Each February, we recognize and celebrate the profound impact that Black Canadians have had, and continue to have, in communities across the country. February marks Black History Month in Canada- a time where we honour the achievements, learn more about the history, and listen to the stories of Black Canadians. We celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada, and the contributions they have made to Canadian society. This month is an opportunity to recognize the positive impact that Black Canadians have made in shaping our cultural and social landscapes. The theme for Black History Month 2025 is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”. This theme acknowledges the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in Canada and looks to new opportunities in the future. The theme was announced on Lincoln Alexander Day- a day in which we commemorate the legacy of Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, the Honourable Lincoln Alexander. While this month is a celebratory time where we participate in festivities and events, it is also a time to reflect on the painful history Black people in Canada experienced, and the challenges and discrimination they continue to face in their lives. The more we educate ourselves on these issues, the more empathetic and informed we can be in the future. This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, Canadians across the country highlight and honour the wonderful contributions that Black people make in our communities each and every day. We encourage everyone to learn more about how the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians have helped shaped Canada.

Facility Outbreak Declared Over in the 2222 Residential Tower

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The Lunar New year will begin on January 29 th , when we will usher in the Year of the Snake! Read on to learn more about Lunar New Year- what it is, how it is celebrated, and the traditions associated with it. Determined by the Chinese calendar, which is a calendar based on the sun’s position in the sky and the moon’s phases- Lunar New Year usually begins on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice. This means that the first day of the Lunar New Year can occur anytime between January 21 st and February 20 th . Lunar New Year is celebrated by billions of people around the world. It is also referred to as the Spring Festival and is the longest and most celebrated festival in Asia. People light fireworks and candles to symbolically light up the darkness of the winter night. Paper lanterns are hung in public spaces to bring good luck to the new year. Dragon dances, performances, and parades take place over the Lunar New Year period. Families and friends gather to share delicious meals. Traditionally, long noodles are served, which symbolize a long life. Dumplings are also served at this time, as they symbolize good luck and wealth. The Lunar New Year feasts bring people together as they usher in a prosperous year ahead. Another tradition that takes place during Lunar New Year is the gifting of lucky money in red envelopes- red symbolizes good luck and prosperity. The bills placed in the envelopes should be crisp and clean- old, crumpled bills should not be inside. It is customary for family, friends, and even acquaintances to exchange these lucky envelopes, and the value inside is based on closeness of the relationship. While many people observing Lunar New Year clean their homes at this time, according to tradition, you should not pick up a broom as to avoid sweeping the good luck of the new year away. Instead, you should open your doors to let the good luck enter your home. 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle- each year corresponds to an animal. According to Chinese beliefs, the Year of the Snake represents wisdom and transformation, so it will be a great year to regroup, learn, and go forward. Gong hei fat choy! Wishing everyone happiness and prosperity!

Facility Outbreak in the 2222 Residential Tower

There are many different things to consider when you are deciding whether to make the move to a senior’s community. Supportive Living at OSCR offers many perks that you may not receive if you choose to remain living on your own in your current residence. OSCR's Supportive Living Services include dining, homemaking, laundry & linen service, and participation in our Healthy Living Programs. These services assist seniors to live independently for as long as possible, and allow OSCR to service seniors with a wide range of lifestyle, health care and personal need options. When you reside in the Supportive Living Tower at OSCR you benefit from: Having peace of mind knowing you are in a safe & caring environment Freedom from the tedious tasks of laundry, homemaking, and cooking New social opportunities and the chance to build connections with your peers Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones At OSCR, you and your loved ones will know that you are safe, supported, and surrounded by caring staff. Your children won’t have to worry about their senior parent, as you will have a support team to help with day-to-day tasks such as laundry, homemaking, and meals, and reside in a building with your peers. You’ll have the freedom to spend your days as you’d like, without the burden of home maintenance, chores, and upkeep. Convenience and Simplicity Although you may not be considering a move to OSCR with this aspect in mind, life in our Supportive Living tower includes removal of mundane tasks and inconveniences. You can now forget all about cooking, doing dishes, dusting, washing floors, buying groceries, and so many other things. Enjoy the simplicity of your suite without thinking about upkeep. Delicious, freshly cooked meals are provided for you in our comfortable dining room to ensure proper nutrition- gone are the days of thinking about what to cook and the tedious task of washing dishes and grocery shopping. Social Opportunities When you make the move to OSCR, the friendliness of staff and other community members will brighten your day. Regular contact with other people has positive health benefits; the activities on the Healthy Living Programs calendar will give you something to look forward to every day. Living in a senior’s residence opens up a wealth of new social opportunities- you’ll come to love how there is always someone to talk to and something to do. With the convenience of on-site programs, you never have to think “I’d like to attend my book club, but it’s just too much to make the arrangements to go out.” Instead, you’ll find many of your favourite activities are on your doorstep, with no need to go out in inclement weather! A Space That’s Just the Right Fit Many people get accustomed to an over-sized family home or apartment with typical clutter. When you move into a space designed with your needs in mind, you’ll realize how much better this is. At OSCR, you’ll live in a space that offers exactly what you need, and you’ll come to love that. Downsizing may be daunting at first, but once you’ve selected the furniture and possessions that provide you with the most joy and satisfaction to bring with you, you’ll be surrounded by only your most favourite things in your suite at OSCR! Supportive Living at OSCR offers many perks that you may not receive if you choose to remain living elsewhere. We offer supports to make the most of your days- freedom from the burdens that come with maintaining a residence, the security of having caring staff on-site 24/7, as well as an abundance of social opportunities with your peers!

When the weather outside is cold and frightful, you may be tempted to hibernate indoors. Despite the inclement conditions, it’s important to keep your mind and body active during the long winter months. There’s so much you can do during the cold, dreary days- read on for some ideas on how to pass the time! Participate in the Healthy Living Programs The HLP department at OSCR offers a wide variety of daily programming to appeal to an array of interests and abilities. Check out the weekly calendar to see what sounds like fun to you. Participate in an exercise class or try your luck at a BINGO session. Join Derek for a spin on the dance floor, or sit back and enjoy one of the many performances that are scheduled. There are so many HLP options- join in on the fun to see what tickles your fancy! Fuel Your Brain Keeping your brain active is just as important as physical activity. Challenge yourself with a word search, puzzle, or crossword. Tap into your creative side and do a paint-by-numbers kit or start a knitting project. Reading a book can also help stimulate your brain - pick one up from the OSCR library and dedicate some time each day to the story. Move Your Body Even if the weather is chilly, bundle up and go for a walk outside to get exercise. The fresh air and sunshine can positively affect your mood. If the weather is inclement, go for a walk in the warm hallway on your floor, or the main floor, to keep your body moving and limber. Sit and Socialize Find a group of fellow residents who have common interests and get together with them regularly. Start a book club- borrow a book from the OSCR library and pass it along to your neighbours, tablemates, or friends. Once everyone has had a chance to read it, gather in a common space such as the family room or a lounge to discuss the story. You could also pick up a newspaper and discuss current events that are making headlines. Get together with others and share something positive that has happened to you or a loved one. Sharing uplifting stories is an easy way to boost your mood and outlook. Give some of these ideas a try to help you stay active and engaged during the cold winter months. The good news is the days are getting longer, and spring will be here in no time!

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The mood was joyous as OSCR clients and their families, along with staff and members of the board of directors gathered for the 4 th annual OSCR Winterfest. The celebration got underway with the familiar sounds of the Victorian Christmas carolers performing all the holiday classics. Guests took in the evening’s events while basking in the festive ambience of the beautifully decorated spaces at OSCR. Inside, guests mingled in the dining room as they enjoyed warm apple cider, yummy baked goods, and delicious hot chocolate. The family room was bustling with a variety of activities taking place. Clients and their family members had great fun getting their pictures taken in the photo booth, with silly holiday props adding to the experience. There was a face painter who created artistic masterpieces on attendees, both young and young at heart. The talented caricature artist delighted guests by creating portraits with the quick flourish of their marker. OSCR was on the nice list once again, as Santa and Mrs. Claus graced us with their presence. They took photos with all attendees before heading back to the North Pole to prepare for the big day. As guests made their way outside to the front of OSCR, they were greeted with twinkling lights and the scent of cinnamon, much to the delight of everyone. Warm pastries were served fresh out of the on-site BeaverTails food truck. Everyone cozied up around the fire tables as they awaited their turn on the horse and carriage ride. The beautiful horse dutifully trotted around Bronte while clients and their guests enjoyed the jolly ride in the clear, crisp evening. The Healthy Living Programs department outdid themselves once again by organizing and executing a fabulously festive celebration. We are grateful to everyone who attended, and the efforts of the staff who helped ensure the event was a wonderful time for all. As the year comes to an end, we are full of gratitude for the opportunity to serve our clients. The greatest gift is the privilege of serving our clients each day, and the time we spend with them. Season’s Greetings from the team at OSCR- may your holidays be full of love, peace, and happiness. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!