Canada Day means many different things to many people, and we encourage all to take some time to reflect on our past, our present, and our future.
The Town of Blackfalds acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
However you decided to celebrate, we hope you stayed safe, cool and had fun!
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Welcome to the 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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What does it mean to be vibrant and live vibrantly?
Our FCSS team created this newsletter with the intentions of connecting our 50+ population with valuable information and resources to further support the social wellbeing of our community. Through this season of disconnection, and as people are more connected to technology than ever, we made it a priority to share available programming, and offer support to build and maintain this connection.
In return for accessing and benefiting from programs and services, we ask that those who access our programming also practice respect for all our partners, who come from all walks of life and who offer different skills, talents, and views . If an agency approaches our FCSS to provide services and offerings to our vibrant community, we ask that you treat them with respect, kindness, equality and compassion in return.
At our FCSS office we have a sign that reads “Respect is Mutual. As a valued customer, you can expect courteous and respectful service. We appreciate your cooperation in treating Town employees with respect in return. Verbal abuse, including swearing, insults or threats will not be tolerated.”
We know that this past year has been a challenging one and, despite that, we hope that the programs we have provided have increased the opportunities you have to be more involved in the community.
If you are interested in continuing the conversation about courtesy, respect and kindness, please connect with the FCSS office.
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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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A special Thank You to Lacombe County FCSS for funding these worthwhile programs!
For further information on either of these programs please contact FCSS at 403.600.9066.
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Seniors' Week Celebration Continues .... |
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We hope you enjoyed participating in the 30 kms in 30 days biking/walking challenge and encourage you to continue for July and August by getting out and using our walking trails or visiting one of our many parks! |
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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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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.
Times: 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
Outdoor courts located at 4810 Womacks Rd.
Times: Monday - Friday 8AM - Dusk
Saturday & Sunday 10AM - Dusk
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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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Click game to be redirected to sudoku.com |
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Click game to be redirected to thewordsearch.com |
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The Cheemo Seniors' Club Welcomes You! |
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In light of the concerns relating to the pandemic, the Cheemo Club has decided to pause all programming until the Fall of 2021. |
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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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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 and 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 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. |
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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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