Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 th , when Canadians pause to pay tribute to those who selflessly gave their lives during wartime, as well as honour the veterans who participated in military service for our freedom. The date is significant, as it marked the end of First World War hostilities at the 11 th hour of the 11 th day of the 11 th month in 1918, in accordance with the armistice. Remembrance Day is observed in many commonwealth countries around the world. People wear a red poppy pin on their chest in the weeks leading up to November 11 th in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. Remembrance Day ceremonies are held throughout Canada, usually taking place at community cenotaphs, war memorials, and in schools. The service begins with the bugling of the “Last Post”, followed immediately with two minutes of silence; the ceremony concludes with a reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. November 11 th is an important day to reflect on the courage, bravery, and selflessness of those who fought for peace. A day to honour the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and be grateful for the freedom we have because of their efforts.  Lest We Forget

Diwali is the Indian ‘festival of lights’, which takes place every Autumn. The lunar calendar determines the days on which the celebrations take place; this year, the main day of Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8 th . This is the day of the new moon in the Hindu calendar of Kartik, and it is the day where celebrants gather to light candles and clay lamps called diyas to bring light to the dark night. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word for “row of lights”. Followers of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths celebrate Diwali, with some variations between traditions of each. The common theme of celebrating light over darkness, and the triumph of good over evil is similar amongst the different faiths. Throughout the multi-day Diwali celebrations, friends and family gather to exchange gifts, share meals and sweet treats, and watch fireworks light up the dark sky. Diwali is a time to come together to celebrate with loved ones, with wishes for prosperity and light into their lives. Happy Diwali!

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Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are most thankful for in our lives. Counting our blessings and expressing gratitude can brighten our mood and lift our spirits. It’s important to take the time to think about what we are grateful for, whether it be our friends & family, our health, or our hobbies- reflecting on the positive things can bring greater happiness to your life. We asked some of our clients what they are thankful for this year- read on to see what they shared with us: 

National Seniors Day is celebrated every year on October 1 st ; it is a special occasion to honour senior citizens across Canada. On this day, we celebrate the wonderful older adults of our nation and highlight the important role they play in our country. We acknowledge the profound contributions seniors have made, and continue to make, in our communities each and every day. On National Seniors Day it’s important to show our appreciation for all of the ways seniors have shaped our country over the years, and continue to enrich our lives on a daily basis. Canadians first celebrated National Seniors Day on October 1st, 2011. Fifteen years later, we still use this day to shine a light on the efforts and accomplishments of seniors across the country. We all have special seniors who have made a difference in our lives- whether they are our teachers, parents, friends, or neighbours. On October 1 st , we encourage everyone to do something special for a senior in their family, community, or workplace. Thank them for their contributions and show them gratitude for the positive impact they’ve had on your life. We are so grateful for the seniors who call OSCR home; they make the OSCR community a fun and vibrant place to live and work. Happy National Seniors Day!

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On September 30 th , Canadians across the country observe the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. This is a day to reflect on the tragic and painful history of residential schools in Canada, as well as acknowledge the ongoing impacts experienced by survivors and their families. It is an important day to engage and educate Canadians about our history and how it has and continues to impact Indigenous communities across the country. This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which is an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness of the impacts of residential schools. The orange shirt promotes the important message that “Every Child Matters” – we encourage everyone living and working at OSCR to wear orange on September 30 th to honour the missing children, and the thousands of residential school survivors across the country. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to deepen Canada’s understanding of the intergenerational effects of residential schools and to reflect on their enduring legacy as part of the ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and reconciliation. We honour the resilience, dignity, and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors, and remember the children who never came home.

This month we are featuring Allan, who has resided at OSCR since 2023. Allan was born and raised in Toronto and is the oldest of three brothers. He is the proud uncle of two nephews and one niece; Allan speaks fondly of his family and enjoys reminiscing about his younger days growing up in Toronto. Allan worked for the Noxzema Chemical Company of Canada at the Etobicoke plant, starting in the production department, and then moving into shipping & receiving. He speaks highly of his time at the company and has many happy memories of his former co-workers and managers. In his spare time, Allan enjoys going for long walks outside; it’s typical for him to walk 1-2 hours everyday, as he loves walking around the Bronte area and it’s beautiful surroundings. Allan is an avid reader of various magazines and newspapers; he also loves to keep up to date with the daily weather reports and weekly forecasts. We are so glad Allan chose OSCR when he made the move to senior living- we are so happy to have him residing with us! 

Rosh Hashanah is the New Year of the Jewish calendar and translates to “head of the year”. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11 th and ends at sundown on Sunday, September 13 th . A common greeting exchanged during Rosh Hashanah is “Shanah Tovah” which means “Good Year”. During Rosh Hashanah, Jewish people attend synagogues for special services and hear the blowing of the shofar, an ancient ritual horn typically made from a ram's horn and blown like a trumpet during services and holidays. The horn symbolizes a spiritual wake-up call for repentance. Jewish Canadians also celebrate this holiday by gathering with family and friends to reflect on the past year, share traditional meals, recite prayers, and make plans for a fresh start ahead of the new year. Greeting cards are sent to loved ones during this time, with many seeking forgiveness prior to Rosh Hashanah. Jewish people see this as a time to make amends or apologize to those they have wronged in the past year and resolve to do better in the new year. Foods consumed during Rosh Hashanah hold strong significance- challah bread symbolizes the continuity of life, while apples dipped in honey symbolize sweetness and good health for everyone throughout the year ahead; pomegranates symbolize an abundance of goodness and happiness.  Shanah Tovah! Happy New Year!