Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an 8-day Jewish festival that begins this year on the evening of December 7th and concludes at nightfall on December 15th. During each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light menorahs, progressively adding one more flame each night. By the eighth night, eight flames brightly illuminate homes. The lighting ceremony, accompanied by brief blessings, typically takes place in a doorway, near a window, or sometimes outdoors.
Alongside the menorah lighting, playing with dreidels (spinning tops with Hebrew letters) is a cherished tradition during Hanukkah. Additionally, communal menorah lightings in public squares bring people together, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the freedom to worship.
Given the oil-related miracle, Hanukkah is a time to savour oily treats. Doughnuts, known as sufganiyot, have been a beloved Hanukkah delight since the Middle Ages. Potato pancakes, or latkes, are another classic favourite.
Hanukkah is not just a festival; it's a celebration of resilience, miracles, and the enduring spirit of freedom and light.
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Brandie, Susie, and Laurie had a fantastic time at Canterbury Village in Michigan. They strolled around, taking in the festive displays, and enjoyed shopping and a delicious meal. The village served up a perfect blend of festive sights, retail therapy, and tasty treats, making it a memorable day. |
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Tim had a blast at the casino, trying his luck at the slot machines and catching the amazing Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland show at the Colosseum. It was a nice surprise when he unexpectedly saw his sister, Janice, who also came to see the show. The Holiday Wonderland show was a hit for both of them, and they thought the performers did a fantastic job. Overall, it turned out to be a surprisingly delightful night filled with fun and entertainment. |
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From the Screen to the Stage |
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When the Community Participation Supports went virtual in 2020, Lisa always ended the Virtual Support sessions singing a song from the Sound of Music. When she heard the musical was coming to the Chrysler Theatre, Lisa was excited to go and see one of her favourite musicals live with her friends Josh and Paul. The Windsor Light Theatre put on a great performance that everyone loved. |
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At Ensemble we’re all about CONNECTIONS. Our Caregiver Appreciation events celebrate the amazing contributions of UNPAID family caregivers, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities at home. But WAIT! Mothers and fathers aren’t the ONLY unpaid family supports. What about brothers and sisters? We haven’t forgotten any of you.
Who says the month of January is BLAH? Not us at Ensemble! WHY?
We have a FREE dinner offering for brothers and sisters, over the age of 19, who have siblings with intellectual disabilities living at home. This won’t be just ANY dinner! Why? It’s FREE! No parents will be there to filter what you talk about.😂It’s a real chance to connect with new people and possibly form friendships. It’s easier to find creative solutions if you brainstorm with others who have similar life experiences. You find that you are not alone.
SO — on with some details:
Where: Shhhhhh! Restaurant destination to be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
When: Saturday, January 27th, 2024. Late afternoon/early evening.
What to expect: Details in the coming weeks.
If a FREE dinner, in the company of others, in a fun setting, interests you; please send an email to mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com. I will add your name to a list of potential diners, and I will provide further details and a chance to RSVP. While waiting to hear from you, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you an amazing holiday season! 🎄 See you in 2024!
Let’s start January 2024 in the best possible way! Dining together!
Family Friendly Outings
Maybe you’d like to skip the prep this year? Maybe you’d like to share Christmas dinner with someone less fortunate? Celebrations are about sharing. Some ideas: Christmas Dinner Windsor Essex Guide. |
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🎄 Happy December 🎄
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant, and the Advisory Committee
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Celebrate the holiday season with New Day at our Christmas Party on December 15th, 11 am - 1 pm at the Kingsville Lions Club. Please RSVP by December 13th. For just $5, enjoy pizza, water, cupcakes, and festive fun. Don't forget to bring canned goods for our local food bank. Wear your holiday best and join us for games and merriment. Let's make it a joyous occasion together!
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Kirby's Creative Cards at the Huge Holiday Gift Multi-Vendor Event |
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Kirby had a great time at The Huge Holiday Gift Multi-Vendor Event, where she sold her beautiful handmade cards. She creates cards for all occasions and takes custom orders with a month's notice. You can check out some of her creations on her Facebook page, Kirby's Creative Cards, by clicking the link below. If you're looking for unique cards to complement your Christmas gifts, don't hesitate to get in touch with her about in-stock options! |
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Tickets On Sale Now for the Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle! |
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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! |
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Tickets are $25 each or 3 for $60. |
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The early bird draw will take place Wednesday, December 13th, and the main raffle draw will be held on Friday, January 19th.
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Check out the
fabulous prizes!
- 2nd Prize: $2,000 in gift cards
- 3rd Prize: 70” Samsung TV
- Early Bird Prize: Apple AirPods
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There are ONLY 1,500 tickets available, so act fast! Tickets are now available to purchase in person at our office, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex, at holiday events across Windsor-Essex County, or ordered online at www.communitylivingessex.org.
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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Now through December 31st – DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Libro Credit Union is matching all donations up to $6000!
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Giving Tuesday is here! 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!).
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. This year our goal is $12,000 – help us beat it!
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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 vsamek@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!
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Join Us! Become a Member Today! |
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! |
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Career Compass Employer Referral Program |
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Inadequate funding is threatening Developmental Services and the people who rely on them. Join us in calling on the Government of Ontario to provide an immediate 5% increase to base funding, including Passport and Special Services at Home! #5ToSurvive |
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You can also amplify our request by participating in the following ways. Community Living Ontario has created template letters to MPPs in both English and French that you can download and modify — we do ask that you keep the key messages intact, but feel free to add your local pressures to the letter, along with your signature. Tell them about how the lack of core funding is impacting you and/or the people you support. You can also use the link below to contact your local representative directly. To date, Community Living Ontario's members have collectively reached out to over 50 MPPs (and counting). Let's keep going until every MPP in Ontario has heard the demands!
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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. |
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Experience festive joy at the 2nd Annual Santa’s Village & Market on Saturday, December 9th, from 2 pm to 9 pm in downtown Essex. Enjoy festive activities like cookie decorating, crafting reindeer food, and indulge in treats from food vendors. Explore unique treasures from crafts vendors, visit Santa’s Workshop for a special photo and gift, and don't miss the Santa Claus Parade at 6:30 pm. The event, at Heritage Gardens Park, 87 Station Street, Essex, welcomes all ages to join in the Christmas spirit.
Stop by the Community Living Essex County booth to get your Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle tickets and say hi!
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Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade |
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Experience the magic of the Windsor Parade Corporation's annual holiday favourite on Saturday, December 9th at 6:30 pm in beautiful Downtown Essex. This family-friendly event on Talbot Street features marching bands, festive floats, entertainment, and the beloved appearances of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Join the community for a joyous celebration that captures the spirit of the season. Click the link below for the parade map and more information.
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Calling all music lovers in Windsor and Essex County! Don't miss the Essex Community Concert Band's 6th annual holiday concert, Ring in the Holidays VI, on Sunday, December 10th, at 2 pm. The performance, hosted at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Essex, at 146 Talbot Street South, offers a festive atmosphere to celebrate the season. Admission is FREE and donations are appreciated to support the band. Join the community for an afternoon of musical joy. For more information, contact 519-776-8483.
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Amherstburg Christmas Market With Santa |
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Join the festive fun at Libro Amherstburg's Christmas Market with Santa on Saturday, December 9th, from 9 am to 2 pm. The event, located at 463 Sandwich Street South, offers a delightful holiday experience at the Libro Credit Union Amherstburg Branch.
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Spirit of Christmas – A Musical Revue |
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Experience the holiday enchantment at the Bank Theatre's Spirit of Christmas – A Musical Revue, on Sunday, December 10th, at 2 pm. This is a FREE musical showcase with festive delights, but ensure your spot by RSVPing for a ticket (print your receipt for admittance). Located at 10 Erie St. S, Leamington. The Bank Theatre welcomes you to revel in the spirit of Christmas through this joyful musical celebration.
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Eddie Murphy stars as Chris in his first-ever holiday comedy. Chris is on a mission to win the neighborhood's Christmas home decoration contest. In a bid to boost his chances, he strikes a deal with mischievous elf Pepper (Jillian Bell), setting off a magical chaos as the 12 Days of Christmas come to life. Now, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three kids must race against time to break Pepper's spell and save the holidays. Don't miss the festive fun, now streaming on Prime Video. |
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For this week's Throwback Thursday feature, get ready for a triple dose of nostalgia as we spotlight a photo from our past featuring three distinguished gentlemen. This compelling snapshot captures not just a moment but a shared history among these three. Keep an eye on your newsletter for more wonderful memories captured, promising a heartwarming journey through time. |
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This red velvet cake roll is filled with delicious cream cheese frosting. This recipe produces soft and fluffy cake with a hint of cocoa powder, just in time for the holidays. |
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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What's your preferred holiday colour scheme?
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Winter white, blue and silver
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Non-traditional/multi-colours (e.g., pink, purple)
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When it comes to wintery weather:
I absolutely love it, can't wait for the first big snowfall! ~ 35%
I very much dislike the snow and winter! ~ 41%
I am impartial. ~ 24%
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