Let's go LEGOs!

Nikki recently visited Sean Kenney's Animal Super Powers exhibit in LaSalle. Kenny's Animal Super Powers displays awe-inspiring sculptures made out of LEGO bricks! Nikkie loved checking out 26 larger-than-life animal sculptures and learning about the different superpowers they possess. She enjoyed engaging in the interactive activities, especially the scavenger hunt. This is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and abilities!


Plan your visit or find more information here:

SEAN KENNEY'S ANIMAL SUPER POWERS

Fresh from the Oven!

Tony loves to bake and recently tried his hand at baking a loaf of bread! With March just around the corner, he's also started decorating his home for St. Patrick's Day, as you can see in the background!

As Essex County’s resource for families supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, Ensemble strives to connect. We have requested input from families and as a result, we have listened and created activities in the months of March and April that offer rewarding opportunities.


Stay Tuned!

Next week’s Possibilities newsletter will feature specially created FREE activities for UNPAID CAREGIVERS.


Please register as soon as possible by emailing mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com as there are a limited number of spaces available. March and April are shaping up to be welcome introductions to SPRING! New experiences, new connections, new possibilities!

Check back next week! We are looking forward to sharing creative moments with you.


Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee

mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225

#5toSurvive: Sign the Petition Today!

Press play on the clip above to watch Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, and Shineeca McLeod appear on CTV Your Morning to discuss the dire funding situation in the Developmental Services Sector. Community Living Ontario organizations continue to collectively advocate for a 5 per cent increase in Critical Stabilisation Funding.


Make your voice heard! Follow the link below to send a templated letter directly to your local MPP, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Premier. Families and people with intellectual disabilities have been waiting patiently while their daily support services change or disappear altogether.


Together we are making a difference.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CAMPAIGN

FREE WEBCAST: Understanding Your Legal Rights

Many people are surprised to learn that when a child with a disability reaches the age of majority, their parents are no longer their legal guardians. So how can parents protect the legal rights of their adult children? Is adult guardianship a viable alternative? What is the state of supported care in Ontario?      


This new webcast will air on Tuesday, March 5 at 7pm with guest speaker Brendon Pooran who teaches critical disability law at York University and has been involved with various disability organizations as a member, volunteer, employee or director for most of his life.

 

To register or learn more about the guest speaker, click the link below.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBCAST HERE

Black History Month

In recognition of the final day of Black History Month, we hope you've had a chance to embrace this year's theme: "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”, meant to honour the rich historical and contemporary contributions and achievements of Black people in Canada. Whether you participated in a local history tour, explored our shared resources, or attended an event, we hope you've gained insights into how Black Canadians continue to shape our region and nation.


In consideration of the long-standing history of Black people in Windsor-Essex, click the link below to continue learning with six unique ways to explore.

LEARN MORE

Inclusive Education Month

As Inclusive Education Month comes to an end, it is important to remember that an inclusive environment benefits all students, promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, and contributes to academic success.


Let's create classrooms where everyone feels valued and respected! For more information or resources, browse the collection of publications provided by UNICEF in their "Learning is for Everyone (LiFE) portfolio below.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Career Compass Employer Referral Program

CLICK HERE TO REFER A BUSINESS

Volunteer Call: E-Bingo


Community Living Essex County is looking for volunteers for our e-bingo volunteer shifts at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor. The proceeds raised from e-bingo helps Community Living Essex County to purchase fuel and maintain vehicles for people with an intellectual disability that we support to get to and from work, volunteer opportunities and participate in leisure activities throughout Essex County.

 

Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!

Email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!

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.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE

We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A REFERRAL FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $150!

Chili Fest at Wolfhead Distillery

Hosted by Border City BBQ, the second annual chili competition will showcase eight passionate competitors ready to heat things up!


The event will be held at 7781 Howard Avenue in the open-air parking lot of Wolfhead Distillery. Explore the competitors' booths, fire pits, games, live musical acts, plus an outdoor bar serving Wolfhead favourites, loaded Caesars, and a hot cocoa bar. All chili batches are cooked over charcoal or live fire! As a ticketholder, you will be able to vote for the best chili! 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Leap Year Board Game Night

Spend the extra day playing board games! Bring your favourite games or just stop by Hackforge at 300 Ouellette Avenue (Unit 210) to join this FREE event on Thursday, February 29 from 5 to 8 pm. Ages 16+.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Mean Girls: The Musical!

Get ready to relive all the drama, humor, and iconic moments from Mean Girls in this hilarious and unforgettable musical experience!


Join the Villanova Players for Mean Girls the "High School Version", based on the film and original Broadway play.


The show runs Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2 at 7pm at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School. The show is approximately 2.5 hrs long with seats starting at $10. Ages 12+ recommended. Tickets are available at the door.

McGregor Dances: Save the Date!

The Squirette dances with DJ Tom Labonte are back!


Upcoming dances take place on April 8 and May 13, from 5pm to 7:30pm at the McGregor Columbian Club, 9650 Walker Rd. Admission is $5 and the pasta and salad dinner special is an additional $5. Pop and chips are also available for purchase. Access 2 Entertainment cards are accepted. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.

Positive Thoughts

Must Read

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to be Calm in a Busy World (2018)

The world moves fast, but that doesn't mean we have to. In this timely guide to mindfulness, author Haemin Sunim, offers advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with rest and relationships, in a beautiful book combining his teachings with calming full-colour illustrations. Haemin Sunim's simple messages speak directly to the anxieties that have become part of modern life and remind us of the strength and joy that come from slowing down.

Meme of the Week

Recipe of the Week

Brown Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

Picture this: two oatmeal cookies, warm and chewy, like they just came out of the oven. But wait, there's more! These cookies aren't just any cookies—they're sandwich cookies. And not just any filling. It's a sweet vanilla cream cheese filling. Oh, and did we mention the secret ingredient? Brown butter. Yes, that's right. Brown butter makes everything taste better. So next time you're craving something extra special, reach for these brown butter oatmeal sandwich cookies. They're happiness in cookie form.


And there you have it! Brown butter magic wrapped up in chewy oatmeal goodness. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Weekly Poll Question

Going back to the beginning, who 'invented' the Leap Year?
Pythagoras
Julius Caesar
Aristarchus
Plato

Poll Results

How will you spend the extra day this Leap Year?


It's a workday, so that's where I'll be. ~ 53.2%

Just be grateful for another day! ~ 36.2%

I'll check something off the bucket list!~ 6.4%

It's my actual birthday! I'm partying it up!~ 4.3% *HAPPY BIRTHDAY*


Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  X  YouTube