The Link-Letter May 30, 2014

v. 09-22

For more information click on the links provided.

New items are highlighted.

INDEX

ESCC News here

News for Agency Staff here

Events for Agency Staff here

Work Opportunities in the Senior-Serving Sector here

Items for Board Members here

Items for Seniors here

Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors here

Submissions for Link-Letter can be sent to:


Fax: 780-428-3844 / #255 Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre
8330-82 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6C 4E3

ESCC News

1.  Please join us on June 5 to celebrate the launch of the new Seniors Information Phone Line. The new service which will operate under 211 Edmonton will improve access to information about seniors programs and services in the Edmonton area. We encourage you to attend the event to show support for your colleagues in the seniors sector who worked to make this central phone line for seniors a reality. The public launch and media event will take place at SEESA (9350 82 Street) at 10:00 a.m. on June 5. Please email or phone
780-423-5635 to confirm your attendance.

2.  ESCC technical issues: The ESCC telephone, internet and email systems were out of operation on May 28 and 29. We apologize for the inconvenience. Systems are now restored and we are responding to messages.

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NEWS FOR AGENCY STAFF

1.  The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta recently launched an online resource developed specifically to help not-for-profits and charities prepare for the new Canada Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) coming into effect July 1, 2014. Many of the emails, electronic newsletters and other means that registered charities and not-for-profits use to communicate with volunteers, donors, members and members of the public may now be regarded as Commercial Electronic Messages (CEMs) and fall under the provisions of CASL. Key issues include obtaining consent to send CEMs and offering a free mechanism to unsubscribe. The website provides answers to frequently asked questions and useful resources.

2.  The More Happy Birthdays event on May 27 celebrated and highlighted the progress made to date on the Age Friendly Edmonton initiative. The information fair was well attended and those involved with the initiative were recognized for their work in making Edmonton an age-friendly city. The Honourable Dave Quest Associate Minister of Seniors presented the Age Friendly Alberta award to the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council on behalf of the Alberta Government. Jean Innes was also honoured with the first ever Age Friendly Edmonton Champion award. Read The Journal article and listen to the CHED interview. CBC TV also covered the event and we’re working on a way to upload the video clip.

3.  Check out the Central Lions Seniors Association new website at www.clsaedmonton.ca. They also have a new email address

4.  The 2014 Alberta Nonprofit Survey is now available. The report compiled by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations records the state of Alberta’s nonprofit/voluntary sector and identifies emerging trends.

5.  Volunteer Edmonton has created a Facebook group called the Volunteer Edmonton Forum to facilitate online discussion for people who work with or manage volunteers. Members can ask questions, share ideas, problem solve, brainstorm and share resources. As this is a closed group, you will have to contact Volunteer Edmonton so they can invite you to join. E-mail .

6.  Use of Facebook by people aged 55+ has grown by 80% over the last 3 years, says a recent Edmonton Journal article. Has your organization considered developing a Facebook page as a way to reach the people you serve? Contact Janelle at or 780-423-5635 if you have questions.

7.  Calder Seniors Drop In Society is proud to announce that their new name is North West Edmonton Seniors Society. The Society’s decision to change the name reflects the large catchment area of seniors they serve (West of 97th Street and North of the Yellowhead Trail to Anthony Henday Dr. and also many seniors outside of these boundaries). Their address remains the same at 12963 – 120 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 5N8.

8.  The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital has initiated programs focused on increasing the mobility of hospitalized older adults as a means to shorten their hospital stay and support their return home. The newly developed Functional Mobility Guideline and programs such as “moveEZ” lay the foundation for people to maintain their level of mobility upon returning to the community through regular walking, leisure and recreational programs. For more information, please contact Grace Maier at or by phone at 780-735-8834.

9.  The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is accepting applications for community-based funding projects that will help Canadian seniors use their leadership abilities, skills and experience to make a difference in their communities. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Projects must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. Proposals must be submitted by July 4. For more information and eligibility requirements visit www.esdc.gc.ca/seniors. Two information sessions are also being held in Edmonton: May 26 at 8:30 a.m. and June 5 at 9 a.m. Details are included in this announcement.

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EVENTS FOR AGENCY STAFF

1.  The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission presents three free information sessions related to casinos and gaming events:
-Charitable Gaming Events: May 29 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. provides an overview of regulations, eligibility, licensing application process and financial reporting
-Casino Information Session: June 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. covers forms required by the AGCL
-Use of Gaming Proceeds: June 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. outlines eligible uses of proceeds and time limits
These sessions will be held at the Chateau Nova Hotel, 159 Airport Road. Pre-registration is required. Call 780-447-7499 for registration information or visit their website.

2.  Volunteer Edmonton’s roster of professional development opportunities for June includes: Writing Effective Newsletters on June 3, Grant Writing Essentials on June 5 and Understanding and Supporting Boards on June 17. Check out their website for more information on these sessions.

3.  Vitalize 2014 will be held in Calgary on June 5-7. Vitalize is a training and skills development conference for Alberta’s non-profit/ voluntary sector, featuring over 55 sessions on relevant topics such as developing successful social media campaigns, board development, volunteer recruitment, fundraising and leadership. Early bird registration is $150 (until April 30) and regular registration is $195. The conference supplies free transportation to Calgary on the Vitalize Hop-A-Bus!

4.  Join your colleagues in the seniors sector for the Age Friendly Edmonton Conversation Café on June 25. Learn about the progress made in key strategic areas of the initiative in 2013 and engage in meaningful discussions that will increase your understanding about how the initiative will impact seniors in Edmonton. The café takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 - 113 St.) and lunch will be provided.

5.  Registration for the Grey Matters Conference to be held in Red Deer in October is now open. Early bird registration for $225/person is available until July 31. Anyone who works with aging adults in their communities can benefit from the learnings and discussion at this conference. Visit the conference website at www.greymatters2014.ca for more information.

6.  The Alberta Caregivers Association has announced the fall dates of their popular Caregiver Navigator workshop. The workshop trains health professionals, service providers and community agency staff to better support caregivers by showing them how to identify caregivers early in their journey, support caregivers to adopt self-care practices and facilitate caregivers’ access to programs/resources and referrals. The free one-day workshop is offered October 8, November 5 and December 3 in Edmonton. Review the poster for more information. Registration is limited.

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WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SENIOR-SERVING SECTOR

1.  Sage is recruiting a Manager for their Safe House Program. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of the Sage Seniors’ Safe House including client services, training and supervising staff, administrative and facility responsibilities. The successful candidates will be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers and be college or university prepared. Experience working with older adults and/or victims of abuse is required. The position requires knowledge of Microsoft Word, a valid Driver’s License and access to an automobile. Visit the Sage website at www.mysage.ca for the full job description and application details. Submit resumes by June 2.

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ITEMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS

1.  The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta recently launched an online resource developed specifically to help not-for-profits and charities prepare for the new Canada Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) coming into effect July 1, 2014. Many of the emails, electronic newsletters and other means that registered charities and not-for-profits use to communicate with volunteers, donors, members and members of the public may now be regarded as Commercial Electronic Messages (CEMs) and fall under the provisions of CASL. Key issues include obtaining consent to send CEMs and offering a free mechanism to unsubscribe. The website provides answers to frequently asked questions and useful resources.

2.  The 2014 Alberta Nonprofit Survey is now available. The report compiled by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations records the state of Alberta’s nonprofit/voluntary sector and identifies emerging trends.

3.  Volunteer Edmonton has created a Facebook group called the Volunteer Edmonton Forum to facilitate online discussion for people who work with or manage volunteers. Members can ask questions, share ideas, problem solve, brainstorm and share resources. As this is a closed group, you will have to contact Volunteer Edmonton so they can invite you to join. E-mail .

4.  The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission presents three free information sessions related to casinos and gaming events:
-Charitable Gaming Events: May 29 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. provides an overview of regulations, eligibility, licensing application process and financial reporting
-Casino Information Session: June 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. covers forms required by the AGCL
-Use of Gaming Proceeds: June 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. outlines eligible uses of proceeds and time limits
These sessions will be held at the Chateau Nova Hotel, 159 Airport Road. Pre-registration is required. Call 780-447-7499 for registration information or visit their website.

5.  Volunteer Edmonton’s roster of professional development opportunities for June includes: Writing Effective Newsletters on June 3, Grant Writing Essentials on June 5 and Understanding and Supporting Boards on June 17. Check out their website for more information on these sessions.

6.  Join your colleagues in the seniors sector for the Age Friendly Edmonton Conversation Café on June 25. Learn about the progress made in key strategic areas of the initiative in 2013 and engage in meaningful discussions that will increase your understanding about how the initiative will impact seniors in Edmonton. The café takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 - 113 St.) and lunch will be provided.

7.  Registration for the Grey Matters Conference to be held in Red Deer in October is now open. Early bird registration for $225/person is available until July 31. Anyone who works with aging adults in their communities can benefit from the learnings and discussion at this conference. Visit the conference website at www.greymatters2014.ca for more information.

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ITEMS FOR SENIORS

1.  The Highlands Lawn Bowling Club invites anyone interested in trying the sport of Lawn Bowls to visit them any Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, at their greens situated at 6112 113 Avenue. All equipment is provided but they ask that you wear flat-soled shoes. For more information call 780-686-9493, send an e-mail to or check out their website at www.highlandsbowls.com.

2.  To ensure Alberta’s Transportation Strategy reflects the needs of an aging population, Albertans are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft strategy. You can complete a short survey or a more in-depth workbook.

3.  Arts Health Network Canada (AHNC) invites contributions for their Reflection Series. Each month, the AHNC website and e-newsletter feature a short article submitted by an individual reflecting on how the arts have contributed to their personal health, healing or wellbeing. The Reflection Series aims to increase Canadians' appreciation and understanding that arts engagement can contribute to individual, community and population health and wellbeing. Refer to the Call for Reflections for more information and submission guidelines.

4.  Jewish Family Services is offering a last minute special for seniors only for Chita Rivera’s Legends of Broadway concert on Monday, June 2. Regular price for balcony seats is $81.15 (including Ticketmaster fees), but you can buy one or two for $25 each. Call Jewish Family Services at 780-454-1194 to purchase tickets with a credit card. Tickets can be picked up in front of the box office at 6:45 p.m. Edmonton is the last stop of a year-long tour for the 81 year old, after which she returns to New York to rehearse for another new production.

5.  The 50+ Walterdale Bike Tour promises a leisurely and informative tour of the Walterdale area in Edmonton's beautiful river valley. Bikes and helmets are provided and the group will meet in Kinsmen Park.
Sunday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (course code: 513753) or Saturday, June 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (course code: 513756). Register through the City of Edmonton by calling 311, go to edmonton.ca/ereg or visit your local City recreation facility. Cost is $27/per person. Call Sarah at 780-944-0053 with program questions.

6.  North West Edmonton Seniors Society (formerly Calder Seniors Drop in Society) is hosting a pancake breakfast on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.

7.  On June 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. the Edmonton Seniors Centre is hosting a tea featuring MLA Laurie Blakeman. Call 780-342-8625 for more information.

8.  The 18th annual Older, Bolder, Better!™: Rethink Aging event runs June 2 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The event features an exhibition and trade show, mature worker pavilion and training, entertainment, artisan demos and gallery, free buffalo burger barbecue, book and bake sale and much more. This year, Westend Seniors Activity Centre has been selected as the provincial launch site for Seniors Week.