The Link-Letter Nov. 22, 2013
v. 8-47
For more information click on the links provided.
New items are highlighted.
INDEX
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
ESCC UPDATES
1. Please note: Though the deadline to RSVP for the ESCC and Age Friendly Edmonton seasonal gathering on Nov. 29 at Santa Maria Goretti Community Centre has passed, we will continue to accept registrations for a few more days. The event will include a Conversation Café from 9:30 a.m. to noon and a seasonal lunch at 12 p.m. For an invitation with more details, go here.
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NEWS FOR AGENCY STAFF
1. “A popular program offered by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission is now available online to help Alberta’s charitable organizations gain essential information to help better understand the responsibilities and requirements of running charitable gaming activities. The Gaming Information for Charitable Groups program is free for groups that conduct, or want to conduct, charitable gaming activities like bingos, casinos, pull tickets or raffles.” For more information, go here.
2. “The twenty-first century will be known as an era of ageing. There is no reason why it shouldn’t also be known as an era in which a new world was built with a universal vision of intergenerational solidarity. Intergenerational dialogue, exchanges, and collaboration between researchers and policy makers, is at the heart of reframing the agenda on ageing policies and practices.” To read more of the International Istanbul Initiative on Ageing Official Congress Declaration, go here. The initiative comes out of the Oct. 4 to 6 International Federation on Ageing conference in Turkey.
3. Dec. 3 is the first-ever GivingTuesday in Canada. Variously referred to as National Giving Day, “a new Canadian movement for giving and volunteering” and “opening day of the giving season”, it’s a day during which “charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others”: it’s an opportunity to “ask for donations or volunteers for your organization”: and it’s “a global day dedicated to charitable giving, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities”. GivingTuesday is being initiated in Canada by CanadaHelps and GIV3. For more information, go here and here.
4. The 2014 edition of the 211 Tough Times Handbook (sold for $1 per copy) is available for pre-order until Dec. 6. “It provides a sample of the helpful services available in Edmonton for those in need of support for basic needs, emotional health, recreation, managing money and much more. Pre-orders of 100 copies or more are eligible for free delivery within the Edmonton city limits.” To place an order, complete the form available here and fax it to 780-488-1495 or email it to . For more information, call 780-482-0198.
5. The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations notes that “the Accounting Standards Board of Canada has released a statement of principles that some within the non-profit sector are concerned will cause confusion in reporting and add to administrative costs. Imagine Canada's response outlines their concerns and organizations are invited to support their submission. Ontario Nonprofit Network has resources online including a response template. A recent article by Hillborn outlines concerns with the proposed standards and how organizations can respond. Organizations have until Dec. 15 to provide feedback.”
6. The 2014 National Fall Prevention Conference, set for May 27 and 28 in Toronto, is seeking abstracts. The deadline is Dec. 16. “Abstracts are to address seniors’ fall or injury prevention, either for research studies or practice/community initiatives. For more information, go here.
7. The Government of Alberta is establishing a health advocate “to provide additional services to Albertans and their families and help them navigate the province’s health care system”. A new seniors’ advocate will be “consolidated into the Health Advocate’s office, which will improve collaboration, reduce duplication and streamline administration”. The Alberta Health Act will come into force on Jan. 1. To read more, go here.
8. Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations notes that “Creating People Power is looking for leaders from one or two non-profit organizations to participate in an exciting innovative pilot project. This is a collaborative partnership between the non-profit and corporate sectors, where together leaders learn and practice skills in mentoring and coaching.” For more information go here or contact Linda Thorne at or Linda Maul at .
9. “Music may help treat Alzheimer's disease.” A new U.S. study found that “participating in regular singing sessions can help improve brain function of people affected with the disorder”. To read more, go here.
10. “Public policy has a tremendous impact on how you do your work, what work you’re allowed to do, what laws govern your work, and more. When you decide not to advocate, you are making an active decision not to participate in the political process. That might be right for you – but for many non-profits, it makes sense to get involved, whether locally, regionally, or on the national level.” To read more of Sumac non-profit software’s article, Non-Profit Advocacy – Getting Involved, Creating Change, go here.
11. Age Friendly Edmonton has released the names of speakers and details for the free one-to-two-hour Healthy Aging Information Series presentations agencies and organizations are encouraged to schedule. The presentations cover Dementia and Alzheimer’s, Living with Arthritis, Hearing Loss, Heart Health, Home Care and Continuing Care Access, Medication Management, Diabetes, Stress Management and Housing Transitions. For more information, go here.
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EVENTS FOR AGENCY STAFF
1. Canada Revenue Agency is offering a free webinar on Nov. 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on topics related to financial statements, books and records for the charitable and voluntary sectors. To register, go here.
2. Navigator is a one-day workshop that “trains health professionals, service providers and community agency staff to better support caregivers”. The Alberta Caregivers Association is offering the workshop on Nov. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fulton Place School, 10310 - 56 Street, Edmonton. This workshop is sponsored by the Age Friendly Initiative and is free-of-charge to participants. Lunch is provided. For more information, go here. To register, contact Bonnie or Rachelle at 780-453-5088 or ;
3. The City of Edmonton and Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations host a presentation by Jane Bisbee, executive director of Edmonton's Social Enterprise Fund, on Dec. 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, 10440 - 108 Avenue. The event will feature highlights from the recent Social Enterprise World Forum in Calgary and a presentation by Localize, a social enterprise recognized at the forum. “This event will explore ‘what is a social enterprise, what makes a social enterprise successful, is a social enterprise right for us and how can the Social Enterprise Fund help us?’” For more information and to register, go here.
4. The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations notes that “Drache Aptowitzer LLP is hosting two free webinars to help organizations transition to the new Canada Not For Profit Corporations Act: How to continue under the new Act (Dec. 5) and How to comply after you have continued (Dec. 12). Email for details or to RSVP.”
5. Non-profit executive directors are invited by the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations to have lunch with Bev Parks on Dec. 11 at Ragazzi Pizzeria and Bistro Italiano, 8110 - 82 Avenue. The ED of the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre will bring “perspective to the always present challenge of balancing work and life priorities”. The cost of the event is $15. To register, go here.
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WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SENIOR-SERVING SECTOR
1. SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA) is looking for a part-time program coordinator. Responsibilities include developing program plans, agency wide events and activities; promoting, monitoring and evaluating programs; helping to recruit and train volunteers; and helping to prepare reports, develop program guides/booklets and other written material. Qualifications include post-secondary education in recreation or a related field, experience in program planning, and supervisory and/or volunteer management experience. “This is a six-month contract position at $20 per hour, with possibility of renewal.” The start date is January. To apply, email cover letter and resume with the names and telephone numbers of two (2) references to by Nov. 29. For a complete job description, go here.
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ITEMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS
1. No items this week.
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ITEMS FOR SENIORS
1. Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital will help launch a new Alberta Caregiver College program on Nov. 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. It will be available in-person or through Telehealth and webcasting. “The ACC Learning Series will be delivered on a monthly basis and provide an opportunity for caregivers to learn more about caregiving.” Initial presenter Mufty Mathewson, author of Courage After Coma, will illustrate her talk with photographs and provide practical hints for remaining centred while caregiving. There is no cost to access the series. For more information, go here. In-person and webcasting participants are asked to RSVP via email to or by phone at 780-735-8283. Telehealth sites can register here.
2. Nov. 28 is Seniors (65+) Special Appreciation Day at the Festival of Trees at the Shaw Conference Centre. Seniors will be admitted free from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 28 is also the opening day of the festival, which continues until Dec. 1. Regular admission is $7 for adults and $3 for seniors. The event features more than 100 decorated trees and seasonal displays, holiday shopping and local entertainment. The festival is a fundraiser for patient care programs at the University of Alberta Hospital. For more information, go here.
3. Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) will hold a Christmas craft and gift sale on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will feature “everything from homemade knit and crocheted goods to Avon and more”. There is no admission charge. SAGE will also hold a Christmas light tour on Dec. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5. For more information call 780-423-5510. SAGE is located at 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square.
4. Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre will hold its Christmas craft and bake sale on Nov. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. “Come in and get your Christmas baking treats and stocking stuffers.” The centre’s Christmas dinner is on Dec 10. The cost is $15. Pre-registration is necessary. For more information visit www.mwsac.ca or call Glenda at 780-496-2997. The centre is located on the second floor at 7207 - 28 Avenue.
5. The Sheridan Elder Research Centre wants to gain a better understanding of seniors’ lifelong learning patterns – the how, what, where, when and why Canadians age 65+ learn. “We hope to receive responses from Canadian provinces, in addition to Ontario, in order to have a picture of the broader Canadian landscape. We are interested in listening to the voices of all Canadians 65+ including those who live in retirement homes and long-terms care homes.” To participate in the survey, go here. The deadline for responses is Dec. 1.
6. Ital-Canadian Seniors Association will hold a Christmas bake sale on Dec. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a Christmas lunch on Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. (tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children age seven to 12, $7 for children age four to six, and free for children three and under. Tickets are already on sale for the association’s New Year’s Eve dance (music by DJ Dino Malone). Tickets are $65 for members, $75 for non-members, $35 for children age seven to 12, $15 for children age four to six, and free for children age three and under. The association is located at 9111 - 110 Avenue, Edmonton. For more information, call 780-424-1255.
7. Westend Seniors Activity Centre will hold a members-only Christmas dinner on Dec. 6 at 11:30 a.m. (tickets are $13, entertainment is by the Essotones and choir); a Celebrate the Season travel trip on Dec. 9 (tickets are $12, the bus leaves the centre at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m., sip on hot chocolate, listen to choir performances in the rotunda at the Provincial Legislature, and walk the pedway to enjoy the Christmas decorations); and a Christmas Celebration lunch and party on Dec. 18 at 11:30 a.m. (price $8, entertainment featuring a harpist and pianist, special guests from Callingwood School will receive mittens from Mavies Mitten Tree and a visit from Santa). For more information call 780-483-1209.
8. Strathcona Place Senior Centre will hold a Christmas tea and dance on Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. “Come out and join in the fun and Christmas festivities. Dance to the tunes of Three Guys and a Gal.” The centre’s Christmas turkey dinner is on Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. The dinner includes buns, turkey and gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, veggies, dessert, and tea or coffee. The cost is $12. For more information call 780-433-5807. The centre is located at 10831 University Avenue, Edmonton.
9. GeriActors are offering a new Drop-in Drama program on Tuesdays until Dec. 10. Sessions run 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at SAGE (Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton), 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square. The program is intended for older adults age 55+. “Join us for theatre, storytelling and fun. No experience required.” The cost is a $2 drop-in fee. For more information, go here, call 780-248-1556 or email .
10. North Edmonton Seniors Association's Christmas Concert is Dec. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. “Join us at Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre, 7524 - 139 Avenue. Silver collection accepted for the Seniors in Need.” For more information call 780-496-4927.
11. Calder Seniors Drop-in Society will celebrate Christmas with Bannerman Elementary School on Dec. 11 from 11 to 11: 30 a.m. (the event is free); Christmas dinner on Dec. 14 at 4:40 p.m. (the event will include entertainment by the Calder Cuties and admission is by advance tickets only, with sales ending Dec. 6 at a cost of $20 for members and $30 for non-members); and a Christmas lights tour on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. (registration is required). For more information call 780-451-1925. The centre is located at 12963 - 120 Street, Edmonton.