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
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Golden Circle Seniors Centre Outreach Pilot Project |
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Blackfalds FCSS is excited to work with the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre to provide Outreach Services to our residents.
Lunch is on us!
Information Gathering Session on
Wednesday May 25 from 11:30am - 1:30pm
at the Blackfalds Community Centre
RSVP by May 20th - call 403.600.9066
The Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre offers programs including:
- Volunteer Driver
- Frozen Meals
- Home Maintenance & Yard Work
- House Keeping
- Grocery Delivery
- Friendly Visiting
- System Navigation & Non Medical Supportive Services
Lets figure out what this pilot project can offer Blackfalds. Hope to see you there!
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Blackfalds Servus Credit Union Public Library |
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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
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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!
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Spring Round-Up
The Town of Blackfalds is holding the annual Spring Clean Up – Electronics and Paint Round Up starting May 16-20
The Public Works Department picks up & disposes of unwanted furniture and appliances, for no charge, each spring.
Please pre-register your items by calling 403.885.4677 by May 13, 2022.
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Community Garage Sale
Saturday, May 28th
To register your address or for more information phone
403 885-4677.
Curbside Giveaway
Sunday, May 29th
Don't forget to remove any remaining items at the end of day!
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Seniors' Week Celebrations ~ June 6-12, 2022 |
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A special Thank You to Lacombe County FCSS and Blackfalds & District Agricultural Society for sponsoring our seniors active programming!
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Thanks to Lacombe County FCSS grant funding and Blackfalds & District Agricultural Society sponsorship towards seniors active programming. |
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Drop-In Walking Club
Join FCSS as we walk around the Abbey Centre track, get some gentle exercise, and make new friends.
Cottonwood Meadows Running Track
Level 3 | Abbey Centre | Meet in the foyer
4500 Womacks Rd
Tues & Thurs | April 5 - June 9th
10:00 – 11:00 AM | FREE
Contact FCSS for more information at 403.600.9066
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50+ Yoga
It is never too late to start a new activity, and that includes doing yoga. If you want to enhance your mobility and flexibility, yoga is a great way to go. Yoga is for anyone who is looking for a safe, effective way to enhance their physical health and overall wellness. Great for building body awareness, coordination, improved balance, joint stability and strong mind body connection. No yoga experience necessary.
Please bring a yoga mat
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Blackfalds Community Centre | Multi Purpose Rm
4810 Womacks Rd
Mon | May 16 – Jun 20
Wed | May 18 – Jun 22
Fri | May 20 – Jun 24
9:00 - 10:00AM | FREE
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
Program registration is open to Blackfalds & Lacombe County residents
in house only until May 8.
Online registration opens to the general public May 9.
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Intergenerational Pen Pal Program
Intergenerational Pen Pal volunteers are paired with a resident in the community who has requested the program, giving them an opportunity to establish a friendship and positive conversation through letter-writing.
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Friendly Caller
Program
Friendly Caller volunteers are paired with a resident in the community who has requested the program, by providing a friendly ear, positive conversation, and companionship through informal phone calls.
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If you would like to access Intergenerational Pen Pal Program or the Friendly Caller Program please fill out the Residents Application Form by clicking here or stop at the FCSS office to pick up a copy.
For further information on either of these programs please contact FCSS at 403.600.9066.
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Membership & Admission:
Adult (18 -59) Single admission $9, 10-Punch Pass $81, Monthly $45, Annual $459
Senior (60+) Single admission $7, 10-Punch Pass $63, Monthly $35, Annual $357
All membership rates include GST. Annual passes are a one year commitment.
Hours:
Monday - Friday 5:30AM-10PM
Saturday - Sunday 7Am-10PM
4500 Womacks Road | 403.885.4039
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Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines many elements of badminton, ping-pong and tennis. Played as doubles or singles on either an indoor or outdoor court. Played using a pickleball net, paddles and a pickleball (a plastic ball with holes).
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Abbey Centre Drop-In Pickleball
Indoor courts located in the Abbey Centre at 4500 Womacks Rd.
Monday - Thursday 9AM - 12:30PM
Friday 9AM - 10PM
All field house drop-in participants require paid admission to the Abbey Centre.
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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
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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
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Spring/Summer Program Guide
Get ready for Spring and Summer with the 2022 Spring/Summer Program & Activity Guide, now available online!
The guide includes upcoming classes, lessons, and community events. Get all the details for Fitness, Youth, Vibrant Living, Arts & Culture, and community events.
Registration starts March 15 with early registration for Abbey Centre Annual members on March 12, just another perk of being an Abbey annual member!
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Mobility & Internet Plans for Seniors |
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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.
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Feeling socially 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.
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In-Home Activity Suggestions |
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(Crossword answers found at bottom of this newsletter.) |
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(Find the For Sale Sign - the answer can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.) |
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The Cheemo Seniors' Club Welcomes You! |
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Beyond Food Community Hub |
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NEW! 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.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Location: 5014 Waghorn Street
Cash or cheques accepted
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Seniors Good Food Box Program |
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Housing & Rent Supplement Programs |
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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.
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Referral Services and Resources |
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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 info.
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.
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If you are age 65 or older and have lived in Canada for 10 or more years, you can apply for the Old Age Security benefit (OAS). You can make your application six months before you turn 65, and are encouraged to complete an annual income tax return in order to avoid any processing delays.
Canadians with low incomes who already receive the OAS can apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
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The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. You must apply to receive benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements you may be entitled to receive the Old Age Security pension even if you are still working or have never worked.
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Guaranteed Income Supplement |
The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet income requirements based on the income tax from the previous year.
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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. |
The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a monthly benefit paid to seniors to provide support in addition to the federal benefits received under Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on income and provides monthly benefits to eligible seniors.
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Special Needs Assistance for Seniors |
The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low income toward the cost of some appliances, and specific health and personal supports. The program provides a lump-sum payment for eligible expenses. The maximum assistance available is $5,105 in a benefit year (July 1 to June 30).
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Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors |
The Dental Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provide low- to moderate- income seniors with financial assistance for basic dental that help maintain a reasonable level of dental health. The program provides up to $5000 of coverage per person every five years.
The Optical Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provides low- to moderate- income seniors with assistance up to $230 toward the purchase of prescription eyeglasses every three years.
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Blackfalds FCSS | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB
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