This year, Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1. It’s a time to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and to celebrate what makes us proud—in our own unique ways. The day honours the richness of our land, our diverse cultures, our contributions, and, most importantly, our people. Since 1868, July 1 has brought Canadians from all communities together. Windsor-Essex County offers plenty of opportunities to join in the celebration this weekend. Click the button below to find Canada Day events near you. | Kim and Silvie have been making the most of the warm weather by getting their backyard vegetable gardens up and running. After enjoying several sunny days in a row last week, they decided it was the perfect time to get planting. With tools in hand and plenty of enthusiasm, they spent time outdoors preparing the soil, choosing their plants, and getting everything planted and ready to grow. | | Clayton is fortunate to have a mulberry tree right in front of his house. Last week, he picked fresh mulberries straight from the tree and enjoyed them as a delicious and healthy snack. It’s a simple pleasure that brings a taste of nature right to his doorstep. | |
Welcoming Summer with a Stroll | | This past weekend, Nathan welcomed the new season with a pleasant outdoor stroll. Taking advantage of the warm weather and longer daylight hours, he spent time outside enjoying the fresh air and exploring the area around him. The walk gave him a chance to really take in and appreciate the start of summer. | | Earlier this month, Janine had an exciting time at the Monster Spectacular 2025 event at the WFCU Centre, where she took in the roar and rumble of the massive monster trucks. With her love for loud cars and trucks, it was exactly the kind of event she enjoys—one of her absolute favorite ways to spend time. | | Coin and Ryan spent part of their weekend at children’s respite getting creative in the kitchen. With a little help, they whipped up a batch of rich, chocolatey cupcakes—filling the space with sweet smells and big smiles. They really enjoyed baking together, turning the day into a fun and delicious experience. | | Friendship, Fun, and Community | | A couple of weeks ago, Kevin enjoyed a fun and engaging evening at Friendship Club, spending time with friends and taking part in the night’s activities. From games and conversation to simply enjoying each other’s company, it was a great opportunity to connect, unwind, and feel part of a welcoming community. | |
Becky celebrated a fantastic birthday week filled with fun and meaningful moments. The celebrations began with a delicious lunch at The Town Diner in Amherstburg, followed by birthday cake at home with her housemates. Her apartment was full of festive cheer, decorated with streamers, balloons, and birthday signs. Later in the week, Becky enjoyed a calming and engaging visit to the Anthony P. Toldo Multi-Sensory Experience with Autism Ontario—a perfect way to cap off a special week of celebration. | | |
As the summer months approach and caregivers search for creative support options, there is always the question:
“If I find a rewarding summer experience, will I have the funds to pay for it?”
Available funds for individuals with intellectual disabilities always present challenges for both the person and the family. Limited money for daily living often makes adding extra expenses impossible for many.
| | On June 20, 2025, our government announced a positive change to The Canada Disability Benefit: | | Please access the government website by clicking the button below and consider applying for this funding opportunity: | | |
Adequate funding to support people with intellectual disabilities in living above the poverty line will always be a work in progress. This small injection of money from our government is appreciated and is only one step in the long marathon toward the finish line—where people of all abilities are given a chance to live fully supported lives filled with attainable possibilities.
Together, all communities will thrive.
Have you researched and found positive summer activities for those with intellectual disabilities in Essex County? Where?
Ensemble would love to hear from you. We’ll share your suggestions with other families. You live the life—let us know how you’re navigating summer days!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and The Advisory Committee
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New Day hosted their annual Summer BBQ and had a great turnout! Over 100 people came out to enjoy a hot dog lunch.
New Day would like to thank the Miracle League of Amherstburg for allowing the use of their BBQs and baseball diamond and the staff at the City of Windsor Leamington office for their generous donation of pop, water, and chips for the New Day BBQ. New Day would also like to thank everyone who came out to show their support.
Stay tuned for more information this summer about meetings and a possible movie night. If you would like to be added to our contact list, please email newday@communitylivingessex.org.
| 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! | RUDY - Personal Safety and Assault Prevention Workshop | |
Community Living Essex County is offering a free in-person workshop for teens and young men with intellectual disabilities, with two sessions taking place on Tuesday, July 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The workshop will cover personal boundaries, self-respect, healthy relationships, and recognizing different types of assault and violence. It’s open to men aged 16 and up, with only 8 spots available, so be sure to register early before the June 30th deadline. To sign up, click the flyer or use the button below to register on My Community Hub.
For questions, please contact Nick St.Denis at nstdenis@communitylivingessex.org.
| | Register Today for the 2025 Charity Golf Classic! | | Registration is open for the 33rd Annual Charity Golf Classic, happening on Thursday, July 10th, in support of Community Living Essex County. This popular event brings together golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and fundraising to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM, with check-in beginning at 9:30 AM. Enjoy a full day of golf, contests, prizes, meals, and networking at one of the region’s top courses. Spots fill fast—register early to be part of this impactful event! | |
2025 Windsor-Essex Vital Signs Survey | Each year, the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation (WECF) releases the Vital Signs® Survey to better understand what truly matters to the people who live, work, and thrive in our community. This important survey gathers input on key issues such as housing, healthcare, education, employment, and overall community wellbeing. The insights gathered not only help guide WECF’s grant-making and initiatives but are also used by government and service providers across sectors to align efforts with community-identified priorities. By taking just a few moments to complete the survey, and encouraging those we support to do the same, you are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive, and vibrant Windsor-Essex. Click the button below to make your voice count—your feedback is essential to building a better community for all. | | |
Sign Up Today
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! | | An Update from the Ontario Disability Employment Network | | ODEN has received updated flyers from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) correcting previous contact information errors. MLITSD invites Ontarians with disabilities, aged 16 and older, to share their experiences accessing government-funded employment services, including Integrated Employment Services, through job seeker interviews from May 19 to June 27, 2025. They seek participants with various disability experiences, employment statuses, and from across the province. Employment service providers are encouraged to promote this opportunity by distributing flyers, sharing information online, and informing clients. Interested individuals can sign up through mid-June, with selected participants receiving a $60 gift card for attending an interview. Click the button below to view the flyer. | | Admission to all Parks Canada sites will be free from June 20 to September 2, 2025, with camping reservations offered at a 25% discount during that time. Point Pelee pass holders will have their passes automatically extended by three months and can pick up an updated sticker at the park entry kiosk during their next visit. Click the button below to learn more and explore upcoming events at Point Pelee this summer. | |
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. | | World's Finest Shows Midway | | The World's Finest Shows Midway is now open at Riverfront Festival Plaza and runs through Sunday, June 29. Presented by World’s Finest Shows, the event features a full lineup of rides, games, and classic midway fun for all ages. Ride All Day Wristbands are available in advance at local 7/11 stores. For more information, visit the event website. | | Patio Paint Night with Andrea Niven | On Friday, June 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Leamington Arts Centre invites guests to enjoy a relaxing Patio Paint Night on the En Plein Air Patio. For $55 (or $50 each for groups of four or more), participants receive a drink ticket, charcuterie snacks, all painting supplies, and guided instruction for the evening. It’s a perfect way to unwind, get creative, and enjoy the outdoors—weather permitting, of course. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | | Amherstburg Open Air Weekends | | From Friday at 3 p.m. to Sunday at 8 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. | | Walkerville Distillery District Night Market | | On Friday, June 27th, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Walkerville Distillery District Night Market returns for a lively outdoor celebration of all things local at 525 Argyle Rd. This free, family-friendly event features artisan vendors, food trucks, local drinks, live entertainment, and outdoor games. Dogs are welcome, and bike and street parking are available. Mark your calendar for future markets on July 25, August 29, and September 26—weather permitting! Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more. | | Lakeshore Summer Parks Concert Series: Millen Park | | On Friday, June 27th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Lakeshore Summer Parks Concert Series continues at Millen Community Park with a performance by the Dave Gatt Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music in the park. Click the button below to visit the event website for more details on the concert series lineup. | | Canadian residents can enjoy fishing in Ontario without a license starting this Saturday, June 28th until Sunday, July 6th! This is one of four free fishing opportunities offered each year. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time, it’s a great chance to get outside with the family. Just remember: all fishing rules still apply, including size limits, conservation license catch limits, and sanctuary regulations. Don’t have your own gear? No problem—TackleShare offers free rod and reel loans at many provincial parks, libraries, and conservation areas. And yes, there are even fishing spots in urban areas! Let’s celebrate Ontario’s great outdoors—safely and responsibly. | |
NCG WRESTLING PRESENTS: HEADSTRONG | On Saturday, June 28th, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., NCG Wrestling presents HEADSTRONG, a one-year anniversary celebration at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington. The event features an action-packed lineup including WWE legend Al Snow, TNA superstars Tessa Blanchard, Trey Miguel, and Jody Threat, plus NCG champions Giant Orion, Zeeko, and Dynasty. Experience the excitement as NCG continues to rise as one of Ontario’s top wrestling promotions. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | Music Onthe42 Canada Day Concert | Celebrate Canada Day in Leamington with the return of the Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series on Tuesday, July 1st, at the SUNSET® Amphitheatre in Seacliff Park. The evening kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with the Jen Knight Trio, followed by headliner Forever Seger—North America’s premier Bob Seger tribute—taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Erie at 10:00 p.m. Presented by the Municipality of Leamington and The Bank Theatre, this free concert promises world-class entertainment in a beautiful lakeside setting. LT-Go transit service will be extended to 11:00 p.m. for added convenience. Click the button below to learn more. | | Triple Berry Cheesecake Muffins | Get ready to treat yourself with these Triple Berry Cheesecake Muffins—packed with juicy berries, a creamy cheesecake layer, and topped with a delicious buttery streusel. Perfect for a sweet snack or a special breakfast, these muffins bring a little extra joy to your day! Click the button below for the step-by-step recipe! | | Want sweeter homegrown tomatoes? Try this easy trick: sprinkle a little baking soda on the soil around your plants (not on the leaves!). It helps lower the acidity in the soil, which can lead to juicier, sweeter tomatoes. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to boost flavor—and it feels a bit like garden magic! | | True North Strong & Free Button Art | | Looking for a fun and festive Canada Day craft? This True North Strong & Free Button Art project is a perfect hands-on activity for the whole family, and it includes a free printable template to make crafting even easier. Using simple materials like buttons and glue, you can create a unique piece of patriotic art that celebrates Canada’s beauty and spirit. It’s a great way to get creative together, and the finished piece makes a charming decoration you’ll be proud to display—on Canada Day and all year round. | |
| How will you be celebrating Canada Day this year?
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Last week's poll results:
What’s your summer personality?
Beach bum – toes in the sand, not a care in the world - 32.6%
A/C enthusiast – indoors, chilling like a popsicle - 20.9%
Poolside lounger – floaty, drink, and shades on - 20.9%
Garden guru – happiest with dirt under the nails - 9.3%
Adventure seeker – trails, kayaks, and epic road trips - 7%
Festival hopper – music, crowds, and good vibes - 7%
Campfire king/queen – marshmallows, stories, and songs - 2.3%
Backyard BBQ boss – tongs in hand and perfect grill marks - 0%
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