Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion, Recreation, and Respite activities enjoyed a busy month of fall activities, including pumpkin picking, a farm-to-table meal, and a Halloween dance.

On October 16, a large group visited Alstede Farm in Chester for a day that featured pumpkin picking, a hayride, visits with farm animals, and live entertainment. In addition to bringing home the perfect pumpkin, they also enjoyed picking out special treats at the gift shop.

Staying in the harvest spirit, Group Respite enjoyed a Farm-to-Table meal together on October 23. The day began with an adventure to Whole Foods in Union to purchase ingredients for a savory salad, a colorful fruit salad, and warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks. Everyone shopped, checked out, and bagged their items (using their Arc of Essex County reusable bags!). When they returned to the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, they washed their goods and prepared their meal. Everyone had a wonderful time with the activity and with each other.

To close out the month, the group had a Halloween Dance on October 30, where they dressed in costumes, danced together, and enjoyed spooky Halloween games and crafts.

Upcoming November activities include a trip to Mt. Airy Casino and a Friendsgiving celebration. You can learn more in the Fall Recreation Catalog.

If your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities is interested in educational programming, community experiences, seasonally themed events, or weekend group respite programs, the offerings for individuals 18 and older can be viewed in our Community Inclusion, Recreation, & Respite Calendar. For any questions, contact Assistant Director of Adult Services Dacia King-Sarkodie at (973) 535-1181 ext 1272 or [email protected].