February 2026

FCSS Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30 pm

We will be closed Monday February 16,2026 for Family Day.

February Fun Facts:

-The only month that can pass without a full moon, this happens every 19 years.

-The extra day February 29 was added by Julius Caesar to align the calendar with the earth's orbit, creating the leap year. Every 4 years we have a leap year.

-February is one of the most frequent misspelled words in the English language.

-Valentines Day is a vibrant day to express love in it's many forms, from romantic partnerships to friendships and familial bonds, using traditional tokens

of affection and acts of kindness.

-In 1926 leaders dedicated the second week in February Black History month.

-Groundhog Day weather predictions started in 1887,

they say the rodents are 37% accurate in Canada.

-Family Day in Alberta was first celebrated in 1990.

-February 17 is Shrove Tuesday the final day of feasting before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is 40 day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday.

Welcome to the Blackfalds FCSS Vibrant Living 50+ monthly newsletter for the more vibrant residents in our community!

If you have a newsworthy story, want to get involved or just want to connect with us,

call 403-600-9066 or email us at fcss@blackfalds.ca.

Did you know ......

Blackfalds IGA has a Food Hero Program. Products are currently sold at 25% - 60% off every day on Food Hero live marketplace.

Drop into IGA and ask about this program!

You will need to download their app to use this program.

Messages will be sent straight to your phone, email, or via voice call.

Go to www.blackfalds.ca and scroll to the bottom of the page!

Library Events

February Events at the Blackfalds Public Library:

Posters above with upcoming Library events

Book Clubs (various dates/times call the library for more details)

5302 Broadway Ave.

For full details, visit https://prl.ab.ca/Blackfalds or call 403-885-2343

February Events at the Red Deer Public Library:

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (Feb. 2 noon-1)

Red Deer Cancer Connect (Feb.3 11am-12:30pm, Feb.17 5pm-6:30pm)

Ask a Lawyer: session for access to Justice (Feb. 3 11am-1pm & Feb.23 5pm-7pm)

Last Chapter Book Club (Feb.3 6:30pm-8pm)

Travel Memories: Haida Gwaii with Olive (Feb.4 2pm-3pm)

First Thursday Concerts (Feb.5 12:15pm-1pm)

Creative Writers Support Group (Feb.11 6pm-7pm)

Books and Bannock (Feb.17 6pm-7:30pm)

Затишні Вечори: Cozy Evenings for Ukrainian Seniors (Feb.19 6pm-8pm)

Sip and Stitch(Feb.19 6pm-8pm)

Readers Theatre (Feb.19 6pm-8pm)

Digital Skill Class High-beginner level 8session learning *must register 403-346-2533 $30*

Puzzle Competition (Feb.23 6:30pm-8pm)

Adult Storytime at Red Hart Brewing (Feb.24 & 26 6:30pm-8pm)

Reel Stories Film Screenings (Feb.26 5:30pm-7:30pm)

Root and Branches: Genealogy at the Library (Feb.28 1pm-3pm)

Bo ok Clubs (various dates/times)

For full details, visit rdpl.org/events 403-346-4576 | 4818-49 Str

Vibrant Programs

Recreation

4500 Womacks Road | 403.885.4039

www.blackfalds.ca/m/abbey-centre

Hours:

Monday - Friday 5:30 am-10 pm

Saturday - Sunday 7 am-10 pm

Membership & Admission:

Adult (18-59):

Single admission $9.00

10-Punch Pass $81.00

Monthly $47.25

Annual $472.50

Senior (60-74):

Single admission $7.00

10-Punch Pass $63.00

Monthly $36.75

Annual $367.50

Senior Plus (75+) | FREE

All membership rates include GST. Annual passes are a one year commitment.

$2 Track-Only Option

This option is so popular, we decided to keep the track-only option for the whole year!

This option gives members and guests access to the running track for the entire day for only $2!

Ask Guest Services about the $20 track-only punch-pass!

Senior Plus

We are proud to give complimentary access to the Abbey Centre to all of our visitors 75 years and older.

This is our way of saying thanks for all you do and have done. We are happy to provide a safe, warm place for our older friends to be active, see friends, and maybe try new things.

Visitors will still be required to check in and get a wristband from Guest Services.

Feel free to give Guest Services a call for more information 403-885-4039.

Drop-In Pickleball

The Abbey Centre offers drop-in activities in the Field House every week. Drop-in and play some pickleball with your friends.

Field House

Level 1 | Abbey Centre

4500 Womack's Rd

Mon & Wed 9:00am – 12:30pm

Tue, Thu & Fri 9:00am – 10:00pm

Abbey Centre admission required.

Random $4 Fridays

Make sure you follow the Abbey Centre on Facebook to see when we have a $4 Friday.

We will post a notification on a random Friday and on that Friday, anyone can purchase a day admission for only $4.

Children under 2 will be free on these days.

Applies to all age categories.

Week to Wellness

Sign out a week's pass to the Abbey Centre with your library membership!

Passes available for Senior, Adult, Child, Youth, Teen and Family!

For more information call 403-885-2343

Blackfalds Public Library 5302 Broadway Avenue at Eagle Builders Centre

KINSMENS AQUATIC CENTRE SCHEDULE 5429-53 Str in Lacombe

January 4,2026 till June 2,2026

Low Impact Water Fitness: Monday - Friday 11:10am -11:55am

Water Fitness & Lane Swim: Monday-Thursday 8pm to 9pm

MICHENER AQUATIC CENTRE 51A St 38A Ave in Red Deer

Drop In Water aerobics Seniors are invited to join water aerobics from

9:05am -10:05 am. Monday thru Friday. $5.60 senior rate 65+ | $6.25 adult rate

COLICUTT CENTRE 3031-30 Ave in Red Deer Gentle water workout classes on Tuesdays and Thursday's specifically designed for seniors or those with restricted mobility, it also features zero-depth entry water. Must register 403-309-8411

LACOMBE CITY CINEMA 4520-50 Ave in Lacombe Movies vary every week check out https://www.lacombecitycinemas.ca/

Prices are: Matinee $8.00| Senior $9.00| General admission $14.00| Kids 3-13 $9.00

Information

Click here to register for FREE Senior Expo

TELUS If you're a low-income senior, you may be eligible for our Mobility for Good® and Internet for Good®:

Mobility for Good® for low income seniors provides Canadian seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit with low-cost wireless service.

Internet for Good® provides thousands of low-income seniors in British Columbia and Alberta with the tools and connectivity they need to succeed.

Please contact Telus for more information on these plans at 1-888-811-2323 between 9 am - 7 pm.

https://www.telus.com/en/social-impact/connecting-canada/connecting-for-good-programs/seniors

Lacombe & District FCSS

Golden Circle

Forms available at FCSS for meal orders.

GOLDEN CIRCLE ACTIVITIES @ 4620-47A Ave Red Deer

February 3,10,17,24

Bocce Ball at the Coffee Shack from 9:30am -11:30am

February 4,11,18,25

Hardy Walkers at the Golden Circle from 10am-noon

February 4,11,18,25

Sit n' Be Fit at the Meeting Room 1 from 10:45am - 11:45am

Transportation

Housing & Rent Supplement Programs

In 2017, The Town of Blackfalds dedicated a parcel of land to investigate seniors housing options for the community. In partnership with the Lacombe Foundation and the Bethany Group, the Town facilitated an active citizen engagement process to determine the community need.

For an update on the status of this project please visit the Lacombe Foundation website.

Referral Services and Resources

Social isolation affects the health and well-being of everyone, but it is especially difficult for our more vulnerable population.

If you need help, our FCSS team is standing by!

There are also various support groups available for you to reach out to such as community churches, neighbours, friends and family.

Interested in helping out?

There is always an opportunity to help someone in Blackfalds and you can find many programs in this newsletter such as snow angel and the upcoming Friendly Caller Program.

Find more information at the

Alberta Elder Abuse website: albertaelderabuse.ca

FCSS recognizes that during stressful or challenging times it may be difficult to locate and access the appropriate community resources. This resource directory provides a starting point. For access to additional information and referral services, please contact the Blackfalds FCSS at 403-600-9066 for further information.

Blackfalds Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) offers community programs and courses for all ages, community group support, Food Bank information, employment support, regional interagency meetings, support programs, along with Information and Referral Services.

FCSS also provides preventative social programming and activities that use proactive, strength-based, and international strategies to help individuals, families and communities develop skills required to form a strong sense of self, resulting in the ability to build healthy relationships with others.

RDRHC Lifeline

Legal Information

Senior Government Information

Programs and Services Quick Facts - 2025

You only need to apply once to these programs. Seniors who have previously applied for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program, the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs or have completed a Seniors Financial Assistance application are already enrolled.

Blackfalds FCSS | 5018 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB

403.600.9066 | fcss@blackfalds.com

February 2026

FCSS Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30 pm

We will be closed Monday February 16,2026 for Family Day.

February Fun Facts:

-The only month that can pass without a full moon, this happens every 19 years.

-The extra day February 29 was added by Julius Caesar to align the calendar with the earth's orbit, creating the leap year. Every 4 years we have a leap year.

-February is one of the most frequent misspelled words in the English language.

-Valentines Day is a vibrant day to express love in it's many forms, from romantic partnerships to friendships and familial bonds, using traditional tokens

of affection and acts of kindness.

-In 1926 leaders dedicated the second week in February Black History month.

-Groundhog Day weather predictions started in 1887,

they say the rodents are 37% accurate in Canada.

-Family Day in Alberta was first celebrated in 1990.

-February 17 is Shrove Tuesday the final day of feasting before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is 40 day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday.

Welcome to the Blackfalds FCSS Vibrant Living 50+ monthly newsletter for the more vibrant residents in our community!

If you have a newsworthy story, want to get involved or just want to connect with us,

call 403-600-9066 or email us at fcss@blackfalds.ca.

Did you know ......

Blackfalds IGA has a Food Hero Program. Products are currently sold at 25% - 60% off every day on Food Hero live marketplace.

Drop into IGA and ask about this program!

You will need to download their app to use this program.

Messages will be sent straight to your phone, email, or via voice call.

Go to www.blackfalds.ca and scroll to the bottom of the page!

Library Events

February Events at the Blackfalds Public Library:

Posters above with upcoming Library events

Book Clubs (various dates/times call the library for more details)

5302 Broadway Ave.

For full details, visit https://prl.ab.ca/Blackfalds or call 403-885-2343

February Events at the Red Deer Public Library:

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (Feb. 2 noon-1)

Red Deer Cancer Connect (Feb.3 11am-12:30pm, Feb.17 5pm-6:30pm)

Ask a Lawyer: session for access to Justice (Feb. 3 11am-1pm & Feb.23 5pm-7pm)

Last Chapter Book Club (Feb.3 6:30pm-8pm)

Travel Memories: Haida Gwaii with Olive (Feb.4 2pm-3pm)

First Thursday Concerts (Feb.5 12:15pm-1pm)

Creative Writers Support Group (Feb.11 6pm-7pm)

Books and Bannock (Feb.17 6pm-7:30pm)

Затишні Вечори: Cozy Evenings for Ukrainian Seniors (Feb.19 6pm-8pm)

Sip and Stitch(Feb.19 6pm-8pm)

Readers Theatre (Feb.19 6pm-8pm)

Digital Skill Class High-beginner level 8session learning *must register 403-346-2533 $30*

Puzzle Competition (Feb.23 6:30pm-8pm)

Adult Storytime at Red Hart Brewing (Feb.24 & 26 6:30pm-8pm)

Reel Stories Film Screenings (Feb.26 5:30pm-7:30pm)

Root and Branches: Genealogy at the Library (Feb.28 1pm-3pm)

Bo ok Clubs (various dates/times)

For full details, visit rdpl.org/events 403-346-4576 | 4818-49 Str

Vibrant Programs

Recreation

4500 Womacks Road | 403.885.4039

www.blackfalds.ca/m/abbey-centre

Hours:

Monday - Friday 5:30 am-10 pm

Saturday - Sunday 7 am-10 pm

Membership & Admission:

Adult (18-59):

Single admission $9.00

10-Punch Pass $81.00

Monthly $47.25

Annual $472.50

Senior (60-74):

Single admission $7.00

10-Punch Pass $63.00

Monthly $36.75

Annual $367.50

Senior Plus (75+) | FREE

All membership rates include GST. Annual passes are a one year commitment.

$2 Track-Only Option

This option is so popular, we decided to keep the track-only option for the whole year!

This option gives members and guests access to the running track for the entire day for only $2!

Ask Guest Services about the $20 track-only punch-pass!

Senior Plus

We are proud to give complimentary access to the Abbey Centre to all of our visitors 75 years and older.

This is our way of saying thanks for all you do and have done. We are happy to provide a safe, warm place for our older friends to be active, see friends, and maybe try new things.

Visitors will still be required to check in and get a wristband from Guest Services.

Feel free to give Guest Services a call for more information 403-885-4039.

Random $4 Fridays

Make sure you follow the Abbey Centre on Facebook to see when we have a $4 Friday.

We will post a notification on a random Friday and on that Friday, anyone can purchase a day admission for only $4.

Children under 2 will be free on these days.

Applies to all age categories.

Drop-In Pickleball

The Abbey Centre offers drop-in activities in the Field House every week. Drop-in and play some pickleball with your friends.

Field House

Level 1 | Abbey Centre

4500 Womack's Rd

Mon & Wed 9:00am – 12:30pm

Tue, Thu & Fri 9:00am – 10:00pm

Abbey Centre admission required.

Week to Wellness

Sign out a week's pass to the Abbey Centre with your library membership!

Passes available for Senior, Adult, Child, Youth, Teen and Family!

For more information call 403-885-2343

Blackfalds Public Library 5302 Broadway Avenue at Eagle Builders Centre

KINSMENS AQUATIC CENTRE SCHEDULE 5429-53 Str in Lacombe

January 4,2026 till June 2,2026

Low Impact Water Fitness: Monday - Friday 11:10am -11:55am

Water Fitness & Lane Swim: Monday-Thursday 8pm to 9pm

MICHENER AQUATIC CENTRE 51A St 38A Ave in Red Deer

Drop In Water aerobics Seniors are invited to join water aerobics from

9:05am -10:05 am. Monday thru Friday. $5.60 senior rate 65+ | $6.25 adult rate

LACOMBE CITY CINEMA 4520-50 Ave in Lacombe Movies vary every week check out https://www.lacombecitycinemas.ca/

Prices are: Matinee $8.00| Senior $9.00| General admission $14.00| Kids 3-13 $9.00

Information

Click here to register for FREE Senior Expo

If you're a low-income senior, you may be eligible for our Mobility for Good® and Internet for Good®:

Mobility for Good® for low income seniors provides Canadian seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit with low-cost wireless service.

Internet for Good® provides thousands of low-income seniors in British Columbia and Alberta with the tools and connectivity they need to succeed.

Please contact Telus for more information on these plans at 1-888-811-2323 between 9 am - 7 pm.

https://www.telus.com/en/social-impact/connecting-canada/connecting-for-good-programs/seniors

Blackfalds Senior Club Welcomes You!

Lacombe & District FCSS

Golden Circle

GOLDEN CIRCLE ACTIVITIES @ 4620-47A Ave Red Deer

February 3,10,17,24 Bocce Ball at the Coffee Shack from 9:30am -11:30am

February 4,11,18,25 Hardy Walkers at the Golden Circle from 10am-noon

February 4,11,18,25 Sit n' Be Fit at the Meeting Room 1 from 10:45am - 11:45am

Forms available at FCSS for meal orders.

Transportation

Housing & Rent Supplement Programs

For an update on the status of this project please visit the Lacombe Foundation website.

Referral Services and Resources

Social isolation affects the health and well-being of everyone, but it is especially difficult for our more vulnerable population.

If you need help, our FCSS team is standing by!

There are also various support groups available for you to reach out to such as community churches, neighbours, friends and family.

Interested in helping out?

There is always an opportunity to help someone in Blackfalds and you can find many programs in this newsletter such as snow angel and the upcoming Friendly Caller Program.

Find more information at the

Alberta Elder Abuse website: albertaelderabuse.ca