Exploring Windsor’s Natural History | Rick and Shane enjoyed a guided tour of Peche Island, where they learned about the island's rich history and its significance to the Windsor area. During the tour, they discovered how the City of Windsor has worked to restore the island to a more natural state, helping to protect local wildlife and promote a healthy ecosystem. | | Jason and Julie enjoyed a day in Leamington, walking along the new waterfront and making their way to the marina and Seacliff Beach. At the beach, they stopped to watch some volleyball, meet new people, and say hello to some friendly dogs along the way. It was a great opportunity to get outdoors and take in all that the waterfront had to offer. | Ryan and Colin had a great time go-karting during their time with children's respite. They raced against each other and shared some laughs while out on the track. | Last week, Sandy and Alana went to the Vollmer Complex for an evening of swimming. They enjoyed getting active, spending time together, and making the most of the recreation facility. | |
Logan and Zoe enjoyed an afternoon of bowling during their time at children’s respite last month. They took turns, cheered each other on, and worked hard to knock down the pins. There was plenty of fun and friendly competition as they made their way through their games. | A Hole-in-One for Our Community! | |
Our 2026 Charity Golf Tournament was a fantastic success, raising an incredible $20,600 in support of Community Living Essex County!
For 34 years, this tournament has brought together golfers, volunteers, local businesses, community leaders, sponsors, and friends for a fun day on the course – all while supporting a very important cause. This year was no exception, with plenty of great golf, friendly competition, laughs, raffle prizes, and, of course, a few questionable shots along the way!
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year's tournament possible. From our amazing host sponsor, Sutton Creek Golf Club, to our generous sponsors and prize donors and our dedicated volunteers, staff, municipal partners, and every golfer who joined us, your support makes a real difference. All proceeds from the Community Living Essex County Charity Golf Classic are directed towards our Summer Support program. This program provides meaningful summer opportunities for children and youth in Essex County with intellectual disabilities to participate in activities alongside their friends.
And now, we're looking ahead to an exciting milestone – our 35th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in 2027! We hope you'll join us as we celebrate 35 years of golfing, giving, and coming together for our community.
Thank you for helping us make 2026 a hole-in-one!
| Stay Connected with Virtual Supports! | |
Looking for fun and engaging ways to connect, learn, and spend time with others from the comfort of home? Virtual Supports offer year-round opportunities to participate in activities, explore new interests, build connections, develop skills, and stay engaged.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, connect with friends, try something new, or take part in activities you enjoy, there’s something for everyone.
Flexible registration options are available, including pay-as-you-go registration for individual sessions, as well as bundles and memberships that offer added flexibility and value when registering for multiple sessions.
To purchase a bundle or membership, simply log into MyCommunityHub, complete your purchase, and you’ll receive a code by email within 3–5 business days. Enter your code when registering for sessions to apply your bundle or membership to the session fee.
Need help? Click the button below for helpful links and registration instructions, including step-by-step guidance and video tutorials.
| | An Update from Career Compass | | |
Evan had an incredible Youth in Action experience at Armando’s, gaining hands on experience in food preparation, cleaning, customer service, and general restaurant operations.
Throughout his placement, Evan demonstrated a positive attitude, a strong willingness to learn, and a commitment to taking on new challenges. He built valuable workplace skills, learned new routines, and gained experience as part of a busy restaurant team.
A huge thank you to the Essex Armando’s team for welcoming Evan and supporting the Youth in Action program again this summer!
Way to go, Evan!
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There’s lots happening at New Day this fall! New Day will be out in the community at both the Outdoor Accessibility Fest for All and the Ruthven Apple Festival. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the booths and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a prize.
New Day is also proud to have two members presenting at this year’s Speaking Out Conference in October. They’ll be sharing their experiences and advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and self-advocacy.
Looking ahead, New Day will be preparing for its upcoming Friendsgiving Dinner. More details will be shared soon as the organization looks forward to bringing everyone together for an evening of friendship, fun, and deliciousness!
If you would like more information about New Day, please contact us at newday@communitylivingessex.org or speak with any member of the New Day Executive Team. We are always happy to answer questions.
| Save the Date for the 47th Ruthven Apple Festival! | |
Join us for the 47th Annual Ruthven Apple Festival!
As September wraps up, don’t miss 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 26th & 27th | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍Location: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven
Here’s what 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.
🍔Food Vendors: Indulge in delicious treats and tasty eats from a variety of food vendors.
🏃♀️➡️Kidz Zone: Face painting, crafts, games, kid-focused vendors, performers and a children's
entrepreneur showcase!
But that’s not all! 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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Volunteer at the Ruthven Apple Festival! | |
Each year, thousands of people come together to celebrate fall at the Ruthven Apple Festival and it takes an incredible team of volunteers to make it happen.
Whether you’re greeting guests, helping with activities, assisting with setup and takedown, or lending a hand behind the scenes, there’s a place for you at the festival. Join us, meet your community, and help create a welcoming and memorable weekend for everyone!
The festival takes place on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Volunteer shifts are available during the following times:
- Friday, September 25th: 9:00am - 3:00pm (festival set-up)
- Saturday, September 26th: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday, September 27th: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Monday, September 28th: 9:00am - 1:00pm (festival tear-down)
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A Learning Journey
Upcoming In-Person Learning Opportunities
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Join us for upcoming A Learning Journey sessions designed for people receiving supports. These in-person sessions will focus on municipal elections, giving participants an opportunity to learn how local elections work, understand the voting process, ask questions, and practise taking part in an election. Two sessions will be offered, featuring Elections Coordinators from the Town of Essex and the Municipality of Leamington. See the flyers below for details.
To register, please contact Lisa Wallace, Manager, Quality Assurance, at 519-776-6483 ext. 419 or by email at lisaw@communitylivingessex.org.
| Amherstburg Candidates to Take the Stage | The Amherstburg Municipal Election 2026 Candidate Forum offers residents a chance to hear from local candidates and ask questions. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Essex County Council forum is on September 29th from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., followed by the Town Council forum on September 30th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Both take place at Columbian Community Hall, 190 Richmond St., Amherstburg. Questions must be submitted by September 20th at 5:00 p.m. to donnahibbert740@gmail.com. | Join us at the 2026 Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All | We’re excited to be participating in the Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All. Join us Friday, September 11th at the Ridgeview Park in Cottam to learn more about our organization, connect with our team, and enjoy a fun, inclusive community event. We hope to see you there! | Community Living Ontario Inclusion Campaign | Inclusion happens when everyone has the chance to take part, be heard, and feel connected to their community. Community Living Ontario’s new provincial Inclusion Campaign encourages people across Ontario to think about what inclusion looks like in everyday life and how we can all help make it happen. Brianne Taggart, New Day President and Community Living Essex County Board Member, is one of the people featured in the campaign, sharing her perspective on inclusion and belonging. Click the button below to learn more and get involved with the Inclusion Campaign. | Upcoming DSO Virtual Event | Join this free virtual session, Technology to Support Independence, on Thursday, October 1st, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This informative webinar will explore assistive technologies that can help promote independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities while supporting person-centred housing and support plans. Topics include smart home technology, activity trackers and wearable GPS devices, and smartphone apps for daily routines. The session offers practical ideas for families looking to support greater independence and confidence in everyday living. Click the button below to register. | P4P Free Information Session | The Partners 4 Planning Network is offering a free online webcast, Introduction to Parent and Caregiver Advocacy in Ontario’s Schools, on Wednesday, September 9th, at 7:00 p.m. This session will help parents and caregivers better understand Ontario’s education system and provide practical tools for advocating for children with diverse learning needs. Topics will include how education decisions are made, funding, important legislation, and practical advocacy strategies. A live Q&A will follow the webcast. Click the button below to register. | | The Windsor Food Festival returns from Friday, September 4th to Sunday, September 6th at Riverfront Festival Plaza, bringing together global flavours, live music, cultural performances, local artisans, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. With a variety of local and international food vendors, there will be plenty to explore and enjoy throughout the weekend. Click the button below to visit the event website. | Tecumseh End of Summer Celebration | The Tecumseh End of Summer Celebration takes place on Saturday, September 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Lakewood Park, featuring a community bonfire, marshmallow roast, live music, and interactive lawn games for all ages. The evening will wrap up with a spectacular fireworks display, making it a fun way for the community to enjoy the final days of summer. Click the button below to learn more. | |
Last Call Before Fall returns to the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing on Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th, offering a chance to sample locally crafted beers, wines, and spirits while enjoying live entertainment, food trucks, and a lively outdoor atmosphere. Friday features a throwback party with DJ Qrius George, while Saturday brings live country music from HiGGi Country Music. Admission is for guests 19 and older, with tickets priced at $25 per night. Click the button below to purchase event tickets. | Join Andrew Banar for Mini Putt with Friends invites participants to enjoy a round of 18-hole mini golf at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens on Wednesday, September 16th starting at 11:00 a.m. Each round costs $5, including tax, and family members or support staff are required to help participants navigate the course and make the experience enjoyable. Click the button below to learn more. | Children’s Fest takes over Central Park Athletics on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Families can enjoy a weekend packed with hands-on activities, games, interactive experiences, live entertainment, food, and plenty of fun for kids of all ages. Admission is $5 per person, with children under 2 free, or $8 for a weekend pass. Click the button below to visit the event website. |
Windsor/Essex County Humane Society
100th Birthday Party Open House
| The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is celebrating its 100th birthday with a family-friendly open house on Saturday, September 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy local vendors, a BBQ, a Windsor Police K9 demonstration, a doggie fashion show, visits from Bluey and Bingo, and other activities while exploring the shelter and celebrating a century of caring for animals in the community. Click the button below to learn more. | The Lakewood Mini Market returns to Lakewood Park on Sunday, September 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering a chance to shop local and support community vendors. Visitors can browse handmade goods, tasty treats, and other unique finds while enjoying a free, family- and pet-friendly afternoon at the park. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | This Tomato Peach Caprese puts a fresh and unexpected twist on a classic summer salad. Juicy peaches are roasted with honey and thyme, then paired with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh herbs. The dish is finished with golden rosemary brown butter for a delicious sweet and savory flavour. Easy to prepare and perfect served with warm bread, this colourful salad makes a great addition to any summer meal. Click the button below for the recipe. | | September Spark: Refresh, Reset, Reimagine | | September brings cooler mornings, changing leaves, and a shift from the relaxed pace of summer into a new season. Take some time to ease into the month by getting back into a comfortable routine without trying to do everything at once. Start your mornings with a short walk, organize your schedule for the week, or spend some time outdoors enjoying the changing weather. It can also be a good time to tidy up your space, put away some summer items, and bring a few cozy touches into your home. Most importantly, give yourself time to adjust and enjoy the little things that make September feel special. | | Add a bright touch to September décor with a fun paper sunflower project. Using yellow cardstock, cardboard, wire, glue and a few basic craft supplies, crafters can create colourful sunflower blooms to display around the home. The flower centres offer plenty of room for creativity, with different ways to customize their look. Follow the tutorial to make a single sunflower or create several to fill a bowl or vase. | |
| What’s your favourite way to keep up with what’s happening? | | | | |
Last issue's poll results:
How do you feel about September being just around the corner?
I’m holding onto every last bit of summer – 21%
I’m ready for cozy nights and fall flavours – 19%
I’ll miss the long summer days – 18%
I’m ready for cooler weather – 16%
I’m counting down the days until the Ruthven Apple Festival! – 12%
I’m feeling a little bittersweet – 10%
I’m happy to get the kids back to school – 3%
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