Welcome to the new Blackfalds FCSS Vibrant Living 50+ monthly newsletter funded by Lacombe County FCSS for the more vibrant residents in our community!
Who is Blackfalds FCSS?
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.
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.com.
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Due to provincial health restrictions we are limited in what we can offer for in-person programs. However, this also helps us prepare some exciting upcoming ones! Stay tuned for the next programs such as yoga and walking group, as well as, physically distanced social opportunities.
A Special Thank You to Lacombe County FCSS for funding these worthwhile programs!
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NEW! Friendly Caller Program |
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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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NEW! Intergenerational Pen Pal Program |
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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.
Stay tuned for more information in next month's newsletter!
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The Snow Angel Program is a volunteer program that supports Blackfalds residents who require assistance to clear their snowy driveway and/or walkway. |
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Blackfalds residents are eligible for the program when they meet the following criteria:
- Have a temporary or permanent condition or disability
- Have no other capable members residing in your home
Since this is a volunteer program, residents are not obligated to pay. Small gestures of appreciation such as a thank you card or hot chocolate are acceptable.
Interested senior residents in need of the program can contact Blackfalds FCSS to be matched with a Snow Angel.
Blackfalds FCSS
5016 Waghorn St
403.885.6360
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We always want to offer the best and quality events to our community, however, due to the pandemic, we are restricted to smaller group gatherings which has impacted our favourite annual events such as Light Up Blackfalds, Winterfest, etc.
Due to these restrictions, we are always looking for alternate ways to offer activities either virtually or with smaller, controlled groups.
Please follow our social media and/or events calendar for details.
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Feeling socially isolated? |
Social isolation really 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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NEW Low Intensity Yoga for 55+ Class |
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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 and blanket.
Mon | 9:30 - 10:30 am | March 8-29 | $25.00
Wed | 9:30 - 10:30 am | March 10-31 | $25.00
Classes held at Community Centre
4810 Womacks Road
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All registrations must be done online, contact Guest Services at 403-885-4039 to set up an appointment for
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New Covid-19 Health Measures and Facility Closures
Abbey Centre has been closed since Saturday, December 12 at 10 p.m. as per public health guidelines.
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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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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
Lower Level, Civic Cultural Centre
5018 Waghorn Street
403.885.2343
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In-Home Activity Suggestions |
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GAMES AND PUZZLES
Sudoku, crossword puzzle or word search
Cards (rummy, Uno or Dutch blitz etc.)
MUSIC
Listen to a new genre of music
Learn to play the spoons
CREATIVITY
Create a photo album
Wood working
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Gardening: start your seedlings indoors
Phone a friend and challenge each other to a spelling bee
COMMUNICATION AND VISITING
Write or tape your autobiography and give copies to your family
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Click game to be redirected to sudoku.com |
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Click game to be redirected to thewordsearch.com |
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Go to the end of the newsletter for the answers. |
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The Cheemo Seniors' Club Welcomes You! |
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New Covid-19 Health Measures & Facility Closures |
Multi-Purpose Room at the Community Centre will be closed as of Saturday, December 12 until further notice.
Cheemo Club activities are currently put on hold until restrictions have been lifted.
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The Cheemo Club welcomes fellow residents 50+ to join them weekly in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Blackfalds Community Centre.
Annual Membership $10 + $1 drop-in fee
Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are provided.
For more information contact Cheemo Club President Phyllis Butt at 403.885.0121
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Weekly Cheemo Club Activities (on hold for now) |
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Monday 12:30 - 4:00PM
Carpet Bowling
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Thursday 6:00 - 9:30 PM
Whist Card Night
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Friday 12:30 - 4:00 PM
Floor Curling
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Did you know that you can donate non perishable goods at our local IGA? If every time a person did their grocery shopping, they donated one item - our Food Bank would have shelves full to bursting!
Our Blackfalds Food Bank does not have a financial eligibility threshold. If you know someone who could benefit from the great local partnerships that the Food Bank Society has created - please refer them to FCSS so they can get the info necessary to make an appointment at the Food Bank.
Every week Cobb's Bakery in Red Deer donates bread, local farmers donate inspected beef and Lacombe Pik-n-Pak provides fresh vegetables!
Every Wednesday a group of volunteers meets and has hampers available for all of those benefiting from the Food Bank.
If you might have some time and an interest in supporting this worthwhile initiative please contact
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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 has undergone 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. |
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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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Answers to crossword:
Across:
2 Giraffe, 6 Monkey, 9 Cats, 10 Flamingo, 11 Turtle, 12 FIsh
Down:
1 Hippopotamus, 3 Dog, 4 Elephant, 5 Wolf, 7 Penguin, 8 Tiger
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Blackfalds FCSS | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB
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