Celebrating Love
Darlene and Phillip exchanged vows in a heartwarming ceremony on Saturday, September 16th. Their wedding took place at the Moose Lodge in Windsor. Darlene looked absolutely stunning, and the decorations added a beautiful touch to the venue.

Darlene and Phillip started dating a few years ago, and their love for each other grew stronger over time. They both knew they wanted to spend their lives together. Phillip adores Darlene, and Darlene is thrilled to have found the man of her dreams! We wish them nothing but love and happiness as they begin their journey as a married couple!
Taste of Lebanon
Clayton loves trying new and different cuisines. He recently visited Kabobgy restaurant to enjoy some delicious Lebanese dishes. He chose the Beef Kafta lunch plate, and boy, did he savor every bite! His favourite part was the Fattoush salad. He couldn't get enough of those fresh and zesty flavors. With a satisfied belly and a big smile, Clayton left the restaurant, looking forward to his next culinary adventure.
Sunflowers and Shopping
Nancy had a great time at the Sunflowers 4 Smiles vendor market earlier this month. It was a special event where local businesses set up shop to sell their unique items. What made it even better was the stunning view of a vast sunflower field. Nancy felt really good because she knew that by shopping at the market, she was helping out her community. Supporting local businesses is like giving them a big high-five. Plus, the backdrop of the sunflowers added some extra sunshine to her day. It's nice to know that having fun and shopping can also make a positive impact!
An Update from Career Compass
Access Community Support Services has been a partner of Community Living Essex County for several years with their consumer supported agriculture program. They employ people to work in their community garden and to deliver vegetables to locations throughout the county. With fall upon us, the deliveries have ended, and everyone had a great summer! Thank you again to ACSS for your continued support!  
Youth in Action
The Youth in Action Summer Work Experience program has come to an end for this summer. The Career Compass team was able to secure jobs for ten participants with eight employers across the county. Check out the video above highlighting the great work everyone did! A huge thank you to our summer students for job coaching the participants and creating this video!
Registration Open for Forum Spotlighting Invisible Disabilities
The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee is inviting elected officials, community groups and residents to join in raising awareness of invisible disabilities and finding ways to be more inclusive. Invisible No More – An Accessibility Forum, features keynote speaker Julie Sawchuk from Sawchuk Accessible Solutions. There will be presentations by the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex and Shelbey Pillon, Manager of Supports for Community Living Essex County, will be presenting on behalf of Career Compass. The forum will take place on October 19th from 9 am - 3:15 pm at Heritage Park Alliance, 2501 Concession Road 6, in LaSalle. Tickets are $70 per person, and lunch will be provided.

Registration deadline is October 5th.
- CAREGIVERS R US -
It’s that time of year! The kickoff of caregiver appreciation events! Ensemble, with the generous financial support of the Ontario Caregivers Association and continued support of Community Living Essex County, is pleased to announce the first of a series of events.
 
1.    Are you providing UNPAID support to a family member with intellectual disabilities?
2.    Is your family member with intellectual disabilities living at home with you 24/7?
3.    Is the family member you support an adult?
If you answered YES to the 3 questions above — this event is for you!

As unpaid caregivers of adult children with intellectual disabilities, we know how invigorating social outings can be. These occasions re-energize us. Ensemble has once again, planned FREE recreational activities that will give you a chance to meet others who live the same life, the life of a caregiver, while you explore creative outlets.
Join us Saturday, October 21st, for our Tree of Life Wreath Workshop. This event will take place at The Crafty Nest Studio, located at 14 Division Street South in Kingsville. This FREE event will provide you with all the materials and directions needed to create a beautiful macramé wreath. This event is offered on a first come first served basis as seating is limited. *ONLY 1 PERSON FROM EACH FAMILY CAN ATTEND.*
 
To be part of our first fall event, please RSVP to Marilyn at mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com as soon as possible! Please include your full name and the age of the adult with intellectual disabilities you are supporting. All information will remain confidential. Fun, creative, social activities create opportunities that allow us to meet new people, share useful information and to provide much needed relaxation.
Happy Fall!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
An Update from New Day
From September 20th - 22ndYOU can help New Day by ordering pizza from Dominos! New Day earns $5 from every combo sold. Skip the cooking, relax and kick back while supporting a great cause! Make sure to use the codes in the flyer when ordering. 
Ruthven Apple Festival Looking for Volunteers!
Farmers Market
Dates: Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1
Times: between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
  • Set-up & clean-up
  • Loading apples and other produce
  • Bagging & selling produce
  • Accept cash, debit and credit payments

Donation Tent
Dates: Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1
Times: between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
  • Set-up & clean-up
  • Assist with the sale of raffle tickets for a variety of prize baskets
  • Accept cash, debit and credit payments
Apple Festival Merchandise Tent
Dates: Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1
Times: between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
  • Set-up & clean-up
  • Assist with the sale of Ruthven Apple Festival clothing
  • Accept cash, debit and credit payments

Festival Entrances
Dates: Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1
Times: between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
  • Set-up & clean-up
  • Help to guide attendees
  • Provide information about CLEC and answer questions about the festival
  • Accept cash, debit and credit donations from attendees
Classic Car Show
Dates: Sunday, October 1st
Times: between 8AM to 4PM
Duties Include:
  • Set-up & clean-up, including garbage clean-up
  • Assist with vehicle registration
  • Help guide cars to parking areas
  • Assist with the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets
Did you know? Proceeds from this fundraiser help Community Living Essex County maintain and purchase accessible vehicles.
Ruthven Apple Fest Originals Are Now Available!
Celebrate the return of everyone's favourite fall festival with Apple Festival original merchandise! Take your pick of cozy sweatshirts for the whole family, tote bags, mugs and more! Order online and pick up your items at our office in Essex. Items will also be available for purchase at the Ruthven Apple Festival, while supplies last!
Yoga with CocoYoga
YOGA is for EVERYBODY!
You're invited to join Coco (Nicole) for a FREE, 4-part, outdoor yoga series for all! Whether you are just beginning or are an avid yoga practitioner, Coco has modifications to suit all needs and abilities. This series encourages everyone to get outside and move!
 
Classes take place at Optimist Park located at 1075 Ypres Blvd. in Windsor on September 26th, October 3rd, 10th, and 17th.
 
Click below to visit the CocoYoga website to check for updates on this series and more.
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
EWSNetwork 2023 Kids Wellness Bursary
One of our team members at Community Living Essex County has a reason to be super proud! Their son, Evan, is one of the recipients of the 2023 Kids’ Wellness Bursaries given by the Employee Wellness Solutions Network. The bursary is helping Evan pursue his hockey dreams. Evan has also been actively involved in giving back to the community over the past year. He has raised $1,000 for Hockey for Hospice and with his family, continues volunteering in his community. This combination of athletic excellence and community spirit is truly inspiring.

Way to go, Evan! We're all cheering for you at Community Living Essex County, and we're proud to have you as part of our community.
FREE Disability Income Support Webinar
Pathway to Potential Strategy Renewal Survey
Sustainable Fall Living
Cold and Flu Season
Flu season has arrived! Consider getting this year's flu shot to maintain your health and protect others. It is recommended for individuals such as support staff, caregivers, students, and volunteers. Keep in mind that flu symptoms are similar to cold and COVID-19 symptoms, but there are differences. The chart above provides a quick reference.

Call to make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist to get the flu shot. Participating pharmacies and COVID-19 booster shot locations are on the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's website. View both by clicking the links below.

If you are sick, please stay home.
Hogs for Horses
The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) along with the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club’s Annual Hogs for Horses Ride returns Sunday, September 24th. Proceeds from this event benefit the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association. Click the link below for more information and the pledge sheet.
Bigg Wiggle Fest 2023
Get ready to wiggle and groove at the 2023 Bigg Wiggle Fest! Hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Harrow, at Colchester Harbour on Saturday, September 23rd, from 5 pm - 10 pm. DJ Kojack will be opening and Bigg Wiggle takes the stage at 8 pm. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at Bob Reaume Sports, located at 4275 Tecumseh Road East, in Windsor. Tickets at the gate will be $25.
Fall Fest in Olde Riverside
Olde Riverside BIA's inaugural Fall Fest takes place on Saturday, September 23rd, from 10 am - 11 pm. This community event celebrates the harvest season and aims to unite the neighborhood by offering special deals and family-friendly activities in three main parking lots near Health First Pharmacy, Riviera, and the Thompson House. It's a day of gratitude and fun for everyone. Click the link below for more information.
Sauve's Fall Market
Don't miss the fun at Sauve's Country Market, located at 1989 Lakeshore Road 219, South Woodslee, on September 23rd and 24th, from 10 am - 4 pm. There will be over 30 food trucks and local vendors offering porch packages, pumpkins, mums, art, and more. Saturday is Open Farms day, where there will be an opportunity to explore and enjoy the farm experience. Click the link below for more information.
Open Studio Tour
Explore the Annual Windsor-Essex Open Studio Tour from September 22nd - 24th. This FREE three-day event lets you step into local artists' studios and witness their creative processes. It aligns with Ontario Culture Days and offers a glimpse into the vibrant art scene of Windsor-Essex. Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with over 20 local artists and experience their work firsthand. Click the link below for more information.
Positive Thoughts
Must See T.V.
Spy Kids: Armageddon
In Spy Kids: Armageddon, the world faces a crisis as a tech-savvy game developer unleashes a dangerous virus. Surprisingly, the developer's allies are the children of elite spies. These kids must quickly transform from unwitting accomplices to heroes saving the world. Netflix will begin streaming this thrilling family-friendly movie on September 22nd.
Recipe of the Week
Baked Apple Slices
Nothing beats these tender baked apple slices over ice cream for satisfying harvest flavor. This old-fashioned treat gives a new twist to traditional baked apples.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
What is your favourite way to eat apples?
Just the apple itself.
Apple pie.
Apple sauce.
Apple jam.
Apple juice/cider
Baked/roasted apples.
Other.
Yuck, I don't like apples!
Poll Results
What is your favourite fall activity?

Picking apples and pumpkins. ~ 31%
Getting through a corn maze. ~ 2%
Going on hay rides. ~ 10%
Haunted houses. ~ 18%
All the farmers markets. ~ 39%