Enjoying the Sunshine


Mason took advantage of the beautiful weather earlier this week and visited Farrow Riverside Miracle Park.

Farrow Riverside Miracle Park features a fully accessible and inclusive playground as well as Miracle Field Baseball Diamond which was designed with individuals with different accessibility needs. There is also a walking path for people of all ages and abilities. The park also includes a relocated Cenotaph Honouring our Veterans.

The link below will bring you to the Miracle Park website where you can view pictures and videos and read about upcoming events.
Viva Las Vegas
Tim decided to take a break from his busy everyday life and treat himself to a vacation in Las Vegas. He spent a few days exploring the city, going sightseeing, shopping, trying his luck at the casinos, and indulging in as many tasty buffets as he could find! He also made sure to catch some entertaining shows during his trip.
Celebrating Unpaid Family Caregivers
Ensemble successfully received a grant to reward unpaid family caregivers supporting family members with intellectual disabilities at home. As a result, fun, creative social events were organized for caregivers. These free events provided caregivers opportunities to relax and enjoy socializing with new community families, away from home responsibilities. This grant ended March 31, 2023.
 
The Ontario Caregivers Organization is once again providing grant money to existing family support networks. Ensemble will apply for the new grant money. Unpaid caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities who live at home provide much needed support and recognizing their valuable contributions is a very positive step forward.
 
We will keep you posted as the successful applicants will be notified in June 2023. In preparation for the grant application, it would be helpful to hear from families caring for adults with intellectual disabilities in the family home. We need your involvement.
 
If you have ideas about creative uses for the grant money, Ensemble will carefully consider your suggestions. Please submit ideas that recognize the value of unpaid caregivers to: mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com
 
Happy long weekend 🌼

Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
Essex Fun Fest Sip 'n Shop
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Back by popular demand! Don’t miss your chance to get tickets to this year’s
Live music, vendors, wineries, prizes, friends, fun, and more! This event, for the second year in a row, will kick off the Essex Fun Fest on the Thursday night. Hundreds gathered last year for a night of fun! Bring your friends and family! 

Tickets $30 - Limited Quantity!
$10 from every ticket sold by Community Living Essex County and $5 from every ticket sold by ESSEX BIA & Essex Fun Fest will support Community Living Essex County. 
Don't wait - these tickets will sell out!

Date: Thursday, July 6
Time: 7:30 PM - 11: 30 PM
Location: 60 Fairview Avenue West in Essex, ON.

Ticket includes admission into the event, souvenir branded wine tumbler for the first 500 people through the gates, three samplings, one glass of wine, a personal charcuterie, live entertainment and a chance to win numerous door prizes.

Where can I buy my tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Essex Centre (372 Talbot St. N. in Essex) by cash, debit, credit or through payroll deduction. (for CLEC employees)
Community Living Essex County Presents Welcoming Accessibility Award
to Local Business Owner
Riccardo's Italian Restaurant received the Welcoming Accessibility Award last week at the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce's 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards. This award was presented by Community Living Essex County. Congratulations to Riccardo's!
An Update from New Day
New Day is taking their May meeting on the road and heading to Charlotte's Freedom Farm on May 31st. This is a drop-in day where the general public can come to explore the farm and meet the animals.  The cost is a $6 donation, and it is open from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.
 
Anyone interested in coming along can meet the members of New Day by the front gate at 10 am. Charlotte’s Freedom Farm is located at 9543 Brook Line in Dresden. If you need more information email newday@communitylivingessex.org

New Day will also be attending and presenting at the Community Living Essex County Mayor’s Luncheon on May 18th. We can’t wait to share all the things we have done and are planning to do, this year.
Join Us! Become a Member Today!
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. 
You're Invited to the 62nd Annual General Meeting!
Our 62nd Annual General Meeting is taking place virtually on June 21st. In addition to the business portion of the meeting, we'll be recognizing National Aboriginal Day, acknowledging award recipients and enjoying a slideshow looking back at the past year!

Visit the link below to register and check out the flyer for more details.
Palliative Care Information Session
MARK YOUR CALENDARS

"The Value of Palliative Care for a Person Living with IDD" will be taking place June 15th at 7pm and will be presented by esteemed healthcare professionals Janet Elder BScN, RN, CHPCN (C) and Shannon Richard MClSc, BScN, RN, CHPCN (C).

This virtual, FREE, educational session will explore the importance of palliative care for individuals living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This informative session is open to all families and caregivers of people living with IDD. Gain valuable insights and knowledge about providing comprehensive care for your loved ones.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of palliative care in the context of IDD.

Come back to here on June 15th at 7pm and join the virtual session by clicking the flyer above or using the button provided below.


Partners 4 Planning
FREE Webcast
A Microboard is a person-directed tool that families can use to support a person with a disability to plan their life and make decisions. Across Canada, supportive family members and friends are coming together to create Microboards to safeguard their loved one's future.

On May 24 at 7pm, join this free webcast to hear from Karen Bell, the Executive Director of Microboards Ontario, to learn if a Microboard is the right fit for your family. The webcast includes a live Q&A.

Partners for Planning will discuss:
• what a Microboard is,
• steps involved in creating and operating a Microboard,
• family insights,
• resources to learn more.
MICROBOARD RESOURCE:
Visit the Planning Network to find P4P's information page on Mircoboards.
 View this resource here.
Save the Date for Our 2023 Charity Golf Classic!
We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!
Career Compass Employer Referral Program
The Leamington Fair
The Leamington District Agricultural Society is happy to announce that the Leamington Fair is back and ready to provide a fantastic experience for all! Taking place from May 25th to May 28th, this year's fair offers a wide array of attractions and activities. With a $25 entry fee per day, visitors will have access to all the exhibits and vendors throughout the event. There will be rides, vendors, the Bubble Zone, performances by Destroyer and Bon Jovi Forever cover bands, a pet show, a demolition derby and so much more. Don't miss out on the excitement of the Leamington Fair – a fun-filled event for the whole family!
The Monster Trucks All Out
Get ready for the biggest and most thrilling Monster Truck Show in Canada! On May 27th The Monster Trucks All Out is coming back to the WFCU Centre. Experience the awe-inspiring power of legendary Canadian Monster Trucks, witness Quad Wars Racing, and don't miss the Pre-show Pit Party. But that's not all – you can even ride in a real Monster Truck! This ultimate family-friendly event promises non-stop excitement. Click the link below to get your tickets now for the May 27th show at WFCU and for more event details.
Don't miss Shrek The Musical, taking place Friday May 19th through Sunday May 28th at the Olde Walkerville Theatre in Windsor. You are invited to experience the enchanting journey of Shrek, the unlikely hero, as he teams up with a wisecracking Donkey and a spirited princess. Get ready for a family-friendly and irreverently fun show that proves beauty is in the eye of the ogre.
ALL ABOARD!
The Windsor Express basketball team has punched their ticket to the NBL of Canada final for the first time since 2015. Windsor will face the defending champions, The London Lightning in what promises to be an exhilarating championship showdown. The Express has their first home game on May 23rd at 7:00pm at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. Ticket prices start at $34.

Click NBLC Finals Schedule to view the full event schedule and consider attending to support your Windsor Express Basketball Team! 
Positive Thoughts
Must See TV
Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso is a heartwarming TV show where Jason Sudeikis plays an American football coach who takes on the challenge of coaching a soccer team in England. With his unconventional methods and unwavering optimism, Lasso brings humor, heart, and personal growth to the screen. Tune in to Apple TV+ to experience this uplifting series that explores friendship, resilience, and the power of positivity.
Recipe of the Week
Garbanzo Bean Salad Recipe

This week's recipe discovery is the Garbanzo Bean Salad — a healthy, high-fiber delight with a honey mustard dressing. You can customize it to your liking and enjoy its versatile variations. Nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and nutritious salad!
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
How are you going to celebrate this Victoria Day long weekend?
Set off fireworks
BBQ with friends and family
Go to the cottage
Stay home and relax
I have to work
Other
Poll Results
King Charles became King last weekend. Did you tune into to watch the coronation ceremony?

Yes, I got up early to watch! ~ 17%
No, I wasn't interested. ~ 56%
I caught the highlights later. ~ 27%