June 2023

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.

Newsletter funded by Lacombe County FCSS

Seniors' Week

Monday, June 5

10% off Abbey Centre Senior Monthly or Annual Membership
Wills & Estate Planning
Cheemo Club Open House
Behind the Bulldogs

Tuesday, June 6

Walking Club
Seniors' par"TEA"
Affordable Market

Wednesday, June 7

Teddy Bear Tea
It's More Than a Movie
Fraud Awareness

Thursday, June 8

Walking Club
Eating to Stay Strong and Healthy
Get Groovy & Tie-Dye

Friday, June 9

Seniors' Soup Time
Complimentary Seniors' Day Abbey Centre Admission
Cheemo Club Carpet Bowling/Floor Curling
Bingo with the Best

Please RSVP to Blackfalds FCSS by phone at 403.600.9066 or

through email at fcss@blackfalds.ca

All programs are free of charge!

Check your mailbox for all the exciting details in the Seniors Week brochure. If you did not receive it please contact FCSS so you can be added to our mailing list.

Ellis Bird Farm

Ellis Bird Farm opens May 22.

Hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm

Tuesday to Sunday and holiday Mondays.

Frontier Bus Lines

Did you know...

You can book Tours with Frontier Bus Lines!! This month highlighted tour:

For reservations or more information, please contact Frontier Bus Lines Ltd. at 403.347.4990.

Community Information

Blackfalds Servus Credit Union Public Library

Blackfalds Public Library is located in the Eagle Builders Centre (5302 Broadway Avenue) during the following hours of operation:

Mon | 10 am - 8 pm

Tue | 10 am - 6 pm

Wed | 10 am - 8 pm

Thu | 10 am - 6 pm

Fri | 10 am - 6 pm

Sat | 10 am - 5 pm

Sun | 1 pm - 5 pm

Your library card gives you access to materials not only at your home library, but all public libraries in Alberta. You can return borrowed materials to any participating library and it will be sent back to its home library at no charge.

As well, your library card gives you access to a variety of services including traditional library services, eResources such as eAudio, eBooks, eMagazines and more!

For more information about our library go to www.blackfaldslibrary.ca

Community Clubs and Groups

Recreation

4500 Womacks Road | 403.885.4039

www.blackfalds.ca/m/abbey-centre

Hours:

Monday - Friday 5:30AM-10PM

Saturday - Sunday 7AM-10PM

Membership & Admission:

Adult (18 -59):

Single admission $9

10-Punch Pass $81

Monthly $47.25

Annual $472.50

Senior (60-74):

Single admission $7

10-Punch Pass $63

Monthly $36.75

Annual $367.50

Senior Plus (75+) | FREE

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

Introducing Senior Plus Rate!

We are proud to announce that effective January 1, 2023 all visitors 75 years and older may access the Abbey Centre free of charge. 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 be 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.

$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!

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 Womacks Rd

Mon & Wed 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Tue, Thu & Fri 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Abbey Centre admission required.

Tennis/Pickleball Courts

The snow is gone, the sun is out, and we are happy to share that the outdoor tennis courts are open for the season!

Monday - Friday | 8AM - Dusk

Saturday & Sunday | 10AM - Dusk

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!

Blackfalds Public Library

5302 Broadway Avenue (Eagle Builders Centre)

For more information call 403.885.2343

Information

Yard Waste

Between the months of May and October, the weekly collection of yard waste also takes place on your designated collection day!

The Yard Waste Program begins on Monday, May 1.

If you are not familiar with the program, please visit: www.blackfalds.ca/p/garbage-and-recycling

Garbage/Recycling Cart Placement

The automated arms on the collection truck need to clasp and lift the carts. If there isn’t enough space for the equipment to operate correctly, your carts will not be emptied.

Leave at least 1 m (3 ft) around your carts so you can comfortably walk between and around them.

Click here for more information.

Cornerstone Church FREE SUPPER!

Thursday | June 29th | 6:00 pm

4709 Broadway Avenue

Everyone Welcome! Bring the kids, enjoy a delicious meal with dessert, and meet some of your neighbours.

The Affordability Action Plan is now accepting applications!

Affordability payments of $100 for up to 6 months are coming soon to help millions of eligible Albertans struggling with the rising cost of living as part of the Affordability Action Plan.

From January 18 to June 30, 2023 eligible seniors and families with children under 18 can apply for their payment online or in in-person at a registry office or Alberta Supports Centre.

If you have questions or would like more information please call our

FCSS Office 403 600-9066!

Mobility & Internet Plans

for Seniors

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 9AM - 7PM.

Feeling

isolated?

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

In-Home Activity Suggestions

Spot the 8 Differences (see answer at bottom of newsletter)

The Cheemo Seniors' Club Welcomes You!

Visit the Vibrant Living 50+ webpage for more information

Golden Circle

COMMUNITY DINING AT THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Studies have shown that socialization is an important part of our mental wellness as we age and there is nothing like the feeling of sharing a nutritious meal while enjoying the simple pleasure of conversation, companionship and recreation. Did you know that the Golden Circle has a Community Dining Program that does just that?

We provide social activities followed by a nutritious, hot meal and hosted by our Community Outreach Program Coordinator. Lunch is $9.00 per person, and is catered by The Golden Circle.

Activities are based on the group’s interests, we encourage your input and ideas for new activities, presentations and musical performances. Previous ideas have included:

Guest Speakers
Music/Dancing
Arts/Crafts
Fellowship
Information and Referral

While on hiatus for the summer, we look forward to Community Dining starting up again in September here at the Golden Circle and hope that you will join us!

Community Dining is currently only being offered at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre facility, but if you are interested in hosting Community Dining within your senior building or community centre, connect with our Community Program Coordinator, Bonnie Lewis 403-343-6074 or email: blewis@goldencircle.ca

GOLDEN CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP

Since the Golden Circle’s inception in 1977, we have provided programs, activities, information, resources and outreach services for older adults, their families and caregivers. But did you know that you could become a member? And that you only need to be 18 years and up to be one? Membership at the Golden Circle provides important financial support for our operations and members get some excellent benefits as well!

Members receive preferred rates on Fitness Classes, Special Event Tickets, In-house Meals and In-house Foot Doctor appointments. They receive a weekly e-mail outlining activities and events happening at The Golden Circle and priority access to special event tickets. Members also get to vote at our Annual General Meeting which allows you to contribute to decision making that shapes the future direction of The Golden Circle.

Our annual membership fee is $25.00 for an individual or $45.00 for a couple.

We hope you’ll consider joining us today!

Transportation

Beyond Food Community Hub

Affordable Market

Stop by the Beyond Food Community Hub to purchase vegetables,

fruit and more at a discounted price! The aim is to increase access

to healthy, fresh food by making it affordable.

June 6, 20 and July 4 & 18

Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Location: 5014 Waghorn Street

Cash or cheques accepted

Seniors Good Food Box Program

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

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, subsidized 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.

Seniors Programs and Services Quick Facts - July 2022

Please click here for updated information

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 | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB

403.600.9066 | fcss@blackfalds.com