Having a Great Time at the Concert! |
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Brianne loves going to concerts. Earlier this week, Brianne and her support staff made the trip to London's Budweiser Gardens to see Old Dominion. They had a great time! It made for a late night, but the fun Brianne had was worth it. Brianne is looking forward to attending more concerts this year. Can't wait to hear about them all Brianne! |
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Groundhog Day is celebrated in Canada every year on February 2nd, and it isn’t just a random date, the 2nd of February is what’s known as a “cross-quarter” day, meaning it falls at the midpoint between one season and another. In the case of February 2nd, it is the cross-quarter day that falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, making it the ideal time to consider whether or not spring will arrive early.
Legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks. Accordingly, if it is a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, it goes back to sleep for six more weeks of winter. If the weather is cloudy and the groundhog does not see its shadow, it stays outside, meaning that the worst of winter is over, and spring will soon arrive.
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Board of Directors Profile - Gillian Heisz |
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Introducing Gillian Heisz
- Board Treasurer (since 2019)
- Vice President, Finance and Operations at the University of Windsor
Gillian is a graduate of Western University’s Ivey Business School (HBA) and holds a CPA, CA designation. Prior to assuming the role of Vice-President, Finance & Operations at the University of Windsor in 2022, Gillian was the Associate Vice-President, Finance, a position she accepted in 2020. In 2015 Gillian joined the University of Windsor, serving as the Controller & Executive Director, Financial Accounting and Reporting. Before joining the University, Gillian worked at Ernst & Young LLP where she specialized in assurance and advisory services, with industry expertise in financial services and not-for-profit organizations.
Gillian was awarded with the CPA Ontario Emerging Leader Award in 2021, recognizing her outstanding business and social contributions. She is community minded and serves on the Board of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and as Treasurer for the Community Living Essex County Board. Gillian and her husband, Andrew, live in Amherstburg, with their two children, Henry (3) and Abby (1).
A few quick facts about Gillian:
- she loves long walks with her husband and kids
- sushi is her favourite meal
- her favourite show is Ted Lasso
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Saturday, February 25, 2023
Oxley Holy Family Retreat
As a caregiver of an adult with intellectual disabilities who lives at home with you, you have probably been told that you are resilient. Why not spend an afternoon with other caregivers while you interact with a truly resilient Canadian Paralympian?
Presenting
~ Danielle Campo-McLeod~
Our very own world record holder, gold medalist, Paralympian, mother of 5 children, including 2 step-children, and Windsor resident!
Join the Ensemble committee as Danielle shares her truly amazing life journey punctuated with challenges that required focus on what was possible. You will be motivated to celebrate each small step you take each day, and you will leave with renewed energy and hope. With determination and perseverance, you are on your way to creating a life of possibilities for yourself and your family, and for your community.
Danielle’s presentation will end with an interactive Q&A.
Limited seating is available *30 reserved places*.
Please include:
- your name
- your contact information
- the age of family member you support
- any dietary restrictions
(All information provided is confidential)
Danielle has written a memoir which will be available for purchase.
See you on Saturday February 25th @ 2:30 pm.
This is a CAREGIVER ONLY event.
Stay connected!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Volunteer Committee
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Career Compass - Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Reach Their Employment Goals |
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Max started working out at All Level Crossfit last spring. Within the last few months, he thought it would be a great place to work. When John was approached to inquire about hiring Max, he didn't even hesitate.
As soon as you walk in the door at All Level Crossfit, you realize what a welcoming space it is. Max has fit right in! He is a friendly face that welcomes you with a "hello" and a joke, all while keeping the gym a clean space to enjoy.
All Level Crossfit is located at 1821 Provincial Rd in Windsor. Check out their website here: www.alllevel.ca. Their mission is simply "to help you succeed". They offer a variety of classes and personal training sessions suited to different abilities.
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Celebrating a Successful Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel! |
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We are pleased to announce that the 2022 Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel was a ringing success, raising $10,000! Event chair James Knapp, along with volunteers Saylor and Dan, proudly presented the proceeds to our Executive Director, Karen Bolger, and Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations. A huge thank you to Ken Knapp Ford and all of the participants, volunteers & sponsors who made our event a success!
We'll see you next year!
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Looking for a New 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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Early Planning Toolkit Webcast: Money Talks - Accessing Financial Resources for a Young Child with a Disability |
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As parents of a young child with a disability, you have no idea what the future will bring. What supports will your child need and what resources will be available in the future? Will your child be able to support themselves as an adult? Where will they live and what will they need to live on their own?
While you have lots of time to figure out the answers to these questions, there are resources you can access that will benefit your child now and may provide significant resources later in life if needed.
Learn about financial resources and tax credits you can access from the Ontario and Canadian governments to help support your child throughout their life.
The Money Talks Webcast is part of the Early Planning Toolkit. Click to learn more about all the toolkit's components.
This free webcast is taking place Wednesday, February 8th at 7:00 pm, click the below link to register.
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Drop-In Dance Classes at
Sunshine Dance Studio
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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 890 Walker Road in Windsor. |
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! |
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Tony DeSantis, our Manager, Community Relations spoke to AM800 CKLW about the exciting and rewarding job opportunities available at Community Living Essex County. We're hiring support workers for positions across Essex County. Click the link below to read the full article and then visit our website to learn more about the opportunities available.
If you know qualified people with a background in social services, looking for a great career in Developmental Services, please refer them to our Human Resources Department for a chance to receive a $150 gift card.
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February is Black History Month |
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Essex County is rich in Black history. Canadians of African descent have played important roles in the cultural, political, social, and economic progress of our communities. To celebrate our heritage, the below link has a list of Black History Month events happening around our region. |
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Beat The Winter Blues Sale |
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Winter got you feeling blah? Time for some retail therapy!
Shop the 30 vendors, something for everyone from direct sales reps to health and beauty to home goods made by some of the most talented people in the area.
Enjoy a yummy lunch of authentic Greek favorites off the limited menu, provided for the day (available from 11 am to 2:30 pm) available for eating or take out.
Saturday, February 4th from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at Hellenic Cultural Centre, 3052 Walker Road, Windsor.
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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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Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous
Six teens attending an adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar must band together to survive when dinosaurs wreak havoc on the island. Five seasons are streaming on Netflix.
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Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is so packed with flavor! This low carb meal has an unmistakable egg roll flavor that everyone loves!
If you are fresh out of egg roll or wonton wrappers this is the perfect way to still satisfy your craving! Great for a crowd, try serving it as an entrée over white rice or noodles, or even zoodles!
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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Which embarrassing thing are you most likely to do?
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Call someone the wrong name
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Do you sleep next to your cell phone?
Yes, it's always nearby, in case I get a call or text overnight ~ 6.4%
Yes, I keep it close, but put it on silent mode so I can sleep ~ 25.5%
Yes, I use it as an alarm clock ~ 29.8%
No, but it's not so far away that I won't hear an overnight call ~ 6.4%
No, it's far enough away that I miss any calls or texts while I sleep ~ 31.9%
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