December 19, 2019
Seniors Sector News
THAT'S A WRAP FOR 2019! 

We hope you enjoyed reading Link Letter this year and we thank you for your contributions. The first issue of 2020 will arrive in your inbox on January 9.
 
The ESCC office will be closed from December 24 to January 1. We will respond to emails and phone calls when we return on January 2. We wish you all the best this holiday season!
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Learning Opportunities
RESISTANCE IS REAL: LEADING PEOPLE THROUGH STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE
Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
January 16, 12-1 p.m.
Free
 
Why do some people do everything in their power to avoid making difficult changes while others jump in with both feet? Why are some leaders more successful at guiding people through change? It's not charisma. Navigating change is a partnership between employees and leaders. The good news is that there are proven steps you can take to predict the response to change and help people embrace it successfully. This webinar will show you how.
10 WAYS TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR GRANTMAKERS
Bloomerang
January 28, 2-3 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Grant writing is not only about writing. It is about the other best practices you embrace as an organization so that your proposal is well-received and fully considered by a grantmaker. Relationship-building with grantmakers and with previous supporters is an area many nonprofits could improve upon as part of their grant-seeking strategy. This interactive webinar will provide you with detailed insight and examples to try in your own organization.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT FORUM 2020
Chartered Professional Accountants Canada
February 10-11 plus optional workshop on February 12
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC)
$985 online; $1,095 in-person

Financial sustainability and digital disruption are influencing the future of not-for-profit organizations. Come to Canada's leading event for not-for-profit leaders and learn how to accelerate your organization's impact.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
CHRISTMAS DAY MINGLE
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
December 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free

Family out of town? No worries! Do your own thing this Christmas and meet up with folks from Mill Woods Seniors Association. Catch up with friends old and new and enjoy good food, refreshments, and games during this day of festive fun. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.
WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION DAY
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
December 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
Free admission

Grab a copy of this handy dandy  Winter Program Guide and head over to the SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association to plan your January activities. You can also register anytime after December 27 by visiting the SWESA office during regular business hours. Please note the office is closed from December 24 until 26 and on January 1. The office will be open until noon on December 31. For more information about program registration call 587-987-3200 or email programs@swedmontonseniors.ca.
COMPUTER CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
January 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, and 22 at 2:30-3:30 p.m.
$5

Want to try surfing? Surfing the web, that is! "Hang ten" in this introductory course featuring computer basics, including how to use a mouse, the internet, and e-mail. You must pre-register in-person or by calling Sage main reception at 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
ESSENTRICS: TONE FOR PICKLEBALL
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
Wednesdays, January 15-February 19, 1-2 p.m.
$72 members; $108 non-members

Pickleball is a blast, but it can be hard on your muscles, shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. Discover how Essentrics can improve your game, prevent injury, and keep you in tip top shape. Call 780-496-7369 to register.
SPEECHREADING COURSES: LEVELS 1 & 2
St. Albert Further Education (#107, 80 McKenny Avenue)
Various dates, January-March
$175 (nine-week course)

Learn the basics of speechreading (reading lips) plus coping skills and communication strategies. Topics covered in the course include hearing aids, tinnitus, dealing with friends and family, adaptive devices, and more. You will also connect with a community of others who share similar challenges. Free parking is available.

Level 1 Speechreading
Thursdays, January 16-March 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Wednesdays, January 15-March 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Call 780-460-2207 for more information or to register.
40th ANNIVERSARY KICKOFF PARTY 
SEESA and Holyrood Community League
January 18, 4-8 p.m.
Location: South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) (9350 82 Street)
Free admission

Join SEESA and Holyrood Community League for a fun kickoff celebration featuring indoor and outdoor activities, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live music, skating, making s'mores around the fire, and a festive fireworks show. While admission is free, guests may choose to bring cash for the bar and 50/50 draw. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
QI GONG
Strathcona Place Society (10831 University Avenue)
Mondays, January 20-April 6, 2:45-3:30 p.m.
$38 members; $68 non-members

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique involving meditation, controlled breathing, and movement exercises. It's easy to learn and combines seated and standing exercises. Call 780-433-5807 for more information.
SENIORS MATINEES: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY J
Shadow Theatre and ATB Financial
January 29, 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: Varscona Theatre (10329 83 Avenue)
$20

Shadow Theatre has partnered with ATB Financial to offer a series of seniors matinees that are sure to take your imagination on a journey. In this staggering new comedy that skewers the excesses of the politically correct, Gary and Louise invite friends and family to celebrate the second birthday of their child J, who they are raising without a gender. After the show, enjoy coffee or tea and chat with the actors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.shadowtheatre.org (use promo code SENMAT) or by calling 780-434-5564.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
STUDY PARTICIPANTS WANTED: FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF FOUR FRAILTY-SCREENING TOOLS IN TERM-BASED PRIMARY CARE CLINICS IN CANADA

Identifying frailty risks in older adults has the potential to limit admissions into healthcare facilities, and help maintain their quality of life, yet they are still poorly implemented in primary care clinics in Canada. The goal of this project is to compare users' perceptions of the factors influencing implementation and usability of four screening tools in Canadian family practice clinics: (1) the interRai Preliminary Screener; (2) the Pictorial Fit Frail Scale (PFFS); (3) the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS); and (4) the Program for the Integration of Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy into 7 items (PRISMA-7).
 
In order to compare the implications of using frailty or risk screening tools, as perceived by older adults, the researchers are looking to have persons aged 65 years old or more in each province participate to the study. If you are interested in participating, please return to the Consent to Contact form to Heather Roland at  heather.roland@espcn.ca. Call 587-758-6890 if you have further questions. The deadline to indicate your interest is January 21. For additional information, please reference the project protocols.
(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.