After a nice walk around the mall last week, Andrea and Laurie stopped at PetSmart to check out the animals. They enjoyed watching the colorful fish, the birds, and the playful hamsters. It was a fun and relaxing time, and they really enjoyed watching the animals interact. The day left them both feeling happy and refreshed! | |
Familiar Faces and Favourite Places | |
Earlier this month, Mason had a wonderful visit to the mall! He was excited to stop by his favorite store, where he enjoyed seeing all the familiar faces. It was a pleasant and enjoyable mall trip, and Mason left with a smile, already looking forward to his next visit! | |
Last week, Ali, Ryan, and Jason enjoyed a cozy taco night together, warming up with delicious tacos and great company on a cold evening. It was a fun night spent with friends and good food—perfect for a chilly winter day. | |
Ruthven Apple Festival Check Presentation | |
Members of the Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee were acknowledged for their contributions to the success of the 2024 festival at a recent cheque presentation event. Despite the wet and rainy conditions during the 2024 Ruthven Apple Festival held back in late September, we are thrilled to announce that a cheque for $71,000 was presented by committee members to Community Living Essex County.
Those attending the official cheque presentation included, Tony DeSantis, Manager Community Relations, Joe Colasanti, committee members, Jana Blair, Laura Bianchi, Tom Bonneau, Barry Wilson, Janell Violet, Ashley Colasanti, Brianne Taggart and Executive Director, Karen Bolger of Community Living Essex County.
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~WINTER DAYS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS IN ESSEX COUNTY~
As the month of January proceeds, we are given daily reminders that winter is here to stay— for at least a few more weeks- according to the weather forecasters. 🥶🥶🥶
You may opt to spend more time indoors. Knowing that you may be searching for ways to wile away indoor hours, I have researched and come up with a community resource you may have overlooked:
~THE LIBRARY~
Every city and county library has a posted monthly calendar of events. Looking ahead to February, I will highlight a variety of available activities:
- Art activities for all ages
- Scavenger hunts
- Lego building
- Bluey & Friends
- Storytime (baby & beyond)
- Adult book club
- Technology advice
- Language learning
- Sit & Sew
- Music & movement
to mention just a few.
You may still long to experience the frigid winter air. Did you know that many of Ontario’s public libraries have partnered with Ontario Parks? They will lend you day-use passes, valid for 1 week. The pass can be used at any of Ontario’s publicly funded provincial parks. Check out availability at your local library.
What wonderful potential opportunities for your family to experience!
Stay indoors or venture outside! Just remain positive and active!
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 virtual 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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Nominate the Ruthven Apple Festival for the
10th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards
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Nominations are now open for the 10th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards through the Tourism-Windsor Essex Pelee Island! We need your help to nominate the Ruthven Apple Festival in the Best Festival category. Be sure to make your nomination before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th. Simply follow this link Nominations Open Now – Best of Windsor Essex or click the button below. Please note that if you do not have an answer for some of the questions, don’t worry you can leave them blank. All other entries will still be valid. | |
#WaitingToBelong - Call For Stories | |
Over 52,000 adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario are currently waiting for services, with some individuals having been on the waitlist for over a decade. Despite the high demand, only about a third of the 3,000 people who apply for services each year actually receive them. It's crucial to take action now by contacting your representative to advocate for change and raising awareness by reposting and using the hashtag #WaitingToBelong, and please click the button below to share your story. | |
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! | |
Free Webinar: Supporting Youth Advocacy | |
Join Community Living Ontario’s Re:Action4Inclusion (R4I) for the Supporting Youth Advocacy Webinar on Tuesday, February 4th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn how R4I’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), a group of changemakers aged 13-29, is leading disability advocacy in Ontario, driving social change, and fostering inclusive communities. This session will explore how adults can support youth-led initiatives, promote inclusion, and inspire future leaders. Ideal for community leaders, educators, and parents, the webinar offers practical tools to amplify youth voices and create meaningful impact. Click the button below to register. | |
Microboards Ontario - Microboards Support Initiative Information Night | |
Microboards Ontario is launching a new initiative to support Ontario families in incorporating their Microboard. Starting next month, families can receive up to 60 hours of complimentary assistance, including guidance on incorporation, creating by-laws, and running a Microboard. This initiative will provide in-depth workshops on Microboard foundations and values, as well as support for those first important meetings. An informational session will be held virtually on January 29th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to explain the program, answer questions, and outline the application process. Click the button below to register for this free virtual information session. | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Event | |
Join DSO Housing Navigators for a free virtual presentation with representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency on Thursday, February 6th, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This informative session will cover important topics such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), benefits, credits, deductions, and programs that require a valid DTC certificate, the Ontario Caregiver Credit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit, and tips for doing your taxes. The webinar is open to people with developmental disabilities, their families, support networks, and professionals in Ontario. Tor register for this free, informative webinar, click the link below. | |
P4P Webcast: Tips for RDSP Plan Holders | |
P4P is hosting a free informational webcast on Wednesday, January 29th, at 7:00 p.m. for those interested in the Registered Disability Savings Plan. This webcast will offer tips and strategies for effectively managing an RDSP and maximizing its value over time. It will provide guidance on the necessary steps before and after opening your RDSP and include information on various investment strategies. Click below to register! | |
The Capitol Theatre Presents: Legend of Orpheus | |
On Friday, January 24th, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., experience a unique semi-staged performance of The Legend of Orpheus at The Capitol Theatre. Set in an early 19th-century ‘steampunk’ style, this timeless opera features mezzo-soprano Erin Armstrong in the role of Orpheus, joined by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra Chorus and students from the St. Clair College Music Theatre program. With a captivating cast including Chelsea Van Pelt as Euridice and Brianna DeSantis as Amore, this performance of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice promises an unforgettable evening of drama and beautiful music. Conducted by Robert Franz, the event runs for two hours, including an intermission. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | |
Art Windsor Essex Free Guided Tours | |
Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within the works of art in the galleries? Find out for yourself during the Public Guided Tours of Art Windsor Essex (AWE)! Join the knowledgeable Gallery Guides on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for an interpretive tour of the gallery. Learn about the artistic approach and vision of the fascinating artists featured in the current exhibitions. Attendees will meet their Gallery Guide on the 2nd floor. Tours are free with admission to the gallery. Admission is always free for AWE members. | |
On Saturday, January 25th, at 5:30 p.m., Murder at the Marina returns to the Stoney Point Sportsmen Club! This fun-filled evening includes a delicious two-piece chicken dinner with pasta, potato wedges, salad, and a dinner roll, served at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are just $35 per person for both the dinner and the thrilling show. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening of suspense, great food, and entertainment. For tickets, please call 519-798-3032 or 519-990-2425. Click the button below to visit the event website. | |
On Saturday, January 25th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Amherstburg welcomes back TRUE Fest for a fun-filled evening of entertainment and celebration in the heart of downtown. Join the FREE disco dance party on the streets, where you can dance the night away in your warm winter gear while local businesses stay open to serve you. Enjoy show-stopping drag performances by Dulce, Edie Violet, Vanity Affair, and Zsa Zsa at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., along with jaw-dropping fire and glow performances by the Fire Guy Show at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Emcee and singer Benjamin Doncom will keep the energy high with his lively hosting and incredible vocals. TRUE Fest is a celebration of community, creativity, and joy, offering dazzling performances, delicious treats, and an unforgettable atmosphere—don’t miss out on the action! Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more. | |
Ballet Jorgen's Sleeping Beauty
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On Saturday, January 25th, at 7:30 p.m., Ballet Jörgen presents Sleeping Beauty at the Chrysler Theatre. This stunning ballet, danced to the original score by Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky, brings to life the enchanting story of Aurora and her prince, filled with magic and romance. With breathtaking choreography, beautiful costumes, and captivating lighting design, Sleeping Beauty promises to be an inspiring and entertaining performance for all ages. Tickets start at $50. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of live dance! Click the button below to purchase your tickets today! | |
Pasta Dinner at St. Paul's Anglican Church | |
St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex invites you to a pasta dinner on Friday, February 7th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The meal includes pasta, salad, a roll, a beverage, and dessert, with takeout available. The cost is $14 per person. Enjoy great food and fellowship while supporting the many ministries of St. Paul's, including the Clothing Cupboard, Fun with Flags, Diverse and Creative Worship, and more. Click the button below to visit the event website. | |
Healing Chicken and Rice Soup | |
This Healing Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that are as soothing as they are delicious. With a savory garlic-ginger-infused broth, tender shredded chicken thighs, and aromatic jasmine rice, this soup is not only warming but also refreshing, thanks to a burst of lime juice and fresh herbs. It's perfect when you're craving something healthy and comforting, whether you're nursing a cold or simply looking for a wholesome meal. This easy-to-make soup is sure to heal both your body and soul. Plus, it’s even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Click the button below for the recipe. | |
Learn how to make your own bath bombs in just five easy steps and treat yourself to a relaxing, at-home spa experience! With simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and coconut oil, you’ll create fizzy, fragrant bath bombs that will elevate your bath time. Not only is this a fun and cost-effective DIY craft, but it’s also a fantastic project that’s perfect for beginners. Plus, homemade bath bombs are a thoughtful and delightful gift idea. Ready to indulge in a bit of pampering? Click the button below to discover how to make your own bath bombs today! | |
| Which winter weather do you prefer? | | | |
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What is your preferred activity on a snowy day?
Staying in and binge watching your favorite shows - 38%
Going for a winter walk and enjoying the fresh air - 20%
Reading a good book while sipping on your favourite warm beverage – 28%
Enjoying some winter sports outdoors - 10%
Getting a head start on shoveling the driveway - 4%
Baking your favourite treat - 0%
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