News for Staff and Volunteers of Seniors Organizations
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event
Organized by the Seniors Protection Partnership and members of Elder Abuse Consultation Team
June 14, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre (11113 113 Street)
Free
This year’s event honours the theme of “lifting up voices”. Every day, in subtle and obvious ways, older adults are marginalized and even dismissed in our society. In line with the theme, the event will feature a proclamation followed by round table discussions with seniors with the goal to lift their voices. Key points from the discussions will be noted to identify gaps and consider when developing policy.
Coffee, tea, snacks and scones will be offered throughout the event. RSVP to info@211edmonton.com or 780-809-9420.
Promotion of seniors’ week activities
Alberta Seniors’ Week is June 2 – 8 and ESCC is compiling a list of seniors’ week activities happening here in Edmonton. If your organization is hosting an event, open house, or other special activities let us know and we’ll help spread the word.
Provide the date, time, location, title of the activity, description of the activity, cost, and a phone number/email people can contact for more info. Email your information to info@seniorscouncil.net.
Minister and Deputy Minister of Seniors and Housing
Minister of Seniors and Housing: Josephine Pon
Josephine Pon has been appointed as the Minister of Seniors and Housing.
For more than 20 years Pon was an Account Manager in Personal/Commercial banking and also the Regional Manager, Business Development responsible for Multicultural Banking for Scotiabank. She also worked at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as an International Trade Consultant and in the Assisted Housing department in the Prairie Region. Most recently, Pon acted as the Vice President of the Taste of Asia Group, managing five restaurants and leading over 150 employees. Pon has been active in volunteering in a number of non-profit organizations including her time as a member of the working group in the Edmonton Mayor’s task force to eliminate poverty, the Board Chair of Immigrant Services Calgary and Gala Chair for Immigrants of Distinction Awards gala.
Deputy Minister of Seniors and Housing: Susan Taylor
Susan Taylor continues her role of Deputy Minister of Seniors and Housing.
Susan has over 35 years with the Alberta Public Service and was appointed as the deputy minister of Seniors and Housing in September 2018. Susan was formerly the deputy minister of Status of Women and assistant deputy minister for the Delivery Services Portfolio, in Human Services. Susan began her career in the public service as a social worker providing support to children and families in the Edmonton Region; she has a bachelor of social work from the University of Calgary. Susan is a strong believer in the benefits of collaborative partnerships that best address challenging and complex needs.
GeriActors is looking for organizations to host theatre workshops
In June, GeriActors is offering a Facilitator Training program for people who want to develop skills in community-based and seniors theatre. At the end of the program, the participants will facilitate their own theatre workshop to put into practice what they have learned.
This is where you come in! GeriActors is inviting community organizations to host workshops this summer. All workshops will be led by training program participants, supervised by GeriActors staff.
A GeriActors workshop is the perfect place to begin for people who have EVER acted or NEVER acted. Through storytelling, theatre games, improv, laughter and fun, participants will use their imagination, and watch their memories come alive. Workshops are barrier free and inclusive, with participants of all abilities and experiences. They are also very skilled at running intergenerational workshops so if this fits with your organization let them know.
GeriActors is offering host organizations a discounted rate of $100 per workshop ($100 savings)
- Workshops are ideally 90-minutes each, but other times can be negotiated
- Hosts will arrange for participants (8-20 people)
- Hosts are responsible for providing workshop space and light refreshments
Contact Becca Barrington at 780-248-1556 or geriactors.friends@gmail.com for more information.
Sage Awards Tickets
Tickets for the 13th annual Sage Awards are now available. The event celebrates the profound impact seniors have on our communities. Recipients and nominees of the Sage Awards include seniors who improve the lives of others and make an imprint for social change, devote themselves to emergent issues, build healthy, just and innovative communities, dedicate themselves to environmental protection, enhancement and stewarding, and excel in inspiring others. The eclectic and diverse assortment of award recipients speaks to the distinct contributions seniors make to our community.
Sage Awards
June 6, 4 – 6 p.m.
Sutton Place Hotel (10235 101 St.)
$50
Tickets can be purchased online. If you prefer to purchase the tickets by mail, email, or phone, fill out a ticket reservation form.
For more information, visit www.mysage.ca/events/awards.
Book a GeriActors & Friends performance
The GeriActors & Friends produce original plays that focus on aging rather than age and celebrate our commonalities. Ranging in age from 24 to 88 years old, the GeriActors are seniors from Edmonton and area and the Friends are students and alumni from the University of Alberta.
GeriActors & Friends has developed new plays that explore what it means to be a senior in Edmonton, which they are performing during their Spring Tour from May to June. If you are interested in booking a performance this spring, or anytime in the future, contact Becca Barrington at 780-248-1556 or geriactors.friends@gmail.com.
Opportunity to host an ageism workshop
Ageism: The ism within... and without
Is ageism a harmful social problem? What do you think? To many researchers, ageism is possibly the most insidious of all the isms. We may unknowingly or unwittingly denigrate others because of their age and, worst of all, we may denigrate ourselves for our oldness. Does ageism have stereotypes and if it does, what are they? Can health be improved and life extended with a more positive outlook toward ageing? Can we learn to respond more effectively when we encounter ageism? Your thoughts on this ism will make for a fascinating discussion.
This workshop is 90 minutes in length and is offered free of charge to participants. If your organization is interested in hosting a workshop, contact Mary Whale of the Age Friendly Edmonton Ageism Hub for further information at mary.whale@espcn.ca or 780-905-9880.