January 23, 2020
Seniors Sector News
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA OPENS PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR BUDGET 2020

The Government of Alberta has started work on Budget 2020 and wants to hear your thoughts. Your feedback will help to inform the new budget scheduled to be released this spring. Complete the online survey and let policymakers know that support for seniors is a priority!
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
ENVIRONMENTS FOR WELLNESS REPORT
International Council on Active Aging
$99 members; $149 non-members (USD)

With data from 520 survey respondents, this report offers a comprehensive overview about how technologies and people are providing programs at multipurpose wellness centres that encourage health and well-being among older adults. This resource is a companion to the ICAA State of Wellness report and Visions of the Future Survey.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
FAMILY CAREGIVER WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
NorQuest College
January 28, January 30, and February 25
$35 each

Gain the confidence to safely look after your loved one at home with Family Caregiver Wellness Workshops Workshops are 2.5 hours and include class lecture, hands-on training and a simulated scenario related to the workshop topic. You will also receive access to online videos.  

To register, go to norquest.ca/family-caregiver or select the workshop you'd like to attend from the list above.

HOW CAN TECHNOLOGIES FACILITATE AGING WELL?
Edmonton Public Library and University of Alberta
February 4, 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: EPL Clareview Branch (3808 139 Avenue)
Free

Digital technology surrounds us, is constantly evolving, and shows no sign of slowing down. Why not embrace technology to facilitate aging well? In this presentation, learn about the benefits and challenges of using different types of technologies, such as home monitoring, wayfinding and cognitive assessment, and interventions using mobile games.
EMPATHY: THE SECRET SAUCE IN EFFECTIVE DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
CharityVillage
February 13, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

For many - and this is particularly true within the nonprofit sector - empathy is the point of meaningful connection to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This webinar explores different ways of thinking about empathy. You will learn what empathy looks like, how you can become more empathetic, and how modelling empathy can support collaboration and understanding between stakeholder groups.
AGING & LGBT+: HOUSING FEARS & CONSIDERATIONS
Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research (ICCER)
February 13, 10-11 a.m.
Free members; $15 non-members

Recent research in Canada has found that LGBTQ2S+ seniors fear having to 'return to the closet' when entering supportive housing or a care facility and have serious concerns about privacy, stigma, and discrimination. This webinar will highlight the findings of a peer-led study, which involved a survey of 117 LGBTQ2S+ seniors and interviews with 15 community stakeholders. This informative session will review the data to help housing providers respond to the unique concerns of LGBTQ2S+ seniors.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Sage Seniors Association

Sage is seeking a communications coordinator to ensure effective communication of Sage's programs and services, foster goodwill and partnership across senior-serving sectors, and prepare information for dissemination to seniors, their families, caregivers, senior-serving professionals, and other stakeholders.
 
Qualifications include a degree or diploma in public relations, English, marketing, or communications; 3-5 years of experience in communications; and previous experience working with volunteers. Candidates must undergo a police information check, including vulnerable sector check. The deadline to apply is January 28. See the detailed job posting for additional details and application instructions.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
News and Events for Seniors
LUNAR NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS

The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, lands on January 25 this year and is celebrated by more than 20 per cent of the world's population. 2020 is the Year of the Rat, one of 12 animals belonging to the Chinese zodiac. Ring in the Year of the Rat with family-friendly activities, crafts, and special performances courtesy of various organizations across Edmonton.
 
Kingsway Mall (1 Kingsway Garden Mall Northwest)
January 26, 12-5 p.m.
 
Londonderry Mall (137 Avenue and 66 Street)
February 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
 
Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Association
February 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Bonnie Doon Centre (8330 82 Avenue)
WINTER WEDNESDAYS LECTURE SERIES
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
Various dates
$15 members; $20 non-members (per lecture)

Learning never goes out of style. Enrich your mind with this invigorating guest lecture series. Topics are varied, so you can choose a topic that speaks to you, or give them all a try and become a true "renaissance" person.  Upcoming topics include: 
  • Camille Pissarro, Father of Impressionism: January 29, 9:45-11:45 a.m.
  • Capital Punishment in 18th Century England: February 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Characters from the Yukon Gold Rush: February 12, 10 a.m.-12p.m.
For more information and to register, email [email protected] or call 780-488-4241.
JOURNALLING WORKSHOP
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
Wednesdays, February 5-26, 1-2:30 p.m.
$35 members; $65 for non-members

Counting your good fortunes can lift your spirits, improve your mood, and remind you of all that's good about life. In this workshop, take joy in reminiscing and sharing your story with others. Call 780-425-8625 for more information and to register.
ADAPTED BALLET CLASS FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER'S
CapitalCare and Ballet Edmonton
February 5-April 15, 2 p.m. at CapitalCare Lynwood
February 28-May 22, 1:45 p.m. at CapitalCare Strathcona
$50/10 week class

This seated movement program focuses on activities designed to improve balance, increase range of movement, prevent injury, and manage symptoms associated with age-related illness. Classes will be 45 minutes in a sensory-friendly environment followed by coffee and a meet-and-greet.
To register call 780-448-2413 or email [email protected].
TOONIE TALK: REDUCING FALL RISKS AND HOW TO GET UP FROM A FALL 
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
February 18, 1:30 p.m.
$2 for members and non-members

Missteps, slips, and falls. Which is the nastiest of them all? Staying active should not be scary. This informative presentation will provide the information you need to stay active, independent, and safe. This session will include a live demonstration about how to get up from a fall, as well as a brief discussion about available subsidies. Call 780-483-1209 to register.
SPANISH FOR SENIORS (BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE)
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Fridays, February 21-April 3, 12:30 p.m. 
$20

It's a new year and a great time to try something new, such as learning a new language! In addition to being able to order an ice cool "cerveza" (beer) on your next Mexican getaway, picking up a second language can improve decision-making skills, memory, attention span, ability to multitask, perception, and overall cognition. Pre-register by February 14 in-person or by calling 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
LGBTQ2S+ MENTORSHIP/CAREGIVERS PROGRAM
Pride Centre of Edmonton (10618 105 Avenue)

Are you trans, gay, or under the pride umbrella and want to connect with more people like yourself, but lack the ability to do so? There are people from your community that want to help! The Pride Centre of Edmonton offers mentorship and caregiving that meets you at wherever you are. This program is open to individuals of all ages, genders, and sexualities. To participate, call 587-635-2169 or email [email protected] .
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Telus World of Science

Love science? Lend your enthusiasm to help others discover the world and beyond in a fun, interactive environment. The Telus World of Science has a variety of volunteer opportunities available in the areas of educational program assistance, guest services support and school programs.
UNDERSTANDING NEWCOMER EXPERIENCES OF INCLUSION SURVEY
Centre for Race and Culture

If you're a newcomer to Canada, the Centre for Race and Culture wants to hear about your experiences. This survey seeks to collect stories of newcomers' experiences of settlement, integration, and inclusion, and how these experiences impact well-being. The intent is to find solutions to challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. 

In addition to being available in English, the online survey is also available in French, Punjabi, German, Cantonese, and Spanish. A $10 Tim Horton's Gift Card will be mailed to the first 500 people who complete the survey. For more information about the study, contact the project team at [email protected].
(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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