Special Olympics World Winter Games

On March 8th, the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 officially kicked off with an exhilarating Opening Ceremony, bringing together athletes from over 100 nations to celebrate inclusion and the unifying power of sport. The parade of nations was a highlight, with each delegation marching proudly, symbolizing the strength of the global movement. The night was filled with inspiring speeches, stunning performances, and the lighting of the Flame of Hope, marking the start of the competition. Now, Special Olympics Team Canada is ready to hit the snow and ice, showcasing their skill, determination, and heart. Let’s go, Canada! Click the button below to stay up to date with current news and events.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WEBSITE

Sea, Sun, and Sandy

Sandy just returned from a relaxing vacation in Cancun, where she soaked up the sun and fully embraced the beauty of one of her favorite places! The combination of sunshine and crystal-clear waters made it the perfect getaway. Whether lounging on the beach or exploring the vibrant surroundings, Sandy had an unforgettable time in this tropical paradise, leaving refreshed and rejuvenated!

Shaping the Future

Last month, Scott and Dave took the opportunity to cast their votes and make their voices heard. By participating in the democratic process, they played an important role in shaping the outcome. Voting a meaningful way for Canadians to engage with the community and contribute to the decision-making process.

A Spectacular Evening

Earlier this month, Josh and Darius attended the Cirque du Soleil Ovo event at the WFCU Centre. They both had a great time and were impressed by the impressive acrobatics, unique performances, and overall production of the show. It was an enjoyable experience they won’t soon forget.

March in the Park

Clayton recently enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing walk through Leffler Park on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. He took in the serene surroundings and enjoyed watching the squirrels play around the large gazebo. It was a nice way to disconnect from the busy pace of daily life and enjoy some quiet moments in nature.

A Sneak-Peek into Spring

Chris and Jeff enjoyed an early taste of spring earlier this week, taking a leisurely walk through the Windsor Sculpture Gardens along Riverside Drive. With the first beautiful spring-like weather of the year, it was the perfect opportunity to embrace the sunshine and take in the stunning views of the sculptures and the riverfront. The mild weather is a welcome reminder that warmer days are just around the corner!

An Update from Career Compass

Meet Jaclyn, the newest team member working part-time at Anthony Leardi, MPP's office. Jaclyn works hard, completing many tasks where she brings unique perspectives and talents. Thank you to the Constituency Office of Anthony Leardi, MPP, for celebrating diversity and being committed to an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Keep up the great work, Jaclyn!

Call for Nominations to the Board of Directors and Save the Date for the 64th AMM (formerly AGM)

It’s that time of year again when we begin seeking nominations for the Board of Directors. Submissions should be sent to the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, care of the Executive Director, and will be accepted until April 7th. Please see the attached flyer for more information.


Save the date for our 64th Annual Meeting of Members – formerly known as the Annual General Meeting. It will be held on Tuesday, June 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ciociaro Club.


While the meeting name has changed to comply with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the purpose of the meeting remains the same as in past years. Watch for the formal announcement, agenda, and registration information to be distributed in late April.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE FLYER

#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. t’s time to take action—contact your local representative to advocate for change and help raise awareness by clicking the button below and sharing your story.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR STORY

Applications are Open for the Light Up the Future Bursary

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.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

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!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A REFERRAL FOR A CHANCE TO RECEIVE $150!

Passport Program Webcast: Submit and Manage eCLAIM

Join the Passport Program and PassportONE for an informative webinar on March 21st at 12:00 p.m. Learn how to efficiently use eCLAIM to submit invoices and receipts, ensuring quick reimbursements. The session will also include a live Q&A, where you can get real-time answers to any questions about the eCLAIM process. Click the button below to register for this helpful webinar!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

P4P Webcast: Intro to the RDSP

The P4P Planning Network is offering a free online webcast about The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). This savings plan represents a unique Canadian initiative, offering a long-term savings option tailored for individuals living with disabilities. Key benefits include gaining insight into the RDSP and the potential for government contributions, staying informed on the most recent updates and modifications to the RDSP, learning tips and strategies, along with free resources for further information. The webcast is scheduled is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 20th, at 3:00 p.m. Click the link below to register.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

March Break Fun Guide

March Break is almost over, but there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the week! Whether planning a family adventure, looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, or wanting to explore something new in Windsor-Essex, there’s something for everyone. From exciting attractions to hands-on activities and special events, there’s plenty to see and do! Click the button below to discover all that Windsor-Essex has to offer.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MARCH BREAK FUN GUIDE

Museum Windsor - Hockey in Canada

Museum Windsor’s Hockey in Canada exhibition, running until May 11, 2025, celebrates the nation's deep connection to hockey. This travelling exhibit features iconic moments, memorabilia, and artifacts, including Paul Henderson’s 1972 goal, Manon Rhéaume’s NHL debut, and more. Visitors can explore hockey’s cultural impact through photos, stories, and interactive elements like recording their own commentary. Don’t miss this engaging tribute to Canada’s favorite pastime! Click the button below to visit the event website.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE

From the H'Art Exhibit

The Gibson Gallery presents From the H'Art, an annual members' exhibit running until March 16th. This diverse exhibition features artwork in various mediums, showcasing the talent of the Gibson Gallery's members. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a closing reception on Sunday, March 16th, at 2:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to explore the creativity of Gibson Gallery members!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Mayhem

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling returns to Windsor for Maple Leaf Mayhem on Friday, March 14th and Saturday, March 15th at St. Clair College. Following the success of its October launch, MLP brings the legacy of Maple Leaf Wrestling back to life, blending iconic history with today’s wrestling superstars. MLP honors the greats like Lou Thesz and Ric Flair while delivering electrifying entertainment. The action kicks off at 7:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Get your tickets now at MLPWrestling.com or on Eventbrite.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Walnut Grove Sugar Bush Tour

The Walnut Grove Sugar Bush Tour takes place on Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th at The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast. Join Bob or Leslie for a guided walk through the sugar bush, where you’ll learn the difference between sugar maples and black walnut trees, and discover the syrup-making process from sap collection to the final product. For just $30, taste their maple and walnut syrups, made on-site using traditional methods. Maple baked beans will also be available for purchase, and syrups are for sale. A truly pure Canadian experience!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE

Korean Cultural Day in Windsor

Celebrate Korean culture at Korean Cultural Day in Windsor on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre. Founded by renowned choreographer Kim MaeJa in 1976, the ChangMu Dance Company blends innovative choreography with traditional Korean dance forms, including shaman, Buddhist, folk, and court dances. The troupe's new work, HERE, will highlight the exceptional talent of their dancers. Admission is free, with general seating available. Don’t miss this stunning showcase of Korean art and culture! Click the button below to visit the event website and reserve your spot today.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT EVENT WEBSITE

Maple Syrup Festival - Taster's Weekend

The Maple Syrup Festival’s Taster’s Weekend takes place on Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th at the John R. Park Homestead from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Celebrate Maple Month with a sweet experience featuring maple-inspired treats like baked goods, maple butter, and maple sugar. Taste a variety of syrups, learn how they’re made, and enjoy a butter tart contest, winter hikes, a crafters’ market, and the Maple Market with both innovative and classic delights. Explore the #MapleTrail and discover special offers along the way. Tickets are $6.00 for kids, $8.00 for adults, and $30.00 for families. Don’t miss this celebration of natural and cultural heritage!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE

Inspirational Words

Recipe of the Week

Detox Rainbow Roll-Ups

Detox Rainbow Roll-Ups with Peanut Sauce are the perfect healthy, vibrant, and filling lunch option. Packed with nutritious ingredients like carrots, chickpeas, red cabbage, dark leafy greens, and a touch of curry, these roll-ups are as colorful as they are tasty. Paired with a creamy, salty-sweet peanut sauce for dipping, each bite offers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a delicious healthy lunch or a colorful snack, these roll-ups are a must-try. Easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and packed with nutrients, they’re sure to become a favorite! Click the button below for the recipe.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

Meme of the Week

DIY Craft

Carrot Wreath

Welcome spring with a charming DIY Carrot Wreath, perfect for your front door or porch! This colorful and whimsical wreath is an easy, affordable project using supplies from your local dollar store. With a simple step-by-step tutorial, you’ll have a delightful carrot wreath ready to greet friends and family in no time. As spring approaches, this fun wreath is a great way to brighten up your home and celebrate the coming season!

CLICK TO VIEW TUTORIAL

Weekly Poll Question

How do you prepare for your spring cleaning?
Create a to-do list and schedule
Gather all cleaning supplies in advance
Set up music or a podcast to keep me motivated
Watch cleaning tutorials or read tips for motivation
Clear out any clutter before starting the actual cleaning
I jump right in without any preparation

Last week's poll results:



What is your favorite way to enjoy maple syrup?


On pancakes - 47.7%

On waffles - 20%

I don't really like maple syrup - 12.3%

Drizzled over ice cream - 7.7%

In a homemade baked good (muffins, cookies, etc.) - 6.2%

In oatmeal - 4.6%

In coffee or tea - 1.5%

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