webinar will focus on individual and organizational self care in the nonprofit sector. It will include tips and tricks for building a healthier organization and investing time and effort in a healthier you.
NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT ON-DEMAND VIDEOS
Stanford Social Innovation Review
$75

Explore these on-demand video learning resources featuring some of the best content from SSIR's Nonprofit Management Institute 2017:
  • The Giving Code
  • Leading During Turbulent Times
  • Community Engagement Matters
  • Collective Impact with a Justice-Minded Approach
Sessions are valid until June 15, 2018.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
ARCHAEOLOGY LECTURE AND FIELD TRIP
Archaeological Society of Alberta - Edmonton Centre (ASAEC)

As part of the Archaeological Society of Alberta annual conference, a free lecture and tour are offered to the public. If you are interested in attending the conference and banquet, more information is available on the conference website.

Free Public Lecture: Todd Kristensen will speak about public archaeology in Alberta. A social evening will follow.
April 27, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Telus International Centre, University of Alberta Campus, 11104 87 Avenue

Free Field Trip: Participate in a guided walking tour of Strathcona Site FjPi-29 (Weather Permitting)
April 29, 10 a.m.
Location: Strathcona Science Park (8650 17 Street)

Register for the tour and field trip via Eventbrite.
OPEN HOUSE
Chartwell Westcott Retirement Residence - Presentation Centre
April 29, 1 - 4 p.m.
Free

Explore Windermere's premium retirement living residence which will open in early 2019 by visiting the Presentation Centre at #102, 16224 Ellerslie Road SW (On the corner of Ellerslie Road and 163 St. in the strip mall with the Esso and Circle K, next to Mary Browns Chicken). Contact Tania at 587-988-5981 or tnichol@chartwell.com for more information.
RIBBON OF GREEN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Help plan the future of Edmonton's river valley and ravines. 
The Ribbon of Green project provides guidance for the conservation, preservation and use of the North Saskatchewan river valley and ravines.  A draft Ribbon of Green plan for the northeast and southwest study areas have been developed with public input. The plan includes:
  • Policy direction
  • Proposed high-level trail connections
  • Programming guidance for amenity nodes
The public engagement opportunities will provide you with an opportunity to review the draft plan, share your thoughts, and shape the next steps in the project. 

Public Open Houses
  • May 2 from 4-8 p.m. at Terwillegar Recreation Centre Amphitheatre (2051 Leger Road)
  • May 3 from 4-8 p.m. at Abbottsfield Recreation Centre Gymnasium (3006 119 Avenue)
Online Survey and Interactive Map
The survey and map will be available from May 2-23.

The Ribbon of Green project website contains materials that were shared at previous consultations, questions that have been asked and feedback received.
KNOCK IT OFF: WE'RE NOT BUYING IT
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
May 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
$2

Are you interested in learning about legislation related to high pressure door-to-door sales? Attend this presentation to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your family. City of Edmonton representatives will share valuable information about the 'Knock it off - We're not buying it' campaign and what you can do to prevent being taken advantage of by high-pressure sales tactics. Call 587-987-3200 for more information.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
May 6, 10 a.m. - noon
$6

Everyone is welcome to attend this breakfast which includes 3 pancakes, 2 sausages, scrambled eggs and beverage. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
NEW DATES FOR SPEECHREADING COURSE - LEVEL ONE
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Edmonton Branch
Wednesdays, May 9 - July 4, 1 - 3 p.m.
Location: Lions Village (10916 102 Avenue)
$150

Are you hard of hearing and would like to learn some better communication and coping skills? In this level one class you will learn basic speechreading (lip reading) and strategies to communicate better, as well as gain information on hearing aids, technology, tinnitus, and many other subjects of interest to the hard of hearing. You'll also meet others who share your challenges and are determined to do something about them. Register through the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association at 780-428-6622 or email chha-ed@shaw.ca.
MAKE YOUR OWN FAIRY GARDEN
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
May 10, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$21

Create miniature gardens for your table top out of terra cotta pots, fairies, tiles, flowers, moss, rocks, sand, and little mystic ornaments. These little gardens will brighten anyone's day. Perfect gifts for the special someone in your lives, or a wonderful addition to your front room window.

A $30 supply kit will be available for purchase from the instructor on the day of workshop. It will include pots, plants, and anything you may need to create your fairy garden and get creative. Call 780-483-1209 for information on how to register.
FILMS & LUNCH
Bonnie Doon Community League (9240 93 Street)
Film at 10:30 a.m. / lunch at 11:45 a.m.
$2

At Films & Lunch National Film Board documentaries are paired with short animated films which provide opportunities for lively discussions over lunch.

On May 17 the feature film is King of the Hill (1974, 57 minutes). This documentary follows one of the greatest Canadian baseball players of all time, Ferguson Jenkins, through the 1972-1973 season. It provides a close and personal look at ball culture, in the dugout and in the locker room, as players deal with the rewards and pressures of sports stardom.

Bonnie Doon Hall is wheelchair accessible. All seniors are welcome. Phone 780-469-1179 for more information.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
WEEKDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH EDMONTON MEALS ON WHEELS

Are you looking to get more involved in your community and give back to those who need some extra help? Join Edmonton Meals on Wheels for weekday volunteering opportunities. Extra helping hands are always needed in the kitchen, as well as for delivering meals. To get involved, send an email to emow@mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call the Edmonton Meals on Wheels office at 780-429-2020.
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities webpage)
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.