Last week, Janice, had an absolutely fantastic day celebrating her 76th birthday! She was all smiles with her brother Tim by her side. The two, along with friends, enjoyed a lovely dinner at her all-time favourite restaurant, Swiss Chalet. The whole place seemed to be in on the fun. The staff also wore bright smiles and joined in on singing Janice a jolly happy birthday song. Wishing you another year of happiness, love and laughter!
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All Bets Are Off in Vegas! |
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In June of this summer, Seth, John, Mary Ellen, and Darlene shared some pictures from their exciting Vegas adventure with us! They had a blast exploring a ton of cool stuff! From watching an awesome Elvis performance, to checking out life-like wax figures at the museum, their trip was off to a great start. They even caught the incredible Michael Jackson Cirque show, which was a Thriller! 😉
But that's not all – they went to a super cool ice bar, and they weren't afraid to take on the wildness of zip lining and a speedy roller coaster. They also had a chance to marvel at underwater creatures at the aquarium. Phew, talk about a busy itinerary! From famous stars to icy bars, and from soaring through the air to diving under the sea, their vacation was packed with fun!
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Soccer, Snacks and Smiles |
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Nicholas, Ali, Ryan, and support worker Sofy, had a blast in the back yard playing soccer. Later, the fun continued inside when Ali and Jason made themselves busy in the kitchen, crafting a delightful peanut butter Rice Krispy square creation. It was a day filled with lots of laughter, teamwork, and scrumptious snacks! |
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We at Ensemble are a ‘TEAM’ of caring and involved families, supporting family members with intellectual disabilities. We are constantly searching for new and innovative ways to connect like-minded families and to connect with communities throughout Essex County.
It is a known fact that positive experiences bring about immediate and longer lasting benefits. We need to constantly celebrate achievements no matter how big or small. The satisfaction and happiness we gain allows us to cope and to move forward. Our family members with intellectual disabilities possess abilities that are unique to each of them. Each step forward, no matter how small, gives us as families immense pleasure. It’s time to share their achievements with each other and with the community.
Starting this week, I am going to highlight achievements of our family members with intellectual disabilities. This on-going series will be called Bragging Rights! Why aren’t we proudly showing others that everyone can live lives focused on ABILITY — not DISABILITY?
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The individual featured for this week is a young man with many talents, including:
- He was celebrated for his ten-year service as the youngest-ever serving President of the Belle River Lions Club during 2023-2024.
- He is an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
- He is the delivery man for the Food Pantry at the Community Supports Centre of Essex.
- He is the owner/operator of “Tyler’s Media”.
🎉 **STARRING**🎉
-TYLER DOZOIS-
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Tyler lives at home with his supportive and caring parents.
Do you have an inspirational story you’d like to share? Maybe it’s a first word, a first step, first day at high school, a first anything — whatever gave you a moment of joy! You do not have to share a photo unless you wish. Nothing will appear in the article without consent. Please help Ensemble connect our communities in ways that will open hearts, minds and doors. Everyone’s happiness depends on you. 😊
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Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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New Day hosted their first in-person meeting since before COVID-19 on August 18th at the Kingsville Lions Club. New Day had a good turnout for the meeting. Jenna Foley, Director of Supports at Community Living Essex County, joined New Day to talk about a new agency committee that is starting and shared the opportunity for self-advocates to join this new committee. The members of New Day gave suggestions of topics for our future meetings and we shared all the exciting things to come for New Day.
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Pictured above are members of New Day who attended the Speaking Out Mini Golf tournament in London on Friday, August 25th. This was a fundraiser for the Speaking Out Conference. It was great weather and a great day out.
New Day's next in-person meeting is Friday, September 15th at 10 am at the Kingsville Lions Club. (Next to Access Community Gardens)
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For many in Essex County, September isn't over unless they’ve had a chance to visit the Ruthven Apple Festival. Every year for the past 43 years, the festival celebrates the bounty of the county and all that it has to offer. From fresh-picked apples and other locally grown produce available at the Farmers' Market, to local live entertainment, handmade arts and crafts, the Sunday Classic Car Show and a variety of food vendors, the festival has something for everyone. Since its establishment, the Ruthven Apple Festival has raised over one million dollars in support of Community Living Essex County, with proceeds earmarked each year for the ongoing maintenance and purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles. The accessible vehicles assist those supported by Community Living Essex County with transportation to and from appointments, volunteer opportunities and access to community events and resources.
Make plans now for the live, in-person return of the Ruthven Apple Festival at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Ruthven on September 30th and October 1st. Look for more details soon.
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Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today! |
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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 code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order.
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Join us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer! |
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Community Living Essex County is looking for volunteers for our e-bingo volunteer shifts at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor. The proceeds raised from e-bingo helps Community Living Essex County to purchase fuel and maintain vehicles for people with an intellectual disability that we support to get to and from work, volunteer opportunities and participate in leisure activities throughout Essex County. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
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Join Us! Become a Member Today! |
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A strong Community Living Essex County membership consists of people who believe in our philosophy, values, vision, and mission - people who care about the work we do, outcomes for people we support, and the future direction of our organization. Members can make a difference, influence the services we offer people in Essex County, and be champions of inclusive practices and communities.
Passionate about people with intellectual disabilities having opportunities to live a life of their choosing, to receive real pay for real work, to be active members of their community, to achieve their goals and dreams, and to experience full inclusion? Help us become MEMBER STRONG. Submit your membership application today!
In addition to voting rights, members-only publications, and events, we’re offering some new elements this year to members including discounted registration to our major events, discounts on Community Living Essex County branded clothing, and a new discount program at various Essex County businesses. We’ve even added some new benefits for Corporate Members.
Join the Member Strong movement! We’ve got welcome packages ready to send your way.
For more information, visit our website today or download your membership application using the links below.
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! |
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Career Compass Employer Referral Program |
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Partners 4 Planning
Virtual Ten-Week Session
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P4P Planning Network in partnership with Kelly Casey, will be hosting a ten-week virtual program beginning Monday, September 25 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
This unique program will help you:
• Plan and create your housing vision for the future
• Explore various individualized housing & support models
• Learn about ways you can maximize financial resources
• Discover strategies to help reduce costs
• Identify goals and tasks to begin implementation of your plan
The program will run for 10 weeks each Monday from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. The cost for the series is $1600.00 (HST included) and is an eligible Passport expense. If you are interested in registering for the program, please complete THIS FORM. |
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Staying Healthy Throughout the Summer |
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Labour Day weekend is fast approaching and many Canadians will be traveling. If you find yourself doing the same, do not mention going away on vacation in your social networking status updates. Also, you may want to delete any posts or comments from friends mentioning your absence. This will avoid the possibility of someone finding out your house is unoccupied and robbing your home while you are away. You should also disable the option of geotagging your photos. Most smartphones and many digital cameras automatically attach the exact location where a photo was taken – and when you share it online, the geotag can give away your address or let criminals know that you're on vacation, which could make your home a target for a break-in. Click the link below for more helpful tips about staying cyber safe. |
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The 169th Harrow Fair takes place Thursday, August 31st until Sunday, September 3rd. Enjoy a horse show, 4-H shows, award-winning quilts, red ribbon baking, live entertainment, auctions, artwork and more! Admission is $12 at the gate, weekend passes are $30 and children 12 and under free. Click the link below to visit the event website.
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Amherstburg's Open Air Summer Event Series |
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The final weekend of Amherstburg's Open Air summer event series is Friday, September 1st through Sunday, September 3rd. Click the link below to discover all the details you need about the schedule for live entertainment, the Night Market, Children’s Play Amherstburg area, engaging games, Yoga in the Park sessions, and much more.
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Park House Museum Concert |
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The Park House Museum, located at 214 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, is hosting local musicians for an evening of live music on September 1st. This is a FREE event, donations are welcomed and support the non-profit museum. This event begins at 6 pm weather permitting. Click the link below to stay up to date on the musician line-up and weather cancelations.
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The S'Aints Rock Seacliff |
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Join the S’Aints along with special guests, Billy and Peter Raffoul, at the Seacliff Park Amphitheatre in Leamington for a FREE concert for all ages on Saturday, September 2nd. Doors will open at 6 pm and the rain date for this event is Sunday, September 3rd.
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Tecumseh's End of Summer Celebration |
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Tecumseh's End of Summer Celebration takes place Saturday, September 2nd, at Lakewood Park, located at 13451 Riverside Dr. E. Tecumseh, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
All are welcome to this FREE event, featuring a bonfire on the beach, a community marshmallow roast, live music and fireworks. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and some good company. Head to Lakewood Park North and enjoy the musical stylings of Max Marshall. There you can also make some tasty s’mores by the fire! After sunset, there will be a beautiful fireworks display at 9pm at Lakewood Park South. Click the link below for more information.
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47th Fall Fun on Wheels Car Show
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Head out to the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village on Sunday, September 3rd to see all kinds of cars & trucks – historical and classic, muscle cars and contemporary vehicles. Spectator admission will be $5, children ten years old and under are free. Click the link below for more information on this event.
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St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex is hosting their first pasta dinner of the fall Friday, September 8th from 5 pm - 6:30 pm. Dinner is pasta, salad, a dinner roll, beverage and dessert for only $12! Please click the link below for more details on their Facebook event page.
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You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah |
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Best friends Stacy and Lydia shared a dream of unforgettable Bat Mitzvahs. Yet, their aspirations take a hilariously chaotic turn as a popular boy and middle school drama unexpectedly jeopardize both their bond and their rite of passage. This fresh new film features Adam Sandler alongside his daughters, Sunny and Sadie Sandler, and is currently streaming on Netflix. |
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs |
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Make barbequing stress-free this Labour Day with this easy kabob recipe! These customizable kabobs get the job done fast and you won’t need to slave over the grill for delicious barbecue flavour. |
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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Which household chore do you dislike the most?
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Washing and folding the laundry.
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Which of the following are you most afraid of?
Germs ~ 5%
Heights ~ 25%
Public speaking ~ 20%
Small spaces ~ 11%
The dark ~ 5%
Snakes ~ 21%
I am not scared of anything! ~ 13%
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