April is World Autism Month | |
In a world rife with misunderstanding, misrepresentation and stigma, the stakes have never been higher for those perceived to be different. Autism, particularly, manifests in various forms, impacting individuals on the spectrum in many distinct ways. Today, misconceptions of autism adversely affect vital information, resources and support autistic people and their families need. We must come together to overcome this challenge. To learn more about World Autism Month, #ActFearlessly and click the link below! | |
Exploring Colasanti's Tropical Gardens | |
Maplewood Children's Respite is back! The children enjoyed spending some time exploring Colasanti's and all that it has to offer. Of course, no trip to Colasanti's is complete without a few photos using their colorfully elaborate and almost magical holiday-themed backdrops! | |
Brian’s Friday night was nothing short of magical as he stepped into the iconic Colosseum at Caesars Windsor to witness the legendary Peter Frampton in action. Frampton, a guitar virtuoso and one of Brian’s all-time favorite artists, took the stage and transported the audience into a timeless musical journey. | |
Ensemble: Unpaid Caregivers Celebrate | |
While feasting on delicious dishes surrounded by families with shared life experiences, participants openly shared valuable insights and coping strategies. It was concluded by everyone that opportunities offered in relaxed settings, away from demanding home responsibilities, were not only appreciated but also were necessary. | |
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Over the coming months, Ensemble strives to further connect with families. Why not reach out to us and let us know how we can continue to better meet family interests? Our social media pages contain valuable resources provided by the Ensemble Advisory Committee, which is made up of volunteer family members. The committee aims to keep everyone updated on current events and information. There are so many valuable family resources available. We can be reached at: www.ensembleunderstands.com and Ensemble.
As we welcome April, we look forward to hearing from you. Your voice matters! Without family input, forward progress moves slowly. With your voices, the possibilities are unlimited!
Happy April!
Marilyn and the Ensemble Advisory Committee
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Ensemble looks forward to two April activities to kick off the month. These appreciation activities are for UNPAID family caregivers who are supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in the family home. Both activities take place on April 6, with one activity taking place in Essex at the Essex Stained Glass Art Studio, and the other in LaSalle at Swabey Family Counseling. Please RSVP to mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com, and be sure to specify which event you would like to attend. Please note that there are limited spaces available for each event, and we kindly request that only one adult caregiver per family registers. Once we reach the maximum number of registrants, registration will close. Those attending will receive a prior notification before the event takes place. |  |
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We hope you’ll consider joining other families —to experience new activities, to share ideas, to make new connections AND last but not least — HAVE FUN JUST FOR YOU! 😊
**RSVPs are required in ADVANCE**
Wishing everyone a vibrant spring! 🌞🐥🌼
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
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Save the Date for our Annual General Meeting! | |
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Join us for our 63rd Annual General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at the Ciociaro Club at 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle. Stay tuned for registration details.
Note: to be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must renew your membership by May 28. Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive new membership perks!
| New Day: 20th Anniversary Celebration | |
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Tickets are now on sale for New Day's 20th Anniversary Celebration, taking place on Saturday, April 20. New Day started in 2004 and has become a voice for people who receive supports from Community Living Essex County. This is a party for everyone to celebrate the work that has been done through self-advocacy over the last 20 years. Everyone is welcome!
To purchase tickets, call Beth at 519-736-5077 or email newday@communitylivingessex.org.
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Career Compass at Tecumseh BIA Networking Event | |
Richelle, shown here with other Tecumseh business representatives, had the opportunity to represent Career Compass at the Tecumseh BIA's networking event held at Wineology Tecumseh. It was a night filled with great conversations, new connections, and learning about local businesses. A shout-out to the Tecumseh BIA for organizing such a successful event and to Wineology Tecumseh for hosting us in their beautiful venue. We're already looking forward to the next event and the chance to further collaborate. Here's to building stronger networks and fostering community development together! | |
Applications are Open for the Light Up the Future Bursary | |
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 26 at 5pm. More information and the application can be found at the link below. | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentations | Developmental Services Ontario is holding a free two-part virtual presentation about secondary suites and Tiny Homes. Part 1 will be taking place on April 16th, with Part 2 scheduled for April 23rd. Another free virtual presentation will be held on April 30. This presentation will give you an opportunity to learn about the DSO, its function, the application process and how to access Ministry funded services. Check out the flyers below for additional information and to register. | |
Online P4P Webcast: The Value of Family Networks | |
Partners for Planning will be hosting an important and informative webinar exploring the benefits of family to family connection. These connections foster resilience, courage, and innovative solutions to various challenges. In this webcast, P4P will explore the significance of family-to-family bonds for those supporting individuals with disabilities. You will learn what to expect from connecting to a Family Network and how to initiate or re-establish these vital connections. The webcast will be approximately 45 minutes long and will include a Q&A period. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and click below to register! | |
Eclipse: Tips for Safe Viewing | |
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A total solar eclipse is happening in Essex County on Monday, April 8, and it's a pretty big deal! Did you know Essex County is one of the best places in the world to view the eclipse? We've compiled some tips for viewing the eclipse safely. Check them out below!
- When preparing for the eclipse, purchase genuine solar viewing glasses from reputable vendors, ensuring they are ISO 12312 certified.
- Never look directly at the Sun, as even during an eclipse, it can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
- Avoid using regular sunglasses, binoculars, or telescopes for viewing.
- When putting on or removing your eclipse glasses, do so with your back to the Sun.
- While driving, keep your eyes on the road and avoid looking at the eclipse.
- For optimal observation, if you’re near the path of totality, choose an observation spot away from streetlights that might turn on when the sky gets dark.
- Do not take pictures of the eclipse without proper filters for your camera or covering the lens with eclipse glasses, as your camera can be severely damaged.
- Lastly, put down your smartphone during the total eclipse phase to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring moment!
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On April 6, students from the St. Clair College Event Management program will be hosting a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. This action-packed event will be held at the Forest Glade Arena in Windsor. Get ready to sweat, laugh, and challenge yourself with a variety of fitness activities that will keep you energized for a full 4 hours! Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just starting your wellness journey, FitnessFest24 has something for everyone. From high-intensity workouts to relaxing yoga sessions, the talented instructors will guide you every step of the way. So mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable day of fitness fun at FitnessFest24! | |
National Wildlife Week at Jack Miner | |
Jack Miner will be hosting National Wildlife Week starting on April 8 and ending on April 14. The historic house will be open and tours will be available. The museum and gift shop will be open as well as the Jack Miner Learning Center. There will be free children's activities available in the Learning Centre. An eclipse viewing event will take place in the Ty Cob field. The first 1000 people will be provided with glasses for safe viewing of the rare celestial event. Click below for more information abut this week-long event. | |
Hello Spring: Multi Vendor Event | |
Step into a realm where creativity blooms, flavours collide, and artisans weave magic with their hands. This event promises an exciting lineup of 50 vendors, a plethora of products, and delectable food options. Whether you’re looking for unique crafts, fashion, or tasty treats, this event has it all! | |
Originally inspired by the beloved Greek Tzatziki, this recipe has been tweaked until it transformed into the chilled Balkan soup that it is today — a refreshing, flavorful, standalone dish that is the epitome of what real food made from simple, clean ingredients should be like. | |
Craft of the Week: Easy DIY Whiteboard | |
These DIY whiteboards are ridiculously easy – so easy in fact, that you can make two or three or even more of them in less than five minutes! Best of all, it couldn’t possibly be any cheaper! These whiteboards have many different practical uses and will drastically reduce paper usage and waste. Click the link below for instructions. | |
| Where will you be watching the eclipse from? | | | |
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What is your favorite Easter candy?
Mini Eggs ~ 45.8%
Lindt Bunnies ~ 20.8%
Creme Eggs ~ 10.4%
Marshmallow Peeps ~ 0%
A little bit of everything ~ 20.8%
I don't like sweets ~ 2.1%
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