May 7, 2020
Seniors Sector News
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT RELEASES PLAN FOR REOPENING ALBERTA

The Provincial Government has released a phased strategy for reopening Alberta. The relaunch is slated to take place in three phases, with restrictions lifting at each phase. Phase one of the plan will launch May 14 at the earliest.

The ESCC is cautiously optimistic about this news. While we seem to be moving in a positive direction and the number of diagnoses is in decline, we're not out of the woods yet. Despite the decline, a " second wave" of the pandemic is still a distinct possibility. Going forward, we urge all our readers to continue taking the strongest precautionary measures. Practice physical distancing, refrain from leaving home for non-essential trips, wear a mask in public, and practice regular handwashing. We will provide an update if and when it is safe to resume activities as usual.
NEW BUS NETWORK LAUNCH DELAYED TO 2021
Edmonton Transit Service

Due to the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to delay the launch of the Bus Network Redesign until mid-2021. Because the project will be a significant change for customers, the City wants to ensure that staff are prepared and ready to help travellers navigate the new routes. When the network redesign launches next year, it will include some key changes, such as more frequent bus service, expanded service into evenings and weekends, and more direct routes. For more information about the project and for full details, visit  edmonton.ca/newbusroutes .
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
Resources
MULTILINGUAL COVID-19 FACT SHEETS
COVID-19 Health Literacy Project and Harvard Health Publishing

This resource collection provides information about COVID-19, including tips about prevention and how to manage the illness if you do become sick. These resources are currently available in 35 languages. Additionally, the initiative is accepting help from translators willing to provide volunteer translation services. To lend a hand, reach out to the project coordinators by completing their web form.
NEW KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM SERVES AS A CONNECTION POINT FOR ADULT VACCINATION ADVOCACY
International Federation on Ageing (IFA)

The IFA recently launched a web platform, Vaccines4Life, to serve as a knowledge hub of expertise on the topic of adult vaccination. Vaccination is one of the most successful public health measures of modern times, preventing up to three million deaths worldwide every year. The primary goal of Vaccines4Life is to improve uptake rates of adult vaccination globally.
COVID-19 TOWN HALL RESOURCES
International Federation on Ageing (IFA)

The IFA has been conducting international town halls to bring together thought leaders from around the globe to discuss the rights of older people and how to advocate for older people during health emergencies. Past topics include the impact of COVID-19 on older adults internationally, the impact of the virus on older adults in lower and middle income countries, and human rights concerns relating to the treatment of older adults during the pandemic. 
NONPROFIT CYBERSECURITY TIPS FOR ZOOM
CommunityIT Innovators

Zoom is a popular platform for videoconferencing, however, there are some security tips that all Zoom users should keep in mind before starting a meeting. This roundup of tips will help to optimize the privacy and security of your Zoom sessions and reduce the chances of having your meeting hijacked by hackers.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
Learning Opportunities
VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT: HOW TO CREATE PARTICIPATORY VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES THAT KEEP YOUR DONORS ENGAGED IN TIMES OF CRISIS
CharityHowTo
May 11, 11 a.m. (Mountain)
Free

Worried that the cancellation of your in-person experiences (events, meetings, tours, performances, and trips) will lead to lost donations and connections? Wondering what else to do besides update your donors and ask for money?

COVID-19 is creating an urgent need for human connection in a time when virtual experiences are the only option - and connection is only created through participation. It's time to dial up your virtual engagement strategy and steward those critical supporters through participatory experiences.
This webinar will cover:
  • How to design a participatory virtual experience
  • How to properly utilize participatory virtual experiences to achieve your goals
  • How to transfer the participatory elements of in-person experience to a virtual one
  • How to market participatory virtual experiences to your audience
  • How to assess your tech needs for participatory virtual experiences
  • How to be an excellent virtual facilitator
THE SECRETS TO VIRTUAL FACILITATION
Leadership Strategies
May 14, 12 - 1 p.m. (Mountain)
Free

Virtual meetings are our daily reality. Unfortunately, most meeting leaders don't know the strategies for executing masterful virtual sessions. The Secrets of Virtual Facilitation provides meeting leaders with comprehensive strategies for planning and executing masterful virtual meetings. Learn how to:
  • Keep engagement high
  • Use the 6 Ps to prepare for a virtual session, including selecting an appropriate virtual tool.
  • Implement a variety of strategies for virtual interaction to keep participants from multi-tasking
  • Use specific ground rules for virtual sessions
  • Get quality results from virtual sessions
THE VOLUNTEERING LENS OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Charity Village (presented by Volunteer Canada)
May 14, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free

The outpouring of support and generosity of people helping others within the uncertainty and anxiety that this public health emergency has created is inspiring. Volunteer engagement within this context raises many questions as organizations assess, adapt and respond to the evolving risks and needs in our communities. This webinar will explore the following questions in an open and engaging discussion:
  • How do we ensure the safety of volunteers while supporting vulnerable people?
  • How can we transition to more virtual volunteer roles?
  • How can we keep volunteers engaged while programs and services are suspended?
  • How can we address the social isolation felt by many individuals in this time of physical distancing?
RELEVANT PRESS RELEASES: HOW TO GET ATTENTION IN A CROWDED NEWS CYCLE
Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com
May 19, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
$20

Despite the changing ways nonprofits get in touch with the media, press releases are still an important part of your media and PR strategy. Learn how to create a relevant press release that gets attention from the media no matter what is happening in the world in this webinar.
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector  (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
Caregivers Alberta

The administrative manager is responsible for providing a broad spectrum of administrative support functions. Responsibilities include assisting the executive director, administrating human resources and benefits, bookkeeping and financial reporting, coordinating and preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and supervising volunteers. 

Qualifications include 3 - 5 years' working as an executive assistant or in another relevant administrator role, proficiency with Microsoft Office, knowledge of accounting and experience with QuickBooks, and strong knowledge of databases. This is a full-time (30 - 37.5 hours/week) position.

Review the detailed posting for full details and application instructions. 
TEMPORARY OFFICE COORDINATOR
Sage Senior's Association

Sage is seeking an office coordinator to support the broader Sage team in their day to day work. This position is responsible for coordinating the office administrative functions within Sage and providing support to staff.  This position will also assist with service calls and IT troubleshooting. This is a temporary position to support operations throughout the pandemic.

Qualifications for this role include a diploma in office management and 1 - 2 years' administrative support experience. The deadline to apply is May 14. See the detailed posting for application instructions. 
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
News and Events for Seniors
ACTIVITY BOOKLETS FOR OLDER ADULTS
ElderCare Edmonton
Free

Each week, ElderCare Edmonton is releasing a new activity booklet for seniors. The booklets include puzzles, word searches, colouring, crafting instructions, recipes, and much more. If you're feeling a bit bored these days and want to try out some brain teasers to invigorate your imagination, these activity booklets are a great place to start. 
SYMPHONY, OPERA AND CHORAL MUSIC

Local arts organizations ar e showcasing their talents virtually since in-person performances are on hold. Enjoy these musical options.

Winspear and ESO
The Winspear and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra present a new digital series, Live at the Winspear: From Stage to Screen featuring ESO musicians. Check the Winspear website for live streams and video releases or watch past performances. You can also watch on Facebook and YouTube.
The ESO musicians also have their own Facebook page where you can participate in Q&As and learn about the musicians. 

Edmonton Opera
Edmonton Opera at Home is a great way to indulge your passion for opera. Enjoy videos of past performances, kitchen concerts (members of the Edmonton Opera Chorus share a favourite recipe and sing some of their favourite songs live from their kitchen), and happy hour (share a favourite cocktail recipe and chat opera with a performer from the upcoming season).

Pro Coro Canada
Pro Coro Canada has curated a collection of their past video and audio performances and a documentary that fans of choral singing won't want to miss.
ONLINE JAZZ FEST
Calgary Jazz Festival

The TD JazzYYC International Jazz Days Festival is moving to an online format this year. From April 30 until May 27 you can view performances nightly at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live and YouTube. You can find links to the livestreams and the schedule on the JazzyYYC website.  
PUZZLE SWAP

A local puzzle enthusiast has established Find Your Inner Piece - a complimentary puzzle swap service which includes delivery. For each puzzle swapped they ask for a donation to the Edmonton Food Bank (monetary or non-perishable food item). Find them on Facebook or call 780-667-5183.
FREE VIRTUAL COMMUNITY ART NIGHT 
Nina
Apr 28-May 26

Thanks to Mill Woods Seniors Association for alerting us to this opportunity hosted by the Nina (Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts). Nina is hosting free community art nights, Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Free materials for the classes can be arranged by calling Lorraine at 780-919-9627 or email at [email protected].
SHUMKA AND BALLET CLASSES
Shumka

Shumka has moved their popular Seniors Can Shumka and Silver Swans (inclusive ballet and movement) classes to an online format. The sessions can be done in a small, confined area and will led through Zoom. Call June at 780-455-9559 to register.
8 EXERCISES TO IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY
Centre for Active Living

Stretching keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and it helps to maintain a range of motion in the joints. This helpful resource shows stretching exercises that can be done safely from home. 
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUPPORT
Wellness Together Canada

This resource collection was developed in response to the anxiety many Canadians are feeling due to COVID-19. These learning modules are designed to help individuals get back on track and include help for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues. 
PHONE LINE OFFERS SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS
Joy4All
Free

A group of Calgary recreational leadership students launched a phone project to keep people engaged and provide a bit of levity in these tough times. The project offers listeners a range of pre-recorded messages of positivity, poems, stories, jokes, and letters to reduce feelings of isolation. To listen to a message, call 1-877-569-4255. To submit content for the project, email [email protected]
COVID-19 FINANCIAL ADVICE
KindWealth
Free

Many of us have seen our investments drop due to COVID-19. If you're feeling financially pressured due to the pandemic, KindWealth is offering free one-on-one financial advice sessions. While the service won't be able to magically solve your financial challenges, the KindWealth network of financial planners may have some ideas that can help. 
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
DONATE TOILETRIES TO HELP EDMONTONIANS DURING COVID-19
Edmonton Meals' on Wheels, Age Friendly Edmonton, and St. Andrews United Church

EMOW is currently collecting donations to create 1,000 essentials kits for people who are running low on toiletries and having difficulty accessing these items due to low income, isolation, or limited mobility. EMOW is seeking donations of toilet paper, bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, shampoo, and facial tissue to create the kits. New, unopened toiletries can be dropped off at St. Andrews United Church (9915 148 Street), Tuesday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monetary donations for this project can be made online or by phoning 780-429-2020. See the press release for full details. 
STUDY:SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing

Caregivers of a family member or friend who has dementia and lives in a long term care facility are invited to participate in this study to find out the best way to support caregivers as they experience significant changes.

Learn more by reviewing the brochure and flyer. If you wish to participate, call toll-free 1-877-692-5909 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.