October 31, 2019
Resources
FINANCIAL INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR SENIORS
Seniors Financial Empowerment Network (SFEN)

The Seniors Financial Empowerment Network (SFEN) provides free  financial literacy information sessions in the areas of personal finance, protection of assets, housing, legal considerations, areas of fraud or abuse, communication and self-esteem.

The seven core education modules can be presented as stand-alone sessions or as a complete series at seniors facilities, community leagues, churches, or in larger settings. The modules are delivered by senior volunteers. 

Contact Sarah by calling 780-722-6701 or emailing [email protected] if you're interested in booking a session.
PROVINCIAL BUDGET FACT SHEET
Edmonton Social Planning Council

To help the public make sense of what's contained in the 2019 Alberta Provincial Budget, the Edmonton Social Planning Council put together a two-page fact sheet summarizing some highlights of the new budget.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
HOW NONPROFITS CAN MAKE THEIR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS MORE SOCIAL
Nonprofit Tech for Good
November 12, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Social media channels can help you amplify the message of your fundraising campaigns. What's important is to understand how to make the most of each social media platform. This webinar will look at the latest trends in social media fundraising and how to improve the success of your campaigns. Topics include:
  • How to use every social channel in your fundraising campaign
  • Best practices on making your fundraising more social
  • The latest trends in social media marketing and how they affect nonprofits
  • How to build a funnel for your social fundraising content
  • Successful examples of using social media in fundraising
PROMOTING INTERSECTORAL COLLABORATION TO SUPPORT FRAIL ADULTS WITH IDD IN THE COMMUNITY 
Seniors Health Knowledge Network
November 19, 12 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience higher rates of frailty at earlier ages than the general population. Collaboration between home care and developmental services sectors is important to support adults with IDD who are frail in the community. This webinar focuses on the collaboration between Reena and the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network, and will share "Call to Action" resources to support individuals, families, and providers in the context of frailty and IDD.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
Centre for Race and Culture
November 27, 1-4:30 p.m.
Location: Edmonton Intercultural Centre (9538 107 Ave.)
$25

This interactive workshop intends to examine the concept of culture, the effect culture has on one's personal and professional life, as well as the role that our cultural norms and expectations play in our interactions with others. It will equip participants with practical tools to reflect on their programs and services, apply strategies to challenge cultural bias and discrimination, practice intercultural communication, and create a more inclusive workplace where colleagues and clients from different cultural backgrounds feel valued and respected.
LEGAL INFO VS. LEGAL ADVICE: WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE?
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA)
November 27, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Location: Compass Place Boardroom (2nd Floor, 10050-112 St.)
Free

Does your work include helping people who occasionally face legal problems? Are you unsure of what you can and cannot say about the law to a client? Only certain people are authorized to give legal advice while many other people can provide legal information. It is important to recognize when a client is dealing with a potential legal issue so that they can get the resources and help that they need.

Workshop registration includes continental breakfast, coffee and tea. Register online at Eventbrite by November 25.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
JAM SESSIONS AND DANCING
Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Association
Mondays, 7 - 10 p.m.
Location: Pleasantview Community Hall (10860 57 Ave.)
$5 per evening

Musicians, dancers and spectators are invited to listen to good old-time music played by musicians at various levels with a variety of instruments. The majority of players are fiddlers but there is also accordion, some mandolins, banjos and guitars.

For more information, phone 780-906-6862, email [email protected] or visit the website www.wildrosefiddlers.org.
CARD MAKING WORKSHOPS
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$7 per drop-in session

Is there anything nicer than receiving a handmade card? Get crafty and make your own custom cards to show how much you care and impress friends and family alike. Email [email protected] for more information. 
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DANCES
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
7 - 10 p.m., doors open at 6:45 p.m.
$8 member; $11 non-member

Dance to a different live band weekly and enjoy an evening of socializing and exercise. Singles are welcome. Here is the schedule of bands for November:
Nov. 6: Sparkling Tones
Nov. 13: Country Gold
Nov. 20: Chwill Brothers
Nov. 27: Diamonds

Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
SILK SCARF PAINTING WORKSHOP
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
November 9, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
$60 members; $75 non-members

Learn to create a new silk scarf out of old silk ties. Your scarf will be a one-of-a-kind creation. This workshop will be fun and you'll meet other creative types. All supplies are included; just bring a seam ripper and scissors. Register by November 2 by calling 780-496-2997.
DIGITAL STORYTELLING 
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
November 12 and 19; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Free

This incredible two-day program will teach you how to create a digital story. In this program, you will take your story, combine it with photos, and add a musical backtrack. Finally, sprinkle on some magic production dust and presto! You have a digital story to share as a Christmas gift or special keepsake for your family. Call 780-451-1925 to register. 
SEESA ACCIDENTAL DRAMA CLUB FALL PRODUCTION
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
November 22, 7 p.m. (show only), $12 in advance or $15 at the door
November 23, 5:30 p.m. (dinner show), $25 advance purchase only
November 24, 11 a.m. (brunch show), $25 advance purchase only

Get into the holiday spirit at this production of "The Little Town of Christmas". Call 780-468-1985 by November 19 at noon to purchase tickets.
FESTIVAL OF TREES: SENIORS APPRECIATION DAY
November 28, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Free

The Festival of Trees is a dazzling Christmas wonderland and showcases more than 200 innovative trees and Christmas displays. If you're over 65, enjoy free admission to the festival on November 28. Enjoy great holiday shopping options, entertainment, and a complimentary coat check. For seniors with limited mobility, vehicles can be pulled up to any level so there are no elevators or stairs to negotiate.
TOUCH THE WATER PROMENADE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

The river valley is one of Edmonton's greatest assets, a place people have been drawn to and gathered for thousands of years. The City of Edmonton is looking to improve access to and within the river valley, creating enhanced opportunities for ecological connections, recreation, celebration, heritage interpretation and social gathering with a project called the Touch the Water Promenade. 

You are invited to attend a public engagement pop-up event to learn more about the project, ask questions and share your vision for this project. This project is in early stages of concept development and the City of Edmonton is engaging with the public and key stakeholders to help shape the vision for the project and inform the development of concept design options. There will be multiple opportunities for engagement as the project progresses through design. 

Public Engagement Pop-Up Events:
October 31, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edmonton Tower Lobby (10111 104 Ave.)

November 9, 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre (11000 Stadium Road)

November 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Kinsmen Sports Centre, 9100 Walterdale Hill

An online survey will also be available for those who are unable to attend in person, and will be posted in early November 2019 to edmonton.ca/TouchTheWater
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
EVENT VOLUNTEERS
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)

NWESS is seeking social function volunteers to set up for events, serve food, clean up, and socialize with NWESS members. This is an excellent team building opportunity for local companies seeking to build strong relationships between team members while helping others. Call 780-451-1925 to get involved.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Drive Happiness

Looking to volunteer? Want to make your own schedule? Why not help Drive Happiness? For 20 years Drive Happiness has provided assisted transportation services to seniors by pairing them with volunteer drivers. There is no minimum time commitment and volunteers can choose their own rides. Make a difference in a senior's life and volunteer for Drive Happiness today! Call 780-424-5438 or go online at drivehappiness.ca/volunteer.
(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 [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.