February 27, 2020
Seniors Sector News
SENIORS' TRANSIT PASS INCREASE POSTPONED

Edmonton City Council approved a motion to postpone an increase to seniors' transit passes for one year. The motion, filed by Ward 1 Councillor Andrew Knack earlier this month, proposed freezing the cost for customers who had purchased the annual pass in 2019 for one year. The price of a senior pass had increased from $136.50 to $374 on February 1.
2020 SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION OPEN: SENIORS' HOUSING AND HEALTH AND WELLNESS FORUMS
Sage Seniors Association

Registration for sponsorships is open for Sage's annual Housing and Health and Wellness Forums. Your sponsorship package also includes an exhibitor's table. If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at either event, contact Fisal at fasiff@mysage.ca or 780-218-7976.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Grants and Awards
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
V olunteer Alberta and Government of Alberta

National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 and is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and impact of volunteerism in your community and across our country. Host sites are eligible to receive $500 in funding while feature sites or regional feature sites are eligible to receive $1000 and $2000 respectively. Go online for more information regarding application instructions. March 13 is the deadline to apply.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages)
Resources
GET STARTED WITH THE 3 MUST-HAVE TOOLS YOU NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY FUNDRAISE ONLINE
Canada Helps

This series of short and helpful introductory videos will show you just how easy it is to fundraise using customizable online donation forms, ticketing for major fundraising events, and engaging supporters using peer-to-peer (P2P) tactics.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
INITIATING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RESIDENT SEXUAL EXPRESSION IN ALBERTA CONTINUING CARE HOMES: A PANEL DISCUSSION
Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research (ICCER)
March 18, 10-11 a.m.
Free members; $15 non-members

This webinar will discuss the evidence of continuing care residents' ongoing interest in sexual expression. Despite offering benefits for wellbeing, sexual expression in care homes is a complex matter and can be perceived as taboo. When broaching the topic of resident sexual expression, there can be difficulties in finding the right language or tensions surrounding attitudes and values. As a result, residents and care providers can be left feeling unseen, unheard, unsafe, and/or disrespected. 
FROM CONTACT TO MEANINGFUL CONNECTION: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN RESEARCH TO ADDRESS LONELINESS AMONG PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Canadian Association on Gerontology
March 26, 12-1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

Social connectedness refers to perceptions of intimacy and belonging in relationships with others and is a priority for quality of life according to people with dementia in Canada and internationally. Despite high stakes, few interventions have been designed and rigorously evaluated for use with people with dementia. Outlining a program of research to address loneliness, this webinar highlights research challenges and strategies to advance the field.
FROM POSSIBILITY TO PROBABILITY: SHIFTING HEALTHCARE FOR THE FUTURE
Covenant Foundation
April 8, 7-9 a.m.
Location: Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton (10235 101 Street)
$45 individual; $360 table (eight seats per table)

Learn about the future of healthcare and aging over breakfast at this dynamic presentation that brings in international perspectives. Relying on expert insights and information about what's working across the globe, this session will help move us from "possibility" to "probability" for seniors' healthcare in Edmonton.
FUTURE OF AGING WORKSHOP: REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO AGE WELL
Covenant Foundation
April 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton (10235 101 Street)
Free

As a follow-up to the From Possibility to Probability: Shifting Healthcare for the Future session, this interactive workshop will show how we can begin to reimagine social systems and infrastructure, implement training for skills, and create products, services, and technologies that will improve the lives of people as they age.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
TECH SAVVY
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
March 3-31, Tuesdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
$25 members; $35 non-members; $7 drop-in

Technology doesn't have to be a mystery. Empower yourself to navigate the digital world and learn the ins and outs of using electronic devices, including tablets, iPads, smartphones, and laptops. Come prepared with all your burning tech questions because this course will provide the answers. Please bring your own device. Call 780-425-8625 for additional information.
TIPI TEACHINGS
Edmonton Foundation of Community Leagues (EFCL)
March 7, 1-4 p.m.
Location: Fraser Community League (14720 21 Street)
Free

Help beat prejudice! Participate in a Tipi raising, learn from elders, make traditional crafts, meet First Nations people in your community, share food, and alleviate barriers. This event is part of a larger ongoing initiative of the EFCL made possible by Canadian Heritage. Go online for additional information and to learn about future Tipi Teachings events across Edmonton.
2020 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: EACH FOR EQUAL
Women's Initiative Edmonton and the City of Edmonton
March 8, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre (11834 Kingsway)
Free

International Women's Day is March 8. Celebrate International Women's Day by attending this event featuring an engaging panel of dynamic women who are making waves in various industries. Learn more at edmonton.ca/women.
TIM HORTON'S BRIER CURLING
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
March 8; 9:30 a.m. (doors), 10 a.m. (semi-finals), 5 p.m. (finals)
$5

There's nothing like sports to bring people together. Join friends, new and old, to watch The Brier on the big screen. Bring a potluck item to share with the group. 50/50 raffles and a cash bar will be available. Purchase your tickets at the front desk by March 6. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.
KOOKUM TEA TIME
Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
March 9 and 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Free

"Kookum" means "Grandma" in Cree. This group brings women together to share in a cup of tea while enjoying activities and crafts. Everyone is welcome to attend and pre-registration is not required. This meetup takes place in classroom A. For more information, call 780-423-5510 ext. 301.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR
Chartwell Emerald Hills Retirement Residence (6101 Eton Blvd, Sherwood Park)
March 12, 1-4 p.m.
Free

This Health and Wellness Fair features a mini trade show and presentations on topics including affordable travel for seniors and how to live a beautiful life with dementia. Note that limited seating is available for presentations. For more information and to register, email Jennifer at jhillmer@chartwell.com or call 780-819-3833.
GENTLE HATHA YOGA COURSE
Strathcona Place Society (10831 University Avenue)
March 13-April 3, Fridays, 2-3:15 p.m.
$16 members; $28 non-members

While hardcore yogis can contort themselves into seemingly impossible pretzel-like configurations, this class provides a gentler approach so you can relax and find your zen. This relaxing class emphasizes stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation so you can be at your best and get the most out of life. Sign up and register at the front desk. For more details call 780-433-5807.
LOCAL HISTORY SERIES: HOUSE HISTORY
Edmonton Public Library Idylwylde (Bonnie Doon) Branch (8310 88 Avenue)
March 15, 2:00 p.m.
Free

EPL's Local History Series is an exploration of the rich history of our local neighbourhoods. Do you know your house's history? Learn the process of tracking the history of your land and those who owned and lived on it previously. This session will discuss the history of the McAllister house in Bonnie Doon, and provide resources so you can trace your home's genealogy. Registration is encouraged but not required. Call 780-496-1808 to register.
LUNCH AND A PROGRAM: YOUR HEREDITY AND YOU TODAY
Petrolia Seniors Group (55+)
March 17, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Greenfield Community Hall (3803 114 Street)
$18

Bring along your appetite for food and knowledge to this engaging lunch and learn. This presentation will discuss the science of you. Learn all about "heredity", or the passing on of traits from parents to offspring. To confirm your attendance or for more information, call Claire at 780-435-3051 or Betty at 780-434-0711.
ALLOCATING ANNIE
East of 60 Productions Society
March 27, 6-11 p.m.
Location: Devon Community Centre (20 Haven Ave, Devon)
$40-$50

Enjoy some great live theatre in nearby Devon, Alberta. This production tells the story of three convoluted romances culminating in a climactic engagement party. This story quickly accelerates from amusing to hilarious and is a fine tale for the entire family to enjoy.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
STEP INTO ACTION: VOLUNTEER WITH EDMONTON MEALS ON WHEELS

Volunteering with Edmonton Meals on Wheels offers big rewards for both clients and volunteers for a minimal time commitment. Volunteer drivers help thousands of Edmontonians every year with a time commitment of only 2.5 hours once or twice a week. Other ongoing volunteer opportunities include helping in the kitchen, office, and at special events. If you have a passion to help and some extra time to give, Edmonton Meals on Wheels would love to hear from you. For details about volunteer opportunities, visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call 780-429-2020.  Sign up today!
(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.