News and Events for Seniors

EVENTS

Summer Day Trips

Summer is a great time to visit new places in Edmonton and outside the city. Edmonton seniors centres have planned day trips to a variety of events and destinations.

Take in events such as the RCMP Musical Ride, a Prospects baseball game and a music festival. Ride the rails with the Battle River Railway and Stettler Steam Train. Visit historical sites such as the Danish Canadian Museum and Markerville Creamery. Enjoy nature at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Ellis Bird Farm, Birchwood Meadows U-Pick Flower Farm, Peaceful Valley, Elk Island, and more.

ESCC has compiled a list of the many day trips offered by Edmonton seniors centres. Enjoy!

August

Chiropractic Presentation

Strathcona Place Seniors Society (10831 University Avenue)

Aug. 15, 12 p.m.

Free

This presentation will help you live your best life! Get tips about managing chronic pain and headaches.

Call 780-433-5807 to reserve your spot.

Anyone Can Dance Ballroom Workshops

Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)

August 6 & 13

12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

$25 members; $60 non-members

Do you have two left feet when it comes to dancing? The good news is - anyone can dance!

Laugh, learn and have fun trying the Waltz, Rhumba, Swing, Fox Trot and Two Step. Just want to practice your dance skills? Join the Ballroom Dance: Unstructured Practice social group on Fridays from July 12 - Aug 30 (no Jul 26), 1 - 2:30 p.m. – $28 members; $63 non-members. Call 780-496-7369 to register.

Guitar, Mandolin and Ukulele Workshops

Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)

July and August

$15 each

Central Lions Seniors Association is bringing back memories of summer camps with four workshops this summer for the acoustic guitar, mandolin and ukulele.

American Roots: Country & Rockabilly - SM06

Rhythm with bass runs: Maybelle Carter (Wildwood Flower in the key of C). Accompaniment and solo style of Carl Perkins (blue Suede Shoes in the key of A).

August 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Music of Eastern Europe - SM07

The minor pentatonic scale and basic arpeggios. Rubato Playing: Dark Eyes (ochi Chornya in D minor). Gypsy rhythm guitar ("la Pompe"): Minor Swing (Django Reinhardt).

August 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For more information check out www.CentralLions.org or call 780-496-7369.

Tech Savvy Seniors: Technology Classes for Seniors

University of Alberta Technology Training Centre (B-11 Cameron Library, University of Alberta)

Various dates, 1–4 p.m.

$25 each

The Technology Training Centre offers Tech Savvy Seniors classes on a variety of topics. Check out their summer offerings:

Aug. 21: Sharing Photos from Your Smartphone
Sept. 4: Online Shopping
Sept. 18: Becoming More Cyber Secure
Oct. 2: Archiving Your Family Photos

Summer Fitness Programs

Millwoods Seniors Association (#201-2610 Hewes Way)

Join the Millwoods Seniors Association for some awesome summer programs. Programs include fitness classes and drop-in sports, such as badminton, floor curling and pickleball. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.

The Senior Actor Workshop

GeriActors

Fridays, July 5 – August 9, 3 – 5 p.m. (Drop in for one session or stay for all six weeks)

Location: Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)

Cost: Pay-What-You-Will (GeriActors believes everyone should be able to participate. There is a suggested rate of $10-15 per session, but it is not necessary. The workshops are made affordable so that everyone can join in.)

Ever acted or never acted? The Senior Actor Workshop is the perfect place to begin. Through storytelling, theatre games, improv, laughter, and fun you can use your imagination and watch your memories come alive.

The workshop features stress-free acting. There are no lines to be learnt and there are lots of laughs.

Wednesday Night Dances

North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)

7-10 p.m.

$8 NESA members / $11 non-members at the door

Dance to a different live band weekly and enjoy an evening of socializing! Here's some music you can look forward to over the next several weeks:

Aug 14: Diamonds

Aug 21: Chwill Brothers

Aug 28: Sparkling Tones

Sept 4: Ghost Riders

Sept 11: Diamonds

Sept 18: Chwill Brothers

Sept 25: Country Gold

Call 780-496-6969 for more information.

Spanish Chat Group

Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)

2nd and 4th Fridays from May to August, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Free

This group is a chance to practice your Spanish conversational skills, learn vocabulary, and meet some great people. No registration required as this is a drop-in group. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for more information.

Book Sale

Strathcona Place Seniors Society (10831 University Avenue)

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

Free

From now until the end of August, head over to the Strathcona Place Seniors Society to stock up on titles for your summer reading list. With over 300 books being sold for between $1 and $2, you're sure to find some good reads for your collection. Sale proceeds will go toward supporting programming at the centre. No RSVP is required to attend the sale.

Electric Bike "Try It Day"

Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)

Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free

Electric bikes are useful for anyone who wants to get out and ride a bicycle again but lacks the power and stamina to complete a bike ride with long hill sections or strong head winds. Revolution Cycle will be available to answer any questions you may have. Registration is not required for this event.

Summer Arts & Fitness Activities

Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)

Various Dates

Central Lions has plenty of fitness and arts activities to keep you busy this summer. Channel your inner Olympian with a fitness class or train your voice to pitch perfect perfection in a summer sing-a-long class.

Better Balance Fitness Class

Aug. 13-22, Tues./Thurs., 1:10-2:10 p.m.

$27

Strength Training Fitness Class,

Aug. 13-22, Tues./Thurs., 12-1 p.m.

$27

Homegrown Harmonies Summer Sing-A-Longs

Aug. 9 & 16, 1:30-3 p.m.

$10 members; $5 non-members (cost is per class)

Arm Chair Travels–The Greek Aisles

North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)

Aug. 13, 10-11 a.m.

Free

No expensive plane ticket is required for this journey to the Greek Isles. All you need is your imagination! Watch videos, discuss history, and learn about current cultural customs. Pose with your posse in front of a green screen and be transported to the Greek Isles instantaneously. Call 780-451-1925 to register.

Summer Dinner & Drag Show

Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)

Aug. 15, 5 p.m. doors open; 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. show

$25

Looking for a fabulous night out? Join MWSA for an evening of fabulousness featuring dazzling performances by Edmonton's finest drag queens.

Call 780-496-2997 to get tickets.

The Annual Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival

Fringe Theatre Adventures

Aug. 15-25

$3-13 per ticket plus GST and $3 service fee

Location: Old Strathcona, various venues

The Fringe is an Edmonton-grown, Edmonton-owned tradition. Every August, 1,600+ artists descend upon Edmonton to participate in the largest, longest-running Fringe Festival in North America. With theatre including musicals, improv, stand-up routines, one-man shows, street performances and more, there's something for everyone. Don't delay-get your tickets today!

Tenth Annual Badminton Fun Day Invitational

South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)

Aug. 16, 9-11:30 a.m.

$3 advance tickets; $5 at the door

Join the SEESA Badminton Club for a fun day of sport while meeting players from other centres across the city. No prior experience is required. After you have worked up an appetite, join your teammates for lunch at SEESA's full service cafeteria. Call 780-468-1985 by Aug.12 to register.

6 Ways to Help Pay for Long-Term Care

SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association

Aug. 19, 9:30 am-11:30 am

Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)

Long-term care insurance isn't the only way to receive quality care. Attend this information session and get expert advice that will help you save money and understand what to expect for your dollar. Call 587-987-3200 to register.

Fall Program Registration

Get a head start on planning your Autumn. Many Edmonton seniors centres will begin accepting registrations for Fall activities, programs, and events in mid-August. For more information, contact your nearest seniors centre. So far, we know about the following registration dates.

Central Lions Seniors Association
Registration starts Aug. 6.
Call 780-496-7369 for more information.
North Edmonton Seniors Association
Registration starts Aug. 19
Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
Strathcona Place Seniors Society
Registration starts Aug. 19
Call 780-433-5807 for more information.
Mill Woods Seniors Association
Registration starts the first week of Aug.
Call 780-496-2997 for more information.

Seniors Pop-Up Resource Caravan

Comfort Keepers Edmonton

Aug. 21, 12-2:30 p.m.

Location: Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)

Free

Get connected to resources and services in your community. Service Canada will be onsite to present on services that can benefit seniors and their families. Guests will get a free lunch and have an opportunity to win great prizes.

Call 780-465-4665 by August 14 to register and arrange free transportation to and from the event.

Grow-A-Row

With summer in full swing, the Edmonton Meals on Wheels Grow-A-Row program is up and running! Growing an extra row in your garden is a fun and easy way to give back this summer to those who need it most. Produce donations will be incorporated into the spring and summer menu, which means clients are able to enjoy a variety of fresh and flavorful meals. Simply drop off your extra homegrown produce, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. at the Edmonton Meals on Wheels office (11111 103 Ave.). Call 780-429-2020 for more information.

Insomnia Information Session

SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)

Aug. 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)

When counting sheep doesn't do the trick, you need a plan B to get some much-needed sleep. Join SWESA for this information session exploring various causes of insomnia. Learn about medicinal, herbal and non-medicinal treatment options to reset your circadian rhythm. Registration is requested but not required. Call 587-987-3200 to register.

September

Fall Open Houses

Get to know your local seniors centre at an open house this Fall. So far, we know about the following open houses:

SEESA Open House and Pancake Breakfast
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) (9350 82 Street)
Sept. 5,9 a.m.-1 p.m.
$8. Call 780-468-1985 to register
Mill Woods Seniors Association Open House
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free.
North Edmonton Seniors Association Welcome Back Fall BBQ
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
$10. Call 780-496-6969 to register before Aug. 30.

Accordion Extravaganza 2019

Edmonton Accordion Society

Sept. 13-14

$15 dance; $30 dinner; $20 concert

Location: St. John's Cultural Centre (10611 110 Avenue)

This lively festival features accordion performers from across the province. Groove and jive at a Friday night dance and Saturday concert. After you've worked up an appetite from dancing, enjoy a hearty dinner on Saturday night. This event also features free workshops and an open stage. Call 780-476-6664 for more information and to get tickets.

Ongoing Programs

Jam Sessions and Dancing

The Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Association offers two weekly opportunities for you to enjoy music and dancing. Email wildrosefiddlers@gmail.com to learn more.

Acoustic Music Jam & Dancing

Mondays, 7 – 10 p.m.

Pleasantview Community Hall (10860 57th Ave.)

Plus: Group fiddle lessons or workshop for beginner/intermediate level

7 – 8 p.m.

$5 for members (annual membership $15)

Call Ava at 780-962-8857 or Barbara 780-906-6862 for more information.

Open Mic, Country Singing, Music & Dancing

Thursdays, 7 – 10 p.m.

North Glenora Community Hall (13535 109A Ave.)

Call Wayne at 780-722-9428 for more information.

South Clareview Seniors Hub

South Clareview Community League (3250 132A Avenue)

The South Clareview Seniors Hub provides a social network for all to participate and interact with others living in northeast Edmonton. Participants enjoy a rich variety of presentations, activities, interactions and outings:

Drop-in coffee on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. and the second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“Take-out style” dinner on the 15th of every month at 6 p.m. (by donation)
The Coffee Club meets in the community room for conversations, cards and board games
Little library book exchange
Darts, floor curling, ping pong or shuffleboard
Tai Chi every Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and planning for evening classes
Group exercises for seniors on Monday evenings

Activities are somewhat subject to weather conditions but are scheduled year-round. Organizers invite your suggestions and participation. If you are interested in sharing, participating or teaching, they would love to hear from you. Contact them via email seniors@southclareview.ca or phone 780-473-3593 and leave a message.

Open Jam Music Sessions

Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)

1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 1 – 3 p.m.

$2 drop-in fee

Music fills the soul! Come join this open jam session. You don’t have to be an expert musician; only a love of music is required. Drop in with your guitar, banjo or any instrument you fancy. New members are welcome. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.

The Silver Tones

Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)

Practice sessions are Fridays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

$2 drop-in fee

The group is comprised of committed musicians who like to play, sing and share new material with band members. They perform from time to time at WSAC and other seniors’ centres. If you have mastered the basics on your instrument, enjoy singing, and are willing to share new material with others, you might find this group of interest. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.

Summer Telephone Programs

Seniors’ Centre Without Walls

May - August 2019

Free

Check out the Summer Program Guide from the Seniors’ Centre Without Walls for phone-based recreational activities, health and well-being topics, and friendly conversation for older adults. In addition to their regular programming and exciting guest speakers, they are increasing their support groups to offer groups for COPD, Post-Stroke, Caregivers, LGBT+ Pride Seniors, Grief and Men.

Speechreading Drop-In Practice

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Edmonton Branch (Jerry Forbes Community Spirit Centre at 12122 68 Street)

Wednesdays, 1 – 3 p.m.

$5 per session

Are you interested in learning speechreading? Have you taken speechreading? CHHA-Ed now offers drop-in practice with an instructor and others. The practice is open to all who are interested in speechreading. Let CHHA-Ed know if you plan to attend by phoning 780-428-6622 or emailing info@chha-ed.com.

Men’s Sheds

Men's Sheds are welcoming, respectful, and inclusive spaces that provide opportunities for men of all ages and abilities not only to build projects, but also to build community. Sheds could be places to work on hobbies, share stories, drink coffee, cook, or build/fix something while simultaneously forming positive relationships and increasing neighbourly connections.

The Men’s Shed concept began in Australia, and is a grassroots, bottom-up movement driven by the members it serves. Men share their skills and learn new skills from other Shedders by participating in a variety of activities of their own choosing (e.g., woodworking, painting, cooking activities, etc.). It is an opportunity for men to be both teachers and learners while sharing stories, venting, or simply having a coffee and working away at projects.

There are four Men’s Sheds in Edmonton open to men of all ages and abilities:

The Downtown Men's Shed meets Thursdays at The Churchill (10015 103 Ave) from 7-9 p.m. as well as Fridays at Sage Seniors Association (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square) from 2–4 p.m.
The Beacon Heights Men's Shed meets Wednesdays at Jubilee Park (12037 43 Street) from 7–9 p.m.
The Pehonan Elders Men's Shed meets the third Monday of the month at Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society's Parent Link Centre (11666 95 St) from 6-8 p.m.
The SEESA Shed meets Mondays at SEESA (9350 82 St) from 1-4 p.m.

New members are encouraged to drop in and participate, or to help host additional Sheds throughout Edmonton. For more information on the Men’s Sheds Initiative, call 780-809-9404.