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Ruthven Apple Festival Draws Huge Crowds and Big Smiles
The 44th Annual Ruthven Apple Festival was a great success after a few years of being held online due to the pandemic. This event wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of dedicated volunteers and a Steering Committee led by Tony DeSantis and Terry Colasanti. Many people put in a lot of effort behind the scenes, from planning to clean-up, and if you were one of the volunteers, a big thank you to you!

The festival took place at Colasanti's with perfect weather, attracting thousands of visitors. There was live music, over 120 vendors, and a car show featuring more than 400 cars on Sunday. The money raised from this festival every year goes toward buying and maintaining accessible vehicles. We're excited to find out how much was raised this year.

If you missed the festival, here are some pictures to give you a glimpse of the fun!
An Update from Career Compass
Community Living Essex County is Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Kirby's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Kirby had a booth at the Ruthven Apple Festival on both Saturday and Sunday. She was there to sell her gorgeous handmade cards. Her cards were so pretty, with intricate designs and lovely colors. People who visited the festival got a chance to see and buy Kirby's cards, which were perfect for special occasions or just to brighten someone's day. Kirby had worked hard to create these cards, and she was excited to share them with everyone who came to the festival. It was a great opportunity for her to showcase her talent and for people to find unique and beautiful cards to give to their friends and family.
Celebrating Success
Meet Adam, a star team member at Canadian Tire, Essex. He is busy keeping the shelves stocked, and ensuring the glass cabinets sparkle. Adam has attention to detail, he’s hard working and he always greets customers with a smile! Keep up the great work Adam!
Meet Isaac, a dedicated team member at Home Hardware, in Essex. He has worked for over a year keeping the lumber yard and interior clean, with the support of Career Compass. Isaac’s commitment, enthusiasm and positive energy make him a valuable team member! Way to go, Isaac!
Wear Purple on October 19th for NDEAM
National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national movement that ignites conversation about disability inclusion in employment, in business and in our communities. It's purpose is to promote inclusive employment for people with a disability - celebrating their contributions to the workplace.

Join the Light It Up! For NDEAM national movement on Thursday, October 19th by wearing purple! Let's spread awareness and spark those conversations!

Be sure to follow Career Compass on Facebook and Instagram to watch for more exciting announcements!
An Update from New Day
From October 2nd - 8thYOU 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 below when ordering.
- CAREGIVERS R US - * Keep
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
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.
Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel Early Registration
The Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel is an annual event hosted by Ken Knapp Ford in beautiful downtown Essex in support of Community Living Essex County.

The Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel’s mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle and inclusive communities. Click the link below for to learn more and to take advantage of this fantastic early registration offer!
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 code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order. 
Join us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer!
Community Living Essex County is looking for volunteers for our e-bingo volunteer shifts at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor. The proceeds raised from e-bingo helps Community Living Essex County to purchase fuel and maintain vehicles for people with an intellectual disability that we support to get to and from work, volunteer opportunities and participate in leisure activities throughout Essex County. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
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
ACT Workshop for Fathers in Ontario
This workshop welcomes fathers residing in Ontario who have loved ones with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs). It is co-led by a fellow father with an NDD loved one and experienced clinicians, held over Zoom for five Wednesday sessions from 7 pm - 9 pm. Session dates are Oct 11th, 18th, 25th, Nov 1st, and 29th. It is important that participants attend all five sessions.

If you are interested, contact Alex Porthukaran at Alex.Porthukaran@camh.ca
Sustainable Fall Living
Eat Well & Save
Making plans and getting your meals ready in advance can be a great way to encourage a healthy diet and make your daily life easier. However, it's not just about going to Pinterest to find ideas and recipes. It's important to develop good habits and learn some tricks to save time so that your meal prep is as effective as possible.

Employee Wellness Solutions Network has some great advice on meal planning, how to create healthy meal prep routines, and tips for stocking your pantry, you can find more information by clicking the links below.
Pasta Dinner
St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex is hosting their first pasta dinner of the fall Friday, October 13th from 5 pm - 6:30 pm. Dinner is pasta, salad, a dinner roll, beverage and dessert for only $12! Please click the link below for more details.
Park House Museum Concert
The Park House Museum, located at 214 Dalhousie St., ​Amherstburg, is hosting one last Music off the Back Porch, Friday October 6th. This event begins at 5 pm weather permitting. Click the link below to stay up to date on the musician line-up and weather cancelations.
Walkerville Pop Up Market
Take a stroll as local businesses homed right in the heart of Walkerville, and other vendors across the city, join together to create a day full of seeing, shopping, and supporting local. Visit local businesses and plenty of vendors Saturday, October 7th between 10 am - 5 pm along Wyandotte St. E from Lincoln to Devonshire.
Curious George: The Golden Meatball
Everyone’s favourite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical. Curious George: The Golden Meatball will take place Saturday, October 7th, at the Chrysler Theatre at 2 pm. Tickets for this event start at $27.50. Group discounts are available for parties of 6 or more. For accessible seating and group sales inquiries, please contact the Box Office at 519-252-6579.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary: A Bicentennial Celebration
From Monday, October 9th to Saturday, October 14th, you can take part in a remarkable and free celebration at the ArtSpeak Gallery (1942 Wyandotte St. E.), hosted by the Arts Council of Windsor & Region, the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, and Literary Arts Windsor. Explore a multimedia installation highlighting her life and legacy, especially her work in Windsor, and participate in a "Liberatory Tea Party" featuring poetry readings and discussions. Click the link below for specific event times and dates.
Positive Thoughts
Must See T.V.
Beckham
A multi-part docuseries about David Beckham explores his journey from a successful athlete to a celebrity family man. The series will feature interviews with Beckham and his family, along with personal footage from their lives, providing a inside look at how he became one of the most recognizable athletes of all time. Beckham premieres on Netflix October 4th.
Craft Corner
Painted Pinecone Turkeys
These painted pinecone turkeys are super cute. The pinecone scales themselves become the colorful turkey feathers. This craft will get you outside to collect your pinecones, and requires just a few more simple supplies. Please click the link below for the supply list and instructions.
Recipe of the Week
Candied Yams
Candied yams are the best excuse to eat dessert as a side dish. This recipe only needs four ingredients to create the buttery, caramelized goodness that is sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
What is your favourite family-friendly Halloween movie?
Hocus Pocus
Practical Magic
Halloweentown
Beetlejuice
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
Nightmare Before Christmas
Other.
I like the SCARIER Halloween movies!
I don't like Halloween movies!
Poll Results
Are you a Ruthven Apple Festival:

Veteran, I never miss it. ~ 47%
First timer, this will be my first year. ~ 5%
Absentee, unfortunately, I cannot go this year! :( ~ 40%
Party-pooper, I do not like festivals. ~ 8%