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Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it’s a great time to spread a little extra kindness and appreciation! Whether it’s showing love to your colleagues, people we support, or even yourself, this day is all about celebrating connection and compassion.
We hope you take a moment to reflect on the people that bring joy to your life, and maybe even share a small act of kindness or a heartfelt message. Let’s keep the spirit of love and support alive in everything we do—because we know that when we work together, great things happen! ❤️
Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Community Living Essex County!
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A Night of Music and Magic | |
Last week, Karl and Arthur had a fantastic night out at their local Legion, enjoying great food and live music from the incredible band, Trax. The highlight of the evening? Karl’s brother, the talented lead singer, rocking the stage with his amazing vocals. Trax played a magical mix of tunes that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. If you haven’t had the chance to check out Trax yet, they’re definitely worth seeing next time they perform. | |
Community Spirit in Action | |
Rita, Lindsay, and Stacy recently delivered a generous donation of items to Hiatus House, including hats, socks, and personal care items. These donations were made possible thanks to the efforts of many Community Essex Living County employees who contributed over the holiday season. Their kindness and support made a meaningful impact on those in need. | |
Tom had an exciting time earlier this month at the WFCU Centre, where he caught a thrilling hockey game. The atmosphere was electric as the Spitfires gave it their all on the ice. It was a high-energy, action-packed game that had the crowd cheering every step of the way. Go Spitfires!!! | |
Hayden has been staying active and making the most of the colder weather by walking the track at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle. It's great to have such fantastic community spaces that allow us to stay active year-round, even when the temperatures drop. Whether it's for a brisk walk or a light jog, the Vollmer track offers the perfect spot to get your steps in—no matter the season! | |
Mick has decided to get a jump start on the season by starting his spring planting early this year. With about a month left until spring, he’s already preparing his seedlings for a vibrant and fruitful season. Mick’s early start is sure to pay off with a stunning garden come spring! | |
Last week, Tony was back at it again, showcasing his culinary skills in the kitchen! This time, he whipped up some delicious homemade bread. Tony was excited about his latest creation and couldn’t wait to share the warm, freshly baked bread with his housemates. It’s always a treat when Tony brings his enthusiasm and cooking talents to the table! | |
Help Us Win Best Festival! | |
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The Ruthven Apple Festival has been selected as a finalist for “Best Festival” in the Tourism Windsor Essex Best of Windsor Essex Awards! We need your help to spread the news and to recognize the Ruthven Apple Festival as the Best Festival in Windsor-Essex for 2024-25. Vote today by clicking the button below. Cast your vote now through Sunday, March 2nd. Everyone who votes will be entered to win a $500 grand prize! Please make your vote count and show your support for the best festival, the Ruthven Apple Festival!
Note, if you do not have a valid answer for any of the 48 Best of Windsor-Essex categories, simply select N/A.
Thank you for your support!
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February ❤️ – that mid-season month that brings us weather surprises 🥶❄️🥶 and also gives us opportunities to show others how much we care. 🥰
Of course, from the time we were young children, February 14th meant cards, crafts, and all things sweet. Who can forget Valentine's 💘 Day?
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Another day with special significance is February 17th—Family Day. This day emphasizes the importance of family values. Over the years, the meaning of ‘family’ has evolved and changed to be more inclusive. No matter how you define ‘family,’ take the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company.
Windsor-Essex County has planned many activities that may help you maximize your time together.
Here are just a few options for February 17th:
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S'MORES & COCOA FESTIVAL
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Windsor Eats Food Hall
400 Erie Street E, Windsor
FREE event
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FAMILY DAY AT THE MUSEUM
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village
6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville
Activities for ALL ages
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WINDSOR SPITFIRES FAMILY DAY
2:05 pm
WFCU Centre
8787 McHugh St., Windsor
FREE giveaways
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Wishing you February days that encourage you to connect and embrace new experiences in the company of those near and dear ❤️ to you!
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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RUBY - Personal Safety and Assault Prevention Workshop | |
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Community Living Essex County is offering a free in-person workshop for teens and young women with intellectual disabilities. This workshop will cover important topics such as personal boundaries, self-respect, healthy relationships, and recognizing different types of assault and violence. It is open to women aged 16 and up, with only 12 spots available, so be sure to register early. Registration ends on February 28th. To sign up, click the flyer or use the button below to register on My Community Hub.
Please contact Lisa Wallace at lisaw@communitylivingessex.org if you have any questions.
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#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. | |
New Day has had a busy start to the year, setting the stage for an exciting 2025. The theme for this year is #WENEEDYOU, highlighting the power of self-advocacy. Self-advocacy is for everyone—together, our voices can be louder and stronger. | |
New Day is offering two exciting events this month, starting with a movie night on February 19th. Join New Day at the Essex Centre to watch the new film Out of My Mind, which follows Melody Brooks, a sixth-grader with cerebral palsy, who is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. With the help of assistive technology and her devoted allies, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it. New Day will provide snacks and beverages for the movie. Please note, there are only 20 spots available, so be sure to RSVP to reserve your spot! | |
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With the upcoming Ontario Election, it's important to learn about the candidates and their stances on ODSP. New Day will host a virtual information session on February 21st at 11:00 a.m. They will discuss the political parties, who is running, and what the parties plan to do regarding ODSP, affordable housing, and the cost of living. If you're interested in joining the session, please email New Day to receive the meeting link.
If you have any suggestions or ideas for New Day, meeting topics, or activities, please feel free to contact New Day at newday@communitylivingessex.org.
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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! | |
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In-Person Presentation:
Supporting One, Supporting All
with Dr. Shelley Moore
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The Windsor-Essex Family Network and the Enhancing Family Support for Education committee are excited to announce an in-person presentation with Dr. Shelley Moore on Friday, February 14th, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Serbian Centre in Windsor.
Dr. Moore is a teacher, researcher, speaker, and storyteller with expertise in inclusive education, curriculum, and teacher professional development. She will share her insights, including highlights from her popular 5 Moore Minutes videos.
FREE Tickets for Families: Community Living Essex County is offering 10 free tickets to families of children or adults with an intellectual disability on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a free ticket or purchase tickets, please email tony@communitylivingessex.org.
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MyDirectPlan Virtual Information Session:
Submitting and Managing Passport Claims
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Join MyDirectPlan for a free Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, March 5th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn how to use MyDirectPlan for submitting Passport claims, managing funds, and accessing online support resources. During the session, MyDirectPlan representatives will also answer any questions participants have about the platform in a live Q&A. This session is hosted by MyDirectPlan in partnership with the Passport program, offering valuable insights and guidance on navigating the platform for a seamless experience. Click the button below to register. | |
P4P Webcast: An Introduction to Advocacy in Ontario's Schools | |
On February 18th at 7:00 p.m., Partners for Planning will host a free online webcast designed to help families navigate the education system, especially when their child has diverse learning needs. Panelists will provide valuable insights on how to advocate for a child’s education, discuss key educational legislation, and highlight important resources. The webcast will also include a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the experts and have their questions answered. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively support your child’s educational journey. | |
WSO Concert: Celebrating Black Composers | |
On Friday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m., the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with River Bookshop and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, presents Celebrating Black Composers. This special evening will feature performances of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Four Novelettes and Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata da Chiesa (Church Sonata), honoring the contributions of Black composers. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $35. The concert will be held at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Click the link below to purchase tickets. | |
Artful3 Studio will be hosting a Mini Abstracts Art Class on Thursday, February 13th, at 2:00 p.m. Participants will spend 2.5 hours creating 8 unique mini artworks using a variety of techniques and mediums, with the option to mat one piece for framing. All materials are provided for this fun and inspiring artistic experience. Price per person: Adults 14+ CAD$40.00, Seniors 60+ CAD$30.00. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity! Click the link below to reserve your place today. | |
Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: We Will CHOIR! You!: An EPIC QUEEN Sing-Along | |
Join Choir! Choir! Choir! for an unforgettable evening on Sunday, February 16th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre for We Will CHOIR! You!, an epic Queen sing-along event! In this fully interactive show, the audience becomes the performer—no experience necessary! Just come ready to laugh, dance, and sing your heart out with hundreds of fellow music lovers. Led by directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman, this fun-filled night lets you belt out Queen’s greatest hits in perfect harmony. Tickets start at $40 (plus taxes and fees), with group discounts available for 6+ tickets. Grab your friends, get your tickets, and join the fun! For more details and to purchase tickets, click the button below. | |
Wolfhead Distillery Presents: Chili Fest
| On Sunday, February 23rd, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wolfhead Distillery will host its third annual Chili Fest in Amherstburg! This fiery outdoor event features eight competitors battling for the title of Best Chili, with all dishes cooked over charcoal or live fire. Chili sampling and voting begin at 1:00 p.m., giving attendees the chance to taste and vote for their favorites. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted Wolfhead cocktails, warm up by the outdoor firepits with a cup from the hot cocoa bar, and enjoy live music throughout the event. Tickets are $30.00, and kids under 10 can attend for free. Don’t miss this spicy celebration of food, drinks, and fun at Wolfhead Distillery! Click the button below to purchase tickets. | |
Join in the fun at Oscar Trivia Game Night on Friday, February 21st, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Bank Theatre! Test your movie knowledge in this exciting trivia event, with a chance to win a $100 prize. Teams of up to four can enter for $20.00 + HST, or individuals can join for $5.00 + HST each. The event is open to all ages, with limited capacity, and OG Pizza will be available for purchase. Sponsored by the Municipality of Leamington and Chances Gaming Lounge. Click the button below to purchase tickets and reserve your spot today for a night of movie magic and trivia fun! | |
WFCU Presents: Cirque du Soleil OVO | |
Cirque du Soleil returns to Windsor with its high-energy production OVO, running from Thursday, February 27th to Sunday, March 2nd at the WFCU Centre. Presented by Sun Life, OVO takes audiences on a vibrant journey into the life of insects, showcasing stunning acrobatics and the unique personalities of different species. This exciting show celebrates the beauty and energy of nature’s biodiversity. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience for all ages at the WFCU Centre! Click the button below for more information and to purchase tickets. | |
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki | |
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s both fresh and comforting? Try these Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki! This easy, family-style dish features marinated, spiced chicken, roasted bell peppers, fresh cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta cheese—all topped with creamy tzatziki sauce. Whether served in pita, naan, or socca, this recipe brings together crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this sheet pan meal is satisfying, fresh, and full of flavor. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of comfort and freshness! Click the button below for the recipe. | |
Paper Quilling Art Photo Frame | |
Looking for a thoughtful, homemade way to show someone you're thinking of them? Try making a Paper Quilling Art Photo Frame! This simple and beautiful DIY project is perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or just because. With easy-to-find supplies like craft foam board, a pencil, ruler, craft glue, and a printable template, you can create a personalized frame that’s as unique as the person you’re gifting it to. The art of paper quilling adds a special touch to your creation, making it a meaningful way to show you care. Click the button below to start crafting today and let your love shine through! | |
| What is your favorite way to celebrate Valentine's Day? | | | |
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Last week's poll results:
Who are you rooting for in this weekend's Super Bowl?
Kansas City Chiefs - 29.2%
Philadelphia Eagles - 20.8%
I'm not watching! - 50%
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