This Week's Possibilities Newsletter is Here

Virtual Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel

a Huge Success

Jingle Bell Run committee members, Saylor Lorenson, Tate Harris and event Chair, James Knapp present Jingle Bell Run proceeds to Karen Bolger, Executive Director, Community Living Essex County.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns, 209 participants, some from as far away as Calgary, participated in our 2^ndVirtual Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel held in early December. The event was again a big hit, raising $8,670. Thanks to our Jingle Bell Run Steering Committee Chair, James Knapp and his entire staff at Ken Knapp Ford for taking the lead again, ensuring a successful 2021 event.

Happy 30^th Birthday Andrew!

Earlier this week Andrew celebrated his 30^th birthday. Happy birthday, Andrew!

Embrace Opportunity

According to quote reel - “A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or being part of the same social web network. It’s about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community and everyone plays a crucial role.”

The month of February is punctuated by numerous dates in Canada, in the USA and around the world: Family Day, Black History Month, Heart Month, the Winter Olympics and of course Valentine's Day, February 14^th.

From a very young age we were delighted in sending Valentine cards, making Valentine crafts, sharing Valentine treats and of course surrounding those we love with hugs and kisses.

Let’s expand our reach! As we approach February 14^th,2022 , why not show those in your community that everyone - no matter their ability - has the capacity to give and to receive - unconditional love and caring?

Together - Ensemble - we can make a difference!

Wishing you and those who make your life rewarding and special: a month (February), a day (February 14^th) a year (2022) that brings you joy as you continue to spread unconditional love.

Hugs and love,

Marilyn, Rubina, and Lois

Your Ensemble Committee Families

ensemble@communitylivingessex.org or 519-776-6483, ext 225

Virtual Supports - Craft and Chat

Making Valentine's Day Cards

The extremely popular Virtual Support sessions continue to be fully attended, and often even have a waiting list! Many new sessions have been introduced, such as the Detroit Symphony, Minute to Win It, and Sports Trivia Night.

Here you can see how much everyone enjoyed our Valentine’s Day themed Craft and Chat!

The History of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14^th. It originated as a Christian feast day honouring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

Doctors Can Prescribe a Year-Long Pass to Canada's National Parks

Parks Canada says it's backing a nature prescription program in B.C., Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba so doctors and nurses can prescribe a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to patients who have mental and physical health problems.

Parks Canada joined the national nature prescription program known as PaRx, or A Prescription for Nature, which aims to get patients into nature for a minimum of two hours per week.

Research has shown anxiety and mental health problems can be effectively treated by spending time in nature. That can include everything from digging your hands into a backyard garden to exploring the backcountry (though studies have shown increased biodiversity, as well as sweeping views of green space and water, are best).

Minister of the Environment and Climate change Steven Guilbeault described the new collaboration as a breakthrough in how practitioners treat mental and physical health. With the impacts of COVID-19 still felt across much of the country, it couldn’t come at a better time, he said.

Click Here For More Information

Get Crafty

Yarn Wrapped Hearts

Supplies

yarn (red, pink or any colour)
cardboard paper
scissors
clear tape
pencil

Draw a heart shape on the cardboard. You can outline a cookie cutter or you can free hand draw the heart.

Cut the heart out.

Tie yarn around the heart and tie a knot. Secure with some clear tape.

Start wrapping the yarn around the cardboard heart. Keep it up, wrapping the yarn in all directions, until you get a nice “chunky” heart. Once you’re happy with how your heart looks, tie a knot.

You can add some thread and make a loop for hanging, in case you would rather have these yarn wrapped hearts as ornaments.

Outdoor Ice Skating - City of Windsor

Outdoor skating in the City of Windsor is back! Ice is open for skating at Charles Clark Square and Lanspeary Lions Rink.

Charles Clark Square

215 Chatham Street East, Windsor

Supervised skating times are 4pm - 11pm weekdays and 8am - 11pm Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Lanspeary Park

1250 Langlois Ave, Windsor

Free public skating times at Lanspeary are offered Monday through Friday from 4pm - 5pm as well as Sundays from 1 pm - 3pm.

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl LVI is the championship game of the NFL for the 2021 season. It will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals on February 13 at 6:30pm. The game is taking place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marking the second consecutive and second overall Super Bowl to feature a team playing in it's home stadium.

Country singer Mickey Guyton will perform the "The Star-Spangled Banner" making her the first black female country singer to perform the national anthem at the game. Jhené Aiko will perform "America the Beautiful", and Mary Mary accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing". Electronic music producer Zedd will DJ during pre-game warmups.

The halftime show will be headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar.

Positive Thoughts

Binge-Worthy TV

Raising Dion

After discovering her son has superpowers, a single mother works to shield her son from those that want to exploit his gifts. All while investigating the origin of her son's supernatural gifts and the cause of her husband's death. Two seasons are now streaming on Netflix.

Recipe of the Week

French Toast Waffles

Make the best of both breakfast worlds with French toast waffles. Throw your French toast in the waffle iron to enjoy the deliciousness of French toast with the crisp, signature shape of waffles.