Arthur had a great time attending the Tecumseh Corn Festival and taking part in the local community celebration. He enjoyed the opportunity to chat with other festivalgoers, take in the lively atmosphere and stopped to watch the rides throughout the event. | | Last month, Zoe, Logan, and Zoe enjoyed a fun day at the mall! They stopped by Indigo Kids, where they explored the store and browsed through a variety of books. Afterward, they sat down for lunch together and spent some time relaxing and chatting. It was a great opportunity to explore and enjoy some time together. | A couple of weeks ago, Emma and Isabella spent some time at Children’s Respite, enjoying the warm summer weather and playing on the swings. They stayed active, shared some laughs, and made the most of their time outdoors as they enjoyed the final days of summer before the cooler weather arrives. | | Come Dunk Corey at the Cottam Rotary Fall Fair! | |
Want to help raise money for Community Living Essex County and have a little fun at Corey’s expense?
Join us at the 62nd Annual Cottam Rotary Fall Fair on Sunday, September 13, where our Executive Director, Corey Dalgleish, will be taking a turn in the dunk tank from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For one hour, you’ll have the chance to take a shot at sending Corey into the water! Each attempt is by donation, with all proceeds during Corey’s hour going directly to Community Living Essex County!
We’d love to see employees, the people we support, families, friends and community members come out to cheer Corey on and test their throwing skills.
Cottam Rotary Fall Fair
Sunday, September 13
Dunk Tank: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
There’s lots happening throughout the day, so make a day of it and stop by the dunk tank to show your support.
Come out, have some fun and help us make a splash for Community Living Essex County!
Thank you for your support!
| Join us at the 2026 Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All This Friday! | We’re excited to be participating in the Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All! Join us this Friday, September 11th, at Ridgeview Park in Cottam to learn more about Community Living Essex County, connect with our team, and enjoy a fun and inclusive community event. New Day, an advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities, will also be taking part in the event, offering an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate inclusion in our community. We hope to see you there! | 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 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 | | |
Congratulations to Kent on completing the Career Compass Youth in Action Summer Program!
This summer, Kent worked in the kitchen at Amherstburg Community Services, supporting Meals on Wheels and community events. His dedication, positive attitude and willingness to learn allowed him to gain valuable experience while assisting the ACS team.
Thank you for your hard work and contributions, Kent. Great job!
| |
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!
| | 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)
| | |
Jingle Bell Run, Walk, & Wheel
Register Now!
| | |
Join us on Sunday, November 8th, at Ken Knapp Ford in Essex for our 32nd annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel!
This festive event supports Community Living Essex County and offers a variety of options: a 2km or 5km walk/run, and a Little Elf Run for kids 6 and under.
You can join individually or as part of a team, and festive attire is encouraged!
Entry Fees:
-
Adults: $40 (Early bird $35 – register by October 8!)
- Ages 7–13: $25 (Early bird $20 – register by October 8!)
- Little Elf Run (ages 6 and under): FREE (starts at 9:45 am)
After October 8, fees increase to $40 for adults and $25 for kids 13 and under—so don’t miss out!
A special thank you to Ken Knapp Ford in Essex for their ongoing support of this inclusive community fundraising event!
| | |
A Learning Journey
Upcoming In-Person Learning Opportunities
| | |
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.
| |
Municipal Elections Information Session (Essex)
Join Kelly Walters, Elections Coordinator with the Town of Essex, for an informative session about municipal elections. Participants will learn how municipal elections work, what to expect when voting, and how to cast a ballot. The session will also include a hands-on mock election, giving participants the opportunity to practise the voting process in a realistic setup.
Thursday, September 24th | 11:00 a.m.
Community Living Essex County (Boardroom A)
372 Talbot St. N., Essex
| |
Municipal Elections Information Session (Leamington)
Join Sharon Suitor, Elections Specialist with the Municipality of Leamington, for an informative session about municipal elections. Participants will learn how municipal elections work, what to expect when casting their ballot, how to participate in the voting process, and the important role local elections play in the community. Participants are also encouraged to bring their questions about the election process and get answers directly from an Elections Specialist.
Friday, September 25th | 10:00 a.m.
Southshore
245 Talbot St. W., Leamington
| 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. | Community Living Ontario Inclusion Campaign | People with intellectual disabilities should be part of conversations and decisions that affect their lives and communities. This campaign puts the experiences, valued roles, and leadership status of self-advocates at the centre. 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, Thriving in My Community, on Tuesday, September 29th, at 7:00 p.m. The session will feature personal stories about building meaningful lives through employment, education, relationships, and community involvement, while sharing practical ideas for finding opportunities to connect and contribute. A live Q&A will follow the webcast, which will also be recorded and available for one month. Click the button below to register. | |
Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island
Halloween 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. |
216th Anniversary of Mexico’s
Independence Celebration
| On September 11th, Pelee Island Winery will host the 216th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence Celebration from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event is open to families, friends, visitors, and members of the community and will feature authentic Mexican food and beverages, live music, folkloric dancing, local wine, and the traditional “Grito de Independencia” ceremony led by the Consul of Mexico. Admission is $5, with complimentary Pan de Elote available while supplies last. Click the button below to learn more. | |
Leamington Waterfront Market Nights | The community is invited to experience Waterfront Market Nights on September 11th from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Leamington’s new Waterfront Market Plaza. This free evening event will bring together local vendors and food trucks alongside beverages and live entertainment from the Jody Raffoul Band and Justin Latam and The Stride, all with a scenic Lake Erie backdrop. | 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. | | As the cooler weather approaches, this Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting recipe to add to the menu. It combines fresh broccoli and carrots with a creamy soup base and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, satisfying bowl that is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy fall day. Click the button below for the step-by-step recipe. | | September Spark: Refresh, Reset, Reimagine | | With fall just around the corner, September is a great time to prepare for the season ahead. As the temperatures begin to cool, check your wardrobe for warmer clothes, get out your favourite sweaters, and make sure you have comfortable footwear for cooler and wetter days. Around the home, add a few seasonal touches such as cozy blankets, warm lighting, or autumn decorations. It’s also a great time to enjoy fall activities like visiting a farmers’ market, taking a walk to see the changing leaves, or trying a seasonal recipe. Embrace the slower pace, get outside, and make the most of everything the upcoming fall season has to offer. | | Turn ordinary acorns into colourful fall decorations with this easy Painted Acorns DIY. This beginner-friendly craft uses just a few simple supplies and allows crafters to choose their own colours and designs. The finished acorns can be displayed in a vase, scattered across a table, or used to add a seasonal touch to wreaths and other fall decorations. Click the button below for the step-by-step process. | |
| If you could see one type of entertainment live, what would you pick? | | | | |
Last issue's poll results:
What’s your favourite way to keep up with what’s happening?
Facebook – 42%
Websites/news apps – 21%
I wait for someone to tell me – 13%
Instagram – 8%
TikTok – 8%
TV news – 5%
YouTube – 3%
| | | | |
