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Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings—and we hope this season brings a little extra joy and light into your life. Whether you're spending the day with family or friends, enjoying some well-deserved rest, or indulging in your favorite Easter treats, we wish you moments filled with happiness, laughter, and peace. May this spring be a reminder of all the beauty and possibilities that each new day holds.
Have a bright and beautiful Easter!
| | To everyone observing Passover this week, we’re wishing you a meaningful celebration filled with tradition, reflection, and time with loved ones. As you come together to share meals and stories, may this season bring a sense of renewal, connection, and hope. | | Teeing Off for Autism Awareness | | On April 2nd, Cynthia, Derek, Josh, and Stephen gathered for a fun-filled game of mini-golf, all while proudly wearing blue to show their support for World Autism Day and raise awareness for the cause. It was a great way to mix fun, friendship, and meaningful support for an important cause. | | What better way to spend a rainy afternoon than by discovering a new game? Stephen recently found Qwirkle at the Leamington Branch of Essex County Library, and it turned out to be the perfect way to pass the time. After watching a quick 2-minute YouTube tutorial, he quickly grasped the rules and was soon mastering the game. It was the perfect way to enjoy a cozy day indoors. The library is always full of hidden gems like this, making it easy to turn any gloomy day into an exciting adventure! | | Josh and Isaac come to church together every Sunday and volunteer as door greeters. They enjoy being part of the team that helps people feel welcome as they arrive. Whether it’s a smile, a handshake, or a friendly “good morning,” they do their part to make church a warm and inviting place. Serving in this way has become something they both look forward to, and it’s a simple way for them to give back and stay connected to the church community. | | Ray, Stephen, and Larry spent a wonderful day at Point Pelee, enjoying the peaceful water and taking in the beautiful nature trails. They made the most of the day, soaking up the fresh air and spending time together outdoors. After their adventure, they stopped at Dairy Freeze for their first ice cream of the season, the perfect way to end a fun and relaxing day outdoors! | | Unlocking New Possibilities | | Lisa was thrilled to receive a brand-new iPad through the Giving Tuesday campaign — a heartfelt gift that will make a meaningful difference in her daily life. This generous donation not only provides access to technology, but also opens up new opportunities for connection, learning, and personal growth. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and the impact that kindness can have. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible! | | Wesley recently participated in a group music therapy session and enjoyed singing along to popular tunes like Taylor Swift hits and some Disney songs. The session was a fun and engaging experience for him, allowing him to connect with others and express himself through music. | | An Update from Career Compass | | |
Celebrating 3 Years of Poppin’ Success!
This month marks three years since Liz joined the team at What’s Poppin’! Liz sets the bar high when it comes to filling popcorn bags—her speed and precision are unmatched! Congratulations, Liz, on this amazing milestone! Career Compass is thrilled to have matched Liz with What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory, where she continues to shine!
P.S. Don’t miss out on the limited time “What’s Hoppin’” Bunny Mix!
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🐣 EGG-CELLENT 🐣 HUNTS
I’m sure that the word “Easter” instantly brings memories of chocolate treats to young and old. For many, this spring celebration is about family gatherings with food as the central focus. For others around the world, Easter has special religious significance.
In all of the anticipation of sweets, flowers, and celebratory meals, have we forgotten our furry friends? Our loyal dogs 🐶. Don’t pets like to be rewarded with treats too?
The residents of Kingsville haven’t forgotten our furry friends. As children, we all know how thrilled we were to participate in Easter egg hunts. This weekend, there will be lots of opportunities for kids to hunt for eggs—at home and in their community parks. But what about the DOGS?
Why not bring your dog to a fun event? If you don’t have a dog, maybe your children would enjoy watching people’s pets enjoy a DOG EASTER EGG HUNT. There’s always something new and different. Who knew that dogs could have their own Easter egg hunt?
🐶 🐩 🐶
Town of Kingsville Easter Egg Hunt
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No matter how you celebrate Easter, we at Ensemble wish you and your family—including pets—sun-filled days and sweet dreams fulfilled.
🐣 HAPPY EASTER 🐣
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
| | New Day has organized a sweet fundraiser to support the 2025 Speaking Out Conference, an event dedicated to empowerment, education, effective advocacy and inclusion. To help raise funds, they are offering Rhéo Thompson mint smoothie chocolates, available in both milk and dark chocolate, for just $3 each at the Essex Centre Front Desk and Channel. These Canadian-made chocolates, crafted in Stratford, Ontario, feature a smooth, peppermint-infused centre wrapped in rich, luxurious chocolate. The fundraiser’s goal is to provide financial support for the Speaking Out Conference, ensuring that this impactful event continues to make a difference. All proceeds go directly toward the conference, so you can enjoy a delicious treat while helping support this important cause! | | Community Living Presents: The Downs | | As part of Community Living Month in May, Community Living Essex County is proud and pleased to present a matinee performance of the award-winning play, The Downs. The winner of a People Choice and Producers Pick Award, this heartwarming performance has been a sell out at the Blyth Theatre for years. Join us on Saturday, May 24th at 2:30pm at The Bank Theatre in Leamington. Tickets are $20 per person and available at www.banktheatre.com. | | Become an eBingo Volunteer | | Looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back? Join us as an eBingo volunteer at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor! Volunteers commit to 2-hour shifts, with training provided, and must be at least 18 years of age. In addition to helping a great cause, you'll receive a $25 gas gift card and a Community Living Essex County golf shirt to wear during your shift. It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and get your steps in! Click the button below to sign up today. Don’t miss out on the chance to have fun while making a difference! | | WEFN 30th Anniversary Celebration | | Windsor Essex Family Network invites you to a special celebration on Saturday, April 26th—a chance to reflect on the journey families have shared and the doors they've opened together. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for all ages with games, art activities by Laura Fontaine, face painting, a photo booth, free books, gift bags, and tasty treats. Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and learn more about WEFN today. Thanks to the Hampton Inn on Huron Church, one lucky family of a loved one with a disability will win a 2-night stay (draw at 3:45 PM—no need to be present to win). This inclusive event is open to WEFN members, families, and community partners. Please click the button below to register or call 519-974-1008. Registration closes on April 18th. Everyone is welcome! | | Elections Canada Accessible Polling Stations | | Voters with disabilities may face barriers, such as difficulty meeting ID requirements and feeling less informed about the voting process. Elections Canada is committed to ensuring accessibility for voters with disabilities by providing accessible polling stations, automatic door openers, and election worker assistance. Accessible materials, such as braille, large print, e-text, DAISY, and sign language videos with captions, are also available. If a polling station does not meet accessibility needs, alternative locations and services, like language or sign language interpretation, can be requested. To ensure your polling station meets accessibility needs, you can check your voter information card, visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box, or call 1-800-463-6868. Below are some informative videos and links to some helpful planning resources and information. With these resources and support in place, Elections Canada aims to make voting accessible and inclusive for everyone, ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process. | | Reducing Barriers to Working in a Federal Election | | Registering and Voting in a Federal Election | | A strong, thriving membership is essential to our Agency. Membership includes a variety of engagement options and is a great way to show support for the work of Community Living Essex County. Members help guide the direction and work of the Agency, attending events and taking a strong interest in building inclusive communities for people supported. Join us and together we can be Member Strong! Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive new membership perks! | | |
New Bursary Opportunity:
Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary
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New Bursary Opportunity: Supporting Future DSW Professionals Community Living Essex County’s Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary
Sponsored by Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
We're excited to announce a $1,500 bursary opportunity for high school students in Essex County who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) or related program at an accredited college. This bursary is generously sponsored by the Dan Gemus Real Estate Team.
This bursary will help to financially support and encourage high school students passionate about pursuing a career in Developmental Services who are enrolled in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program at any accredited college.
One $1,500 bursary to be awarded to one student from one at an Essex County secondary school who is enrolled or planning to enroll in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program.
Application Process:
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Complete the application form at the link below.
- Complete a 500-word personal essay.
- Provide proof of acceptance or application to the DSW program at an accredited college.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 28th, 2025
The bursary will be awarded as a one-time payment of $1,500 to be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses. The recipient will be notified by May 9th, 2025, and the award will be presented by a representative of the Bursary sponsor and Community Living Essex County at the CLEC Annual Meeting of the Members in June 2025.
Contact Information:
For further inquiries, applicants can contact Julie LaSorda, Director, Marketing and Innovation at jlasorda@communitylivingessex.org or at 519.776.6483 ext. 247.
| | #WaitingToBelong - Call For Stories | | Over 52,000 adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario are currently on a waitlist for services, with some waiting for over a decade. Yet, only about a third of the 3,000 individuals who apply each year actually receive support. It’s time to take action—contact your local representative to advocate for change and help raise awareness. Click the buttons below to visit the Waiting to Belong website and learn more, as well as share your story. | | |
Only Two Weeks Left to Apply for the
Light Up the Future Bursary
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Community Living Ontario is excited to announce that applications for the Anne Stafford Light Up the Future Bursary are now open.
The Anne Stafford Light Up the Future Bursary is open to all residents of Ontario aged 18 years and older who identify as having an intellectual disability, to help in their pursuit of an educational program or personal interest course or activity.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 25th at 5:00 p.m. More information and the application can be found at the link below.
| | Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today! | | Check out the latest offerings in our Community Living Essex County store! CLEC employees have the option of paying for items via Employee Payroll Deduction. Simply use the code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order. We've recently restocked many items that were previously sold out! | | Passport Program Planning Tool Available Now | | Looking for help planning how to use your Passport funding? Check out the new Passport Program Planning Tool! This easy-to-use questionnaire asks about your interests, hobbies, and expenses that may qualify for Passport funding. It will guide you to identify what matters most to you so you can create a plan for your funding. The tool takes you through 12 simple questions, and when you're done, you'll receive a copy of your responses by email, plus the option to download and print your answers to share with your Person Managing Funds (PMF), service agency, broker, or Passport Coordinator. You can access the tool by clicking the button below. | | Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentation | | The DSO will host a free virtual presentation on Wednesday, April 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This presentation offers an opportunity to learn about the DSO, its functions, the application process, and how to access Ministry-funded services. Check out the flyer above for additional information and click the button below to register. | | P4P Webcast: Tips for RDSP Plan Holders | | On April 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm, P4P is inviting RDSP plan holders to join an informative webcast designed to help them get the most out of their RDSP. While opening an RDSP is a crucial first step, there’s much more to learn to ensure the plan is being managed effectively. This session will offer tips and strategies for maximizing the value of an RDSP, covering what to do both before and after opening the plan, as well as investment strategies. Participants will learn about initiating withdrawals, ensuring entitlements, determining growth, and understanding ongoing responsibilities to optimize their RDSP over time. This is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone looking to make the most of their RDSP. | | Windsor Essex Easter Guide | | Whether you're searching for Easter eggs or a delicious meal, this guide is filled with exciting activities and dining experiences across Windsor and Essex County. From indulging in a delicious Easter Brunch at Willistead Manor to joining the family fun with an egg hunt at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, there’s plenty to celebrate as the warmer weather arrives. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, fresh seasonal meals, or fun family activities, this guide has everything you need to embrace the vibrant energy of spring. Click the button below to view the full guide and make the most of the season! | | St. Clair College Music Theatre Students Present: The Wizard of Oz | | Join the St. Clair College Music Theatre Performance Students on Saturday, April 19th, at the Chrysler Theatre for a performance of the classic musical The Wizard of Oz. Based on the 1939 film and L. Frank Baum’s novel, this production is sure to delight. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students/youth (plus taxes and fees). Please note that only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for online payments, and the Intermission Cafe is cashless. For wheelchair seating, please inform the box office when booking. All ticket sales are final—no refunds or exchanges. To purchase tickets, please click the button below. | | Creative Crew: Easter Activities at the Museum | | The Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village invites families to join their upcoming event, Creative Crew: Easter Activities at the Museum, on Saturday, April 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This fun-filled afternoon features Bunny Bingo with magical prizes, an Easter egg hunt through the village, take-home crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and tasty treats and drinks available for purchase. Admission is just $5.00 per child and adult, making it an affordable and festive way for the whole family to celebrate the season. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Town of Kingsville Easter Egg Hunt | | The Town of Kingsville invites families to celebrate spring at their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19th at Lakeside Park and the Lakeside Park Pavilion. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., enjoy a fun-filled morning with candy collecting, themed crafts, lawn games, inflatable features, and a scavenger hunt. Easter Egg Hunts are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (ages 1–4) and 11:30 a.m. (ages 5–8), so bring your baskets and get ready for some festive fun! Click the link below to visit the event website and learn more. | | Join the fun at the LaSalle Spring Fling on Saturday, April 19th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the LaSalle Event Centre. This family-friendly event will feature busker-style entertainment, local performers, food trucks, vendors, and more! With something for everyone, it's the perfect way to enjoy a spring day with the whole family. Best of all, the event is free to attend! Click the button below for more information. | | Earth Day - All Ages Event | | Celebrate Earth Day at The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast on Saturday, April 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This all-ages event invites guests to explore the meadow, take a guided tour through the woods, and learn about the habitat needs of native bees, focusing on solitary species. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own bee hotels and decorate bowls, which they can take home, along with native seeds to start their own pollinator gardens. The fee is $50 per couple/family or individual, which includes one bee hotel, one decorated bowl, and all necessary materials. It's a fun, hands-on way to connect with nature and contribute to a healthier environment! Click the link below to purchase tickets. | | Downtown Windsor Farmer's Market
| | Visit the Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Pelissier St. The market will be running every Saturday through October 25th, offering fresh, farm-to-table produce and unique artisan food products from the best local producers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a Kids Corner, art exhibits, craft vendors, community booths, entertainment, food demonstrations, and special events, making it the perfect family-friendly outing. Don’t miss your chance to support local businesses and experience the best of the community! Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Spring Vendors Market at St. Paul's Church | | St. Paul’s Anglican Church will be hosting its Spring Vendors Market on Saturday, April 26th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 92 St. Paul Street. Guests can look forward to a wide selection of local vendors featuring home décor, baked goods, Scentsy, Color Street, and more. The event will also include a delicious lunch, a selection of books for sale, a raffle with exciting prizes, and a children’s activity table. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, shop local, and celebrate the spring season. | | |
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit:
You Can Cook Series
| | This engaging video series, created by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, is the perfect way to build your confidence in the kitchen! In just 5 minutes or less, you'll learn essential food skills that will make cooking at home easier, more enjoyable, and healthier. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, these quick and informative videos are designed to get you comfortable in the kitchen in no time. Click the button below to start learning and cooking today! | | Say hello to the Spring Roll Bowl—a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed recipe making its grand entrance just in time for the season! This bowl is a dream come true for fans of bold, tangy flavors and colorful, veggie-loaded meals. Packed with rice noodles, a sweet garlic lime sauce, crunchy peanuts, crisp rainbow veggies, and a refreshing trio of mint, basil, and cilantro, it’s everything you love about spring rolls—no wrapping required. Perfect for meal preppers, herb lovers, or anyone looking to bring some brightness to their lunch routine, this is your new go-to bowl for fresh, seasonal eating. Click the button below for the recipe. | | Spring Cleaning Tip of the Week | | Dusting Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures | Spring cleaning is all about tackling the areas you forget about during the rest of the year. Grab an extendable duster or a vacuum with the dust brush attachment and make sure to dust all your ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, bathroom vents and more. The best way to clean these items is from top to bottom, so you don't have to vacuum your floors twice. Taking the time to clean these overlooked spots will leave your home feeling fresher, brighter, and truly ready for the season ahead. | | Looking for a charming Easter craft or a sweet addition to your spring décor? This DIY Modern Bunny Décor, made entirely from popsicle sticks, is the perfect project for spring—or any time of year! Using a free downloadable template, crafters of all skill levels can create a stylish little bunny shelf that looks far more intricate than it actually is. Whether it’s perched on a mantle, styled in an entryway, or hanging as part of a gallery wall, this modern bunny adds a playful handmade touch to any space. Get the full tutorial and template by clicking the button below and let your creativity hop to life! | |
| How do you like to refresh your space in spring? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
What is your favorite plant to see bloom in the next couple of weeks?
Cherry Blossom Tree - 46.4%
Tulips - 27.5%
Daffodils - 11.6%
None, I have allergies - 5.8%
Other - 5.8%
White Trillium - 2.9%
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