Wedding Bells and New Beginnings | Steven and Samantha got married this week, marking a joyful and significant milestone in their lives. Adding to the celebration, the wedding coincided with Steven’s birthday, making the occasion even more memorable. With deep commitment and shared excitement for the future, they begin this new chapter together in love and partnership. Congratulations to the newlyweds! | | Tina had a great time visiting Crock A Doodle earlier this week. She took her time browsing through all the ceramic pieces available and finally chose a coffee mug—perfect for her daily morning brew. After carefully selecting her paint colours, she got to work, bringing her creative vision to life. Now, she’s counting down the days until she can pick up her finished masterpiece! Tina is already looking forward to her next visit, where she plans to paint another unique piece and start building a beautiful collection. | | Earlier this month, housemates Ali and Ryan had a blast bowling at Superbowl with Pins for Pals. With plenty of laughs and friendly competition, they turned strikes and spares into a fun way to kick back and enjoy some quality hangout time together. | | Earlier this month, Cassie had a nice picnic at Reaume Park in Windsor. She enjoyed spending some quiet time by the river, taking in the fresh air, and enjoying the views. It was a nice way to spend some time outdoors and relax. | | Lane Legend Hits Strike Streak | | On the last Friday of every month, Josh joins a group of friends for one of his favorite traditions—sharing breakfast and a fun morning of bowling. It’s a chance to connect, laugh, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. Last Friday, Josh brought his A-game, bowling an impressive four strikes in a row and finishing with a high score of 179! His huge smile lit up the lanes and said it all—what a great moment to celebrate. Way to go, Josh! | | |
🥵 THE HEAT IS ON 🥵
How many days this summer have you seen HEAT WARNING in bright RED, announcing extreme heat and humidity? We have all felt the effects of this summer's never-ending heat. For those with intellectual disabilities, what they are experiencing may not be readily apparent. Children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities are greatly impacted by heat waves due to many factors. Some things to consider:
- Some medications limit the body's ability to regulate temperature, causing overheating. Speak to your pharmacist.
- Communication difficulties make expressing discomfort challenging. Watch for visual signs of overheating.
- Counting on caregivers. Stress the need to frequently offer fluids and to find cool settings.
- Breathing can be difficult in excessive heat. Avoid overexertion.
These are only a few of the adjustments that can be considered during periods of excessive heat. Personal comfort is the ultimate goal.
Once we finally adjust to the summer heat, we know we'll be adjusting to the onslaught of winter! Fortunately, the fall season usually gently lowers the temperature in preparation for THE DEEP FREEZE. 🥶
Try to enjoy the blistering heat while dreaming of frozen flakes of snow landing on your steaming cheeks!
Bye for now! 😊
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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Join Us for Dinner and a Movie – Featuring The Goonies!
New Day – Leaders of Today invites you to an exciting evening of Dinner and a Movie for just $5 on Wednesday, August 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 372 Talbot St, Essex. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a classic film in great company! Only 20 spots are available, so be sure to RSVP soon by emailing newday@communitylivingessex.org.
We’ll be watching The Goonies, a beloved 1985 adventure film that follows a group of kids on a thrilling treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure. Along the way, they face challenges, discover hidden strengths, and build lifelong friendships. The film highlights the power of teamwork, courage, and inclusion. One of the most memorable characters, Sloth, who has physical and cognitive differences, becomes a hero through kindness and bravery—reminding us all that everyone has something valuable to offer.
This inspiring message reflects the spirit of New Day, where we believe in recognizing the strengths and contributions of all people, including those with disabilities. We can’t wait to share this special evening with you!
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Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame:
4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
| The Windsor Fastpitch Softball Hall Of Fame will be hosting their 4th annual charity golf tournament on Friday, September 5th, at Roseland Golf Club. Cost to enter is $160 per golfer and includes dinner. The proceeds will support the Riverside Minor Baseball League for Children with Special Needs. Please click the button below to visit the event website for details, entry forms, and information about sponsors. | |
Fish Fry Friday:
In Support of The House Youth Centre
| Skip the stove this Friday and support a great cause at Fish Fry Friday, hosted by The House Youth Centre on August 1st from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus Community Hall (190 Richmond St). Enjoy a delicious fish or broasted chicken dinner served with coleslaw, a dinner roll, and your choice of fries or a baked potato. Meals range from $8 to $14, and it’s cash only. Proceeds go toward local youth programming—so come hungry, leave happy, and make a difference in your community! | 2025 Windsor-Essex Vital Signs Survey | |
Make Your Voice Count in Windsor-Essex!
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is inviting residents to complete the 2025 Vital Signs® Survey by August 8, 2025. Your input on issues like housing, healthcare, education, and quality of life helps shape the annual Vital Signs® Report and guides local funding decisions. It only takes a few minutes—and your feedback can lead to meaningful change in our community.
| | Disability Tax Credit Assistance | | |
Get Free Assistance With Disability Tax Credit
and Canada Disability Benefit Applications
Community Living Ontario is reaching out to let you know about a resource you may be interested in.
Plan Institute is a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to lead a good life. They help people with disabilities and their families make informed decisions about future and financial planning through their webinars, resources, community-based programming, and advocacy.
Plan Institute also offers one-on-one support through their free Canada-wide Disability Planning Helpline. Their key areas of focus include the Disability Tax Credit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan, and the Canada Disability Benefit.
| | Join a free online information session on Tuesday, August 5th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., to learn how to use MyDirectPlan to submit Passport claims, manage your funds, and access support. Hosted in partnership with the Passport program, this session will cover how to get started with MyDirectPlan, where to find helpful resources, and will include a live Q&A with representatives who can answer your questions. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up by clicking the button below. | | We're Member Strong! Join Us! | | A strong, thriving membership is essential to our agency. Membership includes a variety of engagement options and is a great way to show support for the work of Community Living Essex County. Members help guide the direction and work of the organization, attending events and taking a strong interest in building inclusive communities for people supported. Join us and together we can be Member Strong! Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive membership perks! | | 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! | |
Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island
Summer Event Guide
| | The Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Summer Event Guide is here! Discover the top events happening across Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island through to September 30. Whether you're planning a road trip or exploring your own backyard, this guide is your go-to list for summer fun. Click the button below to see the guide or pick up a print version at the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island office or the Caesars Windsor Visitor Information Kiosk. | | Summer Series: Jazz in The Park | Jazz in the Park returns this Thursday, July 31st, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Memorial Park with a live performance by Orchestaction. Part of the beloved Summer Series, this free outdoor event invites the community to relax and enjoy smooth jazz in a laid-back setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and soak in the music as the sun sets. Perfect for all ages, it's an ideal way to unwind with friends and family on a summer evening. | | On Thursday, July 31st, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Kingsville will be hosting Live at the Lighthouse at Mettawas Park with a performance by Compass Rose, bringing a blend of rock-folk and country music to the gazebo stage. Part of a free summer concert series showcasing talent from across Windsor-Essex County, this all-ages event invites the community to enjoy great music in a scenic outdoor setting by the lake. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxed summer evening filled with live entertainment. | | Leamington Ribfest is firing up the grills from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd, at Seacliffe Park! Get ready for a finger-licking weekend packed with mouthwatering ribs, live music, and family-friendly fun by the lake. The park will be buzzing with top rib teams, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages, making it the perfect way to celebrate summer in Leamington. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your dancing shoes for three sizzling days of food, music, and community vibes! Click the button below to learn more. | | Get ready to kick off Pride Week in style at Pride Disco on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. at Disco Inferno Windsor! Hosted by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, this 19+ event promises a high-energy night of retro vibes, fabulous outfits, and nonstop dancing. Dress to impress in your best disco-inspired look and celebrate with community, music, and fun—all while supporting Pride Fest programs across Windsor-Essex. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | |
Fort Malden Living History Festival | Step back in time at the Fort Malden Living History Festival, happening Saturday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 3rd at Fort Malden National Historic Site! This immersive weekend brings history to life with period encampments, live cooking and music, fascinating talks, and thrilling historic weapons demonstrations. Re-enactors and volunteers will transport visitors through different eras with sights, sounds, and experiences you won't forget. Admission is $10.75 for adults, $9.75 for seniors, and $5.75 for youth 17 and under. Don’t miss this unique journey into the past! Click the button below to visit the event website. | Canada's Circus Spectacular | Don’t miss Canada’s Circus Spectacular on Sunday, August 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at the WFCU Centre! This high-energy touring production celebrates over 40 years of Canadian circus tradition with an international cast of world-class performers, including aerialists, jugglers, clowns, dancers, and daredevil motorcycle riders. Featuring acts from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Portugal, Chile, and Canada—plus the legendary Aerstov Family—this all-ages event promises jaw-dropping thrills and unforgettable entertainment. Click the button below to grab your tickets and get ready for a spectacular afternoon under the big top! | The Miss Universe Canada Preliminaries will take place on Thursday, August 7th, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre, where nearly 70 contestants from across the country will compete for the chance to represent Canada on the world stage. This prestigious national event offers an exciting preview of the talent, poise, and elegance each finalist brings to the competition. Tickets for the preliminaries are $50+ and are selling quickly, so click the button below to get yours today! | | You’ll love these bright and zingy lemon bars with a crisp shortbread crust and luscious lemon filling—they’re incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious! Dusted with powdered sugar and bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest, these bars combine a soft, tangy filling with a buttery, crisp crust for a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for summer, lemon bars are one of the easiest desserts to prepare but guaranteed to bring a smile to your face every time. | | Keeping Cool in the Summer Series | | Take Advantage of Cool Spaces | | When you’re out and about and the heat starts to feel overwhelming, seek out cool, shaded spots like parks with plenty of trees, community centers, libraries, or air-conditioned shops and cafes. Taking breaks in cooler indoor or shaded outdoor areas gives your body a much-needed respite from the sun and helps prevent overheating. Planning your day around these cool places can make a big difference in staying comfortable during heat waves! | | Add a touch of whimsy to your gift wrapping with this charming Paper Flower Gift Topper DIY! Whether it’s for a birthday or special holiday, these striking paper flower toppers make any present feel more personal. Using simple materials like tissue paper and scrapbook paper, this project is inspired by classic paper poms and is easy enough for anyone to try. Once you nail it, you’ll use this fun paper folding technique all the time—for gifts that truly stand out! Click the button below to get crafting. | |
| What’s your go-to way to beat the heat during a summer heat wave? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
What’s your ideal summer weekend getaway?
A quiet cabin in the woods - 38.3%
A bustling beach town - 14.9%
Going on a boat or lake cruise - 14.9%
A scenic road trip - 14.9%
A music or food festival - 10.6%
Exploring a new city - 4.3%
Visiting a theme park - 2.1%
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