Easter is this weekend, and we're wishing you a happy, relaxing and memorable holiday weekend! | |
Easter lilies are a relatively new tradition. These beautiful blooms first originated in Japan and arrived in England in the late 18th century. North America only caught onto the trend after World War I. The transition from dormant bulbs to delicate flowers brings to mind hope and rebirth, two important themes of the Easter celebration. Click below for more interesting facts about Easter! | |
Windsor Spitfires' Galactic Soirée | |
Kelly and Mary Ellen recently attended the Windsor Spitfires Star Wars night! It was the first-ever Star Wars night at the WFCU Centre, complete with Star Wars-themed activities, photo opportunities, and more. Kelly and Mary Ellen had an unforgettable time! | |
Unpaid Caregivers Connect | |
On Saturday, March 23 family caregivers had an opportunity to meet, share and connect. With the expert guidance of business owner Lisa Arner of Crafty Nest Kingsville, an animated group of mothers put their best creative imaginations to work. The resulting pinecone wreaths were as unique as the mothers who created them. Everyone agreed that time away from demanding home responsibilities was a much needed break— AND it was LOTS of FUN! Engaging in creative activities removes stress and opens our minds to further explore new stress relievers. | |
As March draws to a close, Ensemble looks forward to two April activities to kick off the month. These appreciation activities are for UNPAID family caregivers who are supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in the family home. Both activities take place on April 6, with one activity taking place in Essex at the Essex Stained Glass Art Studio, and the other in LaSalle at Swabey Family Counseling. Please RSVP to mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com, and be sure to specify which event you’d like to attend. Please note that there are limited spaces available for each event, and we kindly request that only one adult caregiver per family registers. Once we reach the maximum number of registrants, registration will close. Those attending will receive a prior notification before the event takes place. |  |
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We hope you’ll consider joining other families —to experience new activities, to share ideas, to make new connections AND last but not least — HAVE FUN JUST FOR YOU! 😊
**RSVP’s are required in ADVANCE**
Wishing everyone a vibrant spring! 🌞🐥🌼
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
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Save the Date for our Annual General Meeting! | |
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Join us for our 63rd Annual General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at the Ciociaro Club at 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle. Stay tuned for registration details.
Note: to be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must renew your membership by May 28. Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive new membership perks!
| New Day: 20th Anniversary Celebration | |
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Tickets are now on sale for New Day's 20th Anniversary Celebration, taking place on Saturday, April 20. New Day started in 2004 and has become a voice for people who receive supports from Community Living Essex County. This is a party for everyone to celebrate the work that has been done through self-advocacy over the last 20 years. Everyone is welcome!
To purchase tickets, call Beth at 519-736-5077 or email newday@communitylivingessex.org.
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REAL Xchange: Breaking Barriers at the Inclusion Symposium | |
The inaugural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium took place in Toronto on March 19 and 20, and REAL Xchange was invited to take part. Participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations with industry experts sharing their experiences and insights on inclusion and EDI in developmental services. Together with members of the provincial EDI Community of Practice and the Anti-Racism EDI Committee, Project Manager Amanda Mastronardi was invited to present REAL Xchange and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion repository available on the platform. The REAL Xchange Exhibitor Booth attracted considerable attention, serving as a hub for DS sector professionals eager to explore RX’s initiatives and offerings. Attendees also had the chance to win a variety of branded promotional items, especially the coveted REAL Xchange light-up LED cup! | |
Applications are Open for the Light Up the Future Bursary | |
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 26 at 5pm. More information and the application can be found at the link below. | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentations | Developmental Services Ontario is holding two free virtual presentations in April. The first, taking place on April 3, will be an informative session the various types of technological assistance available today and how it might be used to support independence. The second, on April 30, will give you an opportunity to learn about the DSO, it's function, the application process and how to access Ministry funded services. Check out the flyers below for additional information and to register. | |
Online P4P Webcast: Tips for RDSP Plan Holders | |
P4P is hosting a free informational webcast on April 3 at 7:00pm for those interested in the Registered Disability Savings Plan. This webcast provides tips and strategies for plan holders so they can manage an RDSP effectively and maximize its value over time. The webcast will give guidance on what you need to do before and AFTER opening your RDSP, and will include information on different strategies for your investments. Click below to register! | |
Eclipse: Tips for Safe Viewing | |
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A total solar eclipse is happening in Essex County on Monday, April 8, and it's a pretty big deal! Did you know Essex County is one of the best places in the world to view the eclipse? We've compiled some tips for viewing the eclipse safely. Check them out below!
- When preparing for the eclipse, purchase genuine solar viewing glasses from reputable vendors, ensuring they are ISO 12312 certified.
- Never look directly at the Sun, as even during an eclipse, it can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
- Avoid using regular sunglasses, binoculars, or telescopes for viewing.
- When putting on or removing your eclipse glasses, do so with your back to the Sun.
- While driving, keep your eyes on the road and avoid looking at the eclipse.
- For optimal observation, if you’re near the path of totality, choose an observation spot away from streetlights that might turn on when the sky gets dark.
- Do not take pictures of the eclipse without proper filters for your camera or covering the lens with eclipse glasses, as your camera can be severely damaged.
- Lastly, put down your smartphone during the total eclipse phase to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring moment!
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WFCU Credit Union Easter Egg Drop | |
Join WFCU and the Town of LaSalle at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex on Saturday, March 30, 2024, for this one-of-a-kind community event. Watch as thousands of colorful toy eggs are dropped from the sky for an egg hunt experience like no other. Kids ages 2-10 can participate in the egg hunt and collect as many eggs as possible! Toy eggs can then be exchanged for Easter chocolate and goodies. Parents/guardians can rest assured that the Easter Bunny and friends will be on-site to monitor the egg collection and ensure a positive experience for all. | |
The Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market is Back | |
At the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market you’ll find farm fresh fruit, vegetables, produce and unique artisan food products from the best our area has to offer. There will be a featured Kids Corner, art exhibits and crafts vendors, community booths, entertainment, food demonstrations, and other special events that attract the community to this fun and family-friendly environment. | |
Windsor Symphony Orchestra Presents: Flutter | |
Flutter is an opera that unfolds the epic journey of the Monarch Butterfly, migrating from Point Pelee, Canada to the warm embrace of Mexico. This opera weaves a tapestry of scientific truths about the Monarch's life cycle with the rich tapestry of butterfly lore. Audiences are treated to a symphony of stunning music, spellbinding dance, and sheer delight. Promising an immersive experience for all ages, Flutter also offers a themed craft activity prior to the performance. | |
Who says casseroles can't be fun? Vegetarian lasagna is the life of the dinner party! Imagine layers upon layers of pasta, slathered with a zesty tomato sauce you whipped up yourself, and oodles of melted cheese. It's the go-to dish for any occasion - potlucks, birthdays, or just a big family dinner. Dig in! | |
This simple Easter garland is the perfect holiday craft! They are very fun and easy to make, even for beginners. Click the link below to add a splash of color to your Easter holiday! | |
| What is your favorite Easter candy? | | | |
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What is your go-to morning beverage?
Coffee ~ 72.7%
Tea ~ 6.8%
Water ~ 6.8%
I just get up and go ~ 6.8%
Energy drink ~ 4.5%
I work nights so I drink my coffee in the evenings ~ 2.3%
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