Strawberry Fields Forever | Last week, Cassie spent a sweet summer day at Mr. D's Produce, picking fresh, ripe strawberries straight from the patch. Afterward, she enjoyed some delicious strawberry pies and muffins, making the most of the season’s flavors with a mix of outdoor fun and tasty treats. | | Earlier this week, Karl spent a refreshing day at Reaume Park, enjoying a leisurely picnic surrounded by nature. The weather was perfect for a stroll along the riverfront, where he took in the calming sights and sounds of the water, making for a peaceful and rejuvenating outdoor experience. | | Josh had a blast celebrating Canada Day earlier this month, enjoying the lively parade filled with marching bands and proudly singing along to O Canada. The highlight of the day for him? Seeing the fire trucks and police vehicles roll by—sirens, lights, and all! It was a fun-filled way to show his Canadian pride and celebrate our beautiful country. | | Friday Frames with Friends | | Larry, Ray, and Stephen had a blast bowling last Friday afternoon, enjoying every frame and sharing lots of laughs along the way. Their friendly competition made the outing lively and memorable, turning an ordinary afternoon into a fun-filled experience. | | Nick had a fantastic time at Essex Fun Fest earlier this month, soaking up all the excitement the festival had to offer! From thrilling rides and lively music to tasty fair food and sweet treats, it was a day full of fun, flavour, and unforgettable summer vibes. With smiles all around and plenty to see and do, Nick truly made the most of the experience. | |
An Update from Career Compass | |
Meet Chris, one of our incredible Youth in Action participants, working at `Sup and Sun in Belle River this summer!
Chris plays an important role in helping guests prepare for their time on the water, ensuring kayaks, paddle boards, life jackets, and all essential equipment is ready for a safe and memorable day on the lake.
Chris is gaining hands-on experience, building confidence, and he is a valued part of the team!
Way to go, Chris!
| | 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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$$ A SUMMER BOOST $$
As you go about your summer days, juggling schedules—yours, your kids' (with and without "special abilities"), your support staff’s, and anyone else who happens your way 😂—I want to remind you to add ONE more thing.
https://canada-disability-benefit.hotmail
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This is a site you NEED to look at!
As costs for everything continue to rise, availability of cash to meet the needs of your intellectually disabled family member continues to fall.
On June 20, 2025, your government announced an increase in funds available through the Canada Disability Benefit. So—continue your daily “schedule juggling,” which can be exhausting and emotionally draining, BUT be sure to schedule time to apply for increased funding from the Canada Disability Benefit.
Until next week; don’t forget to schedule “ME” time! You’ll feel re-energized!! 😊
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Best regards,
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. | |
Jack Miner Summer Day Camp:
Wild About Water
| Jack Miner Summer Day Camp: Wild About Water is coming up on Tuesday, July 22nd, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary! Designed for ages 6–9, this 1.5-hour program invites young explorers to splash into the world of water through fun games, pond water testing, a hands-on conservation lesson, and a creative water-themed craft to take home. Kids should come ready to get a little wet—a bathing suit or change of clothes is required. Program cost is just $5 per child for a morning of engaging, water-filled adventure! Click the button below to register. | | YAM – Young Adult Mixer returns on Thursday, July 24th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Windsor Market Square! This free, youth-facilitated event is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18–29 and offers a welcoming space to connect, relax, and enjoy a rotating lineup of themed nights like Games Night, Movie Night, Craft Night, and more. Light snacks and refreshments are provided. Come hang out, meet new people, and be part of a vibrant community—no registration required! Click the button below to learn more. | | Kingsville Pro Rodeo is riding into town from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, at Trimble Farms Cattle Company! As Essex County’s only western rodeo event of the year, this action-packed weekend features thrilling events like bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and more, brought to you by the Rawhide Rodeo Company. Beyond the arena, enjoy live music entertainment and a lively beer garden all weekend long. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of western heritage and high-energy fun! Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Tecumseh Ribfest is firing up the grills from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, at the Tecumseh Arena! This sizzling weekend features mouthwatering ribs and live entertainment, kicking off Friday with a British rock vibe from British Beat 66 and special guests Wit’s End. Saturday night brings the heat with Leave Those Kids Alone and the Love Muscle Band rocking the stage. Come out for delicious food, great music, and a full weekend of family-friendly fun in the heart of Tecumseh! Click the button below to learn more. | |
Night Flight Pole Vault Event | Night Flight International Pole Vault Event launches into action on Friday, July 25th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Great Canadian Flag Plaza along Windsor’s scenic waterfront. This high-flying competition brings together elite pole vaulters from across Canada and around the world, with athletes expected to soar over 18 feet in the air. The weekend will also feature youth and development-level events, creating a dynamic, family-friendly atmosphere filled with top-tier sport, live entertainment, and festival vibes—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Detroit River skyline. Click the button below to visit the event website. | Gabby's Dollhouse Meet & Greet | Gabby’s Dollhouse Meet & Greet is coming to Devonshire Mall on Friday, July 25th and Saturday, July 26th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day! Families can meet Gabby in Centre Court in front of The Children’s Place, with exciting on-site offerings from Chick-fil-A and Indigo, including tastings, coupons, and exclusive Gabby’s Dollhouse merchandise. Don’t miss this purr-fectly fun event—note that Gabby will take 15-minute breaks throughout the day. Click the button below for more details. | Live at The Square kicks off on Friday, July 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Windsor’s City Hall Square. This free weekly concert series runs every Friday evening through October, spotlighting local and emerging artists while celebrating the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Designed to create a welcoming community space where music, culture, and connection thrive, Live at The Square invites everyone to enjoy diverse performances and help bring downtown Windsor to life. Click the button below to learn more about this event series. | | Cotton Candy Cookies are the ultimate nostalgic treat for summer—soft, chewy, and bursting with that classic cotton candy flavor thanks to a hint of cotton candy extract and vanilla. With their bright, playful colors and sweet, sugar-y taste, they’re perfect for everything from backyard parties to birthday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just craving a fun dessert, these cookies are as eye-catching as they are delicious. | | Keeping Cool in the Summer Series | | Need fast relief from the heat? Apply a cold compress, damp towel, or even a chilled water bottle to your pulse points—like your wrists, neck, behind your knees, or ankles. These areas help circulate blood near the surface of your skin, so cooling them can bring your overall body temperature down more quickly. This trick works great when you’re on the go or during outdoor events! | | This week’s DIY feature shows how to create a stylish and budget-friendly basket using just a few paint stir sticks, a square dowel, and some staples. This affordable project requires minimal materials and can be completed quickly, making it ideal for beginners eager to craft something beautiful. Whether displayed as a decorative centerpiece or used for practical storage, this easy-to-make basket brings charm and function to any space. | |
| What’s your ideal summer weekend getaway? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
If you won a life time supply of one of the following items, which would you choose?
Gas - 49%
Concert tickets - 30.6%
Streaming subscriptions - 10.2%
Chocolate - 4.1%
Pizza - 4.1%
Coffee - 2%
Batteries - 0%
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