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The Link-Letter June 21, 2013 v. 8-25

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. The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council is asking its member agencies to participate in the 2013 Boland Survey of Not for Profit Salaries and Human Resource Practices. There is no charge to fill out the survey. The ESCC will purchase the final report and pay for an analysis of the seniors sector. It will be available to participating agencies in October. The deadline to submit data is the end of August. To register for your participation package, go here.

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NEWS FOR AGENCY STAFF

1. The Government of Alberta, in partnership with the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network, has produced a six-minute video to raise awareness of elder abuse and to let those affected know there is help available. The “learn the signs and break the silence” video can be viewed here. For more information, go here.

2. The Edmonton Social Planning Council notes that, “The Government of Alberta suspended the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) as part of Budget 2013. In response, the InterCity Forum on Social Policy administered a survey to gauge the impact that the elimination of STEP would have on organizations in municipalities across Alberta. This document provides an analysis of the survey results and a copy of the questionnaire that was completed by participating organizations.” To read it, go here.

3. “The new ‘Age Wave’ is increasingly becoming a greater influence on community life, so now is the time for more business managers and service providers to assess how ‘age-friendly’ their place of business really is, not only for their clients but also for the employees of the future.” To read more of the article How age-friendly is your business? in the Clarenville, Newfoundland newspaper, The Packet, go here.

4. “Many families experience problems with financial discussions and therefore avoid them. The older generation may avoid discussions with adult children out of fear of losing privacy and control. Adult children may wish to respect a parent's privacy but they wonder -- not only about a parent's well-being but also whether a parent's finances could affect their own retirement plans.” To read more of the ElderWise article Talking About Finances, go here.

5. “Need to check your heart rate? It may be as simple as looking at your watch.” The market for wearable computing devices is expected to explode in the coming years. Researchers estimate there will be 485 million annual shipments of these devices by 2018. To read more of Watches, Wearable Devices Promise Revolution in Senior Care, go here.

6. Extreme heat can affect the health of seniors with existing medical conditions and those taking certain medications or having mobility challenges. To better recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, nausea or rapid breathing or heartbeat, and for tips on staying cool, go here. To order hard copies of It’s Way too Hot: Protecting Yourself from Extreme Heat, call 1-866-225-0709. The brochure is free. For additional information, go here.

7. The State of Homelessness 2013 report, produced by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and the Canadian Homelessness Research Network, was released this week. It serves as “a report card, highlighting the existing need to end homelessness, along with success stories from across the country”. To download the report or executive summary, go here. The report includes “a short write-up on Edmonton, highlighting our engagement of the Aboriginal community and the fact that we have seen the strongest results in ending homelessness of any big city”.

8. “Physical activity in later life can help maintain mobility, prevent falls and enhance mental wellbeing and cognitive functioning.” To download British Heart Foundation briefing notes on research and practical strategies to effectively promote physical activity with older adults, go here. The briefing particularly focuses on enabling people age 65 and over to continue living independently.

9. New Horizons for Seniors is accepting applications for community- based projects funding until July 5. For more information, go here.

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EVENTS FOR AGENCY STAFF

1. “A growing convergence between the non-profit, for-profit and government sectors is altering how social change happens. At the same time increasing competition from both non-profit and for-profit social entrepreneurs is forcing non-profits to shift the way they have always done business.” To participate in a webinar on June 25 at 10 a.m. on Embracing the Future of the Non-profit Sector, go here. The cost is $49 US.

2. Alberta Caregivers Association offers its summer COMPASS for the Caregiver facilitator training from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily July 15 to 17 at 10310 - 56 Street (Fulton Place School/ACA offices). For more information, call 780-453-5088. To register, go here. The cost is $350.

3. Calgary Family Services is offering a workshop on Conscious Eldering: A New Perspective on Work with Older Adults on Aug. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre, 5225 – 101 Street NW. The presenter is Ron Pevny, who has spent “most of his career devoted to guiding individuals and organizations through transition”. For more information and to register, go here.

4. Alberta Culture Days, Sept. 27 to 29, celebrate “our heritage, arts and cultural diversity”. They provide a platform for organizations to spotlight their cultural programming. For resources to “help you plan and promote your events” go here. For more information, go here.

5. The Alberta Continuing Care Association has commenced a sponsorship and exhibitors campaign for its Tradeshow and President’s Dinner on Oct. 8 at the River Cree Resort. The events are part of the 2013 Inspiring Quality in Continuing Care Conference organized by Alberta Health Services. For a trade show brochure, go here. For a sponsorship and booth application form, go here. For a conference flyer, go here. For more information, contact Ashley Johnson or Denise MacDonald at 780-435-0699 or [email protected].

6. The Good Samaritan Society is accepting registrations for its annual spirituality and wholeness workshop on Oct. 11 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sherwood Park. The event will feature Dr. Robert Neimeyer on the topic of Grief and the Quest for Meaning: The Spiritual Arc of Tragic Loss. For more information and to register, go here. Early bird registration until Sept. 10 is $80.

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WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SENIOR-SERVING SECTOR

Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) is seeking a part time Guardianship - Trusteeship coordinator. The successful applicant will provide education and support to individuals applying for co-decision making options through one-on-one support, group presentations or telephone contact. In addition, the position will provide public education sessions regarding personal directives and power of attorney. Qualifications include a Human Services degree or diploma and experience or familiarity with financial documents. For more information and a complete job description, go here. The deadline for applications is July 2.

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ITEMS FOR SENIORS

1. Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site invites “visitors of all ages to help solve a geocache murder mystery” on June 22 beginning at 1 p.m. “With help from their own smartphone or GPS device”, participants will find clues before gathering for tours, oat cakes and a cup of tea. They will then present their theories to see if they have correctly solved the mystery. Participation is $10 per person. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Victoria Settlement is located 10 km south of Smoky Lake on Secondary Highway 855 and six km east on Victoria Trail. For more information, go here or call 780-656-2333 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access).

2. Edmonton Musical Theatre will present a “medley of show stopping Broadway tunes” at the Jewish Senior Citizens’ Centre on June 23. The performance starts at 2 p.m. and a Russian lunch is available at 1 p.m. Call 780-488-4241 or email [email protected] for more information.

3. Minerva Seniors Studies Institute offers a free presentation on Eye Issues of Aging from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 24 at MacEwan University’s City Centre Campus, Room 9-207, 10700 – 104 Avenue, Edmonton. Refreshments will be provided. For more information and to register, call 780-497-5082.

4. The Jewish Senior Citizens’ Centre is offering a day trip to the Timms Centre for the Arts on the University of Alberta campus for Opera Nuovo’s production of Fiddler on the Roof on June 26. The bus leaves the centre at 12:40 p.m. Call 780-488-4241 or email [email protected] for more information.

5. Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre is planning a trip to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, located 25 minutes or 50 km east of Edmonton, on June 27. Call 780-496-2997.

6. June 30 is the deadline to nominate Daughters of the Year for recognition during a special event in Edmonton on Sept. 1. “Think of women who impress you for how they are making life better in our communities, how they exemplify qualities or actions that inspire others, or demonstrate exceptional achievement, perhaps in the face of significant challenges.” Nominations may be made for arts, culture and entertainment; business; community service and volunteerism; education; health and medicine; human rights; public service and politics; science and technology; and sports and recreation. For a nomination form, go here. For information about the initiative, go here.

7. Westend Seniors Activity Centre will celebrate Canada Day with a barbeque at 2 p.m. on July 1 and entertainment by The Essotones band. Call 780-483-1209 for more information. The cost is $8.

8. North Edmonton Seniors Association begins its Summer Safaris with a trip to on Fort Saskatchewan on July 4. The bus leaves the centre at 11 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m. The cost of $35 includes lunch. For more information call 780-496-6969.

9. Calder Seniors Drop-in Society is planning a bus tour of the Devonian Botanic Gardens and Stony Plain on July 15. The cost is $20. The deadline to register is July 5. For more information call 780-451-1925.

10. An Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games Zone 6 pep rally will be held at Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre, 11113 – 113 Street, Edmonton, on July 15 at 7 p.m. The 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games will be held on July 25 to 28 in Barrhead-Westlock.

11. Westend Seniors Activity Centre will celebrate Klondike Week, July 19 to 28, with two events. A Klondike picnic will be held on July 24 from 12 to 2 p.m. The cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. The event will include lunch, musical entertainment and games. Guests are encouraged to dress in Klondike attire. On July 26, the centre will host a free gold mining demonstration by one of its members from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 780-483-1209.

12. Calder Seniors Drop-in Centre hosts the Roaring ‘20s Show presented by Richard and Deborah Popovich at 1 p.m. on July 26. The show features “tunes from the 1900s to the end of WW II. Celebrate K- Days and dress up to win a special prize.” Tickets are $20, coffee and cake included. The centre is located at 12963 - 120 Street, Edmonton. Call 780-451-1925 for more information.

13. Nominations for the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards are now open. “From students to seniors, volunteers are the backbone of our communities and you can help to recognize their selfless generosity.” The awards recognize volunteers whose “efforts and contributions have made a significant difference in their community and helped to improve the lives of community members”. Two awards are specifically intended for seniors. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 16. For more information, go here.

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VOLUNTEER/WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIORS

1. Edmonton Meals on Wheels needs summer relief volunteers for meal delivery in all areas of the city. “Get to know your neighbourhood while giving back this summer. Kitchen helpers are also needed. Shifts are Monday to Friday during the day. As little as three hours a week can make a difference.” To sign up, go here.

2. Urban Core Support Network Edmonton is looking for volunteers to help out during the Inner City Barbeque on July 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Giovanni Caboto Park, 95 Street and 108A Avenue. Volunteers are needed for park maintenance and clean-up; security; food preparation, cooking, distribution and serving; and table set up and take down at the Children’s Safety Fair. For a sign-up sheet, go here. To register your participation, send the sheet to [email protected]. The deadline to register is July 5.

3. Northlands is looking for volunteers for “Edmonton’s biggest summer celebration, K-Days,” July 19 to 28. Available positions include arrival ambassadors, parade helpers, children’s farm helpers and more. For more information about this year’s fair, go here. For more information about the volunteer opportunities, go here. For a volunteer application form, go here or call the volunteer hotline at 780-491-3400.

4. The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is looking for Heritage Days volunteers “for a shift or two from Aug. 2 to 5”. Volunteers are offered “swag and food tickets”. Email [email protected] to “guarantee a shift of your choice. Early birds who confirm by June 30 get a special invitation to our July 4 party and BBQ.”

5. Cariwest-Caribbean Arts Festival, held Aug. 9 to 11, is looking for volunteers. The event is a “colourful costume extravaganza, including a street parade where spectators and participants can enjoy Caribbean cuisine and dance to the sweet sounds of Caribbean music”. Volunteers are needed to assist with flyer distribution, volunteer tent, security, beer ticket sales and site management. The festival is also looking for a parade marshal. Email [email protected] to indicate interest in any of these positions. For more information, go here.

6. Seniors Outreach Network Society needs volunteers for its casino on Aug. 13 and 14 at Casino Yellowhead, located at 12464 - 153 Street, Edmonton. “We have only a few shifts left. Unfortunately, they are night shifts starting from 6:30 p.m. to as late as 3 a.m. We could also some ‘floats’ -- one for each day shift and one for each night shift.” To volunteer, call Deborah at 780-451-4589.

7. The 2013 Edmonton International Fringe Festival seeks volunteers to fill positions on a variety of teams. “A minimum of 16 hours gets you a t-shirt, a Fringe loot bag, a program guide, show opportunities, an invite to our volunteer appreciation events, and more!” To apply online or to download an application form, go here. For more information call the volunteer hotline at 780-409-1923. The festival runs Aug. 15 to 25.

8. Those of us who “drive everywhere, have someone to drive us, can use public transportation or can walk” have difficulty imagining the benefits of a program such as Seniors Assisted Transportation Society of Greater Edmonton (SATS). “The gift of transportation means a lot to the otherwise isolated, lower income elderly. SATS volunteer drivers provide good quality service throughout the Greater Edmonton region, Sherwood Park and St Albert. Seventy volunteer drivers served 300 seniors and gave 5,236 trips in 2012. We are hoping to double that amount in 2013 so we really need more drivers. The elder pays gas monies to SATS, which are forwarded to the volunteer driver after the ride.” Call 780-732-1221 for more information.

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