The Possibilities newsletter will return on Thursday, January 4th! | |
Mark loves this time of year, especially when the Christmas lights come on. He recently went to see the Amherstburg River Lights and had a great time! The twinkling lights and decorations made the Navy Yard look extra special. | |
Lindsay and Sandra recently enjoyed spending an afternoon together at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens. They spent some time at the animal exhibits, taking in the sights and sounds. Following that, the two friends sat down for a lovely lunch together. It was a wonderful way for Lindsay and Sandra to spend their afternoon. | |
Mason's week was a bustling blend of creativity and enjoyment. He kicked things off with gingerbread decorating for a festive touch. Then, he soared into excitement at Aero Sports, adding some lively bounce to his days. A new swing was also installed in his room, providing Mason with a new source of enjoyment and perhaps a relaxing space to hang out. Overall, it was a week full of creativity and good times for Mason. | |
How Do You Like Them Apples? | |
After a three-year break due to COVID-19, the Ruthen Apple Festival Steering Committee had exciting news to share at a recent check presentation. The 44th annual event not only made a comeback but also achieved a remarkable feat by raising an impressive $77,000, setting a new fundraising record! The funds raised will be used to purchase and maintain wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These vehicles are expensive but necessary to provide the best support and services, which make a meaningful difference in so many lives. As a token of gratitude, each vehicle will proudly display the Ruthven Apple Festival logo on its rear windows. A heartfelt congratulations and appreciation are extended to our dedicated volunteers, community supporters, and sponsors for their outstanding efforts in raising this unprecedented amount to support Community Living Essex County. Plans for the 45th Anniversary Ruthven Apple Festival will kick off in early 2024. | |
The Hustle And Bustle of Christmas | |
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As the 2023 clock ticks away to year’s end, the atmosphere surrounding us at home, work, school and in the community is charged with so many emotions. The excitement of children anticipating the BIG day, the anxiety of parents making lists of gifts and food to buy for everyone, the reflection of holiday celebrations of years past. So many mixed emotions test our ability to always remember, “One step at a time!” It’s ONLY one brief moment in time. We have a new year, 2024, to anticipate. Plans to make, results to celebrate and exciting ideas to share!
As the days whirl by and situations of others living around the world continue to be filled with conflict, fear, and loss; we in Canada and more specifically, in Essex County, need to be thankful for the many privileges we often take for granted.
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ENSEMBLE’s wish for each and every family is that the end of 2023 fills your heart with gratefulness for everything we share as Canadians. As you enter into 2024, we wish you the renewed energy needed to accept whatever challenges life sends your way. Challenges cause us to reflect, dream and create!
May 2024 bring you and your family moments of hopefulness as you meet each day with anticipation of new possibilities just waiting for you to discover.
Happy holidays to all!
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Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle Tickets
are Selling Quick! Get Yours Today!
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Get ready for holiday magic with Community Living Essex County's Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle! The proceeds will help Community Living Essex County provide accessible transportation to children, youth and adults to be active and engaged in their community! | |
Tickets are $25 each or 3 for $60. | | |
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Check out the
fabulous prizes!
- 2nd Prize: $2,000 in gift cards
- 3rd Prize: 70” Samsung TV
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There are ONLY 1,500 tickets available, so act fast! Tickets are now available to order online at www.communitylivingessex.org/events/hollyjollyraffle/
The main raffle draw will be held on Friday, January 19th. Your ticket isn't just a chance to win big; it's a ticket to make a difference in the lives of others during this season of giving. Let the joyous countdown to the Holly Jolly Jackpot begin!
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Thank you to our sponsor!
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New Day celebrated the holidays with a Christmas party last week. There was a great turnout, and we were happy to see everyone and spend some time together. New Day wishes everyone happy holidays and a joyful New Year. The next New Day meeting will be in February. | |
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There is still time to donate and DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Libro Credit Union is matching all donations up to $6000!
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Make an impact in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities this holiday season with a donation that will be matched, dollar for dollar by Libro Credit Union (thank you Libro!) until December 31st.
100% of Giving Tuesday proceeds will go toward the purchase of technology, such as smartphones, tablets, apps, and wearables, to help people we support develop skills, take part in virtual supports, and stay connected with friends and family.
All donations made to Community Living Essex County until Sunday, December 31st will be matched up to a maximum of $6,000.
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This year our goal is $12,000 – help us beat it! | |
Join Us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer! | |
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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. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
Ministry Update on Journey to Belonging | |
The most recent ministry update regarding the Journey to Belonging initiative covers recent conference participation, progress in developing a new funding approach, and workforce strategy initiatives. Notable mentions include individualized budgets, person-centered funding, and ongoing efforts to enhance workforce skills and mental health. For more detailed information, click the link below. | |
Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital Project Update | |
The December update for the new acute care hospital in Windsor-Essex shows progress in planning. The Ouellette Campus submitted a plan outlining services after the new hospital opens. These services include Urgent Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Lab, Pharmacy, Medical Daycare, Outpatient, and Admin Services. The plan focuses on continuous patient care and was endorsed by the Windsor Regional Hospital Board. It takes into account feedback from the community and aims to use existing infrastructure efficiently while meeting modern standards. The Ministry of Health will review the plan to make sure it meets provincial expectations. Early plans for the new hospital are on schedule, with the bidding process expected in 2025 and construction starting in 2026. Discussions on additional services highlight the need for late-night refreshments, diverse food options, and convenient amenities. A survey will gather input from staff and the community. For more details, check the full report using the link below. | |
Discover the festive holiday light displays across Windsor-Essex County. Use the links provided below to learn more about the beautiful winter lighting displays and find details on how you can experience them firsthand. It's a great way to enjoy the holiday season and explore the creative displays in your community. | |
The S'Aints Annual Holiday Show | |
Join The S'Aints for a festive holiday concert at The Colosseum in Caesars Windsor on December 22nd at 8 pm. This all-ages event, presented in partnership with St. Clair College and Caesars Windsor Cares, features a rock-infused performance of traditional holiday tunes and tracks from their album Epic Christmas. The concert, led by local talents like Jody Raffoul and Jeff Burrows, includes special appearances by the Windsor Optimist Youth Band drumline and the choir, The Sinners. Ticket proceeds go to local charities, supporting the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association and Chatham Outreach for Hunger. Make a difference and enjoy the holiday spirit with The S'Aints. | |
Experience the holiday magic at Amherstburg's Winter Wonderland, upstairs at the Hole in the Wall, a festive market capturing the charm of small-town Christmas. Discover a magical array of Christmas treasures and unique gifts from local shops like Evelyn’s Candy House, River Bookshop, and White Woods Home. Find everything from trees and ornaments to decor, candles, gourmet foods, candy, books, cards, and fine stationery. Kickstart your holiday shopping in the heart of downtown Amherstburg, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm until December 24th. | |
Hop aboard the Christmas Family Hop for a festive adventure on Saturday, December 23rd, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Explore dazzling Christmas light spectacles around Windsor-Essex County on this magical ride suitable for all ages. The cost is $20 per person. | |
Willistead Manor Annual Holiday Tour | |
Experience the holiday magic at Willistead Manor's Annual Holiday Tour on Wednesday, December 27th. Explore the beautifully decorated mansion from 6 pm to 8 pm showcasing unique holiday themes in each room. Ticket prices range from $2.75 to $6.25, with donations encouraged to support the Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association. No reservations are needed. Tickets can be purchased at the Coach House upon arrival. Visit Willistead Manor at 1899 Niagara Street, Windsor, and celebrate the season in style. | |
Home Alone & Home Alone 2 | |
In Home Alone and its sequel, 8-year-old Kevin spends Christmas defending his home from burglars using clever booby traps. In the second film, he ends up in New York, where the hilarious adventures continue. These timeless classics, available on Disney+, can be enjoyed as classic holiday movies or as all-time family favourites. | |
For this week's Throwback Thursday, let's rewind to a heartwarming moment at Community Living Essex County's gift-wrapping booth in Devonshire Mall in 2015. The photo captures the spirit of giving with Derek, Maria, Ann, Jacquelyn and Rosa coming together to support a fundraiser near and dear to our hearts. As we reminisce about this special day, we look forward to hosting this meaningful fundraiser in the coming years. Keep the warmth of community and the joy of giving alive this season and stay tuned for more memorable snapshots in your newsletter! | |
This recipe uses seven ingredients to create a festive, delicious mozzarella marinate. | |
Laughter is the Best Medicine | |
| The first Christmas cookie you eat from the tray is in shape of a: | | | |
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Are you Santa's favourite elf, or do you relate more to the Grinch?
Buddy the Elf all the way! ~ 47%
Grinchy vibes, I prefer a low-key holiday. ~ 38%
I'm impartial to the holidays. ~ 15%
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