October 10, 2019
Resources
YOUR RIGHTS WHEN RENTING: HUMAN RIGHTS IN ALBERTA
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA)

This  resource collection contains new linguistically and culturally relevant education tools to assist immigrant and refugee communities access housing for seniors without discrimination. These resources can help seniors and their families understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to housing.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
REFUGEE AWARENESS
Centre for Race and Culture
November 5, 1-4:30 pm.
$25

This workshop provides community members and service providers with accurate and comprehensive information about refugees and refugee resettlement. This session will help your organization understand the pre-migration experiences of refugees, offer practical tools for working with refugee families, and provide information on creating inclusive environments that ensure successful resettlement of refugees in Alberta.
HOW TO CREATE A STRATEGIC SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT PLAN
CharityVillage
November 7, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Opening up a social media account is easy. Coming up with consistent and engaging content that your supporters will love? Not so much. This webinar, specifically presented for nonprofit staff and volunteers, will help you to create your content strategically using a five pillar framework that will strengthen your brand, build your authority online, and save you capacity.
HOW TO MAKE EVENT VOLUNTEERS LOVE YOU
CharityHowTo
November 12, 1-2 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

In this webinar, learn how to create a volunteer experience that makes your volunteers love your organization so they come back and help year-after-year. Get tips for turning volunteers into a team, creating a volunteer job matrix, and working with volunteers the day of your event.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors

CONVERSATION CAFE: AGING WELL AS LGBTQ2S+ SENIORS
Connecting Edmonton Seniors, the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group, and the Ashbourne 
October 19, 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: The Ashbourne Seniors Residence (11148 84 Avenue)
Free

Connecting Edmonton Seniors is sponsoring conversations to learn what contributes to healthy aging and what reduces isolation for Edmonton seniors. Knowledge gained from these conversations will shape how we and the wider community of Edmonton supports healthy aging.  We invite Edmonton's LGBTQ2S+ seniors for a conversation over a delicious free lunch prepared by Ashbourne's chef. 

To register, email [email protected] or call Thaya McKee at 780-935-2020. 
OKTOBERFEST
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
October 19, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Location: German-Canadian Cultural Centre of Edmonton (8310 Roper Road)
$60

Don your lederhosen with pride at this annual German festival featuring Schuhplattler performers, a silent auction, dancing, door prizes, 50/50, and litres of beer. Call 587-987-3200 to get tickets.
DESIGNER SCARF WORKSHOP
Strathcona Place Society  (10831 University Avenue)
October 22, 12-4 p.m.
$18 members, $27 non-members (plus $25 materials fee)

Use your creativity to push the boundaries of fashion in this fun workshop where you will make a one-of-a-kind silk scarf by "upcycling" men's ties. Call 780-433-5807 to register.
FLU SHOT CLINIC
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) (9350 82 Street)
October 23 and 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free

Stay healthy and protect others this flu season by getting your flu shot. You can make an appointment by dropping by SEESA's front desk or by calling 780-468-1985. Walks-ins are welcome, although you may have to wait a few minutes. Remember to bring your Alberta Health Card and allow for a 15-minute stay after your appointment for monitoring.
MEN'S CLUB
Devonshire and Citadel Village (1728 Rabbit Hill Road)
Thursdays starting October 24
$2 per week

Are you an Edmonton senior looking to make connections with other gentlemen in the community? This 9-week men's club is a great place to socialize with other senior men. Activities include a welcome pancake brunch, men's health presentation, bowling and pizza trip, matinee movie, and more. Call 780-232-3818 for more information and to register.
OLD TIME COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE
October 27, 1-5 p.m.
Location: Clymont Hall (51423 Highway 60, Spruce Grove, AB)
$10 regular admission; $5 kids

Round up your family and friends and put on your dancing shoes for a lively country music jam. Musicians are encouraged to bring along an instrument to play during the open stage portion of the event. Lunch is included with your ticket. To get tickets, call Marvin at 780-722-4611.
FALL ART CLASSES
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
Various dates and times
$68 members; $104 non-members

Get artsy this fall! Enhance your portraiture with anatomical drawing techniques or explore a new medium through water mixable oil paints. Call 780-496-7369 for more information and to register.
 
How to Draw Heads & Faces in Perspective
October 28-November 25, Mondays, 1-4 p.m.
 
How to Paint with Water Mixable Oils
November 5-November 26, Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.
DINE OUT
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
November 1, 5:30 p.m. (doors)
$15

Treat yourself with a delicious pasta dinner complete with bread, salad, and a refreshing beverage of wine or beer. While you enjoy dinner, catch up with friends and listen to some toe-tappin' "Big Band" tunes. Call 780-451-1925 to purchase your tickets by October 25.
OPEN JAM MUSIC SESSIONS
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
First and third Monday of each month, 1-3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
$2 drop-in (with purchase of $30 membership)

You don't need to be a music virtuoso to reap the many benefits of playing music. All you need is an instrument! Join other musically-inclined older adults and jam out. Call 780-483-1209 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
VISION MATE PROGRAM
CNIB Foundation Alberta

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)'s Vision Mate Program provides one-on-one sighted volunteer assistance to people who are blind or partially sighted. Volunteers are paired for activities such as reading, friendly visiting, walking, swimming, shopping, and more.  If you're friendly, positive, empathetic, responsible, and comfortable working with individuals with vision loss, this might be the opportunity for you!

Interested applicants are required to attend a volunteer interview and orientation, provide references, and undergo a police information/vulnerable sector check. Volunteers for this position must be 16 or older. A minimum 6-month commitment is required for this role.

For more information, complete the online volunteer application form or email [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:

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.