Darius’s Day of Niagara Adventures | Last week, Darius had an unforgettable day in Niagara Falls, packed with adventure from start to finish. He kicked things off with breathtaking views from the Niagara SkyWheel, followed by a thrilling, mist-soaked ride on the Maid of the Mist. At Bird Kingdom, he explored lush habitats and fed colorful tropical birds before heading to a Mario Kart-style go-kart track for high-speed fun. The day wrapped up at the Great Canadian Midway, where Darius played arcade games and traded in his tickets for prizes. By the end, tired but glowing with excitement, he called it “the best day ever.” | Colin, Ryan, and Thomas had a blast cooling off with a lively water balloon game at Maplewood Respite over the weekend. The sunny afternoon was filled with laughter, quick dodges, and friendly competition as the trio raced to stay dry while soaking each other with refreshing splashes. It was the perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy some playful fun together, creating memories that brightened everyone’s day at Maplewood. | | A Fun-Filled Sensory Experience | | Cassie had a wonderful time in the Anthony P. Toldo Sensory Room in Windsor last week. She really enjoyed the disco light that filled the walls with sparkling specks of light. She had a good time exploring the wide variety of activities available, making her visit both fun and engaging. | |
Last month, Jeff played an active role in his community by volunteering at Tim Hortons Camp Day. Always eager to lend a helping hand, he contributed to making the event a great success. To top off the day, Jeff even had the chance to hang out with Bomber, the mascot of the Windsor Spitfires! His ongoing dedication to volunteer work continues to inspire those around him. | | An Update from Career Compass | | |
Youth in Action 2025 Celebration Night 🎉
What a night! The accomplishments of the YIA participants in their summer jobs were celebrated in style. Their hard work, dedication, and personal growth over the season were truly inspiring. From gaining valuable experience to stepping out of their comfort zones, each participant showed remarkable progress. Congratulations to all on an impressive and successful summer!
| | With a great attitude and a strong work ethic, Reggie goes above and beyond every day to keep the Leamington's Burger King restaurant clean, organized, and welcoming for both guests and team members. His attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards make a big difference, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you, Reggie, for all your hard work and dedication! | | |
"TNT" 2025 – Redefined
You’ve read the title, right?
Bet you think you know what "TNT" is? Well - think again! This isn’t 1925 with “TNT, a powerful yellow substance used in explosives.”
This is TNT 2025 – Today Not Tomorrow.
Why focus on "TNT" this week? If you read last week’s article, Change is a Comin’, you’ll remember the tips on preparing your child, teenager, or young adult for the new school year. One key change was helping your loved one with an intellectual disability make meaningful connections that could lead to friendships.
I know many of you are already spending a few minutes each day talking about how to choose, make, and keep friends. But as August days fly by, it’s easy to get caught worrying about what’s ahead. That worry increases your anxiety—and when that happens, the present moment slips by unnoticed.
So here’s a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy each day, each challenge, each success, and each baby step on the way to September:
TNT – Today Not Tomorrow.
Sit back, take a breath, and give yourself credit for taking time to be present in the moment. Focus on today—not tomorrow.
And now, here’s a simple daily practice to ease the arrival of fall changes:
Qualities of Good Friends
Spend just 5 minutes each day talking about this together.
Until next time,
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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New Day’s Movie Night last Wednesday was a big hit! The event brought together new faces and old friends, with plenty of laughter and connection throughout the evening. It was a wonderful shared experience, and by the end of the night, many participants were already asking the same question: “When can we do this again?”
Looking ahead, New Day will be hosting its next meeting on Friday, September 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Channel in Amherstburg. A flyer with full details will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
New Day is also preparing for Apple Fest, where the group will have a booth filled with activities, fun games, free giveaways, and lots of opportunities to share what New Day is all about. Volunteer self-advocates are invited to help at the booth by running a game, greeting visitors, or handing out giveaways. Those interested can email newday@communitylivingessex.org.
Everyone is encouraged to stop by the booth, join in the fun, and help make Apple Fest an event to remember!
| Ruthven Apple Festival - Save the Date | |
🍎 Save the date for the 46th Ruthven Apple Festival! 🍎
As September wraps up, make sure you don’t miss out one of Essex County’s favorite traditions: the Ruthven Apple Festival! For over four decades, this cherished event has been a celebration of our local bounty, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever!
📅Dates: September 27th & 28th
📍Location: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven
👉For more details and updates, visit www.ruthvenapplefestival.com.
You can look forward to:
🍏Farmers Market: Fresh-picked apples and a fantastic array of locally grown produce.
🎶Live Entertainment: Enjoy vibrant performances by local artists all weekend long.
🎨Over 125 Craft Vendors: Shop unique handmade creations and support local artisans.
🚗Sunday Classic Car Show: Marvel at vintage vehicles and classic cars.
🍔Food Vendors: Indulge in delicious treats and tasty eats from a variety of food vendors.
Since its inception, the Ruthven Apple Festival has proudly raised over $1 million to support Community Living Essex County. Your participation helps us purchase and maintain wheelchair-accessible vehicles that provide essential transportation for people receiving supports, ensuring they can access appointments, volunteer opportunities, and community events.
Gather your family and friends for a weekend filled with fall fun. See you at the festival!
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Cycling for Change: Lucas De Sousa’s
Mission in Motion
| | This August, dedicated Community Living volunteer and recent university graduate, Lucas De Sousa will complete his 7,300 km cycling journey across Canada, arriving at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. Lucas embarked on this self-funded, summer-long adventure to raise awareness about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and to support Community Living London, Mississauga, and Ontario. “I knew I couldn’t stop volunteering, so I took [the cause] on the road,” says Lucas, who begins studies at Osgoode Law School this September. You can help him make an even greater impact—no pedalling required—by donating to support his inspiring mission and the communities it benefits. | | 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.
| | Join DSO Housing Navigators on Tuesday, September 9th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a free virtual lunchtime session featuring the brand-new Technology for Independence: Home, Community Safety, and Personal Health e-learning module. This interactive event is open to people with developmental disabilities, their families and support networks, as well as developmental services professionals across Ontario. Discover how technology can support greater independence at home and in the community—all from the comfort of your own space. Click the button below to register. | | 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. | | Tecumseh Corn & Music Festival | The Tecumseh Corn and Music Festival returns to McAuliffe Park from Friday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 24th, bringing a fun-filled weekend for all ages. Highlights include a lively carnival, treat and corn zones, arts and crafts, food trucks, a kids area, and special meet-and-greets. The main festival grounds are open to all ages from noon to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For those 19+, the Music Festival Grounds feature evening concerts from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. It’s a must-visit celebration of summer, community, and everything corn! Click the button below to visit the event website. | | On Thursday, August 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., enjoy a summer evening of live music at Mettawas Park as part of the Live at the Lighthouse concert series. This free, all-ages event features Rick Stephenson performing His Sinatra, a smooth tribute to Frank Sinatra and classic easy listening hits. Bring a chair, relax by the gazebo, and take in the sounds of Windsor-Essex talent by the lake. Click the button below to learn more. | |
Buzzin' About Birds Drop-in | On Friday, August 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary hosts Buzzin’ About Birds, a drop-in program perfect for all ages. Guests can explore the fascinating world of birds through hands-on activities like making bird feeders and crafting paper bag owls, along with bird adaptation info sessions offered every 30 minutes. No registration is required—just stop by, stay as long as you like, and enjoy this feather-filled, family-friendly experience. Program is by donation. Click the button below to visit the event website. | See & Smile Kingsville - Picnic in the Plaza | On Friday, August 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., head to 59 Main St E in Kingsville for See & Smile, a fun-filled “picnic in the parking lot” hosted by local vision and dental care professionals. This all-ages event celebrates summer and self-care with special offers, friendly faces, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Stop by to connect with your community and enjoy some sunshine! Click the button below to learn more. | Outdoor Movie Night – Moana 2 | On Friday, August 22nd from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Windsor Public Library and the Friends of Fontainebleau present a free outdoor movie night at Fontainebleau Park featuring Moana 2. The evening kicks off with family-friendly activities at 6:30 p.m., followed by the movie at sundown (around 8:30 p.m.). All ages are welcome—just bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a magical night under the stars. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Canada’s Forgotten Battalion – Historical Reenactment | On Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th, the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village hosts Canada’s Forgotten Battalion – Historical Reenactment, an immersive American Civil War reenactment weekend. Guests can experience camp life, firing demonstrations, musket drills, historic cooking, and more. Educational presentations on period clothing and battlefield medicine add depth to this living history event. Admission is $5 per person (children under 5 free). Please note: the event includes realistic reenactment content and may not be suitable for all visitors. Viewer discretion is advised. Click the button below to visit the event website. | |
St. Paul's Anglican Church Pasta Dinner | On Friday, September 5th from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Anglican Church invites you to a hearty pasta dinner filled with good food and great fellowship. Let the church do the cooking as you enjoy all-you-can-eat meat and vegetarian pasta dishes, fresh salad, rolls, and cake—all for just $14 per person. Whether you choose to dine in or take out, it’s the perfect way to relax, eat well, and connect with the community. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Photo credits: Danielle Knowlton & Joe St. Pierre | | Jumbo Caramel Peach Cobbler Muffins | Jumbo Caramel Peach Cobbler Muffins are the ultimate late-summer treat—sweet, peachy, and baked to golden perfection. This recipe layers caramelized brown sugar peaches at the base of each jumbo muffin cup, topped with a simple vanilla batter and finished with more peaches before baking. The result? Bakery-style muffins with tall, golden tops, caramelized edges, and soft, fluffy centers. This peach cobbler–meets–upside-down cake creation is perfect for savoring the last days of summer. Get the full recipe by clicking the button below. | | Sunny Side Up Series: August Wellness Tips | | Summer is the perfect season to embrace vibrant, fresh foods that not only nourish your body but also uplift your spirit. Imagine juicy berries bursting with sweetness, crisp cucumbers offering refreshing crunch, fragrant herbs adding a burst of flavor, and chilled citrus water keeping you cool and hydrated. Eating well during summer isn’t about strict restrictions or complicated diets, it’s about inviting more of the things that make you feel energized, alive, and balanced. Small, simple additions to your meals can have a big impact on how you feel. So, this week, take a moment to think: what’s one fresh, wholesome ingredient you can add to your plate to boost your well-being and enjoy the season to its fullest? | | Framed Pine Cone Flower Décor | | Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with this framed flower décor project made from pine cones. This simple yet stunning craft transforms natural materials into floral-inspired art, perfect for brightening up any room or giving as a thoughtful handmade gift. It’s beautiful, budget-friendly, and easy to personalize with your favorite colors. This makes for an ideal weekend project for adding a creative, nature-inspired accent to your space. Click the button below to view the tutorial. | |
| What’s something small that always makes your day better?
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Last week's poll results:
What’s your favorite type of hobby?
Something creative (art, music, crafts) - 19.1%
Learning or reading - 19.1%
Gardening or nature-based - 17%
Something active (sports, fitness) - 17%
Who's got time for hobbies? - 14.9%
Still searching for a hobby I love - 8.5%
Social activities (clubs, volunteering) - 2.1%
Gaming - 2.1%
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