Ruthven Apple Festival is This Weekend! | |
Join us this weekend 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, 9am-5pm
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.
New Children's Area: fun arts & crafts activities for kids, face painting, and sing-a-longs!
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!
Note: Only working service dogs are permitted on festival grounds.
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is dedicated to raising awareness, honouring Indigenous peoples, and educating Canadians about their histories. It recognizes survivors, their families, and communities, while highlighting the importance of acknowledging the legacy of residential schools as part of the reconciliation process. This year, Windsor-Essex County is hosting a variety of events, including a Memorial Walk and Gathering at Ojibway Nature Centre, free admission to the Chimczuk Museum and Art Windsor-Essex, the final day to view The Witness Blanket at the Chimczuk Museum, a student-led community display Planting the Seeds for Truth & Reconciliation, and the annual Orange Shirt Day Heart Photo at the Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law. The community is invited to take part in honouring this significant day and supporting the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. | Celebrating Inclusion in Leamington! | Greta Kauffman, a Career Compass job seeker, together with Janell Violet, Manager of Community Relations & Resource Development, had the honour of presenting the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award to the Leamington Roma Club on behalf of Community Living Essex County at the Annual Leamington Chamber Business Excellence Awards. Congratulations to the Roma Club for their outstanding commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community! | Comicon, Shops, and Scenic Stops! | Over the weekend, Andrea and Laurie set out on an exciting trip that took them to both London and Stratford. They kicked things off at Comicon in London, where they enjoyed the lively atmosphere, creative costumes, and unique exhibits. From there, they made their way to Stratford to explore the shops and take in the sights of the picturesque town. It was a fun-filled adventure with plenty to see and do along the way. | | This past weekend, Mason had an exciting evening starting off at Osmow's, enjoying a delicious dinner before zooming around on the go-karts. His excitement was contagious, and it was clear he had an absolute blast as laughter and joy lit up his face throughout the fun-filled adventure! | | Earlier this month, Arthur had an exciting day at the London Western Fair. He enjoyed sampling delicious fair foods, trying his hand at a variety of games, and performances by local talent. It was a lively and entertaining experience from start to finish! | |
An Update from Career Compass | This summer, Davide spent time working with the Amherstburg Fire Department through the Youth in Action program and absolutely loved his position and being part of the team. From keeping the station in top shape to lending a hand with whatever needed doing, Davide stepped up and showed what teamwork really looked like. Way to go, Davide! | | |
Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Communities
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Community Living Ontario Conference and AGM in London, Ontario. Over 600 attendees from small and large cities across the province participated.
Families, self-advocates, frontline staff, government representatives, and media shared stories filled with challenges and successes. Every community, whether small or large, is coping with limited funding needed to sustain the basic needs of people with an intellectual disability.
Innovation, resilience, and the ability to think outside the box have always been the hallmarks of our sector. Now more than ever the voices of families need to be heard. The decision makers must be told time and again that every Ontario citizen's basic needs must be met.
For families and individuals with intellectual disabilities, they must include: adequate funding, residential options, appropriate day supports, and available trained support staff. Available resources at this point in time are inadequate.
Throughout the 3-day conference, presenters shared stories filled with challenges but also many successes. Positivity for the coming months and years was always present.
On numerous occasions Community Living Essex County was recognized as a forward-thinking agency that has been, and continues to be, a leader across the province. Initiatives developed by CLEC are now part of other Ontario agencies. They look to us for creative solutions. We may often think that no one is listening, but there is always someone taking notes and trying to find creative ways to do more with less.
How can you as families ensure that your family's wants and needs are met? Make your voice heard! 🫨 The community you live in needs you to share the daily realities of lives that include intellectual disabilities. You share many of the same basic needs, but in order to live a somewhat "normal" life there are a few "extras"! 🤔 Your requests aren't unreasonable. By sharing in a positive, cooperative way you are educating others and creating greater understanding.
We at Ensemble, as a family resource, know the value of positive sharing and of the support we give to one another. Our resilience is built on this foundation.
So—if you're wondering how to add more positivity to your daily lives—reach out! Communicate! Get involved! If you don't share the realities of your life, how can meaningful change ever happen? A life of "possibility" for individuals with intellectual disabilities is achievable with your help. What are YOU doing to make it happen? 🤔
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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The Connection Series:
Family Information Nights Fall Sessions
| We’re excited to share The Connection Series – Family Information Nights, a new opportunity for families to learn, connect, and plan for the future. These free, in-person evening sessions provide practical information, trusted guidance, and access to local experts on topics that matter most when navigating developmental services in Ontario, from housing and finances to life planning and more. All sessions are designed to support your family every step of the way, with the first session taking place on October 9th in partnership with a representative from Developmental Services Ontario. Click the button below to register for fall sessions and join us to connect with professionals, get your questions answered, and meet other families in a welcoming, supportive setting. | | Yoga with Cocoyoga is offering a FREE 4-part Outdoor Yoga Series for all levels, with no registration required! Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, Coco, an experienced and adaptable instructor, will guide you through each session, offering modifications and adaptive methods to suit everyone. Join us as we stretch, relax, and work toward a more active, flexible, and Zen lifestyle! Sessions run on Tuesdays beginning September 23rd to October 14th, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Optimist Park in Windsor. Come out and enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting while improving your mind-body connection! | | 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.
| | Upcoming DSO Virtual Event | | Join the DSO Housing Navigators on September 29th at 12:00 p.m. for an informative webinar on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Learn about different types of ADUs—such as laneway suites, basement suites, and tiny homes—and explore the benefits of adding one to your home. This virtual session is open to people with developmental disabilities, their families and support networks, as well as developmental services professionals across Ontario. Click the button below to register! | |
P4P Free Information Session | The P4P Planning Network is offering a free online webcast about The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). This savings plan represents a unique Canadian initiative, offering a long-term savings option tailored for individuals living with disabilities. Key benefits include gaining insight into the RDSP and the potential for government contributions, staying informed on the most recent updates and modifications to the RDSP, learning tips and strategies, along with free resources for further information. The webcast is scheduled is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 30th, at 1:00 p.m. Click the link 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! | |
Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island
Fall Event Guide
| | Get ready to embrace the Halloween spirit across Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island! From haunted houses and spooky trails to pumpkin patches and family-friendly festivals, this guide is your go-to list for all things Halloween. Use it to plan weekend adventures, discover hidden gems, or check off must-see events as you explore the region this season. Click the button below to view the guide. | | Walkerville Distillery District Night Market
| On Friday, September 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Walkerville Distillery District Night Market returns for a lively outdoor celebration of all things local at 525 Argyle Rd. This free, family-friendly event features artisan vendors, food trucks, local drinks, live entertainment, and outdoor games. Dogs are welcome, and bike and street parking are available. Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more. | | Scarehouse Windsor Presents: Scared Evil
| Scarehouse Windsor is back this fall, running now through Saturday, October 13th. This 20,000+ sq. ft. haunted attraction offers five terrifying experiences under one roof, along with unique dining options. Tickets are available for multiple showtimes starting at 7:00 p.m. Packages include the Fright Package ($35), Monster Package ($45), and the all-inclusive Baller VIP Package ($100), which comes with a behind-the-scenes tour, fast pass, popcorn, a specialty cocktail, and a Scarehouse t-shirt. Advance purchase is recommended for this ultimate scare. Click the button below to get your tickets. | | Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour | | The Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour is back on Saturday, September 27th, raising funds for trail development of the CASO Greenway Trail. Starting and ending at Mettawas Park in Kingsville, riders can choose from family, Greenway, and road routes ranging from 15km to 100km. The day includes rest stop refreshments, mechanical support, prizes for top fundraisers, and a delicious locally sourced lunch. Click the link below to register and ride in support of conservation! | |
3rd Annual Be Well Expo:
Community Health & Wellness Event
| | The 3rd Annual Be Well Expo will bring the community together at Victoria Greenlawn for a free day dedicated to health, wellness, and connection. On Saturday, September 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., attendees can explore exhibitor booths, access local resources, and receive a complimentary copy of the Be Well Resource Guide, while also taking part in information sessions, health screenings, and interactive opportunities. Designed to support overall well-being and connect residents with valuable services across Windsor-Essex, this event offers something meaningful for everyone. Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more. | | Windsor Essex Soapbox Derby Race & Family Picnic | On Saturday, September 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Windsor Essex Soapbox Derby Race & Family Picnic returns to Wilson Avenue by Heritage Park in Essex for an exciting season finale. Attendees can also enjoy a free community raffle, local vendors, live music, crafts, and activities for kids, along with opportunities to explore local clubs and organizations. Families and racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss this action-packed day of speed, prizes, food, and fun, hosted by the Essex BIA and the Town of Essex. Click the button below to visit the event website. | |
Classical in the Concrete Concert | The Windsor Symphony Orchestra presents Classical in the Concrete, a free evening concert on the main level of the Pelissier Street Parking Garage. On Saturday, September 27th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., WSO Resident Conductor Geoffrey Larson will lead a performance featuring famous classical works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and more. Guests will also enjoy the unveiling of two art installations in the downtown garage: the WSO’s Park in Perfect Harmony, theming and naming each level with musical elements, and DERKZ’s The Language of My World murals on the main level. Seating is limited for this intimate and unique concert experience—don’t miss this blend of music and art in a one-of-a-kind downtown setting. Admission is free, but registration is required. Click the button below to register. |
Chimczuk Museum and Art Windsor-Essex
Free Admission
| On Tuesday, September 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Chimczuk Museum and Art Windsor-Essex invite the public to enjoy free admission in honour of Orange Shirt Day and National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Visitors can explore a wide range of unique artifacts and exhibits across both the Chimczuk Museum and Art Windsor-Essex, all at no cost. This is a perfect opportunity to discover the region’s rich history and culture while commemorating an important day of reflection and learning. Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more. | | Looking for the perfect fall appetizer? Look no further! This recipe only takes 15 minutes to make and creates a flavourful balance of sweet-savory-and spicey. Start by crisping up the bread, adding brie cheese, top with apple slices, prosciutto, and arugula for garnish. Lastly, drizzle the hot honey while measuring with the heart. For those who have a sweeter tooth, substitute the hot honey for regular honey. If bigger portions are requested, try to switch out the baguette for your favourite type of bread! Click the button below for the full recipe. | | |
Fall Forward Series:
Preparing Your Home for the Fall Season
| | Safety Checks and Seasonal Upgrades | | Wrap up the month with safety and convenience updates. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries if needed, and check outdoor lighting. Consider swapping out summer linens for warmer bedding, and bring seasonal decor indoors to make your home feel cozy. Small, thoughtful updates can make a big difference as you settle into fall. | | Ever wonder what to do with paper straws? Try to make this dancing skeleton for some extra fun art that keeps on giving. All you will need are straws, hot glue gun, pipe cleaners, beads, a cotton ball, string, and wooden sticks. Start by cutting the straws into bone sizes of your liking (the longer each limb, the taller your skeleton will be). Then assemble the body with glue and string. Add pipe cleaners for extra support. Attach beads for the feet and hands. Glue a cotton ball for the head- don't forget to give your skeleton a face. Lastly, tie the string to the wooden sticks to make your skeleton boogie. Click the button below for the tutorial. | |
| How do you welcome the first week of fall? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
Which September mood fits you best?
Excited for fall adventures - 42.9%
Calm and reflective - 17.9%
Nostalgic for summer memories - 14.3%
Adventurous and outdoorsy - 10.7%
Inspired and creative - 7.1%
Motivated and productive - 3.6%
Social and festive - 3.6%
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