March 12, 2020
Seniors Sector News
COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RESOURCES

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many decisions to curtail or cancel programs and events in the Edmonton area and senior-serving organizations are no exception. 

ESCC will commit to helping to get the word out if your organization sends us a notice about closures, postponement of events or contingency plans being instituted. We will keep a running list and communicate it through our various channels. Proactive, preventative measures will help to mitigate risks. 

The following reliable sources of information are being looked to for updates. Feel free to share. 

The Alberta Government
This website outlining COVID-19 information for Albertans contains a "Prevent the spread" poster that can be printed and posted. 
Self Isolation Information Sheet
Respiratory viruses and the workplace OHS information for employers, supervisors and workers

Alberta Health advises: If you have COVID-19 symptoms and have travelled outside Canada or were exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions. Do not go to a health care facility without consulting Health Link 811 first. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and inform them that you may have COVID-19. 

The Federal Government
Public Health Agency of Canada

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INCLUSION AMONG EDMONTON SENIORS
Connecting Edmonton Seniors

As part of a larger awareness campaign, Connecting Edmonton Seniors has released a series of new resources to help raise awareness about social isolation and provide guidance on how to become a connector to help promote inclusion among Edmonton Seniors.
  • Connecting the Dots Tool: An overview of social isolation risk factors as well as practical tips for helping connect seniors in your community. 
  • Conversation Starters Tool: Social isolation isn't always easy to see, but there are questions you can ask to gain a better understanding. This tool provides some conversation starters. 
  • Get Connected Guide: This directory outlines community organizations that can be starting points to help seniors get connected.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
CAUSE CAMP
April 20-21
Location: Nebraska Innovation Campus (2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln, NE)
$149-$650 USD

This immersive boutique conference is dedicated to teaching nonprofits to hone their skills and welcome change. Get cutting-edge insights from the experts on hot topics, including fundraising, relationship building, and promoting inclusion in your organization. This conference also provides a great opportunity to network with other thought leaders and do-gooders working to solve real issues. Go online for full details. 
UNCONSCIOUS BIAS 
Centre for Race and Culture
April 22, 1-4:30 p.m.
Location: Edmonton Intercultural Centre (9538 107 Avenue)
$25

Taking an intersectional approach, this workshop helps participants to build their understanding of bias and practice steps that can be taken to limit the impact of unconscious biases on our thoughts and behaviours. The workshop will consider strategies to address unconscious bias at individual and institutional levels. Participants will enhance their self-awareness of their own biases, build understanding of their social conditioning, and examine behaviour versus intention in daily behaviours.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING CONFERENCE 2020: CAN CANADA AFFORD TO AGE?
National Institute on Aging
May 28, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 
Location: Sears Atrium-George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (245 Church Street, Ryerson University)
$438 + HST

Join the conversation about the future of ageing in Canada. This conference brings together thought leaders from the health sector, financial industry, government, and Ryerson community for a full day focused on personal financial security, healthy ageing, and discussions on public system sustainability.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
2020 WORLD WOMEN'S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
March 22; 11:30 a.m. (doors), 12 p.m. (semi-finals), 5 p.m. (finals)
$5

Join friends-old and new-to watch curling live on the big screen. Bring a potluck item to share with friends. While watching the game and nibbling on tasty potluck fare, enjoy a refreshing beverage from the cash bar. Feeling lucky? 50/50 tickets will also be available for sale. Call 780-451-1925 for more information and to register. 
TOONIE TALK: 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT SET OF GLASSES
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
March 24, 1:30 p.m.
$2

There are so many styles of glasses available, but if you don't do these three things you may miss out on getting the vision you deserve. This informative talk will help you know what to look for and what to ask the next time you check out your optical options. Call 780-483-1209 for additional details.
HERBAL REMEDIES
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
March 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
$50 members; $60 non-members

Put down the harsh chemicals and harness the healing power of plants! Plant-based ingredients can be used to create a range of skincare products that are truly natural, beneficial for the skin, and eco-friendly. In this session, you will learn how to make your own natural remedy to alleviate pain and sleep issues. Registration is required. Call 587-987-3200 to register. 
SEESA 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWCASE AND MONTHLY DINNER 
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) (9350 82 Street)
March 26; 4:30 p.m. (doors), 5:30 p.m. (dinner), 7 p.m. (showcase)
$15

Come one, come all! Celebrate the talents of SEESA members at this special anniversary variety show and dinner featuring song, drama, and lots of laughs. Enjoy a scrumptious chicken parmesan dinner with a side of vino from the cash bar. There will also be a 50/50 draw. Tickets are available at the front desk, by phone (call 780-468-1985), or online through Eventbrite. Buy your tickets by March 24.
MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION WITH THE KYRGYZ ASSOCIATION IN ALBERTA
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 Street)
March 29, 11:30 a.m.
$10 members; $13 non-members

Enjoy a day of cultural presentations, entertainment, great food, and fun. Guests are asked to pre-register by calling 780-488-4241.
BOOK SALE
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
March 31-April 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free admission

Calling all bookworms! Finally caught up on your reading list? Well then, it's time to add some new titles. Check out this sale featuring a large selection of books at great prices. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.   
PHILOSOPHERS' CAFE #3-RELIGIOUS CENTERS: ARE THEY RELEVANT IN CANADIAN SOCIETY?
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
April 2, 1:30-3 p.m.
$6 in advance; $8 at door

Discuss ideas and big issue topics at the Philosopher's Café. This session examines religious centers. Are they solely "speaking to the choir" or do they serve some public purpose? Call 780-496-7369 for more information and to register.
*Note: This event was published in last week's (March 5) edition of Link Letter with an incorrect date (April 1). The correct date for this event is April 2.
TO WONDER AND TO WANDER: A JOURNEY OF FAMILY MEMOIR
Strathcona Place Society (10831 University Avenue)
April 2, 12:15 pm
Free

Jean Crozier will discuss her 2-volume memoir, No Corner Boys Here. Walk through your own family memories with Jean as she details the Thurston family memoir-a story of joy and sadness, emigration and adaptation, challenge and fulfillment. This presentation includes complimentary coffee and cookies. Call 780-433-5807 to register. 
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)

Whatever your interests, Mill Woods Seniors Association has a volunteer opportunity for you! The Association is currently recruiting for a range of volunteer roles, including kitchen cashiers, kitchen helpers, dishwashers, greeters and front desk staff, and youth program mentors. 

No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Volunteers must be able to commit at least once a week for a 3-month time period. 

Contact Shalini, MWSA volunteer coordinator, at 780-508-9359 or [email protected] for additional details.
(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:

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