Representing Essex as the Town Ambassador | We were thrilled to see Ray Renaud featured as the Town Ambassador in this year’s Essex Fun Fest Parade! Riding in style alongside his wife, Beth, Ray proudly represented his community of Essex. Ray’s longstanding dedication to promoting the town, along with his positive spirit, have made a lasting impact. Congratulations, Ray! | | A Fun-Filled Visit to Colasanti’s | | Kent recently enjoyed a fun visit to Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens with his housemate. One of the highlights of the day was spending time with the friendly goats—Kent especially enjoyed feeding them and taking in the lively atmosphere. It was a great opportunity to connect with the animals and enjoy the company of his housemate. | | Brigitte and Brianne's Outdoor Adventure | | |
Brigitte and Brianne had a wonderful time camping at Wildwood by the Lake in Morpeth. They spent a couple of nights enjoying the great outdoors and making lasting memories.
Here’s what they got up to:
- Swimming in the lake
- Riding around in a golf cart
- Getting creative with crafts
- Playing mini golf
- Roasting marshmallows by the campfire
They also visited Greenview Aviaries Zoo, where they enjoyed feeding the animals and then had a fabulous lunch at Parks Blueberries. Brigitte and Brianne had so much fun—they’re already looking forward to planning their next camping trip!
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We are thrilled to share that this year’s Charity Golf Classic was a huge success, and want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the day possible, including the golfers, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors.
Community Living Essex County hosted our 33rd Annual Charity Golf Classic on July 10th at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor. A field of 124 golfers from across Essex County (including four municipal teams) participated in the annual event. The Municipal Cup was awarded to the municipality with the lowest score. The foursome from the Municipality of Lakeshore–represented by Mayor Tracey Bailey, Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt, CAO Tyson Cragg and Bill Bailey–proudly defended their 2024 win.
“We had lots of community support and a great team of volunteers to help make the event a big success" said Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development. The funds raised from the tournament help us to provide support to families with school age children and teens throughout the summer months, allowing youth with intellectual disabilities to be involved in summer activities with their friends. “This makes such a difference for children, youth and their families,” said Karen Bolger, Executive Director. “We have a generous group of sponsors and golfers, and we are so thankful for their support”. We look forward to welcoming everyone back at next year's event!
| | An Update from Career Compass | | |
Karleigh started her first week with Youth in Action, working for the town of Amherstburg, helping with the day camps this summer. She has really been enjoying her time at the camps, and loves working with children. Between Karleigh's stellar work ethic and her motto, "If you are on time, you are late", she has quickly become a integral part of the day camp team!
Fun fact: Karleigh is a fan of binging television and is an avid Disney fan, and is looking forward to a Disney Cruise in the near future.
| | You're Invited: A Tribute to Karen Bolger’s 40-Year Legacy | |
We invite you to join us for an Open House Celebration in honour of our Executive Director, Karen Bolger’s, upcoming retirement!
After 40 years of dedicated service to Community Living Essex County, Karen is preparing to step into a well-earned retirement. From her early days as a frontline support worker to her impactful leadership as Executive Director, Karen has made an extraordinary mark on our organization and community. Her commitment to inclusion, her tireless advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities, and her support for staff have shaped our values and inspired countless others.
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, July 31st
📍 Ciociaro Club, Salon D
🕒 Open House: 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
🎤 Presentation at 3:30 p.m.
🍸 Cash Bar Available
Please join us as we celebrate Karen’s remarkable journey and the legacy she leaves behind.
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Often our family members with "special" abilities have chances to participate in activities that involve other family members: brothers, sisters, cousins, as well as friends who they interact with as part of community participation days. Support teams – paid and unpaid – can build relationships that are inclusive by involving a combination of these participants.
Crayola has created a series of THINKING SHEETS, covering a broad range of topics and ages:
Working alongside others with a 'range of abilities' teaches everyone acceptance. Helping others to achieve positive experiences provides a foundation needed to bring about greater understanding, celebration, and appreciation of the many similarities we ALL have, while highlighting the differences that make us unique and special.
The laid-back days of Summer 2025 provide us with opportunities for EVERYONE to reach lives of POSSIBILITIES.
Time to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX 🤩
"Thinking" 😍 of you!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
| | 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.
| | DSO Ontario is offering a free webinar for people with developmental disabilities, their family members and/or support networks, and developmental services professionals Ontario. Click the link to register below for this information session to learn more about The Disability Tax Credit and The Canada Disability Benefit. | | 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. | | Windsor Symphony Orchestra FREE Summer Concerts | From Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th, enjoy a full weekend of free outdoor concerts presented by Caesars Windsor Cares and performed by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Pack your picnic basket and lawn chair and relax as the music fills the air at scenic locations across the city. The concert series kicks off Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the Windsor Sculpture Garden at the foot of Bridge Avenue. On Saturday, catch the performances at Ojibway Park at 1:00 p.m. and Reaume Park at 7:00 p.m., then wrap up the weekend at Kings Navy Yard Park on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to experience beautiful music in the great outdoors! | | Amherstburg Open Air Weekends
| | From Friday at 3:00 p.m. to Sunday at 8:00 p.m., Amherstburg’s Open Air Weekends bring a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and entertainment to the heart of downtown. The streets come alive with local favorites like craft beer, gelato, popcorn, and baked goods, along with one-of-a-kind finds from shops featuring clothing, home décor, books, and more. This season includes themed weekends and the return of Friday Night Markets, complete with live music and a festive atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just visiting, it's a fun-filled experience for all ages. Click the button below to learn more. | | Car enthusiasts, mark your calendars for Friday, July 18th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the 22nd Annual Belle River BIA Car Show! Hosted on Notre Dame Street in the heart of Lakeshore, this beloved event draws thousands of visitors from across Southwestern Ontario and Michigan to admire hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. Whether you're a die-hard collector or just love a stroll down memory lane, this show promises a fantastic evening of vintage vibes, community pride, and automotive excellence. Don’t miss it! Click the button below to learn more. | | Tecumseh Twilight returns on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at McAuliffe Park for an evening of community fun under the stars! Kick off the night by strolling through a classic car show, then treat yourself to delicious eats from local food trucks while enjoying live music. As the sun sets, cozy up with your blankets and lawn chairs for an outdoor movie screening. It’s the perfect summer night out—don’t forget the bug spray! | |
Lakeshore Summer Parks Concert Series:
Comber Pavilion
| On Friday, July 18th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Lakeshore Summer Parks Concert Series brings a unique performance to Comber Pavilion. Join comic, musician, and puppeteer Matthew Romain for an evening of one-of-a-kind “laughtertainment” the whole family can enjoy. This free event promises quirky fun, music, and plenty of laughs—just bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a memorable summer night! | On Saturday, July 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Walkerville Art Walk returns for a vibrant day celebrating creativity in all forms. This beloved street closure event transforms the heart of Walkerville into an open-air gallery, showcasing local artists, vendors, live performances, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages. Whether you're browsing unique works or joining in the fun, there's something inspiring around every corner. Don’t miss this full-day celebration of community and art! | Kingsville Block Party - Kid's Night | On Saturday, July 19th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., head to downtown Kingsville for the Kingsville Block Party: Kid’s Night! This family-friendly event offers something for everyone—delicious food, local vendors, live music, and exciting activities for the kids, including a Giant LEGO build and LEGO Lounge by Creative Club Global. Live entertainment includes Jon Brett at 6:00 p.m., Clinton Anderson at 7:00 p.m., and Expendable Youth closing out the night from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Join the community celebration in Kingsville Centre at King Street and Chestnut Street! | | Looking for a snack that’s sweet, satisfying, and packed with wholesome goodness? These no-bake Pecan Pie Energy Bites are a 7-ingredient miracle made with dates, pecans, oats, almond butter, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla and flaxmeal. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon boost, or an on-the-go treat, they’re chewy, nutty, and naturally sweet—easy to make, easy to love, and even easier to grab from the fridge or freezer whenever you need a quick bite. Click the button below for the full recipe and see why these little bites are winning over snack lovers of all ages! | | Keeping Cool in the Summer Series | | What you wear can make a big difference in how you feel during hot summer days. Choose light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight and stick to loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking blends. These help air circulate around your body and keep you cool. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses when you’re heading outdoors—sun protection is just as important as staying cool! | | Turn a simple wooden bushel basket into a charming piece of home décor with this simple and satisfying DIY Basket Makeover. Using just a bit of paint and an old basket, this easy project is perfect for anyone looking to refresh their space on a budget. With a fresh coat of color and minimal supplies, you can transform a dusty old basket into a beautiful, functional accent for your home—ideal for storage or display. Click the button below for step-by-step instructions and give new life to something old! | |
| If you won a life time supply of one of the following items, which would you choose? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
If your life was a movie, what genre would it be?
Action - always something going on - 25.6%
Comedy - life is one big laugh - 20.5%
Drama - full of heartfelt moments - 15.4%
Musical - because you sing everything - 15.4%
Thriller - with lots of twists - 12.8%
Rom-com - love and laughs - 7.7%
Fantasy - magical and mysterious - 2.6%
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