COVID-19 Vaccinations Under Way in Our Community
We are so happy to see more people in our community, including people who receive supports,  starting to get vaccinated. Art got his COVID-19 vaccine last week at Shoppers Drug Mart in Tecumseh, as he falls into the age category that is currently eligible. Way to go, Art! 
Volunteer Spotlight: Jack Lecot
For 38 years, Jack Lecot of Kingsville worked in a variety of jobs at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Windsor. The work was at times long and hard but also fueled his love for the automobile.

After retirement, his interest in cars led him to purchase a classic 1968 Chrysler New Yorker convertible that he continues to drive, even with the high cost of gas these days. Over the years, Jack and his classic cruiser would attend cars shows throughout Ontario.

In 2003, Jack was invited by friends and fellow car lovers to attend and help organize the Ruthven Apple Festival Car Show. By 2008 Jack was leading the charge and coordinating the event, which has grown in attendance each year and has raised thousands of dollars in support of Community Living Essex County.

“I get great satisfaction from directly meeting and seeing people who benefit from the proceeds of the Apple Festival and the car show”, states Jack. At 77, this youthful senior admits his volunteer experience has expanded his social circle, and he has met new people who not only share his passion for cars but his interest in giving back to his community.   
Lions Park All-Inclusive Playground
It is said that the greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories. We all want to leave our mark on this world – to know that our life mattered. But what does it mean to leave a legacy? It means putting a stamp on the future and making a contribution to future generations.
 
The Kingsville Lions, whose service in Kingsville began in 1933, began a legacy project when they donated a parcel of land at 23 Mill Street West to the Town of Kingsville for community use and the development of Lions Park in 2003. Development of the park is now under way and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
 
After 88 years, their commitment to Kingsville continues. This year they have pledged $65,000 towards the purchase of inclusive playground equipment for Lions Park but they need help to reach their goal.
 
While accessible playground equipment helps children with disabilities enjoy play, inclusive playground equipment goes a step beyond accessibility. Inclusive play equipment allows all children to play within one recreational area. Inclusive equipment is meant to allow everyone to play together using the same equipment and can include quiet spaces for kids who get overwhelmed easily and other pieces of equipment that offer something for every need. Wouldn’t a playground like that make many happy memories for children of all abilities in Kingsville?
 
The Kingsville Lions hope you will consider joining them in leaving a legacy for the children of Kingsville by making a donation to the Kingsville Lions Play-It-Forward in Lions Park fundraiser. This is an excellent opportunity for you to put your stamp on the future and make a contribution to benefit future generations.

Donate on-line at: www.kingsville.ca/playitforward or complete the Play-It-Forward Pledge Form. 
Click on the below image to see a short Play-It-Forward video.
Vote for Enactus St. Clair College in the Canadian Western Bank Financial Education Challenge
Vote for Enactus St. Clair's project, interACT, in the Canadian Western Bank Financial Education Challenge. Community Living Essex County is a partner on this project, which provides students with skills and resources that give them confidence to feel financially secure. This initiative prepares students with job interview experience, job opportunities, and works to teach them basic financial skills. Visit https://regionals.enactus.ca/national-challenges/cwb-financial-education-challenge-central-b/ to vote and find out more!
Membership - Join Us!

Membership Benefits Include:

  • Voting rights
  • Invitation to virtual AGM
  • Electronic Communications
  • Closer Look mailer
  • Annual report
  • I'm All INclusion window cling (corporate members)
  • I'm All Inclusion accessory (individual members)
  • Membership card

Do you believe in inclusion? Join us today!
Independence and Safety
 “A ship is safe at shore, but that’s not what ships are for”–unknown quote, variously attributed to Albert Einstein, Grace Hopper, John A. Shedd and Theodore Roosevelt
After living through a year of COVID-19, perhaps many of us as families are defaulting to the position that we need to continue to keep our loved ones home to keep them safe. 

Granted, in these extraordinary times we have had to stay home to be safe and stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as we are seemingly nearing the end of the pandemic and as life returns to a more normal ebb and flow, perhaps we need a gentle reminder to not become “stuck” in this mentality for our loved ones. 

Let us resume the path our families were on prior to the pandemic to foster independence for our family members, no matter what they may look like for them, so that they can have the best life possible. Truly, a ship is safe at shore, but that’s not what ships are for.

Kelly Runalls,
Parent Consultant
Ensemble, ensemble@communitylivingessex.org or 519-776-6483, ext. 225  


Below is a brief video from Eric Goll of Empowering Ability in which he discusses the start of his family’s journey to foster greater independence for his sister Sarah.  
Escape from Wonderland Digital Escape Room
Enjoy this Wonderland-Themed Digital Escape Room based on the story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll.

This escape room is intended for all ages, and you can complete it by yourself or with a group.
Hogwarts Digital Escape Room
You’re stuck in a locked room at the Hogwarts School – you can’t use any magic to escape, only the clues!

You can complete this escape room as a group or as individual. You can compete against friends and try it multiple times. Just make sure you have fun!
Recipe of the Week
Baked Cod with Asparagus, Fennel and Leeks 
A simple, spring-inspired dinner that is low in carbs and calories! This delicious, healthy baked cod recipe is simple and easy and perfect for spring! Nestled in spring vegetables - asparagus, fennel and leeks, cod is drizzled with olive oil, garlic, thyme and lemon zest! Bakes in just 12 minutes! Keep this low-carb or serve this with quinoa, cauliflower rice or Basmati rice!
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
On the first day of spring, where on Earth would one see the Sun passing directly overhead?
At the equator
At the Tropic of Capricorn
At the Tropic of Cancer
At the Arctic Circle
Poll Results

What are you looking forward to most this spring?

Getting in the garden 63.3%
Swinging my golf clubs 10%
Cruising on my motorcycle/convertible/boat 6.7%
Grilling some burgers 20%