Arthur's Voyage to Vancouver
This summer, Arthur's dream came true as he embarked on an exciting vacation to Vancouver, British Columbia. His adventure began with a train ride to Toronto, where he boarded his very first plane bound for Vancouver. Once there, he had a wonderful time watching majestic whales in their natural habitat and enjoying delicious meals at some fantastic restaurants. Arthur's journey also included a thrilling experience called Fly Over Canada and an exploration of the captivating aquarium. He even delighted in a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through Stanley Park and indulged in all the fun and excitement at the PNE fair. To add a dash of culinary adventure, Arthur tried lobster and raw oysters for the first time – quite the taste sensation! But the best part of his trip was reuniting with a childhood friend who now lives in beautiful British Columbia. With so many incredible experiences packed into his vacation, Arthur's trip to Vancouver was truly unforgettable!
Creative Sparks
Cathy had a wonderful time visiting Art Windsor-Essex. There, she had the opportunity to admire original artwork created by talented local artists and pieces from artists around the world. Cathy is passionate about making her own art and absorbed the diverse styles, colors, and techniques used by the artists. Each piece told a unique story and ignited her creativity and she left feeling inspired.
Celebrating Success!
Career Compass is celebrating Duncan's two-year work anniversary! For the past two years, Duncan has worked very hard supporting the residents at The Villages of St. Clair. Duncan worked through the pandemic and continues to provide services today. His job includes unloading stock, preparing snacks, serving dinner, and cleaning the kitchen and the dining room. Duncan is passionate, hardworking, and enthusiastic when it comes to his work!
Congratulations Duncan!

Don't forget to follow Career Compass on FacebookInstagram and Twitter to learn more about diversity in the workplace and inclusive hiring!
A Virtual Supports Reunion
On August 28th our Virtual Supports group gathered for their second annual reunion at Colchester Park. It’s always so awesome to see each other in person when we have been staring at each other on the screen for the past year! Thanks to the Tune up the Parks initiative, we were able to gather with people from all over the county for some music, food, and fellowship! The turnout was great, and people really enjoyed singing and dancing to the music of Leave those Kids Alone.
A special thanks to Cynthia, Liz, Beth, Krystal, Paisley, and James for making sure everyone had a blast, and to Colchester Creamery for the great deal on Ice Cream. We may just have found our new annual gathering place. 😊
WORK - LIFE - BALANCE
Where has the time gone? The first week of school is here for those of us with school aged kids, and for the rest of us? Our days are filled thinking about preparations to get our lives ready for the coming season. Yard work, seasonal wardrobe changes, family gatherings and daily living!
 
To create our best possible life, we need work-life balance. Scandinavian countries including Norway, Finland and Sweden, have a way of life that countries around the world have noticed and tried to copy. What is the Scandinavian secret to creating less chaotic lives? They look at life outdoors and indoors in an attempt to create simple balance.

OUTDOORS
Can the outdoors contribute to our emotional balance? Yes! Keys to happiness are found in non-work passions, like spending time with family and friends, and careers that don’t consume our lives 24/7. We need social connections at work and at home. Outdoor activities equal human happiness. Natural environments improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and increase positive emotions. The Swedish know the value of movement and fresh air. In Sweden, 'plogging', combines jogging and picking up litter. We in Essex County have a fabulous system of trails, including the Chrysler Greenway.
IN THE COMMUNITY
How do we develop a sense of community? You can do things such as:
  • volunteering.
  • joining a group with similar interests.
  • meeting up with friends.
  • appreciating the here and now.

INDOORS
Are you enjoying the space you live in? Try accepting that what you have is enough and be appreciative. Make your indoor space your refuge by:
  • de-cluttering.
  • clearing surfaces every day just the way you make your bed every day.
  • downsizing your collections: mementos, CDs, DVDs, videos, decorative cushions, blankets etc.
Clutter creates unnecessary stress. Less is more!

As we all move on with our overly busy lives let’s take time to reflect and focus on ways to create lives that include experiences that will contribute to our emotional well-being.
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
Ruthven Apple Festival Looking for Volunteers!
It’s back!  After a 3-year hiatus due to pandemic safety concerns, the Ruthven Apple Festival is back on Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st

To successfully host one of the most anticipated and beloved local community festival events in Essex County, we need your help. The Ruthven Apple Festival is looking for volunteers for a variety of fun activities throughout the weekend. If you enjoy classic cars, we need your help with set up, clean up and customer service at our annual Apple Festival Car Show on Sunday. Throughout the weekend we will need help with set up, selling produce, and cleaning up at our Farmers Market and throughout the festival grounds. We will also need assistance with directing visitors in parking cars. If you are interested in working together in a fun atmosphere while securing required high school community volunteer hours or simply want to lend a helping hand for a great cause, please email Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations and Resource Development at tony@communitylivingessex.org.
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 code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order. 
Join us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer!
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!
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.
We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!
Career Compass Employer Referral Program
Partners 4 Planning

Virtual Ten-Week Session
There are a few spots remaining in the upcoming Crafting Your Individualized Housing Action Plain Workshop!

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

This program will run for 10 weeks beginning Monday, September 25th 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, please complete THIS FORM.
Sustainable Fall Living
Leave the Leaves
As summer fades to fall, autumn begins to cover the ground with a carpet of falling leaves. But before you channel your inner leaf-wielding warrior, remember this: those fallen leaves are a gift from Mother Nature to your garden. Instead of tossing them away, let those leaves perform their magic. Mulch them, sprinkle them on your lawn, or place them around trees and flower beds. It's like giving your garden a cozy blanket for the winter while keeping the soil happy and healthy. And if you're not in the leafy spirit, consider composting as an eco-friendly option. Don't throw away these treasures! As the seasons change, embrace those falling leaves and watch your garden thrive! Your outdoor space will thank you!
Leamington Poutine Fest
Get ready for a poutine extravaganza! The Leamington Poutine Fest will be held at Seacliff Park in Leamington on Thursday, September 7th to Sunday, September 10th. Celebrate Canada's iconic dish with classic poutines, unique variations like bacon-wrapped and butter chicken, and even vegetarian and gluten-free options. Click the link below for full event details.
Windsor's Fire Fest
The 10th edition of Windsor's Fire Fest takes place Friday, September 8th, to Sunday September 10th. Witness incredible firefighting skills at the Riverfront Festival Plaza, located at 370 Riverside Dr. E. This marks the 18th year of participation by Windsor Fire & Rescue team members, who've achieved record-breaking success, clinching Canadian National and World Championships across Canada and the USA. Admission is FREE. Click the link below for the most up to date event information.
The Pier
The Pier is a one-day dance music festival on the pier beneath the Ambassador Bridge. On Saturday, September 9th, experience world-class music with artists like Wassu from Anjunadeep and All Day I Dream, along with local talents. This open-air event features top-notch sound, stunning lighting, and local food and drinks. Dance the night away with a backdrop of the Detroit skyline and sunset, as the pier stretches 200 feet into the Detroit River. This end-of-summer party is for ages 19 years old and up, rain or shine.
FREE Local Outdoor Concert
The Greater Windsor Concert Band’s finale concert of the 2023 summer season, “That’s a Wrap!", will be held on Sunday, September 10th at 6:30 pm at Reaume Park. This is a FREE family concert and donations will be gratefully accepted. Click the link below for more information.
Farmers Market in Amherstburg
On Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, visit the Amherstburg Farmers Market. A welcoming space offering high-quality local agricultural produce, healthy foods, and artisan craft products. This family, and pet-friendly, community hub also features live music, homemade breakfast, fresh coffee, craft beer, learning experiences, and plenty of smiles. For inquiries, contact farmersmarketamherstburg@gmail.com.
Essex Farmers Market
Experience the Essex Farmers Market! Every Monday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, you can explore local farmers' fresh produce and enjoy offerings from food vendors and more. Click the link below for more information.
Positive Thoughts
Must See T.V.
The Little Mermaid - Live Action
The Little Mermaid live-action film follows Ariel (Halle Bailey), a teenage mermaid princess who yearns to become human and falls in love with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). In her pursuit of love, she makes a risky pact with the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy). Catch this enchanting version alongside the original cartoon on Disney+.
Craft Corner
Pressed Flower Bookmarks
With summer ending soon, these DIY pressed flower bookmarks are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and capture a bit of that summer feeling in a craft project. Click the link below for a video and step by step instructions.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
When do you start enjoying pumpkin spice flavors?
September 1st, it's never too early!
Late September.
October, it's the official season.
I'm not a fan of pumpkin spice.
Poll Results
Which household chore do you dislike the most?

Washing the dishes. ~ 12%
Washing and folding the laundry. ~ 9%
Meal preparation. ~ 9%
Cleaning the washroom. ~ 21%
Yard work. ~ 23%
Something else. ~ 26%