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Abbey Centre Newsletter

March 2023

Your monthly news & updates


Spring Forward - March 12


Remember to set your clocks AHEAD 1 hour when daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 12 at 2 am.

Transition from Red Cross to Lifesaving Society Swim Lessons


As of January 1, 2023 the Canadian Red Cross discontinued their Swimming & Water Safety classes as well as their lifeguard training to focus on surging humanitarian demands in a variety of areas. Pools across Canada have transitioned to swimming, lifeguarding and aquatic leadership programs of the Lifesaving Society.


The Town of Blackfalds will now be offering the Lifesaving Society Swimming Programs; Parent & Tot, Preschool, Swimmer, and Canadian Swim Patrol. We will still offer quality instruction with certified instructors and staff will be happy to assist in navigating from the Red Cross Swim Lessons to the Lifesaving Society Swim Programs.


We look forward to continuing the development of swimming skills and water safety knowledge within our community and detailed transition charts will be available in the Spring/Summer Program Guide


Membership & Admission Change

All members and guests require a paid admission (wristband) to be in the Field House (except for rentals) and the Outdoor Aquatic Centre.



AMMP* = Annual memberships are paid monthly using your credit card. 

Family** = Max. of 5 family members in the same household.

Additional children can be added to the membership for 50% of the corresponding membership price. A maximum of 2 adults/seniors can be on the membership.


Save More on Thrifty Thursday!



Each month, we offer cost savings on different Abbey Centre services available only on the first Thursday of the month.

Please check Facebook page, or posters around the Abbey to check out what service we are showcasing and where you can save!


March 2nd Thrifty Thursday

Receive 10% off of child minding punch passes.

Limit of one each (single child/family) per account


Please call or visit Guest Services to purchase.

Thank You


Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Fitness Survey in February - we sincerely appreciate the feedback!


We are currently in the review process to see if efficiencies or improvements can be made. It was nice to hear the positive comments as well!


Temporary Summer Seasonal Job Opportunities

Interested in a summer position with the Abbey Centre?  Various summer positions will be posted to the Town of Blackfalds website in March.


Check out Job Opportunities for positions available.

Registration for Winter Programs is Open!


Our fitness, FCSS, and Arts & Culture programming registration is open!


Please visit our programs page at www.blackfalds.ca/programs to check out our Program and Activity Guide for more details, and to register before spots fill up.


Limited hard copies of our Winter Program Guide are now available at the Abbey Centre.

Registration for Spring Fitness, FCSS, Arts & Culture opens March 15!


Our Fitness, FCSS, and Arts & Culture programming registration opens March 15. Camp Curious and swim lesson registration will open May 1st.


Please visit our programs page at www.blackfalds.ca/programs to check out our Program and Activity Guide for more details, and to register before spots fill up.


Limited hard copies of our Spring/Summer Program Guide will be available at the Abbey Centre by mid March.

Abbey Centre Love Locks

We are currently looking for a sponsor(s) for a permanent public art piece at the Abbey Centre.


This project is in partnership with the Lacombe Composite High School Welding & Fabrication Studies.


For more information, please click here under "Love Locks".

Town of Blackfalds Rental Spaces


The Town of Blackfalds has many different rental spaces available in several different facilities. Information for each space can be found on our website.


To start the booking process or make inquiries, all you have to do is submit a Facility Booking Request Form found on the same webpage. Guest Services will then reach out to you for more information and availability. Each month we will be highlighting one of our available rental spaces so you may get to know your choices better!


Abbey Centre - Amphitheatre


This natural open grass space is surrounded by trees and is the ideal location for outdoor events such as weddings, small outdoor concerts and theatre performances. The amphitheatre is located on the northeast corner of the Abbey Centre grounds.  Further info is here.

Abbey Centre Sponsorship Opportunities

Are you an individual, business, or industry that would like to support your community while promoting yourself or your business and receiving lasting recognition?

We have various sponsorship opportunities available that will allow you to show your community commitment to 150,000 + users a year!

Spotlight on Safety - We Take Your Safety Seriously!


Get ready to spring forward safely!

Daylight savings time this year falls on Sunday March 12th. During this time the clocks are set forward and we “lose” one hour. For many people this means a tired week of adjusting.


Fatigue can be serious, so be sure to take care of your body. Keep active during your daylight hours, choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated. Try meditation or yoga at night to help you relax and get ready for bed. Try to ensure you keep a good sleep routine to keep your body and mind safe.

Introducing our new Fitness Programmer!



Amber is a Personal Trainer and Health & Life Coach, who found passion for the Health & Fitness industry through weightlifting and competing as a Figure Athlete in Bodybuilding Competitions. For 10 years, Amber has been helping her clients make changes to their lifestyle which supports their health and fitness goals. Whether the goal is weight loss and a better physique, building muscle or strength, improving endurance or mobility, or just to learn how to use the equipment in the gym, Amber sets her clients up for inevitable success. 

 

Amber's mission is to help her clients achieve their health & fitness goals, reclaim their health, and gain confidence in their bodies and in the gym. Amber’s main goal is to give her clients the tools to maintain their results, continue feeling stronger & lighter, keep the tone that they worked so hard to achieve and continue to feel their absolute best, long after their last session with her. 

 

When Amber is not in the gym working with clients or working on her own fitness goals, you will find her golfing or spending quality time with her family. 

Get to Know Our Staff!

Name Cindy R.

Job Title: Guest Services Team Lead

Hometown: Black Tickle, Labrador

How long have you worked at the Abbey Centre? 9 years

What is your favorite program/part of the Abbey Centre? New this year is the Senior Plus category for 75+ where they get free unlimited access to the Abbey Centre. We are ever evolving in our service delivery and strive to create less barriers for all to enjoy our centre.

Best movie ever? The Departed

Favorite holiday destination? Ireland, specifically Galway

The best part of my job is…The problem solving remains top of the list along with being a part of a team that is constantly striving to offer inventive and exceptional programming.

My favorite sport or hobby? Curling and baseball, Go Jays Go!

Recycle for Reward

Congratulations to Robin D., the February Recycle 4 Reward winner of a $75 gift card sponsored by Mullets Barber Shop.


Learn how you can win a $75 gift card from Focus Family Chiropractic, the Recycle 4 Reward sponsor for March.


Interested in being a Recycle 4 Reward sponsor?

Email the Guest Services Team Lead to book your spot!

Sports, Leagues & Tournaments

Try It Sports: Rowing


Are you interested in trying Rowing? Come out and learn the basics of a new sport for free.


All ages are welcome.


Mar 3 | 7 pm

Field House 3 | Abbey Centre

4500 Womacks Rd


No pre-registration required.

Blackfalds Co-Ed Slo Pitch League


Players and teams of all abilities are welcome! Get out twice a week to socialize, meet new people, have fun, and play some ball!


Registration opens on March 15



  • Preseason meeting April 12 at 6:00pm in the Servus Program Room
  • 21 Games
  • The year-end tournament included in the registration
  • registration includes balls, scorebooks & SPN Insurance
  • Year-End Tournament Aug 12-13


Mon & Wed | Tue & Thurs

May 1 - Aug 3 | 6:00 - 9:30pm

All-Star Park | 4800 Leung Rd

$925/team

Upcoming Events

Spring Market


Little of This Market is hosting a two-day Spring market!



March 25 & 26 | 11am - 4pm

Abbey Centre | 4500 Womacks Rd

 

Visit over 110+ unique vendors, the kid's zone, put your name in to win door prizes, and more!

 

www.littleofthismarket.com

SuperKids is Back!


The 2023 SuperKids Triathlon, a sanctioned Triathlon Alberta event, will be happening on July 8, 2023 in Blackfalds!


Avengers: Ages 5-7

25m Swim • 1km Bike • 500m Run | $20 Registration

Justice League: Ages 8-12

50m Swim • 2km Bike • 1km Run | $25 Registration


*Registrants must have TriAB Memberships*


Registration opens May 1, 2023!

We are excited and grateful to welcome our title sponsor for SuperKids 2023: Eagle Builders!

Visit our Events Calendar at www.blackfalds.ca/events

Programs & Classes

Intro to Self Defence


Learn basic effective self defence techniques to protect yourself. All ages welcome! Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.


Friday, March 3

6:30 - 7:30pm | Free

Community Centre | 4810 Womacks Rd


Registration is required: www.blackfalds.ca/register

Get Amped for C'AMPED


Every PD day, kids ages 6 - 11 can join us for games, crafts, sports, and adventures that will keep them active throughout the day.


C'AMPED is home away from home on School Professional Development (PD) Days and Spring Break. Synchronized with the Wolf Creek school calendar, the Abbey Centre is the place to be!

Camps are jam-packed with games, crafts, sports, and adventures to keep kids active and stimulated throughout the day.


For dates or more information, please click here

$2 Track-Only Option

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!

Abbey Centre Services

Meet Our Fitness Instructor - Erin Bertsch

1. Years teaching fitness

Teaching fitness on and off since my original certification in 2007.


2. What do you teach/certifications?

I only teach spin currently and have taught running clinics in the past.

    

3. Why is fitness one of your passions?

Fitness is one of my passions because living a healthy lifestyle is key to having enough energy to keep up with life’s demands. I sleep better, I feel better, I look better.

 

4. What do you want to help your clients achieve?

My goal is to help my clients achieve their goals. Everyone has a reason or a goal, whether it be to maintain better health, improve cardiovascular or muscle strength, cross-train from another sport, stay in shape during an off-season from another activity, look good on the beach, tone body parts, whatever their goal, I’m here to help achieve it.


5. A fun fact about you

I’m kind of boring to be honest, but I do have 2 beautiful sons and I just recently got engaged.

Food Services

Our Food Services is now closed for season and will only be open for select events through out the remainder of the year.


Only Mobile Meals & Munchies patrons will have access to the outdoor eating area during the pool season, however, members and guests are welcome to bring their food from home or bring in food from other restaurants, but it must be eaten within the Abbey Centre itself (common/public areas i.e. tables or field house bleachers) or outside in the green space.


No outside food will be allowed in the Outdoor Aquatic Centre other than water/sports drinks in non-breakable containers. Thank you for your cooperation.

Children's Services Kids Corner


What kind of bow cannot be tied?

A rainbow!


How to Grow a Rainbow


Supplies

  • Paper Towel
  • Washable markers
  • water
  • Two of the same cups



1.      Fold the paper towel in half horizontally.

2.      Cut off about 1/3 of the towel and save that small section for later.

3.      Draw the rainbow colors on each end of the towel in rectangular sections. Make sure to go over the colors a few times so that there is enough dye to travel across your paper towel. Try your best to match up each side so that the colors line up.

4.      Pour water into the two cups until they are about ¾ full.

5.      Place the two ends of the paper towel into the cups. ½ of the rainbow blocks should be in the water. Do not fully submerge the entire colored section.

6.      Watch the colors travel across the paper towel!

It's Always Fun in Child Minding!

Children aged 3 months to 10 years can be dropped off to receive quality care by our friendly and professional staff.

Spots are limited to 3 hours/day. We are now operating under our winter hours.

 

Please note that we no longer offer off-site care.

 

Click here to learn more about Child Minding Services

Drop - In Fitness Classes


Our Drop-In Fitness Classes are in full swing with fitness instructors Chantelle and Diana!


To see our schedule, please click here.

Fitness Focus - Matrix Glute Trainer


We highlight one of our equipment pieces each month to help people familiarize themselves and get some pointers on its use.


This month we are showcasing the Matrix Glute Trainer


Read more about it here.

Book Your Free Fitness Centre Orientation Today!

We offer FREE Fitness Centre orientations.


Youth 12 - 17 years of age are required to have an orientation before accessing the Fitness Centre or Running Track. Youth 12 - 13 must be accompanied by an adult.


To book an orientation call 403.885.3176 or email trainer@blackfalds.ca.n

Personal One-on-One Training Available

Looking for a personal trainer to get you going or keep you on track? The Abbey has a number of certified personal trainers who will work with you to develop a fitness program that is just right for you!


One-on-One Rates

1 Session $50.00

3 Sessions $142.50

5 Sessions $225.00

10 Sessions $425.00

20 Sessions $800.00

*GST is included in the rates

 

Please purchase your session prior to scheduling training times.

We recommend you meet the trainers prior to purchase so we can match you with the best trainer possible.


For terms & conditions, please refer to our website www.blackfalds.ca/abbeycentre


Call 403.885.0183 or email trainer@blackfalds.ca for more information. Group Training is also available.

Abbey Membership and Admission
With the purchase of a membership, or 10-punch you will be granted unlimited access to the Fitness Centre, Outdoor Aquatic Centre, Running Track, Indoor Play Space, Drop-In Fitness Classes, Registered Fitness Classes (with drop-in option) and daily (M-F) drop-in activities in the Field House.

Perks of Being an Annual Member
Annual members are eligible to register early in Town programs and classes, receive two (2) complimentary day passes upon membership activation or renewal and have the ability to place their membership on hold (certain restrictions do apply).

Membership forms are available at the Abbey Centre or can be downloaded here.

Online Registration

Online Program Registration & Memberships

Our online registration system is a fast, easy and convenient method of viewing and registering for Town of Blackfalds programs.


To register online you must have an online account. See the Abbey's online program registration for more information.


Problems logging in? Contact Guest Services at 403-885-4039.

Mon - Fri | 5:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat - Sun | 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Important Reminders
Statutory Holiday Hours
For Stat Holiday hours visit the Abbey Centre on the web.

Field House Drop-In Schedule
Daily drop-in activities (which may include badminton, pickleball and basketball) are set up daily. See Field House Drop-In Schedule

Clothing & Clean Shoes Policy
All Fitness Centre/Track users are required to wear athletic gym apparel. No bare chests. Clothing must be free of inappropriate or offensive language/graphics.
Clean, dry shoes are required in the Fitness Centre/Track and Field House.
Abbey Centre | 4500 Womacks Rd | Blackfalds, AB
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