After 40 remarkable years with Community Living Essex County—including seven as Executive Director—we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Karen Bolger on her retirement. Karen’s leadership has been defined by compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. From her start as a support worker to becoming a respected leader across the sector, Karen has inspired those around her with her steady guidance, practical insight, and genuine care. Her legacy of mentorship, innovation, and advocacy will leave a lasting impact on our organization and beyond. While we’ll miss her dearly, we’re excited for her to enjoy this next chapter—filled with family, laughter, and well-deserved relaxation. | | The Kingsville Branch of the Essex County Library is featuring artwork by local artist and photographer Brianne Taggart throughout August. Based in Kingsville, Ontario, Brianne creates vibrant acrylic paintings of landscapes, animals, abstracts, and florals, and shares her passion through her business, Brianne’s Art Creations & Photography. Her work is also displayed at the Carnegie Arts Centre and Brenko’s House of Pizza, and she hosts paint nights to encourage creativity in the community. A self-advocate living with a disability, Brianne is actively involved in local organizations and regularly donates her art to support charitable causes. Her inspiring message—that creativity has no limits—shines through in both her art and her advocacy. | | Debbie set out this past year with the goal of creating her very own cookbook filled with her favorite recipes and complete with photos—and she did it! She even had it professionally bound and made extra copies to share with her loved ones. Congratulations, Debbie, on this amazing accomplishment! | |
Earlier this week, Dan, Cody, and Jerry took advantage of the beautiful summer weather with a relaxing picnic lunch at Seacliff Park. Surrounded by sunshine, fresh air, and great company, it was the perfect setting to unwind, enjoy some good food, and soak up the season. A simple afternoon made special by great weather and even better friends! | | Last week, Savion took advantage of the sunny weather with a lunch stop at Dairy Freez. The skies were clear, the breeze was warm, and the classic roadside spot offered the perfect backdrop for a laid-back summer meal. Great weather, great food—an all-around great afternoon. | | An Update from Career Compass | | |
Meet Bethany and the team from the Town of Amherstburg!
As part of the Youth in Action Program through Career Compass Employment Services, Bethany made a meaningful impact during her work placement. She supported daily office tasks and helped prepare for Council Chamber meetings — gaining hands-on experience and building valuable skills along the way.
Thank you to the Town of Amherstburg team for being such incredible mentors. And congrats to Bethany on a job well done! 👏
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The Career Compass team was proud to celebrate the retirement of CLEC’s Executive Director — a true champion of inclusion and community leadership.
Thank you for your years of dedication and impact. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!
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-YOU ARE NOT ALONE-
As unpaid caregivers of family members with intellectual disabilities, so much of our energy is dedicated to creating a "best life" for our loved ones! Often, the focus hinges on finding workable solutions to daily challenges.
Have you ever taken a minute to think about your child's abilities? Each one of us has 'strengths' and 'weaknesses'. Areas we excel in present others with hurdles. Tasks we find difficult—sometimes insurmountable—are effortless for others. Every day, for everyone, is complete with 'achievements' and just as many 'challenges'. Our lives parallel our kids' lives with intellectual disabilities in more ways than we often realize. Our differences may separate us, but our similarities bring us together ~ENSEMBLE!
An adult without ID but diagnosed with bipolar disorder shared travel tips she uses in order to make travel more manageable. As I read her tips, I had a lightbulb moment: 🤔💡
These are tips that families supporting kids with ID could find useful. As you see, our similarities bring us together.
Preparation for a new travel experience:
1. Make sure your accommodations meet your needs—accessible space
2. Pack thoughtfully:
- Take medications in original containers
- Take familiar objects that will provide comfort and stability in unfamiliar spaces
3. Adjust daily routines gradually—sleep patterns may be affected by unfamiliar surroundings
4. Operate at a pace that doesn't upset your child's usual routines
5. If your travel will involve new and different people—ease the transition for everyone with open and honest discussion. Avoid unnecessary fears by educating them on best- and worst-case scenarios. This will reduce everyone's anxieties.
And REMEMBER:
No one's day goes without hurdles! 🤔 Think about it! When was the last day that presented you with nothing but smooth sailing? You opened your eyes in the morning and then... 🤪
Celebrate our similarities and always know:
~YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
Together with you,
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. | 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.
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Cycling for Change: Lucas De Sousa’s
Mission in Motion
| | This August, dedicated Community Living volunteer and recent university graduate Lucas De Sousa will complete his 7,300 km cycling journey across Canada, arriving at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. Lucas embarked on this self-funded, summer-long adventure to raise awareness about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and to support Community Living London, Mississauga, and Ontario. “I knew I couldn’t stop volunteering, so I took [the cause] on the road,” says Lucas, who begins studies at Osgoode Law School this September. You can help him make an even greater impact—no pedalling required—by donating to support his inspiring mission and the communities it benefits. | | 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.
| | On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., DSO Housing Navigators will host a virtual Lunch and Learn session featuring a demonstration of the new "Technology for Independence: Home, Community Safety, and Personal Health" e-learning module. This free and informative session is open to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and support networks, and developmental services professionals across Ontario. Attendees will explore how technology can support independence in daily living and personal well-being. Click the button below to register for this free and informative event. | | 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. | | On Thursday, August 7th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Kingsville will host Live at the Lighthouse at Mettawas Park featuring a performance by Dave Wilson (Acoustic). As part of the town’s free summer concert series showcasing local talent from across Windsor-Essex County, this all-ages event offers a great opportunity to enjoy live music in a beautiful lakeside setting. Bring a chair or blanket and join the community for an evening of acoustic tunes at the gazebo. | | Windsor-Essex Pride Festival | | The Windsor-Essex Pride Festival returns to Lanspeary Park from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th for a vibrant weekend of celebration, community, and inclusion. Festival highlights include the official flag raising at City Hall, educational workshops, live entertainment, a local vendor marketplace, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and the annual Pride Fest Parade. Organized by a volunteer-led non-profit, the event brings together the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, allies, and supporters to celebrate diversity and build connections across Windsor-Essex. Click the button below to learn more and view the full event lineup! | | The Explorer's Secret: An Immersive Escape Room | | Step into a world of mystery and adventure with The Explorer’s Secret: An Immersive Escape Room at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village. In this thrilling one-hour experience, groups of 2–6 participants will follow a trail of clues left behind by a lifelong explorer who has discovered a powerful magical artifact—and hidden it away for safekeeping. Do you have what it takes to unlock the secrets of the cabin and find the treasure? The escape room will be available to book Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until August 16th. Admission is $15 per person. Click the button below to get your tickets today! | |
Mill St. Market – Country & Western | Mill St. Market returns to Uptown Leamington on Friday, August 8th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a country & western theme for a fun-filled evening of shopping, street food, drinks, and live music. Hosted by the Leamington Arts Centre in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington, Uptown Leamington BIA, and the Bank Theatre, this lively night market invites guests to dress in their best western wear (optional) and enjoy handcrafted goods, great eats, and themed entertainment along Mill Street. Click the button below for more details! | Caldwell First Nation’s First Annual PowWow | Caldwell First Nation hosts its First Annual Competition Pow Wow on Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th, at the Caldwell First Nation Reserve in Leamington. This two-day cultural celebration features Indigenous dancers, drummers, artisans, and over $50,000 in competition prizes. Enjoy Saturday night specials, cultural vendors, food, and high-energy performances celebrating tradition and community. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. daily. Admission is $10 (free for children under 8 and seniors 60+). A free shuttle from Windsor is available, highlighting local Indigenous landmarks along the way. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | On Sunday, August 10th, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Lost Arts Festival returns to the John R. Park Homestead, offering a hands-on celebration of traditional skills and craftsmanship. Guests can meet local artists and artisans, watch live demonstrations like blacksmithing, woodcarving, spinning, and weaving, and explore early settler life on the historic farm. Kids will love the Imagination Stations and old-fashioned games, while adults can shop for unique handmade treasures. Special reenactments by Fort Malden and the Lac Ste Claire Voyageurs add to the immersive experience. Admission ranges from $6–$30. Click below for full event details. | | Amherstburg Farmers Market | On Sunday, August 10th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Amherstburg Farmers Market welcomes visitors to the outdoor grounds of GL Heritage Brewing Company. Featuring a curated lineup of local farmers, makers, and creators, this family- and pet-friendly market offers live music, fresh food, craft beer, coffee, and learning experiences in a relaxed community setting. Open rain or shine, with access to the brewery, patio, and washrooms, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Click the button below for more details. | | This spicy Mexican-style street corn pasta salad is the ultimate summer side dish, combining the bold flavors of street corn with the comfort of a creamy pasta salad. Featuring sweet corn, spicy chili butter, zesty lime mayo, and crumbled cheese, it’s a fresh, flavorful way to use up peak-season produce. Quick to make and packed with texture, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or any sunny gathering. Click the button below to find the full recipe and bring some heat to your next summer spread! | | Sunny Side Up Series: August Wellness Tips | | There’s no better way to boost your mood than with a little morning sunshine. Step outside for a few minutes after you wake up—coffee in hand, face to the sky—and let the gentle light set a calm, positive tone for your day. Natural sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock, supports energy levels, improves focus, and encourages a brighter mindset. Even just five minutes of soaking up the sun can help reduce stress and lift your spirits, setting you up to tackle whatever comes your way with a fresh outlook. Make this simple ritual a daily habit and watch how it transforms your mornings. | | Add a buzz-worthy touch to your summer décor with these adorable Wood Spoon Beehives! Using simple and budget-friendly supplies like bamboo spoons, twine, paint, and a messy bow topped with sunflowers and mini bees, this charming DIY fits perfectly into any bee or sunflower-themed space. It’s a sweet, creative way to celebrate the season—and easy enough for crafters of all levels. Click the button below when you're ready to get crafting your own hive-worthy masterpiece! | |
| When it comes to personal organization, what’s your style? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
What’s your go-to way to beat the heat during a summer heat wave?
Blasting the AC - 46.2%
Visiting a local pool or splash pad - 23.1%
Drinking ice-cold beverages all day - 10.3%
Firing up the sprinkler - 7.7%
Eating popsicles or ice cream - 7.7%
Taking a cold shower - 5.1%
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