Last week, Craig, Jessica and Tim visited the Chimzuck Museum of Windsor. They learned about the region's history in an inclusive and in-depth way, including First Nations and Métis heritage and culture. It was also the first day of the bicycle exhibit and were the first ones to see the old bikes and learn history behind them. They ended the day with crafts and had a great time!
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Board of Directors Profile - Sharon O'Hagan-Wong |
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Introducing Sharon O'Hagan-Wong
Board Member since 2021
Position: Director
Sharon is a retired educator of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. Sharon began her career as a teacher of students with special needs in a congregated setting model supporting the school board as they transitioned to an integrated, inclusive education model.
Throughout her career Sharon supported the School Board in the implementation of Full Day Kindergarten as well initiatives involving School Improvement, Safe Schools and educational opportunities for students who were ESL (English Second Language) and FNMI (First Nation, Metis and Inuit).
Sharon is also proud of her work advocating and implementing Student Nutrition Programs in many schools throughout the region. At the time of her retirement in 2016 Sharon was a Superintendent of Education.
In her retirement Sharon has discovered the joy of hiking, playing pickleball and swimming while continuing to advocate for our most vulnerable citizens through volunteering at May Court, a not-for-profit agency supporting charities throughout Windsor-Essex, serving as a Board Member of Community Living Essex County and serving on the Special Education Advisory Committee for the Windsor-Essex County District School Board.
Sharon's primary source of bliss are her three adult children and their amazing partners!
- Favourite Activity: Volunteering for and attending film screenings sponsored by the Windsor International Film Festival!
- Bucket List Item: Sharon dreams of hiking the entire Bruce Trail from tip to tip. Last summer she completed a hike from Queenston to Grimsby and this summer will complete the second section - Iroquoia - from Grimsby to Milton.
- Favourite Type of Restaurant: Currently Vietnamese, having just returned from an incredible trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand!
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Get Your Business Noticed!
2023 Menu of Sponsorship Opportunities
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Introducing Community Living Essex County’s new menu of sponsorship opportunities! We’re a busy and active organization, with many fundraising and public awareness events happening throughout the year. Our events attract hundreds of people (in some cases, thousands – hello, Ruthven Apple Festival!) and plenty of media attention, making sponsorship a great opportunity for local businesses to be seen and to demonstrate generosity and social responsibility. With a range of options to choose from, there are opportunities for small and large businesses alike to show their support for Community Living Essex County and get involved in our vibrant, popular events.
Click the link below to download the sponsorship package.
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Siblings are Heros Every Day |
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Growing up with a sibling who has an intellectual disability can benefit you and positively impact your life in many ways.
As a sibling, every day you will gain new invaluable life skills.
- Patience
- Optimism
- Resilience
- Effective Communication
- Flexibility
- Empathy
As a friend:
Have you ever wondered what unique qualities you bring to a friendship? Read an anonymous writer’s view of YOU as a FRIEND.
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Your sibling with an intellectual disability has given you gifts that impact your life and the lives of others, but most importantly their lives, as your very treasured sister or brother.
You are a HERO every day! You protect, cheerlead, advocate and are a FOREVER BEST FRIEND!
Embrace your life, for you the possibilities are limitless!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Volunteer Committee
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Billy’s Sister: Life When Your Sibling has a Disability is interesting reading to share with young readers. Borrow this book from Ensemble's lending library or purchase your own copy by clicking on the link below.
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Join New Day Tuesday, March 28th for a day at the movies. Limited number of tickets available. Please email newday@communitylivingessex.org to reserve your ticket.
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Virtual Supports Celebrates St. Patrick's Day |
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The Virtual Supports/Community Participation Supports team seems to be getting more creative by the day. They made the St. Patrick’s celebrations a week to remember!
There was a St. Patrick Day themed craft and chat, game show, celebrations, Irish music trivia, bingos, cooking with company and a dance party.
As you can see from the pictures, everyone was happily in the St. Patrick's Day spirit. A special thanks goes out to Tom, Paisley, Cynthia, Gerri, Beth, Cathy, James, Tiff, Krystal, and Liz for their commitment to these virtual activities and for making them as enjoyable and interactive as they always are.
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Notice of Virtual AGM and Call for Nominations |
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We will be holding our Annual General Meeting virtually again this year. This year the AGM is taking place on Wednesday, June 21 beginning at 6:30 pm. The agenda will feature the year in review, presentation of several awards, election of our Board of Directors, and presentation of the audited financial statements.
Please save this date and watch for registration information in the coming months.
The attached flyer contains the AGM invitation and the Call for Nominations for the Board of Directors.
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RUBY: Personal Safety and Assault Prevention Workshop |
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All women deserve the opportunity to increase their knowledge around personal safety and assault prevention. The workshops will provide teens and young women with intellectual disabilities with effective education to increase their understanding of personal boundaries, respecting yourself and your body, building healthy relationships and being able to identify various forms of assault and violence. If people have a healthy understanding of boundaries and positive relationships, the incidence of abuse and violence will decrease while a person’s self esteem and self worth will increase.
The next session of RUBY takes place weekly via Zoom from April 5 to April 26.
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Save the Date for Our 2023 Charity Golf Classic! |
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New Members Needed for the
Technical Committee on Outdoor Spaces
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Do you know what it takes to make outdoor spaces accessible for everyone? If so, take part in the development of Accessibility Standards Canada’s standard on outdoor spaces.
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People with disabilities*
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Indigenous peoples*
- Academic and research bodies
- Standards users
- Government and authorities with jurisdiction
- Non-governmental organizations
- Standards development bodies
*Please note: People with disabilities and Indigenous peoples are encouraged to apply. They can be part of any stakeholder category.
Deadline: April 14, 2023.
They are an accredited standards development organization. Their mandate is to develop standards that remove accessibility barriers across Canada. Your participation and expertise are essential. To learn more about their work and how you can get involved, visit their website.
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The National Seniors Council has launched an online consultation to hear from people about ways to further support those wishing to age in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Take part in the consultation by completing this online survey by April 14, 2023.
This consultation is open to all Canadians: older adults, caregivers, those who have experience or expertise in working with older adults, and individuals representing the diverse voices in our communities.
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Looking for a New Volunteer Opportunity?
Join Us as an E-bingo Volunteer!
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The funds Community Living Essex County raises through e-bingo at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor goes a long way in terms of helping the children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities who we support. Did you know that we receive minimal government funding to cover the cost of transportation for people we support to stay active and get around town to work, volunteer, or participate in leisure activities? It’s possible for us raise up to $30,000 per year from e-bingo alone. This helps purchase fuel and maintain vehicles. But we can’t do it without volunteers.
How does it work?
It’s an easy way to raise money. Breakaway Gaming awards community charities funds when two volunteers work an assigned shift.
What does an e-bingo volunteer do?
It’s a two hour shift at the Breakaway Gaming Center in Windsor where the volunteers welcome e-bingo participants, then walk around the gaming area, checking if players need anything, and keeping the gaming area neat and tidy. It may not be the most exciting volunteer opportunity, but it certainly makes a difference in the lives of people we support.
What is required of a volunteer?
A short online training course must be completed prior to volunteering. A Community Living Essex County golf shirt will be provided and dark pants and closed-toe shoes must be worn. You must provide your own transportation to the gaming centre but Community Living Essex County will provide a $25 gas card as a token of our thanks and appreciation.
Consider giving your time to help us maximize this very generous opportunity provided by Breakaway Gaming and to raise some much-needed money to help cover the cost of transportation for the people we support.
To find out more, please contact Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations and Resource Development at 519-776-6483 ext 246 or tony@communitylivingessex.org.
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! |
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Lakeshore To Host Sensory Friendly Skates |
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Sensory-friendly skate dates are coming to Lakeshore’s Atlas Tube Recreation Centre (ATRC) starting in April, thanks to the Belle River District Minor Hockey Association.
The decision to offer ice time to individuals with intellectual, emotional, or developmental disabilities is one way Lakeshore is addressing the inclusion gap.
The first sensory-friendly skates are free of charge. Participants must pre-register by calling 519-727-0470. Skate dates have been scheduled at the ATRC as follows:
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Mondays from April 3rd to May 29th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
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Fridays from April 21st to August 18th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
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Mondays from July 3rd to August 14th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
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Windsor-Essex County Easter Guide 2023 |
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Whether you are on the hunt for Easter eggs or a delicious Easter meal, the annual Easter Guide from Tourism Windsor Essex is full of ideas for the must-dos and must-eats throughout Windsor and Essex County.
Click on the below link for a full list of activities.
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Tecumseh Mall Easter Bunny Photos |
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Mark your calendars! Some bunny special is coming to Tecumseh Mall, starting March 24th until April 8th.
Book your bunny visit now by clicking on link below.
Reservations are highly recommended for bunny photos and subject to availability. Reservations will take precedence. Walk-up guests are welcome where space permits.
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Movie Night at Point Pelee National Park
Jane Goodall The Hope
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As the 60th anniversary of her arrival to the chimpanzee kingdom in Gombe approaches, Dr. Jane Goodall spends time with her family in Tanzania and returns to her wild Eden.
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Are you looking for something to do this Sunday? Legion BR. 255 at 5645 Wyandotte Street E. is hosting a Spring Bazaar. Stop by between 10:00am-3:00pm to check out all the amazing local goodies! |
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String Nest Bowl for Easter |
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Supplies:
Cotton yarn skein
Balloon
White glue
Popsicle or craft stick
2-3 plastic trash bags
Glass bowl
Measuring cup
Protect the table surface with a plastic bag. Cut armholes and a neck hole in the other plastic bag and put it on like a smock. This is messy, so wearing a trash bag will help to protect your clothes. You will find that you need to brace the balloon against your tummy to wrap the gluey string around the balloon.
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The Magician's Elephant
A determined boy accepts a king's challenge to perform three impossible tasks in exchange for a magical elephant - and the chance to chase his destiny. Currently streaming on Netflix.
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Quick & Easy Banana Muffins
These banana muffins are soft, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon. They're wonderful plain but taste fantastic with one cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. You need three ripe bananas and a handful of basic kitchen ingredients.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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Spring is here, what is your favourite spring activity?
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Watching all the trees and flowers begin to bloom
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Enjoying the spring weather
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It's March Break this week! Did you go away?
I'm relaxing on the beach right now! ~ 0%
I hit the slopes with my skis or snowboard. ~ 0%
Nope, just another week for me! ~ 100%
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