This upcoming Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their bravery and commitment to protecting our freedoms remind us of the values we hold dear. On Monday, November 11th, let us take a moment to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country and express our gratitude for their sacrifices. Whether through a moment of silence, wearing a poppy, or simply reflecting on the significance of the day, we encourage everyone to honor this important occasion in their own way. We also recognize the families and loved ones who have supported our service members, and extend our thanks to them for their strength and resilience. Lest we forget. | |
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Joe has participated in The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County's Face to Face campaign for 10 years. The funds raised through this campaign help provide transportation for patients and clients to medical appointments and special outings throughout the year. This year, Joe raised $620 with the support of his mother and his support team. Over the past decade, he has raised more than $6,000 for this important cause.
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County invited him to the wrap-up party again this year, where he was joined by his mother, Cathy, and his support worker, Liz. This is just one of many activities Joe participates in to give back to his community.
Pictured above are Joe, his mother Cathy, and John Fairley, Vice President of College Communications and Community Relations at St. Clair College, and host of the local talk show, Face to Face.
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Exploring Toronto's Wonders | |
This past weekend, Crystal and Josh spent the night in Toronto. They visited Ripley's Aquarium and the Hockey Hall of Fame. They enjoyed seeing the different fish and sea life and really liked checking out the Stanley Cup and learning about hockey history. They also had a great time walking around downtown Toronto and being part of the hustle and bustle! | |
This Halloween party in Essex was a fun night filled with laughter and great food. Everyone brought dishes to share for the potluck dinner, which was a big hit. Guests danced and socialized, only pausing to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters throughout the evening. It was a great atmosphere and a perfect way to celebrate the spooky season together! | |
Ready for A Night of Fun and Fright | |
On Halloween, Max took his time putting together his costume, carefully selecting each piece to create the perfect look. He was thrilled with the final result. After getting ready for the Halloween party, Max set out, eager to enjoy a night of fun, laughter, and ghostly good times. | |
Last week, Clayton, Kevin, and Matthew had a great time painting pumpkins at home. They set up a table with plenty of paints and tools before diving into their designs. It was a fun afternoon full of creativity and focus, enjoyed by all. | |
A Unique Skating Experience | |
Tony and Karl had a fantastic time at the Atlas Tube Centre's Sensory Skate last week! They had the ice all to themselves, and enjoyed the freedom of the rink. Eager to share the experience, they’re looking for others to join in on the fun and discover the joy of skating together. The Sensory Skate sessions take place every Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | |
Kevin enjoyed a nice fall stroll in the park last week, taking in the bright colors of the changing leaves. The weather was surprisingly warm, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. He walked along the paths, surrounded by yellow and red trees and the crisp scent of autumn. It was a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the season. | |
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Family responses to Ensemble’s invitation to volunteer at Community Living Essex County’s gift 🎁 wrapping booth at Devonshire Mall have been very positive. So many people are excited to participate! What a wonderful way to come together to spread holiday cheer, while raising money for families that include individuals with intellectual disabilities!
THANK YOU 😊
As the holiday season fast approaches, we will be surrounded by holiday sights, sounds and smells across the region. Memories of seasons past will fill our minds.
As a community, this time of year gives us the opportunity to accept others as we find them and to embrace our similarities and our differences. Open minds open hearts. 💕
Others also reflect on the importance of 'community' and of 'acceptance'.
At the age of 98; well-known American actor, Dick Van Dyke, recently stated the following:
“As long as there is ONE voice left to say 'Welcome!' to strangers, ONE hand outstretched to say, 'Enter and share', and ONE mind remaining to think a thought of warmth and friendship; then there is still hope for humanity.”
Your desire to volunteer at Community Living Essex County’s gift 🎁 wrapping booth ensures Essex County families that days ahead will be filled with opportunities to make connections and to realize possibilities. As a community we will come together.
See you at the gift-wrapping booth!!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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Jingle Bell Run, Walk, & Wheel is This Weekend | |
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JOIN US SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
AT KEN KNAPP FORD IN ESSEX!
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Join us on Sunday, November 10th, at Ken Knapp Ford in Essex for the 30th anniversary of the Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel! This festive event supports Community Living Essex County and offers a variety of options: a 2km or 5km walk/run, and a Little Elf Run for kids 6 and under.
You can join individually or as part of a team, and festive attire is encouraged! No pets allowed (only working service dogs). A special thank you to Ken Knapp Ford in Essex for their ongoing support of this inclusive community fundraising event!
Online registration is closed, but you can sign up the morning of the event from 8:00am-9:30am! Please note, registrations received after 9:30am will not be entered for chip timing. Not participating but want to join in the fun? Come out and cheer on the participants as they jingle through Essex! Check out the race route below.
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Prize awarded for top pledge amount! Click the link below to download pledge form. | |
Click the link below to donate to Community Living Essex County. | |
New Day’s next meeting will take place on Friday, November 8th at 10:00 a.m. in Boardroom A at the Essex Centre. As a reminder, these meetings are open to all self-advocates who wish to attend. The focus of this meeting will be celebrating what makes everyone unique as they prepare for International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd. Attendees are encouraged to bring items that represent their hobbies or things they enjoy, as they will be creating a poster about themselves during a hands-on activity. If there’s anything you’d like to add to your poster, be sure to bring it along. Additionally, keep an eye out for upcoming details about the New Day Christmas Party! | |
2024 Holiday Sharing Guide | |
211 South West Region Ontario has announced the release of the 2024 Holiday Sharing Guides for Windsor and Essex County. These guides provide information on how to give help to those in need and get help during the holiday season. They include details about gift and toy programs, food drives, and community holiday meals available throughout the region. Click on the guide relevant to your area to learn how you can help or receive assistance this holiday season. | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
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! | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentation | |
The DSO will host a free virtual presentation on Tuesday, November 12th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This presentation offers an opportunity to learn about the DSO, its functions, the application process, and how to access Ministry-funded services. Check out the flyer below for additional information, and click the button to register. | |
P4P Webcast: Intro to the RDSP | |
The P4P Planning Network is offering a free online webcast about The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). This savings plan represents a unique Canadian initiative, offering a long-term savings option tailored for individuals living with disabilities. Key benefits include gaining insight into the RDSP and the potential for government contributions, staying informed on the most recent updates and modifications to the RDSP, learning tips and strategies, along with free resources for further information. The webcast is scheduled is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 12th, at 2:00 p.m. Click the link below to register. | |
2024 Remembrance Day Guide | |
The 2024 Remembrance Day Guide offers a comprehensive list of ceremonies, services, and commemorative events across Windsor-Essex County. Join the community in honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and active service members this upcoming Remembrance Day. | |
2024 Holiday Lights Guide | |
The 2024 Holiday Lights Guide provides information about all the light festivals taking place around Windsor-Essex County. This year, a free Holiday Lights Pass is being launched to guide participants to each festival—and offer them the chance to win as they explore! The Holiday Lights Pass requires no downloads; users simply register with their email and phone number to receive a text directly on their phones. Each check-in counts as another entry for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree at Devonshire Mall. Participants are encouraged to register for their pass now to access bonus draws and the opportunity to win exclusive prizes from the proud sponsors of Bright Lights Windsor! Click the button below to get started. | |
Art enthusiasts are invited to experience six days of inspiring artwork from six local artists. The event will feature live art demonstrations throughout the week, followed by a reception. Attendees can explore a diverse showcase of talented Windsor-based artists and their multi-media works. This in-person event offers a great opportunity to engage with the art community and discover an eclectic mix of artistic styles. Artwork will be on display from November 4th to November 9th. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided during this free event. Click the button below to see exhibition times and register. | |
St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex is excited to host its first-ever Movie Night on Friday, November 8th, at 7:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for seating and socializing before the show begins. Admission is just $5 per person. Stay tuned for the movie title announcement and click the button below to visit the event website for updates. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a fun evening with friends and family — don’t miss out! | |
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Leamington Arts Centre:
A Signature Christmas - Arts & Crafts Show
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The Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) invites everyone to its annual indoor Christmas arts & crafts show, featuring a stunning selection of pottery, fine arts, décor, and more. Running from November 6th to December 20th, this month-long “gift shop” style exhibition fills an entire main floor gallery, providing a perfect opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts. The show is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a special reception on Friday, November 22nd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is $2.00 for adults, while LAC members, artists on display, and youth under 12 can enter for free. | |
Carnival Noir: The Masque of the Red Death | Scarehouse Windsor invites you to the second annual Masquerade, taking place on Saturday, November 9th. This event will feature captivating performances and character encounters in an atmosphere inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.” This year’s Carnival Noir theme promises a night of beauty, indulgence, and the bizarre. General Admission doors open at 8:00 p.m., while the VIP Immersive Dining Experience begins at 6:30 p.m. VIP guests are asked to arrive by 6:00 p.m. to ensure timely check-in. For more details and to purchase tickets, click the link below. | |
Christmas Craft & Gift Show | |
Join the 10th Anniversary Christmas Craft & Gift Show on Sunday, November 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the LaSalle Event Centre. This festive event benefits the charity Oneday Dreams and offers free admission, with donations welcomed. Enjoy delicious pierogi from Little Foot Foods, beverages from 4COFF Roasting Company, and kettle corn from Parrothead Popcorn. Families can visit over 100 local vendors, including crafters and artisans. Bring the kids for free photos with Cookie Monster from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Click the button below to visit the event website. | |
Windsor Classic Chorale: Move Him Into the Sun | |
On Monday, November 11th, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Salvation Army South-Windsor Citadel, the Windsor Classic Chorale will host its annual concert to honor the sacrifices made during the First and Second World Wars. This year’s program will commemorate the lives lost in service to freedom. Founded in 1977 by Director Emeritus Richard Householder, the WCC has become an integral part of the local arts scene, collaborating with various organizations and performing at notable events throughout Windsor. Tickets are available for $25 for general admission and $15 for students, and a reception will follow the concert. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | |
This dessert emerged during the shortages and rationing of World War I, World War II, and the Great Depression, providing Canadians with a sweet option despite limited resources. Also known as 1918 war cake or Canadian war cake, this recipe is eggless, milkless, and butterless, relying instead on dried fruits and sweeteners like molasses, honey, or brown sugar—ingredients that were more accessible during tough times. If you're looking for a sweet treat to commemorate those who fought for our freedom, this recipe is an excellent choice. | |
These coffee filter poppies are a beautiful tribute to those who served. In just a few simple steps, you can transform an ordinary coffee filter into a life-like flower that honors their sacrifice. With only a handful of basic supplies, this easy craft offers a meaningful way to remember the fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day. | |
| When do you typically start your Christmas shopping? | | | |
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What are your plans for Halloween night?
Handing out candy - 54.1%
Going trick-or-treating - 13.5%
Staying in with the lights off, waiting for the radio to start playing Christmas music - 13.5%
I'm working - 13.5%
Watching scary movies - 5.4%
Going to a haunted house/attraction - 0%
Going to a costume party - 0%
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