Weekend Adventures at Colasanti's | Natalie enjoyed a fun weekend at respite, where she had the chance to explore Colasanti's Tropical Gardens. She especially liked seeing the animals and spending time walking through the garden center, taking in all the sights and activities the popular spot has to offer. | | With the warm weather finally here, Roy has been out enjoying his brand-new bike. He's been making the most of the sunshine and fresh air—way to go, Roy! | | An Update From Career Compass | | |
Camron’s making moves at Torch Fitness!
Over the past four weeks, Camron has been gaining valuable experience through the Career Compass Youth in Action program. His positive attitude, willingness to help, and attention to detail have made him a familiar and appreciated face around the gym. Keep up the great work, Camron!
| | Essex Fun Fest & Sip 'n Shop Success: A Night of Fun, Food, and Community Support! | | We had a wonderful time at last week's Essex Fun Fest & Essex BIA's Sip 'n Shop Mixer! Live music, local wine, lots of vendors, awesome prizes and delicious charcuterie made for a great night! We are so happy to once again be the charity of choice for this event - $10 from each ticket sold was donated to Community Living Essex County! We are already looking forward to next year! | | 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
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This summer, New Day has planned some fun events to enjoy the season together!
Our first summer outing will be an adventure at Point Pelee National Park, taking advantage of the Canada Strong Pass. We'll meet at the first parking lot, "Park Orientation," just past the front gate.
Together, we'll explore the natural beauty that Point Pelee has to offer and enjoy a picnic lunch.
What to bring:
- A packed lunch
- Water
- Sunscreen
-
Bug spray
We hope to see you there for a day of connection and fun in nature! 🌿
Email newday@communitylivingessex.org for more information.
And stay tuned — we're also planning a Movie Night in August! More details coming soon.
| | 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! | | |
Last Chance to Register for the
Friends of Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Fun Camp
| Sign up today for the 13th Annual Friends of Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Fun Camp, happening Tuesday, July 22nd, at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh (rain date: July 23rd). The event will feature baseball skills stations, an exciting all-star game, and a hot dog lunch. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with activities starting at 10:00 a.m. Don’t miss this fun-filled day of baseball and community spirit! Email Melissa Overkamp at moverkamp@communitylivingessex.org to sign up! | | 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! | | Developmental Services Ontario will be hosting a free virtual presentation about the eCLAIM process on Monday, July 14th, at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This presentation will focus on how to use eCLAIM to submit invoices and receipts and receive reimbursements quickly. There will also be a question period where participants can get answers in real-time about any part of the eCLAIM process. Click the button below to register. | |
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. | | 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, launching Friday, July 11th 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 finally 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? Sessions are available to book Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. through August 16. Admission is $15 per person. Click the button below to get your tickets today! | | On Friday, July 11th, experience the magic of Concerts by Candlelight - Windsor at the Water’s Edge Event Centre. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, guests will enjoy two unforgettable tribute performances by talented string quartets. At 6:30 p.m., the Candlelight String Quartet will perform classics by Queen and The Beatles, followed at 8:45 p.m. by the Listeso String Quartet’s tribute to ABBA. With hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Come Together,” and “Dancing Queen,” this multi-sensory concert series offers a unique and atmospheric way to experience iconic music in a stunning setting. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | | 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. | | On Saturday, July 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Windsor FanCon takes over the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing for a free, all-ages celebration of pop culture, creativity, and community. From cosplay competitions for all ages to hands-on experiences with gaming buses, VR booths, and character appearances, this day-long event promises excitement for fans of superheroes, sci-fi, anime, and more. Local vendors, artists, and fandom-inspired creators will fill the convention floor, alongside meet-and-greets, speaker spotlights, and a fun zone for kids. Whether you’re dressing up or just soaking it all in, Windsor FanCon is your ticket to a day of pure fandom fun! Admission is free, but tickets are required. To get your free tickets, click the button below to register. | | City of Windsor Birthday Celebration | | On Sunday, July 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the City of Windsor invites everyone to celebrate its 133rd birthday with a full day of free family fun downtown at the grand opening of the new year-round event space at City Hall Square. The celebration kicks off with welcome remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mayor Drew Dilkens, followed by live entertainment, games, kids' activities, free cupcakes and hot dogs (while supplies last), and a children’s art show inside City Hall. Guests can also enjoy free admission to the Chimczuk Museum, join the Explore Your City scavenger hunt, and fill out an activity passport for a chance to win a prize basket. Don’t miss this community-wide celebration packed with music, art, and fun for all ages! | |
First Annual Strawberry Social | Celebrate the season with the First Annual Strawberry Social on Sunday, July 13th from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Stonehill Estates on Pelee Island. Tickets are $25 and include a Wimbledon-inspired spread featuring pastries, snack foods, and, of course, strawberries and cream. Set against the scenic backdrop of organic potato, squash, and pumpkin fields, this unique event highlights Ontario agriculture and offers a taste of farm-fresh living. Guests can also enjoy court time on the estate’s in-development Wimbledon-grade lawn tennis court—racquets and balls provided, with waivers required. Don’t miss this charming farm-to-table morning of fresh flavours and countryside views. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | Summer Series: Jazz in The Park | Soak up the smooth sounds of summer at Jazz in the Park on Thursday, July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Atkinson Park. Featuring a live performance by The New Standard, this free outdoor concert invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy an evening of jazz in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends and family, and let the music set the tone for a perfect summer night. | | Looking for a cozy, one-pan dinner with a Mediterranean twist? Greek baked orzo is a deliciously simple dish featuring tender orzo pasta baked with red peppers, kale, and your choice of chicken or chickpeas—all brought together in a light tomato sauce. Topped with crumbled feta, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice, this hearty and healthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With bright flavors, wholesome ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a new go-to. Click the button below to view the recipe. | | Keeping Cool in the Summer Series | | Keep your home or space cooler naturally by closing blinds or curtains during the sunniest parts of the day, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Sunlight streaming in through windows can quickly raise the indoor temperature, so drawing the shades is a simple way to keep rooms more comfortable without blasting the AC. Blackout curtains or reflective blinds work especially well for this! Open windows again in the evening to let cooler air in. | | Add a splash of coastal charm to your summer décor with this cheerful DIY Foam Lighthouse Craft—perfect for all crafting skill levels. With just a foam cone, paint, glue, and a baby food jar, you can transform simple materials into a colorful lighthouse topped with a glowing tea light. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, and there’s plenty of room for creative flair. It’s a fun, unique way to brighten your space with a handmade summer touch. Click the button below for the full tutorial! | |
| If your life were a movie, what genre would it be? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
Which of the following summer event do you look forward to the most?
County fairs - 28.6%
Sporting events - 20%
Music festivals - 14.3%
Outdoor movie nights - 11.4%
Cultural festivals - 11.4%
Fireworks shows - 8.6%
Arts and crafts markets - 5.7%
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