Mason enjoyed the snow in his backyard and built two snowmen for himself and his housemate. This is such a fun way to spend time outdoors on a snowy day!
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Board of Directors Profile - Robert Tomek |
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Introducing Robert Tomek
- Past President (joined the Board in 2013; President from 2018 – 2021)
- Lawyer
Robert has been practicing law in Essex County for over twenty years and he’s extremely grateful to serve such a vibrant and diverse community. Robert has been honoured to serve on the Board of Directors for Community Living Essex County and volunteer his time with like-minded individuals who are devoted to advocating, promoting and working towards positive change to benefit the community members we serve.
Our focus, which is to inspire possibilities in our community members, is evident in the efforts of each individual of our organization, from the Executive Director and Board Members to each employee whose passions reinforce the focus on a daily basis.
Community Living Essex County has served this area well for so many years due in large part to its commitment to its members, its leadership and focus on making people's lives better. Robert always shares it has been a pleasure for him to serve on this Board.
A few quick facts about Robert
- he is currently reading Bourdain – the Definitive Oral Biography
- Italian is his favourite type of restaurant
- his bucket list includes a trip to Joshua Tree National Park
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Calling all unpaid caregivers!
Are you supporting an adult family member with an intellectual disability at home?
Please join ENSEMBLE and other families for a catered lunch at Oxley Holy Family Retreat, followed by a motivational presentation by a celebrated Canadian superstar. Taking place on Saturday, February 25th from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
You will leave with positive energy, new connections and renewed hope for future possibilities.
Why not reward yourself for all your hard work? Don’t you deserve a chance to socialize in a welcoming environment and to make new connections?
This event is completely free due to the generous support of the Ontario Caregiver’s Association, Community Living Essex County, an anonymous donor, and the Ensemble Family Advisory Committee.
There are only 20 reserved spots available.
Please include:
- your name
- your contact information
- the age of family member you support
- any dietary restrictions
(All information provided is confidential)
This is a CAREGIVER ONLY event.
Registration closes once 20 requests have been received or on Friday February 10th.
Stay connected!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Volunteer Committee
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Last Call - Order Your Popcorn Today! |
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Looking for the perfect snack for Super Bowl Sunday or a yummy treat to gift a loved one for Valentine's Day or Family Day? Order a bag (or a few bags!) of delicious, fresh-popped popcorn from The Richmond Popcorn Co.! 100% of proceeds are being donated to New Day, Leaders of Today, advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and Ensemble, providing support and guidance to families of people with intellectual disabilities.
Choose from six tasty flavours: Movie Time, Caramel Corn, Cheddar, Salt & Vinegar, Dill Pickle, and Sweet Cinnamon! There are approximately 17 cups of popped corn in each resealable bag!
Order online until January 27th and pick up Friday, February 10th from 8am-6pm!
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Push for the Canada Disability Benefit! |
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Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, has passed the committee stage and is ready for a third and final reading in the House of Commons. It is incredibly important that C-22 is at the top of the parliamentary to-do list when the House returns on January 30th.
You can help make this happen by writing your Member of Parliament and urging them to prioritize Bill C-22.
Inclusion Canada has prepared a draft letter that you can personalize and send to your MP. You can also call your MP’s office to voice your support, or even request to meet them.
Following are your local MP's:
Dave Epp
MP for Chatham-Kent, Leamington Conservative Party
Irek Kusmierczyk
MP Windsor-Tecumseh Liberal Party
Chris Lewis
MP Essex Conservative party
Community Living Essex County has sent similar letters to our local representatives and
Community Living Ontario will be sending a letter to all Ontario MPs, urging them to put Bill C-22 at the top of their agenda.
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Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity?
Join us as an E-bingo Volunteer!
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The funds Community Living Essex County raises through e-bingo at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor goes a long way in terms of helping the children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities who we support. Did you know that we receive minimal government funding to cover the cost of transportation for people we support to stay active and get around town to work, volunteer, or participate in leisure activities? It’s possible for us raise up to $30,000 per year from e-bingo alone. This helps purchase fuel and maintain vehicles. But we can’t do it without volunteers.
How does it work?
It’s an easy way to raise money. Breakaway Gaming awards community charities funds when two volunteers work an assigned shift.
What does an e-bingo volunteer do?
It’s a two hour shift at the Breakaway Gaming Center in Windsor where the volunteers welcome e-bingo participants, then walk around the gaming area, checking if players need anything, and keeping the gaming area neat and tidy. It may not be the most exciting volunteer opportunity, but it certainly makes a difference in the lives of people we support.
What is required of a volunteer?
A short online training course must be completed prior to volunteering. A Community Living Essex County golf shirt will be provided and dark pants and closed-toe shoes must be worn. You must provide your own transportation to the gaming centre but Community Living Essex County will provide a $25 gas card as a token of our thanks and appreciation.
Consider giving your time to help us maximize this very generous opportunity provided by Breakaway Gaming and to raise some much-needed money to help cover the cost of transportation for the people we support.
To find out more, please contact Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations and Resource Development at 519-562-8312 or tony@communitylivingessex.org.
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RUDY
Personal Safety and Assault Prevention Workshop
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Registration is now open for RUDY, a personal safety and assault prevention workshop for young men ages 16 and up with an intellectual disability. Registration for this virtual workshop is FREE. See the flyer for more information and click on the link below to register. |
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New Day is Looking for Executive Committee Members |
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Drop-In Dance Classes at
Sunshine Dance Studio
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Starting January 30th, join Taya for drop-in dance classes at Windsor Dance eXperience. The classes will be held each Monday from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. The studio is located at 390 Walker Road in Windsor. |
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Community Living Essex is Hiring & We Need Your Help! |
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Be TRUE to you! Amherstburg welcomes back True Festival January 28th. Join in for a FREE winter dance party on the downtown streets of Amherstburg from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Enjoy DJ Josh Karmin, drag queens Koko Starr, Liquorice and Dulce, glow dancers Lucy Loop and Zola Molotov, free hot chocolate, giant igloos, and more! Downtown businesses will be open to serve you.
TRUE festival is a great opportunity to escape hibernation, get outside and warm your soul to beats from the DJ and dance the night away with their drag queens! Dress in your warm winter snowsuits, mittens, hats and scarfs and enjoy the warm hospitality of the downtown businesses.
True festival celebrates Amherstburg’s diversity and inclusivity - everyone is welcome!
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Pasta Dinner - Dine In or Take Out |
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St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex is hosting a pasta dinner on February 3rd from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Cost is $12 and there is a vegetarian option available. |
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These three heart art ideas were inspired by Valentine’s Day. Heart paintings are easy painting ideas that you can get creative with. All supplies can be purchased from your local dollar store.
Supplies needed:
- Canvas
- Standard acrylic paints
- Cling Wrap
- Contact paper
- Old credit card (or any plastic card)
- Q-Tips (or cotton swabs/buds)
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The Ranch
The son of a Colorado rancher returns home from a semi-pro football career to run the family business. Now streaming on Netflix.
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Easy Mexican Casserole
This Mexican casserole is easy to make and very tasty. You can substitute with ground turkey and low-fat dairy products and it's still delicious! Serve this casserole with chips, salsa, and green salad.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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Do you sleep next to your cell phone?
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Yes, it's always nearby, in case I get a call or text overnight
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Yes, I keep it close, but put it on silent mode so I can sleep
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Yes, I use it as an alarm clock
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No, but it's not so far away that I won't hear an overnight call
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No, it's far enough away that I miss any calls or texts while I sleep
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What is your favourite flavour of popcorn?
Movie Time ~ 19%
Sweet Cinnamon ~ 2.4%
Cheddar ~ 23.8%
Caramel Corn ~ 31%
Dill Pickle ~ 21.4%
Salt & Vinegar ~ 2.4%
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