Thank You Breakaway Gaming Centre!
Thank you, Breakaway Gaming Centre of Windsor for helping us fuel up our vehicles. Because of you, people receiving supports from Community Living Essex County can fully participate in their community.

Cory enjoys participating in his community. Here he is filling up at the Esso Station in Leamington.
We Are The Champions Of The World!
The 24th Olympics have ended and outstanding Canadian athletes return home after beating the odds to be recognized as the best of the best.
Each of our special needs family members are Olympians in their own way. Each day they are met with challenges we can only imagine. Just as Olympians have lived in isolation from their families and friends, so too have many intellectually challenged Canadians. Hours of practice to achieve new goals are daily rituals. Every step forward is an amazing accomplishment.
With each victory there are no gold, silver, or bronze medals - only the joy of attaining skills many said were not possibilities. Our Olympians are always in training. Nothing is off limits!
Never forget to celebrate each and every victory no matter how small. The smiling faces of their cheering fans YOU! (family, friends, support workers, and community) are the only medals these special champions long for.
Bravo to our Olympians! Our kids, siblings, and friends - young and old!

Your Ensemble Team,
Marilyn, Lois and Rubina
Contact us by email or phone.
ensemble@communitylivingessex.org or 519-776-6483, ext 225
Art Gallery of Windsor Presents:
Disability (R)evolution
The Art Gallery of Windsor is looking for submissions of creative work from members of the disability community across Windsor-Essex for their upcoming community exhibition: Disability (R)evolution. Members of the disability community of all ages and artistic experiences are welcome to participate! 

Themes of Submissions:
Submit work that falls into one - or both - of the following themes:

Theme 1: Time Capsule
If you could create a time capsule filled with artifacts for a future that you want to see for people with disabilities, what would you include?

Theme 2: Exhibition Response
Choose an artist or an artwork from Crip Ecologies: Vulnerable Bodies in a Toxic Landscape and create a response to it. Check out the Critique the Collection series for ideas!

What types of work can you submit?

If you are nervous about the prospect of submitting creative work, this opportunity is for you - AGW is accepting many different types of work! If artwork such as paintings, sculptures, or drawings are not in your wheelhouse, the following options are suggested:

  • Letters/Emails: Write to your future self, an artist, or someone else.
  • Photography: Photos taken with a physical camera or a cell phone camera are welcome.
  • Objects: Submit an object from your own collection for the length of the exhibition.

To submit your work:

  1. Drop your artwork off in person to the Visitor Services & Membership Officers at the main desk at the entrance to the AGW during regular operating hours.
  2. OR Send your work by mail to 401 Riverside Drive West, Windsor ON N9A 7J1. 
  3. OR Send a photo/scan of your work by email to ahallett@agw.ca
  4. The deadline to submit work is March 11th, 2022

If you require help/accommodations to submit your work, email Abbey Lee Hallett at ahallett@agw.ca.

What do you need to submit?

IN PERSON: Your work, with your name and the title of the work signed on the back (city and year of creation optional). Drop off your submission to an AGW team member at the desk located at the Main Entrance during regular operating hours.

BY MAIL: Your work, with your name and the title of the work signed on the back (city and year of creation optional). Send to 401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, ON N9A 7J1.

BY EMAIL: A high-resolution digital image (JPEG) with your name and the title of the work (city and year of creation optional).

The exhibition will be available to view from March 16th - April 13th.
Two Free Virtual Programs for
Ontario Family Caregivers
Mental health for adults with developmental disabilities during COVID-19: A virtual course for family caregivers

Dates: Every Tuesday, from March 1st to April 5th
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Join this 6-week course to learn strategies and practical tips on how best to help your loved one during COVID-19. The course is open to all Ontario family caregivers of adults (18+) with developmental disabilities. The curriculum will specifically address the mental health challenges that this population can face during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Caring for the caregiver: A mindfulness course for Ontario family caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities

Dates: Every Thursday, from March 3rd to April 7th
Time: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Join together with other caregivers in a program to gain self-care mindfulness skills. The program, open to all Ontario family caregivers of adults (18+) with developmental disabilities, will be led by Sue Hutton, a mindfulness teacher with 30 years of experience. The curriculum is a 6-week program that has been developed at the CAMH's Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre.
Changes to Mass Vaccination Clinics
As the province prepares to further ease public health restrictions, residents are reminded that it is not too late to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at a mass vaccination clinic before the following transitions occur:
Grovedale Arts and Cultural Centre Mass Vaccination Site, located at 103 Park Street in Kingsville, will continue to be open for appointment and walk-ins on Tuesdays from 11:30 am to 6:15 pm and Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm until Saturday, March 5th, the last day of operation.
Devonshire Mall’s Mass Vaccination Site at 3050 Howard Ave (former SEARS location at the north end of the mall) continues to be open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm until Friday, March 4th. This clinic will then temporarily transition to include a catch up Vaccination Clinic for other types of vaccinations under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) as well as continue to offer walk-in appointments for COVID-19 1st, 2nd and 3rd vaccinations. Appointment bookings for this site will be for ISPA based vaccinations only. The clinic will be closed March 5th, 6th, and 7th and will open with the new hours of operation on March 8th which are Tuesday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm and Wednesday to Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Individuals between the age of 12 to 17 will be able to receive their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario. To be eligible for a third dose, individuals in this age group must have received their second dose at least 168 days (6 months) ago.
 
Any eligible resident can get their third dose by appointment or walk-in at the mass immunization clinics in Windsor and Essex County:

  • Devonshire mall (3050 Howard Avenue, Windsor)
  • Grovedale Arts and Cultural Centre (103 Park Street, Kingsville)

Additionally, appointments can be made at participating pharmacies and healthcare providers, and walk-ins are accepted at all pop-up vaccination clinics throughout Windsor and Essex County.
For the most up-to-date information on vaccine clinics, hours of operation, dose eligibility, or to book an appointment, please visit wevax.ca. For assistance booking an appointment, call 226-773-2200. Free transportation, childcare and accessibility supports are available to help individuals attend a vaccination location. View the available supports on the website.
 
Please do not attend your appointment if you are sick or have been asked to self-isolate. When attending a site to receive a vaccine, bring your Ontario health card or another form of government-issued photo identification.
Get Your Paczki Today!
Paczki Day, Tuesday, March 1st, (also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday) is almost here! You'll want to get your hands on these delicious traditional Polish doughnuts.
 
Available with decadent fillings ranging from lemon and strawberry to nutella and custard and liberally coated with powdered sugar or icing, the best doughnuts in the world are incredibly rich and each packs a hefty punch!
 
And yes, these once a year treats are worth every calorie! Held every year on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, paczkis were designed to use up a household’s supply of lard, sugar, and eggs in preparation for the Lenten fasting season.
 
Stop by your favourite bakery to pick up some fabulous paczki before giving them up for Lent!
Healthy Living - Beginner Workout
A workout suitable for beginners.

What makes this workout "beginner friendly"?
  • Basic movements, that are not too complicated or hard to perform.
  • The workout sequences repeat, giving you a chance to get used to the movements and get a better feeling for them.
  • A couple of breaks. The workout sequences are only between 2 or 4 minutes long. Then it's time to catch a breath.
  • Includes warm up exercises.

This video is effective and especially the slowness gives you so much room to perform everything concentrated, thinking of the exact muscles you want to train.

No equipment necessary and not much space needed.
Free Virtual Saturday Craft Series
February 26th at 1:00 pm: Lettering and card making. Presented by Langston Hughes Library.

Explore different lettering styles with the use of three basic shapes (square, triangle & circle), learn how to add 3D effects, and create a thank you card for a historic person to celebrate Black History Month. 

Materials needed: Pencil, eraser, (colour pencils, crayons or markers) and 3 sheets of blank paper.

Different craft each week.
Homemade Lavender Milk Bath
This milk bath is easy to mix together and it is excellent for the skin. It is also moisturizing, which is perfect if you are suffering from dry skin.

  • 1½ cups powdered milk
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup epsom salts
  • 10-20 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and add to a jar.

Lavender is so calming and such a lovely fragrance but you can use rosemary, floral scents, citrus scents, spearmint or you can use real almond oil or even honey. The cornstarch, baking soda and milk powder are very soothing.

Epsom salts are amazing for soothing sore muscles.

Use about 1/2 cup in your bath.

You could also use mason jars or other container you might have on hand. This also makes a great gift! Just wrap them with baker’s twine and add a label. Super simple and it looks really pretty.
Positive Thoughts
Must See Movies
Early Man
When his village is threatened by a greedy ruler, a cave man named Dug and his sidekick Hognob work together to unite their tribe and band together to take on this mysterious menace. In order to stop this evil man, they challenge him to a sacred sport of his people: Soccer. Now streaming on Netflix.
Recipe of the Week
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Muffins
Put down the fork and knife…here's a Chicago deep-dish pizza that you can actually eat by holding it in your hands! A beautiful golden crust contains a meaty, cheesy, saucy filling with Italian sausage, sweet peppers, and three types of cheese. The sauce and cheese char slightly on the outside as they bake, resulting in a super savory taste.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
What's your favourite activity to do with your friends or family?
Watching a movie
Playing games
Going for a walk
Road trip
Poll Results
Which is your favourite pet?
Dog ~ 57.4%
Cat ~ 29.6%
Rabbit ~ 5.6%
Bird ~ 1.9%
Fish ~ 3.7%
Lizard ~ 1.9%