April 25, 2019
Resources
GERIACTORS IS LOOKING FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO HOST THEATRE WORKSHOPS

In June, GeriActors is offering a Facilitator Training program for people who want to develop skills in community-based and seniors theatre. At the end of the program, the participants will facilitate their own theatre workshop to put into practice what they have learned.

This is where you come in! GeriActors is inviting community organizations to host workshops this summer. All workshops will be led by training program participants, supervised by GeriActors staff. 

A GeriActors workshop is the perfect place to begin for people who have EVER acted or NEVER acted. Through storytelling, theatre games, improv, laughter and fun, participants will use their imagination, and watch their memories come alive. Workshops are barrier free and inclusive, with participants of all abilities and experiences. They are also very skilled at running intergenerational workshops so if this fits with your organization let them know.

GeriActors is offering host organizations a discounted rate of $100 per workshop ($100 savings)
  • Workshops are ideally 90-minutes each, but other times can be negotiated
  • Hosts will arrange for participants (8-20 people)
  • Hosts are responsible for providing workshop space and light refreshments
Contact Becca Barrington at 780-248-1556 or geriactors.friends@gmail.com for more information.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
ANATOMY OF A CYBER ATTACK
Tech Impact
May 14, 2 - 3 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Non-profits are being targeted by sophisticated digital attacks at an unprecedented rate. This webinar will take a close look at exactly how these attacks work from end to end: how the attackers get into your systems in the first place, what they do once they're in, and the mess they leave in their wake.  You'll get an overview on what you need to do to clean up after an attack, and what you can do to prevent attackers from getting into your systems in the first place. The webinar will also dispel some common myths about IT security, and tell you exactly what you need to know to defend your organization against today's threats.
HOW TO GET SPONSORS FOR AN EVENT: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
CharityHowTo
May 16, 11 a.m. or May 22, 1 p.m. (Mountain)
$87 USD

Knowing how to get sponsors for an event can be hard for many nonprofits because they haven't learned to find them the right way. Event sponsorship is sales, not philanthropy. You have to know how and what to sell - and it's not a mention in your gala program book. During this webinar you will learn:
  • How to find your first or next event sponsor
  • What event sponsors want and look for
  • How to organize your event sponsorship materials
  • How to structure event sponsorship levels and pricing
  • How to deliver an event sponsorship pitch that seals the deal
ALBERTA BOARD MEMBER ESSENTIALS
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
3 online sessions and 2 in-person sessions on August 13 and 27, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Training Room - Bonnie Doon Professional Centre
$225 ECVO members; $295 non-members

Alberta Board Member Essentials is a multi-part training program that gives new and developing board members the tools to successfully serve on a non-profit board. 

The full program is five weeks and consists of three online courses and two half-day in-person sessions. Online sessions take on average three hours each and are to be completed on the student's own time.
  • Part 1: Overview of the Alberta Non-profit Sector (Online Learning)
  • Part 2: Board Member Fundamentals (Online Learning)
  • Part 3: Working as a Sum of the Parts (In-Person Learning)
  • Part 4: Understanding Financial Matters (Online Learning)
  • Part 5: Strategic Board Leadership (In-Person Learning)
Registration for the program will remain open until July 23 or until filled. Students will be responsible for completing Parts 1 and 2 prior to the in-person training on August 13.

Note that ECVO is offering this session of Alberta Board Member Essentials during the day in response to requests from seniors organizations for daytime instead of evening training.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Drive Happiness

Drive Happiness is currently looking for a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to help support growth. Reporting to the Program Manager, this position will take the lead on volunteer recruitment initiatives, including attending events such as fairs and expos and doing presentations to groups. The Volunteer Coordinator will also oversee all volunteers and will implement a volunteer retention program. The ideal candidate has experience in volunteer recruitment, management and retention.

Review the job posting  for details on the position and application instructions. Applications will be accepted until April 30.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
News and Events for Seniors
PITTORESQUE: CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT
Opus@12 Chamber Concert Society
April 26, 12 - 1 p.m.
La Cité Francophone (8627 91 Street)
Free

Enjoy chamber music by Fasch, Grieg, Mozart and Tillmetz at this concert presented by Opus@12.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DANCES
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
Wednesdays 7 - 10 p.m. Doors open 6:45 p.m.
$8 members; $11 non-members

The entertainment roster for May is: May 1 (Chwill Brothers), May 8 (Ghost Riders), May 15 (Convertibles), May 22 (Diamonds), and May 29 (Sparkling Tones). Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
THURSDAY LUNCHEONS WITH ENTERTAINMENT
Southwest Seniors' Outreach Society (10832 62 Avenue)
$10 member; $12 non-member

May's Thursday Luncheon entertainment is:
  • May 2: Hoffman Duo (Song/Dance)
  • May 9: Nighthawks (Song/Dance)
  • May 16: Old Country Spice (Song/Dance) After lunch (around 12:30 p.m.) there is a short but informative AGM which will then be followed by the Thursday afternoon entertainment.
  • May 23: Romantics (Song/Dance)
  • May 30: Donna Lee Randon (Song/Dance) 
Call 780-435-9515 for more information.
SPRING SENIORS EXPO
St. Albert Seniors Association (Red Willow Place: 7 Tache Street, St. Albert)
May 8, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Over 30 vendors will be on hand sharing information and resources about health, transportation, housing and finances. Workshops are also scheduled on the topics of Ageism, Fall Prevention and Safety, and Advocating for your Loved Ones' Medical Care. 

More information is available by calling 780-459-0433. You must pre-register for the workshops.  Free parking is available and the cafe will be open.
BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH: CHRONIC PAIN
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
May 8 - June 12, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
Free

Alberta Health Services staff will facilitate this six-week workshop for those who are experiencing chronic pain. Each participant is loaned a workbook and CD with an exercise program. Adult family members and caregivers are welcome. Workshop topics include:
  • managing your medications
  • pacing yourself
  • breathing
  • managing sleep
  • options for treatment
  • dealing with difficult feelings
Registration is required by May 1. Call 587-987-3200 to learn more.
MOTHER'S DAY MAD HATTER TEA PARTY
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
May 10, 1:30 p.m.

Join in a fun afternoon. Fresh baked goodies, tea and more will be served. The creative writing group will provide entertainment and there will be live piano music. Wear your best hat. Contact 780-433-5807 for information on purchasing tickets.
MOTHER'S DAY TEA
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
May 10, doors 11:30 a.m., lunch 12 p.m.
$10 per person

Bring your wives, your mothers, your sisters and your aunts to this delightful Mother's Day Tea. Luncheon includes a light lunch and strawberry shortcake and entertainment. Tickets must be purchased by May 3. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
HOW TO BECOME OUTRAGEOUSLY HAPPY
Minerva Senior Studies
May 14, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Room 409, Alberta College Campus (10050 MacDonald Drive)
Free

In this fun, interactive, powerful presentation, you will:
  • Realize the astonishing number one obstacle to your happiness
  • Understand the single most important thing you can do to grow a happier brain
  • Learn two powerful things you can do to generate more sustainable happiness
  • Understand the huge price you pay physically, mentally and emotionally because of stress, negativity or anxiety and how they dramatically reduce your resiliency and competency.
Light refreshments will follow the presentation. Space is limited! Registration is free, but you do need to sign up by emailing your name and phone number to Minerva@MacEwan.ca or calling 780-497-5082.
THE BEAUTY OF THE POETRY OF THE BRITISH ROMANTIC AND VICTORIAN ERAS
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
May 15, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$15 member; $20 non-members

Dr. Morris Maduro presents The Beauty of the Poetry of the British Romantic and Victorian Eras: Its Greatest Poets and its Relevance in our World Today. RSVP with payment by May 9. Call 780-488-4241 for more information.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS AND BUS DRIVERS
St. Albert Seniors Association

Without drivers, many seniors are unable to make important appointments or face challenges with daily shopping.
  • Volunteer drivers provide a valuable service by driving seniors from St. Albert to Edmonton for medical appointments.
  • Volunteer bus drivers take seniors around St. Albert in an 18-seat passenger bus for appointments, errands, and to the centre for programs and activities. Shifts are Monday to Friday, daytime hours and 1 to 2 shifts per week. A class 4 license is required.
Contact SASAVolunteers@StAlbertseniors.ca to find out how to become a driver.
(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:

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to memberservices@seniorscouncil.net.  Review our submission guidelines for more information.