Ringside Rumble

Arthur attended the NCG Wrestling event on Saturday, April 5th at the LaSalle Event Center and had a fantastic time! The matches were exciting, with intense action and impressive wrestling skills on display throughout the night. The energy in the venue was high, and Arthur enjoyed being part of the lively crowd. He got to experience the full excitement of the event, from the fast-paced matches to the enthusiastic fans. It was a great evening, filled with unforgettable moments of athleticism and entertainment.

Game Night Glory

Konnor had an exciting weekend in London a couple of weeks ago, where he cheered on the London Knights in a thrilling playoff hockey game! The atmosphere was electric as the Knights faced off against the Owen Sound Attack. From the intense action on the ice to the roar of the crowd, it was an unforgettable night. The Knights came out on top with a well-earned victory!

Boogie Nights

Stephen, Ray, Larry, and Kevin had a fantastic time at the McGregor Columbian Club dance last week. They enjoyed the music, the dancing, and spending quality time with friends. The night was filled with smiles and fun moments, making it a truly memorable evening. Everyone had a blast and is already looking forward to the next dance!

Sunshine and Stories

Last week, Wes spent a relaxing afternoon in his backyard, soaking up the sun while flipping through a magazine he had just picked up from the mailbox. It was the perfect way to unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and get a little vitamin D while taking in some interesting reading.

Baking Up Birthday Bliss

Earlier this week, Tony put his new skills to the test by baking a batch of delicious cupcakes to celebrate his housemate’s birthday! After attending a series of workshops, he’s truly been honing his baking abilities, and it shows! From perfectly frosted treats to creating an impressive display, his efforts were a big hit. It’s amazing to see how the workshops are paying off, and Tony is now not only gaining new skills but also spreading joy with his creations!

Happy Birthday, Cassandra!

Cassandra celebrated her 40th birthday this past weekend with friends, family, and neighbors. They had a fun day filled with pizza, cake, and great company. It was a perfect way to mark the special occasion and create lasting memories with the people she cares about. Happy Birthday, Cassandra! Here’s to many more happy moments ahead!

Community Living Essex County Awarded for Promoting Inclusion

Linda Morrow, a member of Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland presented Corey Dalgleish, Director of Community Living Operations and Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations a 2025 Community Peacebuilder Award to acknowledge the contributions of Community Living Essex County in promoting inclusion in Essex County.

Spreading the Gift of Technology

Our 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign was a huge success, setting a new record for donations! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors—Libro Credit Union in Essex and Uni-Fab—for matching donations, as well as to Vernon's Tap and Grill in Kingsville for their fundraising efforts. Thanks to the support of all our donors, we’ve been able to purchase essential technology, including tablets, smartwatches, virtual assistant devices, noise-cancelling headphones, a virtual reality console, and a digital fitness mirror, all of which will help individuals connect and thrive in an inclusive, modern society. We are incredibly grateful for your support in making this achievement possible!

  🌞🎉BRIGHTER DAYS🌞🎈 


To revitalize our complicated lives, I’m going to brighten your spring days with some colourful announcements.


Looking ahead - you may find opportunities to celebrate living in Windsor-Essex County, Ontario, CANADA! 🎉

There’s so much to see and do in the Windsor-Essex County area. I’ve featured upcoming events that can be enjoyed as families or enjoyed by caregivers. 🎉 Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to get out and relax! 


Marilyn

Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee

Become an eBingo Volunteer

Looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back? Join us as an eBingo volunteer at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor! Volunteers commit to 2-hour shifts, with training provided, and must be at least 18 years of age. In addition to helping a great cause, you'll receive a $25 gas gift card and a Community Living Essex County golf shirt to wear during your shift. It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and get your steps in! Click the button below to sign up today. Don’t miss out on the chance to have fun while making a difference!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

An Update from New Day

With the upcoming federal election, it's essential to understand the candidates and their stances on key issues. New Day will be hosting a virtual information session on April 16th at 1:00 p.m. to provide insight into the political parties, who is running, and how each party plans to address important issues affecting all Canadians, such as affordable housing, the cost of living, and more. If you're interested in joining the session, please email New Day to receive the meeting link.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL NEW DAY

Elections Canada Accessible Polling Stations

Voters with disabilities may face barriers, such as difficulty meeting ID requirements and feeling less informed about the voting process. Elections Canada is committed to ensuring accessibility for voters with disabilities by providing accessible polling stations, automatic door openers, and election worker assistance. Accessible materials, such as braille, large print, e-text, DAISY, and sign language videos with captions, are also available. If a polling station does not meet accessibility needs, alternative locations and services, like language or sign language interpretation, can be requested. To ensure your polling station meets accessibility needs, you can check your voter information card, visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box, or call 1-800-463-6868. Below are some informative videos and links to some helpful planning resources and information. With these resources and support in place, Elections Canada aims to make voting accessible and inclusive for everyone, ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process.

Reducing Barriers to Working in a Federal Election

Registering and Voting in a Federal Election

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ELECTIONS CANADA WEBSITE
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS VOTING RESOURCES

Member Strong

A strong, thriving membership is essential to our organization. Membership includes a variety of engagement options and is a great way to show support for the work of Community Living Essex County. Members help guide the direction and work of the organization, attending events and taking a strong interest in building inclusive communities for people supported. Join us and together we can be Member Strong! Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive new membership perks!

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER

New Bursary Opportunity:

Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary

New Bursary Opportunity: Supporting Future DSW Professionals Community Living Essex County’s Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary

Sponsored by Dan Gemus Real Estate Team


We're excited to announce a $1,500 bursary opportunity for high school students in Essex County who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) or related program at an accredited college. This bursary is generously sponsored by the Dan Gemus Real Estate Team.


This bursary will help to financially support and encourage high school students passionate about pursuing a career in Developmental Services who are enrolled in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program at any accredited college.


One $1,500 bursary to be awarded to one student from one at an Essex County secondary school who is enrolled or planning to enroll in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program.


Application Process:

  1. Complete the application form at the link below.
  2. Complete a 500-word personal essay.
  3. Provide proof of acceptance or application to the DSW program at an accredited college.


Application Deadline: Monday, April 28th, 2025


The bursary will be awarded as a one-time payment of $1,500 to be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses. The recipient will be notified by May 9th, 2025, and the award will be presented by a representative of the Bursary sponsor and Community Living Essex County at the CLEC Annual Members Meeting in June 2025.


Contact Information:

For further inquiries, applicants can contact Julie LaSorda, Director, Marketing and Innovation at jlasorda@communitylivingessex.org or at 519.776.6483 ext. 247.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

#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. It’s time to take action—contact your local representative to advocate for change and help raise awareness. Click the buttons below to visit the Waiting to Belong website and learn more, as well as share your story.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR STORY
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 

Only Two Weeks Left to Apply 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 Planning Tool Available Now

Looking for help planning how to use your Passport funding? Check out the new Passport Program Planning Tool! This easy-to-use questionnaire asks about your interests, hobbies, and expenses that may qualify for Passport funding. It will guide you to identify what matters most to you so you can make a plan for your funding. The tool takes you through 12 simple questions, and when you're done, you'll receive a copy of your responses by email, plus the option to download and print your answers to share with your Person Managing Funds (PMF), service agency, broker, or Passport Coordinator. You can access the tool by clicking the button below.

CLICK HERE TO USE THE PASSPORT PROGRAM PLANNING TOOL

P4P Webcast: The Disability Tax Credit

Join P4P for a free Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Webinar on April 15th at 7:00 p.m. for an hour-long session to learn how the DTC can reduce income taxes and unlock access to valuable programs, including the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The webinar will cover the DTC application process, its benefits, its connection with the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and tips for completing the T2201 form. This is a great opportunity for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professional advisors to gain important insights into the DTC and other helpful resources. Click the link below to register.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Windsor Essex Easter Guide

Whether you're searching for Easter eggs or a delicious meal, this guide is filled with exciting activities and dining experiences across Windsor and Essex County. From indulging in a delicious Easter Brunch at Willistead Manor to joining the family fun with an egg hunt at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, there’s plenty to celebrate as the warmer weather arrives. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, fresh seasonal meals, or fun family activities, this guide has everything you need to embrace the vibrant energy of spring. Click the button below to view the full guide and make the most of the season!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EASTER GUIDE

Sarah Slean: The Music of Joni Mitchell

Join the Windsor Symphony Orchestra for a special celebration of legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, featuring the talented Sarah Slean performing Mitchell's greatest hits! From Mitchell’s folk roots to her jazz explorations, Slean brings her unique vocal artistry to the stage. Don't miss this unforgettable concert on April 12th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., or April 13th from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre. Conducted by Geoffrey Larson, this two-hour performance (including intermission) promises to be a musical journey you won’t want to miss. Secure your tickets and immerse yourself in the music of Joni Mitchell with Sarah Slean and the WSO!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Windsor Spitfires vs. Kitchener Rangers

Get ready for an exciting playoff showdown as the Windsor Spitfires take on the Kitchener Rangers in Round 2, Home Game #2 of the OHL Playoffs on April 12th at 7:05 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., 90 minutes before puck drop. It’s going to be an intense game as the Spitfires aim for victory—Whatever it takes! Don’t miss out on the action. Click the button below to get your tickets now and be there to support the Spitfires!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Windsor Model Railway Club 25th Anniversary Open House

The Windsor Model Railroad Club invites families and train enthusiasts to their Annual Open House and Family Outing Event on April 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at their clubhouse in the Market Square Building in Windsor. Attendees of all ages will be immersed in the artistry and craftsmanship of model railroading as they explore these intricate, miniature worlds. Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support the club’s ongoing efforts. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of model trains up close! Click the button below to visit the event website.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE

Hotel STRY Presents: The Murray Street Murders

On Thursday, April 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., step back in time to 1878 Amherstburg for a thrilling evening at The Murray Street Murders, presented by Hotel STRY! Set in the town’s bustling economic center, this interactive murder mystery will immerse you in the first of many shocking crimes on Murray Street. Gather your friends, put on your detective hats, and get ready for an unforgettable night of suspense and intrigue. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with the bar opening, followed by a dinner and show starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are $60. Don’t miss out on this exciting, interactive experience at Hotel STRY! Click the button below to purchase tickets.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Inspirational Words

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit:

You Can Cook Series

This engaging video series, created by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, is the perfect way to build your confidence in the kitchen! In just 5 minutes or less, you'll learn essential food skills that will make cooking at home easier, more enjoyable, and healthier. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, these quick and informative videos are designed to get you comfortable in the kitchen in no time. Click the button below to start learning and cooking today!

YOU CAN COOK VIDEO SERIES

Recipe of the Week

Classic Scalloped Potato Recipe

You likely have all these ingredients hanging around at home, waiting to be used for this delicious, flavourful, side dish. Unlike other leftovers, this dish only gets better the longer it sits. Substitute spices for desired taste and number of potatoes according to how many people will be eating. If there is no room in the oven, or you have errands to run, using the slow cooker is a great alternative. Click the link below for the recipe.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

Spring Cleaning Tip of the Week

Freshening Up Your Refridgerator

As part of your spring cleaning routine, don't forget to give your fridge a thorough clean! While it's important to regularly wipe down your fridge's interior shelves, it's also a good idea to deep clean the removable bins and shelves every so often. Take out the door shelves and bins, then wash them with warm, soapy water to remove food residue, bacteria, and spills. Be sure to rinse and dry everything thoroughly before placing them back. This extra step will keep your fridge fresh and ready for the warmer months!

Weekly Funny

DIY Craft

DIY Baseball Craft

With Major League Baseball season started & Miracle League fast approaching, here is some baseball art to work on to bring to those upcoming games! All you need is an old baseball and some dedicated time. Make the ball your favourite team colours, holiday inspired, or personalized to those you are cheering on! If you leave space, you may even get the chance to get your favourite player to sign for lifelong memorabilia. Click the button below to view the tutorial.

CLICK TO VIEW TUTORIAL

Weekly Poll Question

What is your favorite plant to see bloom in the next couple of weeks?
Cherry Blossom Tree
Tulips
Daffodils
White Trillium
None, I have allergies
Other

Last week's poll results:



What is your favourite TV show from the past?


The Golden Girls - 30.9%

Saved by the Bell - 16.2%

Bewitched - 13.2%

Growing Pains - 8.8%

The A-Team - 7.4%

I don't remember any of these - 5.9%

Sanford & Son - 5.9%

The Jeffersons - 4.4%

The Wonder Years - 4.4%

I dont like any of these - 2.9%

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