The Town of Essex is offering a new Learn to Skate program for youth aged 3 to 15 starting this spring.

The program is broken down into two age categories:

·         Children aged 3 and 4- Parent and Tot Learn to Skate is designed to introduce new skaters to the fundamental skills with assistance from a parent. Experienced program instructors lead parents and children through various games and activities to develop their skating skills and build their comfort on the ice.

·         Children aged 5 to 15- This program is based on a sport development model which includes six levels of progression beginning with fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. Children and youth will progress through the six program levels after successful completion of items. To ensure children and youth are progressing at the appropriate level, assessments will be conducted during the first lesson.

“The Town promotes lifelong healthy and active living and the Learn to Skate program will provide a great foundation for children and youth to participate in ice sports throughout their lives,” said Jason Jolicoeur, Assistant Manager-Programs. “This program will also run with small classes, four children per instructor, which ensures a quality learning experience.”

The spring Learn to Skate for the spring session will be offered at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Saturday mornings from April 13 to May 25. Parent and Tot Learn to Skate will be offered from 9:00am to 9:50am, at a cost of $90.50 for 7 classes. Learn to Skate Level 1/2/3 will be offered from 10:00am to 10:50 am and Learn to Skate Level 4/5/6 will be offered from 11:00am to 11:50am, at a cost of $113.25 for 7 classes.

A CSA approval helmet is required for all skating programs.

Registration and further information is available online at essexconnect.ca or over the phone at 519-776-8992.

Free Webinar Series - When could gambling, gaming, or internet use be a concern? 

April 16, 12-12:45pm. 

This presentation will cover: 

• What is a healthy level of digital media usage, gaming, playing the lottery, sports betting, or on-site gambling (e.g. bingo, casino)?
• Reasons people gamble or spend too much time on digital devices 
• Signs that indicate gambling or digital device use may be a concern
• Strategies to balance gambling behavior or digital device use
• Self-assessment tools, community resources and supports

Register by April 15 at wechu.adobeconnect.com/healthywork/event/registration.html or contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 3200

Please note, you will need computer speakers and a high-quality internet connection to attend this event. 

Introduction to Volunteer Engagement

Have you recently been assigned the role of engaging volunteers in your organization? In this workshop, learn the value of volunteers and the principals of volunteer engagement, including recruiting and retaining volunteers. 

Participants at this workshop will: 

• Understand the value of volunteers
• Learn the concept of volunteer engagement 
• Explain the importance of motivation and hot it leads to retention
• Identify the areas of risk in volunteer programs

Who should attend? 

Volunteer coordinators/managers and other staff or volunteers responsible for the engagement of an organization's volunteers. 

April 10, 9am-12pm at United Way Board Room, 300 Giles Blvd. E., Unit A1. Course fee, $25. Register online at www.weareunited.com/training 

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