July 2, 2020
Seniors Sector News

ESCC Communications Coordinator, Janelle Beblow (pictured left), and ESCC Project Manager, Tim Henderson (pictured right), demonstrating the importance of communication.
FAREWELL, JANELLE
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council

This week we say goodbye to our  C ommunication Coordinator, Janelle  Beblow , as she closes out her sixth year with us. She has done a great job of sharing important and timely information through our many communications avenues (including Link Letter, websites  and  social media platforms), promoted the programs and services of our member agencies ( including  Edmonton Prime Times articles  and  the Recreation and Wellness Director for Older Adults) and increased awareness of the many initiatives that ESCC has supported ( including the  Seniors Home Supports Program, Seniors Information Phone Line  and  Connecting Edmonton Seniors). She has coached us all in the art of communication and done it in a cheerful and diligent way. We are grateful for her years of dedication and commitment to improving the lines of communication that lead to better outcomes  within our sector .  

Thank you, Janelle!
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Grants and Awards
CANADA STUDENT SERVICES GRANT (CSSG) 
Government of Canada

Application for the Canada Student Service Grant is now open!  COVID-19 has created considerable disruptions to the work of Canadian  nonprofits , as well as introducing a host of new challenges. In response,  the  Government of Canada has created the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) .  This program provides qualified post-secondary students and recent graduates with volunteer opportunities to help with the COVID-19 response at Canadian not-for-profit organizations during summer 2020.   Go online for more  information about how your  nonprofit  can access the  program  and get e xtra hands on deck for your  COVID-19 relief efforts!   
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages)
Resources
PANDEMIC EXPERIENCE IN THE LONG-TERM CARE SECTOR: HOW DOES CANADA COMPETE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES?
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)

Canada's long-term care (LTC) sector has been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 840 outbreaks have been reported in LTC facilities and retirement homes, accounting for more than 80 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in the country (as of 9 p.m. Eastern on May 25, 2020). This short analysis examines the similarities and differences between Canada's pandemic experience in LTC and that of other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).   
EXPLAINING COVID-19 TO THE PERSON LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Alzheimer Society Canada  

This useful tip sheet is a fantastic resource  to help  caregivers  explain COVID-19 to  family members  living  with dementia Some highlights include explaining the virus in an  accessible  and non-threatening way. For example,  would  using the word "virus" scare the person  with dementia ?   In this case, perhaps "flu" or "bug" is a better choice.  The resource also includes information about  maintaining hygiene, staying connected, keeping active at home and taking care of yourself as a caregiver. 
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
CANADA-UNITED KINGDOM COLLOQUIUM ON AGEING WELL: OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE 2019 CANADA-UK REPORT ON "AGEING WELL" & PANEL DISCUSSION 
Møller Centre, Churchill College and Cambridge University 
July 7, 7-8 a.m. (Mountain)  
Free 

The fact that the age demographics of our population is changing is not news. In the UK, there have been several Acts of Parliament which have increased the state pension age to meet the fiscal challenges presented by changing demography. Similarly, in Canada, there has been legislation to change the age of eligibility for Old Age Security. Canada and the UK are similar in many respects-for example, in having well-developed public health services-but different in other respects-for example, the degree of autonomy for provinces. This webinar explores these similarities and differences and provides opportunities to learn from each other.  
CHALLENGING DISCRIMINATION THROUGH COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS 
The Centre for Race and Culture (CFRAC) 

CFRAC has started a new conversation series to spark conversations around racism, discrimination and how we can all work together to do better. Upcoming conversations include:    
  • Systemic and Institutional Racism: July 15, 12 - 1:30 p.m.              
  • Representation of Race in the Media: August 5, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on minority populations: August 26, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Registration links for the August 5 and 26 sessions are forthcoming. If you have suggestions and recommendations for potential guest speakers and moderators for any of the above sessions, contact Myriam Gerber at [email protected].    
GOVERNING IN A CRISIS
Nonprofit Learning Lab 
July 15, 2 p.m. (Eastern) 
Free 

Now more than ever, your board of directors should be engaged and communicating closely with organizational leadership to understand and inform organizational response. This session will review the roles and responsibilities of board members and discuss best practices that can be activated in addressing a crisis.  
COLLABORATION & SHARING IN SHAREPOINT
Tech Impact 
July 15, 2-3 p.m. (Eastern) 
Free 

Learn about Office 365's SharePoint Online in this informative webinar. See how SharePoint can replace your file server, shared drive or other file storage solution. This session will also review SharePoint's collaborative features and Office 36 5 apps which compliment SharePoint in order to give you a comprehensive peak into how Office 365 and SharePoint can increase your teams' collaboration and productivity.  
MANAGING CAREGIVING AND COVID-19 SIMULTANEOUSLY 
March of Dimes Canada 
July 22, 12-1:30 p.m. (Mountain) 
Free 

Join Rick Lauber, author of Caregiver's Guide for Canadians, as he explores managing Caregiving and COVID-19. This webinar will highlight some of the challenges that COVID-19 presents to caregivers. It will also address managing multiple responsibilities, handling different visiting rules for seniors in long-term care during the pandemic and keeping active and participating throughout "self-isolation".  
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
News and Events for Seniors
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT LINE: EXTENDED HOURS 
Caregivers Alberta 
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. -7 p.m.  
Free

The Caregiver Support Line is now  available  evenings!  Family caregivers seeking support and resources can connect with a helpful Caregiver Advisor  weekdays  by callin 1-877-453-5088  (toll-free).  
ONLINE ITALIAN COOKING CLASSES
Mariano's Cooking  
Free 

Ever wish you had an Italian  nonno  to teach you the secrets of authentic Italian cooking? A local senior has teamed up with his grandsons to produce a new YouTube cooking series, "Mariano's Cooking".  With style and panache, Mariano  Trivelin  serves up fresh Italian recipes, including gnocchi, lasagna, spaghetti  alla   carbonara  and much more.  With   relatable and  easy-to-follow videos, this new local chef sensation is sure to provide some inspiration for your own culinary adventures. 
HISTORIC FESTIVAL AND DOORS OPEN EDMONTON
Edmonton & District Historical Society 
June 5-12 
Free 

This year, the Edmonton & District Historical Society is  offering a new way to explore  local spaces from your own  home.  Take part in virtual tours and activities  designed to engage, enlighten and entertain as you explore Edmonton's rich and varied past.   The  festival theme for 2020 is "Transformation" .  Festival events will be posted online
EPL FROM HOME: POWERPOINT PARTY
Edmonton Public Library  
July 14, 7-8:30 p.m. 
Free 

EPL From Home is back with another fun virtual event. This "PowerPoint Party" is a great opportunity to present on a topic-any topic-that you're passionate about. To participate, prepare a 2  to  5-minute  PowerPoint on  anything  and everything   from gardening tips for plan t murderers  to your thoughts regarding  pineapple  on pizza. During the event, you will have the opportunity to present and make your case  to  the other  event  participants. Discussions will take place following the presentation s
GO BIRD WATCHING 
Free

You can find plenty of places to spot your feathered friends within Edmonton or not far outside the city limits. All it takes is a good eye and a little bit of patience. This blog post rounds up a collection of the best locations for birdwatching. When going outside, remember to follow  current  physical distancing guidelines  
LIVE ANIMAL CAMERAS
Various organizations 

Z oos and other organizations a cross Canada  are livestreaming their  furry  residents. Connect with your  favourite  critters  online !  Depending on the zoo, you can find livestreams posted to the organization's website, Facebook, or YouTube page.  From sloths to otter s  and belugas too, check out  the links below to get all caught up with your animal friends in regular  online  "creature features".   
100 DAYS OF FIDDLING
Brianna Lizotte 
Free

If the sound of the  Métis  fiddle makes you do a little jig, check out local fiddler Brianna Lizotte's Facebook page for a new tune daily.  Her page currently includes  classic s   such as  "Maple Sugar"  and  "The Red River Jig".    
YARDBIRD SUITE VIRTUAL SERIES
The Yardbird Suite, Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Community Foundation  
Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays; 7-8 p.m. 
Free 

This  all-Edmonton lineup  of talented musicians  features a variety of solos, duets   and instruments. Performanc es will be posted to the  Yardbird's  Facebook page. For a full listing of performers and   schedule, view the  Yardbird's  events calendar  
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
FAMILY CAREGIVERS STUDY
University of Alberta 
 
U of A researchers are studying how best to support caregivers of a person with dementia in long-term care.  The research team is recruiting family/friend caregivers  ( aged 18 and older of an older person (65 years of age and older) living with dementia in long-term care.  Participants  will be asked questions by phone.  The time commitment is   approximately  two  hours over  four  months and all participants will receive a $20 coffee gift   card.  For more information  c all  1-877-692-5909   or  email  [email protected] .  
RESEARCH STUDY: THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA 
University of Calgary, Alzheimer Society of Calgary and Dementia Network Calgary   

As individuals, families, and communities continue to confront COVID-19, family caregivers serve as crucial and trusted partners in curbing the spread of the disease and helping their family members living with dementia cope with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. It is therefore important to examine family caregiver experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if they have the have access to the information they need and appropriate resources to continue providing care.  Caregivers can g o online to learn more and participate in the study. 
(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.