June is Pride Month in Canada—a time dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities across Canada, advocating for equal rights, and fostering a world where everyone can embrace their true selves without fear, violence or discrimination. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, which marked a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTI+ rights in the United States and beyond. Since then, Pride Month has grown as a global movement, encompassing celebrations, activism, and solidarity. Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTI+ communities globally, from stigma, discrimination, violence and rights violations. This month, let's take the time to learn about the history of the LGBTI+ rights movements, including key events, figures, and challenges. Understanding the struggles and triumphs of the past is essential for creating a more inclusive and supportive future. | |
Sunshine, Strawberries, and Sweet Memories | |
Ashley and Suzy had a wonderful time at the LaSalle Strawberry Festival on Sunday. Ashley enjoyed the Ferris wheel ride with her support worker while Suzy took some time visiting the local vendors! Both received a stuffed animal from a very kind carnival worker, which made their day! | |
The children attending respite in Belle River had an exciting time at the Mega Machines event in Tilbury last weekend. They explored various vehicles and machines, capturing memorable photos along the way. They also had lunch at the event and really enjoyed their meals. | |
Over the weekend, Wayne had a blast at the Monster Trucks All Out Northern Lights Party held at the WFCU Centre. He snagged a shirt featuring his favorite monster truck and indulged in tasty snacks from the venue. This was his first visit to a monster truck event, and he’s already looking forward to going to another one! | |
Mathew eagerly unwrapped his new golf set and was excited to put it together. After he finished setting it up, he enjoyed his time playing many rounds and improving his game. | |
Isaac enjoys being outdoors in the warmer weather and taking care of his garden. This weekend, he chose to plant his new tomato plants in his backyard and did a great job of it! | |
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Where to begin? Years of accumulated stuff was haunting me. Boxes were secured to once and for all dispose of stuff!
As I sorted through books neatly stored in an out of site cupboard; a title caught my eye: ‘Clutterfree with Kids’. You’ve got to be kidding! I had to scan this book because the message was so ridiculous! Kids are clutter! — but are they?
Maybe this author had solutions to erasing the anxiety I felt merely thinking about organizing. He had captured my attention. According to the book’s author, Joshua Becker; the following has
been proven:
“Living life is more enjoyable than managing and organizing stuff!" also "There is more joy to be
found in owning less than can be found in owning more!"
Benefits of owning LESS: more money, time, energy and freedom and less stress! By redirecting our focus, we provide ourselves with opportunities to embrace things that matter.
As our children take in what we are doing and why we are doing it they gain lifelong lessons that will contribute to their contentment, generosity, gratitude, self- control, honesty and appreciation.
We have all experienced at some time in our lives excitement and anticipation as we waited for the arrival of that special ‘something’. As a child it was perhaps a toy that you just “had to have" or as an adult, that “dream car” you have always wanted. The day arrives and the long-awaited object is here! But guess what? You’re satisfied for a short time but after the novelty wears off, you ask yourself, “Is this what I waited for? It isn’t that rewarding.” And so, you may continue looking for the next big thing or continue purchasing useless stuff — kids are not the only ones who create clutter!
-OR-
You may reflect and in hindsight realize “belongings are not the key to happiness!"
From the book’s author:
“As you move from room to room, carry a donation box, a recycle bin or create a garage sale pile. It does not matter so much how you remove the ‘stuff’- as long as you do!” Freedom awaits
you!
Back to organizing—as I continue to sort and box up ‘stuff’ that I no longer need or want, I gain new perspective. My unneeded possessions can find a new home and perhaps brighten the life of someone else— at least for a little while -until the new owners decide it’s time to organize and get rid of ‘stuff’. I’m already feeling more content and less anxious!
Don’t forget to read, ‘Clutterfree with Kids’ by Joshua Becker.
Happy organizing!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant
and the Advisory Committee
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Canada Disability Benefit Petition | |
A new petition is asking the federal government to make several improvements to the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The petition calls for the benefit to be better funded, free of barriers and claw backs, and more. It argues that the proposed CDB outlined in Budget 2024 is not what the disability community called for and falls short of the government's promises and the disability community's needs. The petition was initiated by Chantal Huinink, who was born with a physical disability in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is a motivational speaker, author, and social justice advocate. Click the link below to learn more and to sign the petition. | |
2024 Windsor-Essex Vital Signs Survey | Each year the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation (WECF) releases the Vital Signs survey to learn what’s important to the residents of our community. The information is used by government and service providers across sectors to focus efforts on what people believe is important. Please take a few moments to complete this year’s Vital Signs Survey and encourage the people we support to do so as well. Please click the link below to start the survey. Your input will contribute to shaping a better community for all. | |
Join Us for Our Charity Golf Classic | |
Registration is now open for our 32nd Annual Charity Golf Classic! Join us on Thursday, July 11 at Sutton Creek Golf Course. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, hotdog lunch and dinner! All proceeds from the Community Living Essex County Charity Golf Classic are directed towards supports and services available to more than 700 people with an intellectual disability and their families throughout Essex County. Click the button below to register. | |
Tickets On Sale for Sip 'N Shop Mixer! | |
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Don’t miss your chance to attend the 3rd Annual Sip ’N Shop Mixer that kicks off the annual Essex Fun Fest on Thursday July 4th, 2024, at the Essex Arena Fairgrounds. Join us starting at 7pm for a fun night of music, food, wine, and raffles with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Community Living Essex County.
A limited number of tickets are available for $35 each. They can be purchased at the front desk at our office in Essex, located at 372 Talbot St. N, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Ticket price includes admission to event, souvenir wine tumbler for the first 500 patrons, Essex BIA tote bag, three wine samplings, one glass of wine, one personal charcuterie bowl, live entertainment, and chances to win some great prizes!
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Community Living Essex County
Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary
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Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentation | |
Are you actively searching for a housemate or considering living with a housemate? Where and how are you making connections? What has worked for you so far? Join DSO Housing Navigators for a short presentation followed by an interactive discussion. This event will take place on Monday, June 24th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click the link below to register. | |
P4P: Alternatives to Guardianship | |
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There has been an increase in discussion around parents and caregivers seeking guardianship for their adult child with a developmental disability. This webcast will help families understand the implications of guardianship and how it is usually unnecessary. It will also delve into decision making alternatives in Ontario and different ways to think about a person’s rights and ability to make their own decisions.
THIS WEBCAST WILL:
- Help people and families better understand where guardianship would be necessary and where it probably isn’t
- Explain decision-making alternatives in Ontario
- Provide alternative ways of thinking about a person’s ability and right to make their own decision
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Explain the drawbacks to guardianship
- A live Q&A will follow the webcast.
This webcast takes place on Wednesday, June 18th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please click the link below to register.
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Microboards Ontario: Family Connection Night | |
Microboards Ontario will be hosting a Family Connection Night webinar on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. This session will focus on getting started with a microboard. A microboard has one purpose: to support a person with a disability in living their best life by assisting them in making decisions and empowering them to express their goals. These sessions fill up quickly, so register today using the link below! | |
The 2024 edition of Carrousel of the Nations will showcase the cultures and traditions of 30 villages around Windsor and Essex County, including seven new villages for this year. The Carrousel of Nations is in its 49th year and continues to grow in attendance, celebrating diversity and inclusion. The festival will take place over two weekends: Friday, June 14th to Sunday, June 16th, and Friday, June 21st to Sunday, June 23rd. As the only ethnic and multicultural festival in the area, Carrousel offers residents and visitors the chance to experience a wide array of cultures and traditions they might otherwise never encounter. Click the link below for the full event schedule. | |
Windsor Riverfront Carnival | |
The largest traveling carnival in Ontario is set to make its annual summer return to Windsor's waterfront, starting on Friday, June 14th, and continuing until Sunday, June 30th, at Festival Plaza. The carnival promises a delightful array of traditional foods such as hot dogs, cotton candy, and more. Attendees can look forward to classic attractions like the Ferris wheel, alongside other exciting rides and a variety of carnival games. Pre-sale admission tickets are currently available at a discounted rate, with regularly priced tickets available for purchase at the door. Click below to secure your tickets now. | |
Ribfest contestants and food vendors will line Ramsay Street between Richmond Street and Murray Street on Friday, June 14th to Sunday, June 16th beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Ribfest will coincide with Open Air Weekends, offering live entertainment provided by Musicland. Parking is available behind the Richmond Street businesses, where tables, music, and more will be set up. This event is free to attend, so don't miss out on a sizzling good time! Click the link below to visit the event website. | |
LiUNA!625 Family Father's Day Event | |
The Fantastic Fathers Community Group is proud to present the 6th annual LiUNA!625 Family Father's Day Charity Extravaganza! This is an open invitation event for all families with children 12 years old and under, and takes place on Saturday, June 15th from 10am to 3pm at the St. Clair College Sportsplex facility. Border City Wrestling will be hosting the first show of 2024! Featuring special guest, Detroit Redwings Stanley Cup Champion, Darren McCarty! This event is free to all who attend. Click the link below to visit the event website and learn more. | |
This Easy Peach Cobbler can be made at the height of peach season with fresh peaches, or any time of year with canned or frozen peaches! Top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate peach dessert! Click the link below for the recipe. | |
When life gives you limes, make a citrus-inspired coasters! This easy project is perfect for summer parties and cool drinks. The materials are easy to find and the tutorial is beginner friendly. | |
| Which of these is your biggest fear? | | | |
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Which of the following movie genres do you prefer?
Action – 20%
Comedy - 30%
Drama - 10%
Romance - 14%
Horror - 8%
Science fiction - 8%
Fantasy - 10%
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