Canada Day Weekend in Toronto

Over the holiday weekend, Devon and David had an incredible trip to Toronto. They explored the city, visited popular monuments, and even celebrated Canada Day at the Rogers Centre by watching the Blue Jays game.

Sunshine Stroll

Sam recently took advantage of the beautiful weather by going for a walk at Optimistic Park in Belle River.

Berry Bliss

Konnor was excited to take a day trip to Parks Blueberries! He had fun picking berries, enjoyed a picnic lunch, and especially loved trying all the blueberries once he got home.

Post Workout Adventure

Kevin and Scott enjoying a walk at the Belle River Marina after a workout at the gym.

Good Things Growing

Sandra spent some time outdoors, enjoying the weather and observing the progress of her backyard vegetable and herb garden.

Charity Golf Classic a Success

Par For the Course

Community Living Essex County hosted its 32nd annual Charity Golf Classic last Thursday at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor. A field of 116 golfers from across Essex County participated in the tournament, including four municipal teams who took part in the Municipal Cup Challenge. The Municipal Cup is a trophy awarded to the municipality with the lowest score. Team Lakeshore won for the first time and were represented by Mayor Tracey Bailey, Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt, interim CAO Justin Rousseau and Bill Bailey. 

“We had lots of community support and a great team of volunteers to help make the event a big success." said Tony DeSantis, CLEC’s Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development. The funds raised from the tournament help hire summer support workers and allow 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”, added Bolger.

New Day - Speaking Out Conference

New Day, Leaders of Today are proud to be assisting with the upcoming Speaking Out Conference. This conference is for people with intellectual disabilities affiliated with Community Living organizations. The conference will host up to 180 self advocates who take the lead in facilitating workshops on a variety of topics. It gives people an opportunity to connect with many different people throughout Ontario.

Every year gifts of door prizes enhance the conference experience and New Day always attempts to collect enough door prizes for every participant. If you can contribute a door prize or know a business who would be interested in helping, please email New Day at newday@communitylivingessex.org.

Last Day to Help Raise Some Dough for New Day!

Today is the last day to support New Day, Leaders of Today by ordering the Domino's special shown below. Be sure to mention offer code RAISE3 and New Day will receive $5 from each order. Proceeds from this tasty fundraiser help New Day to attend the annual Speaking Out Conference!

As you can see from the highlighted, printable pages below; Ensemble - Essex County - is not the only family driven resource group. Families everywhere with intellectually disabled young adults all deal with the same need to actively connect and plan.

The tip sheets below are a resource provided by Parents Helping Parents (PHP). This very well established American family support network looks at available resources within California.

I find it is always a bonus to see what resources are highlighted in other parts of the world. Although they may be region specific they can be a starting point as you search for similar supports within our area. Simple adjustments to the charts will make it Ontario focused.

I highly recommend Parents Helping Parents, www.PHP.com as a valuable source of resources. Check out their website. Their virtual and in person offerings, educational resources and recreational activities may get you inspired to create something similar in our area.

Ensemble is always receptive to considering what families would like to see. Why not explore what’s happening in California and then let us know how we could collaboratively help create something that would meet Essex County families’ needs?

Working together families can plan and create futures of possibilities for their children young and adult!

Happy reading! Keep in touch!

www.ensembleunderstands.com

Marilyn- Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee 

In-Person Workshop: Building Brighter Futures

Join us on Monday, August 19th 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a FREE youth workshop hosted by Re:Action4inclusion, Community Living Windsor, and Community Living Essex County. During this event, there will be three educational workshops for youth focusing on: Mindfulness, Inclusive Education, and Mental Health in the Workplace. Through several interactive activities and discussions with passionate guest speakers, youth will discover strategies for taking care of their mental health at home, school, and in the workplace. They will also discuss the meaning of inclusive education and learn how they can help foster more inclusive schools and communities. This event is for youth between the ages of 13-29 of all abilities. We are also extending the invitation to family members of youth who are attending the event. If you have any questions, please contact Leshona Lennard, Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator with Community Living Ontario, at llennard@communitylivingontario.ca.

Career Compass Employer Referral Program

Heritage Activity Night

Bring your family and friends for an evening of hands-on fun and historic activities. Experience the charm of life in the past. Drop in on Monday, July 22nd, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Treats and refreshments available for purchase.

Sunset Singers Drumming Circle

Join Suellen Evoy-Oozeer and the Sunset Singers for a book signing of “S.H.E. is Healing” and Drumming Circle event at Leamington Arts Centre on Saturday, July 20th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Learn about the S.H.E. is Healing exhibit and enjoy a time to dance or simply listen to the rhythmic beat and songs by the Sunset Singers. Click the link below to learn more.

Foglar Furlan Club Kids Summer Camp

Fogolar Furlan Club Kids Summer Camp! All kids ages 6 to 12 years are welcome with no membership required. Registration is open for the week of July 22nd to 26th. To register, please call the Fogolar at 519-966-2230.

Dining Under the Stars

Enjoy a Greek three course dinner on the roof top terrace of the Chrysler Theater, overlooking the Detroit skyline. Each week will feature a menu from a different country. Cash bar available. For more information & to purchase tickets call the Chrysler Theatre box office at 519-252-6579. Click the button below to learn more.

Windsor Symphony Orchestra: Free Summer Concerts

Join the Windsor Symphony Orchestra for a free summer concert at a park near you! This week, the concert will take place at the Sculpture Garden, located at the foot of Bridge Avenue in Windsor, on Friday, July 19th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The performance will feature the Windsor Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and picnic basket, and enjoy some great music in the outdoors.

Summer Theater: Mary's Wedding

Inspired Acting Lab, University of Windsor & Heritage Colchester are pleased to announce the return of summer theatre! This year’s performance is “Mary’s Wedding” by Stephen Massicotte, one of the most celebrated of Canadian plays. It is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope and survival. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Colchester venue. For tickets email events.heritagecolchester@gmail.com or call Cindy at 519-790-9022. Click the button below to visit the event website.

Inspirational Words

Recipe of the Week:

Vegan Nashville Hot Cauliflower Wings

These Nashville Style Hot Cauliflower wings are flavorful, hot, and delicious! Serve with vegan ranch or your favourite dips. These can also be added to wraps or bowls.

Meme of the Week

DIY Craft

Driftwood Sailboat

This cost-friendly craft is simple and fun to do, providing you with an excuse to take a nice, long walk on the beach. The final product makes a great addition to almost any style of home décor, and can make an excellent housewarming gift. Click the tutorial below to get crafting.

Weekly Poll Question

Last Week's Poll Results

If you could possess any magical ability from mythology or folklore, which would you choose?

Ability to control the weather, like Zeus from Greek mythology - 9.7%

Power of invisibility, like the Ring of Gyges from ancient Greek literature. - 38.7%

Skill of shape-shifting into any animal form, like Loki from Norse mythology - 6.5%

Ability to summon and control fire, like a fire-wielding sorcerer - 0%

Power of telepathy, able to read minds and communicate mentally - 45.2%