Wonders in the Wilderness | Earlier this week, Tarry spent some time exploring the beautiful Ojibway Nature Centre on Matchette Road. Surrounded by peaceful trails, wildlife, and plenty of fresh air, the visit was a refreshing way to enjoy nature close to home. The Ojibway Nature Centre is always a wonderful spot to unwind, learn about local habitats, and reconnect with the outdoors! | Mary Ellen and Seth had a great time at the Corn Fest in Tecumseh this past weekend! The sun was shining, the corn was fresh and buttery, and the whole place was filled with music, laughter, and the smell of festival treats. They enjoyed everything from carnival games to local entertainment, stopping to dance along with the bands and browse the artisan booths. Of course, nothing beat sitting back and enjoying a cob of corn. The day captured the simple pleasures of food, fun, and community. | Ron enjoyed a walk through Windsor Crossing and made a festive stop at Spirit Halloween to start getting ready for Halloween. With plenty of spooky displays and fun finds, it was a perfect way to get into the seasonal spirit and discover some festive treasures. | | Stephen enjoyed a peaceful stroll along the waterfront at the Leamington Marina on a beautiful Monday evening last week. With the calming sound of the water and the scenic views of the marina gardens, the walk offered a relaxing way to unwind and take in the beauty of the outdoors. | |
Earlier this month, Darius made the most of the Civic Holiday with a fun day of bowling. He later capped off the day with a peaceful walk along the pier in Belle River, enjoying the beautiful weather and the serene views of the water. | | An Update from Career Compass | | Tom is gaining hands-on experience with the Town of Essex's Parks & Facilities team through the Youth in Action program. From keeping public spaces clean to helping with event setups, he’s making an impact in the community. Way to go, Tom! | | |
🤗EYES WIDE OPEN🤗
More Fall reminders!
As everyone relies more and more on social media, it is very important that we all take note of basic social media safety. At this time of year, it is critical that our family members are given a " refresher course".
The following 3 checklists break safe use of social media into 3 distinct categories:
| | These checklists will give everyone confidence knowing that—we, as parents—care deeply about our kids, young and old. They will understand that we recognize social media is a huge part of many of their lives, but that it still needs to be accessed responsibly. By making them aware of all the considerations needed in order to use social media safely, their online experiences have the potential to provide them with hours of positive growth. Click on the button below to download and print these helpful checklists. | |
Working together with kids in an open, honest way builds trust that helps them grow up as confident, engaged, and responsible young people.
Happy end of summer 😊
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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New Day’s next meeting will be on Friday, September 19th, at Channel Resource Centre in Amherstburg from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The discussion will focus on travel tips, including what to bring on an airplane and other helpful advice to make your vacation smooth and stress-free.
New Day will also be at the Accessibility Fest-For-All on Friday, September 12th at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. Stop by our booth to say hello!
Stay tuned for an exciting get-together in October—more details coming soon.
| 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!
| | Outdoor Accessibility Fest-For-All! | | We're excited to once again be taking part in the second annual Outdoor Accessibility Fest-For-All! This event is hosted by the County of Essex's Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) and is taking place on Friday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there! | | 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. | | The 171st Annual Harrow Fair returns from Thursday, August 28th to Sunday, August 31st at the Harrow Fairgrounds, bringing together four days of classic country fun. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, homegrown competitions, delicious food, live music, a bustling midway, tractor pulls, and local vendors, all part of a tradition that has delighted the community for generations. As one of Ontario’s oldest country fairs, the Harrow Fair offers something for everyone and is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | On Thursday, August 28th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the Summer Series wraps up with its final Jazz in the Park event featuring Mississippi Mike and the South Side Strutters. Guests can enjoy a relaxed evening of live jazz, a welcoming community atmosphere, and the perfect setting to close out summer. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather friends and family, and settle in at the park for one last unforgettable night of music as the sun sets on this year’s series. Click the button below to learn more. | |
The first annual “Your Local” LaSalle Ribfest kicks off Friday, August 29th through Sunday, August 31st at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing. This family-friendly event will feature three award-winning ribbers, more than 20 vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of community fun. Hours are Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Come hungry and enjoy a weekend filled with great food and good company at LaSalle Ribfest! Click the button below to visit the event website. | Windsor Food Festival 3.0 | The Windsor Food Festival 3.0 returns Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Riverfront Festival Plaza, celebrating culture, cuisine, and community. Festival-goers can enjoy international flavours from around the world, live music, global beats, and cultural dance performances in a vibrant atmosphere. With its theme “Spices Beyond Borders, Hearts Beyond Differences,” the festival highlights how food connects us all—promising lively vibes, delicious eats, and unforgettable memories. Click the button below to visit the event website. | Point Pelee National Park - Fall Migration | On Saturday, August 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., join Detroit Bird Alliance experts Jim Bull and Bruce Szczechowski for a guided fall migration birding trip at Point Pelee National Park, one of North America’s top inland birding destinations. Located at the southernmost point of mainland Canada, the park is a hotspot for observing warblers, raptors, shorebirds, and more as they funnel south along Lake Erie. Attendees will explore highlights like the Tip, the Marsh Boardwalk, and the DeLaurie Homestead Trail, with an optional visit to Hillman Marsh. | | End of Summer Celebration | On Saturday, August 30th, head to Lakewood Park in Tecumseh for Team Goran RE/MAX CARE Realty’s End of Summer Celebration! Enjoy a community bonfire, marshmallow roast, live beachside music by Max Marshall, and lawn games from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lakewood Park North. Fireworks, sponsored by Diamond & Diamond Lawyers, will light up the sky at 9:00 p.m. at Lakewood Park South. Free shuttle service runs from Tecumseh Arena, and a bike valet will be available courtesy of Bike Windsor-Essex. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray for a fun night outdoors! Rain date: August 31st. Click the button below to learn more. | |
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. | | As summer winds down, enjoy a fresh and flavorful pasta salad with marinated chickpeas. Packed with chewy pasta, tangy marinated chickpeas, fragrant herbs, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this easy salad can be served warm or cold, as a side, main, or snack. With minimal effort, pantry staples transform into a satisfying dish that’s perfect for late-summer lunches or gatherings, proving that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor and plenty of smiles at the table. Click the button below for the recipe. | | Sunny Side Up Series: August Wellness Tips | | Feeling sluggish or stuck? A short walk, stretch, or dance session in your living room can do wonders. Movement doesn’t have to be a full workout—just something that lifts your energy, clears your mind, and helps you feel more present. This week, try taking a new walking route, dancing to your favorite song, or adding a few gentle stretches in the morning. Take notice of how even a few minutes of movement can shift your mood and brighten your day! | | Learn how to create your own homemade bath bombs with this easy, foolproof tutorial! Using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils, you can mix, mold, and customize bath bombs that are perfect for relaxing at home or gifting to friends. The step-by-step guide includes helpful tips to avoid common mistakes, ideas for adding scents, colors, or dried flowers, and tricks for getting that perfect fizz every time. A fun, fragrant project for all ages. | |
| With Labour Day fast approaching, how will you spend the “unofficial end of summer”? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
What’s something small that always makes your day better?
A kind message or compliment - 22.1%
Finding money in your pocket or bag - 20%
Crossing something off your to-do list - 15.6%
Fresh air or sunshine - 15.6%
Listening to a favorite song - 11.1%
Spending a few quiet minutes alone - 8.9%
A good cup of coffee or tea - 4.4%
A good meme or funny video – 2.3%
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