OSCR Winterfest
December 22, 2023
There's Snow Place Like OSCR!
Merry-making, nostalgia, joy, and celebrating the blessing of connection were on theme at OSCR’s Third Annual Winterfest. OSCR clients, staff, board of directors, and family members came together to celebrate the spirit of the season.
As our days are shorter and nights are longer, guests arrived in the crisp, clear evening – moon shining, stars and Christmas lights twinkling. Bonfires burned brightly, welcoming guests into the holiday ambience.
Beaver Tail, a Canadian favourite since the late-1970’s, arrived in their food truck to cheerfully serve guests their fried-dough pastry, made with whole wheat flour and pulled by hand to resemble the long, flat tail of a beaver.
Our Healthy Living Programs department “sleighed” it with vintage-style horse and carriage rides. Max, a sweet, gentle Scottish Clydesdale, merrily trotted through the streets of Bronte, treating many to a festive tour. Participants delighted in singing Christmas carols while receiving waves and greetings from onlookers who stepped out onto their balconies to wonder at the site.
Guests warmed up by a Christmas cookie and hot chocolate bar inside of our Family Room while embracing the nostalgia of four Victorian Christmas Carollers known as McGregor Carollers. Guests were able to join in song and dance while the carollers lead us in a sentimental collection of classic and traditional carols.
OSCR relished in making the “nice list” with a visit from non-other than Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Santa. & Mrs. Claus spread holiday cheer by delighting guests and igniting joy from our toddler guests to the senior citizens who live at OSCR – making us believe that none of us are ever too grown up to search the skies on Christmas eve.
At this special time of year, we give thanks to our clients who make our jobs enjoyable and our lives more fulfilling. As the year draws to a close, we look back with appreciation and look forward with excitement to a new year together. Working with the clients of OSCR, year-round, is an honour and a privilege.
Season’s greetings from the very merry team at OSCR. May love, happiness, and peace be your gifts this holiday season.
Each April, Volunteer Week is celebrated in Canada. This is a week to honour and recognize volunteers across the country who selflessly donate their time and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. National Volunteer Week 2025 is the week of April 27 th - May 3 rd . This year, the theme of Volunteer Week is “Volunteers Make Waves”. This theme highlights the impact and importance of volunteer efforts across Canada. Just like a wave, volunteering is movement building. Together, volunteers create ripples of change. Each and every volunteer creates a momentum and inspires a wave of inspiration. Volunteers play a big part in the OSCR community- from serving clients and tenants in OSCaR’s Place, to leading some of the activities in the Healthy Living Programs, their efforts make a big difference in the lives of OSCR residents each and every day. The generous contributions of volunteers make a positive impact on our community; OSCR is grateful for the time and efforts our volunteers provide our organization. We are so fortunate to have caring volunteers- they are the cornerstone of our ability to offer a wide variety of programs and activities. We’re extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment to OSCR. Thank you to all of our volunteers- Happy National Volunteer Week!
Oakville Senior Citizens Residence (OSCR) is located in beautiful Bronte Village, Oakville. Bronte is a safe, walkable neighbourhood located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. This quaint waterfront community is an inviting place for seniors, as it is a quiet area with an abundance of green space and parks, as well as a variety of nearby amenities. Shops and restaurants in Bronte Village are easily accessed on foot from our doorstep. The main stretch is dotted with many shops, services, and restaurants. You’ll find a number of cafes, banks, and boutiques only steps away. Oakville Transit routes connect Bronte Village to the greater Oakville area- a bus stop is conveniently located at the end of OSCR’s main driveway. Situated a few blocks from OSCR, the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park is home to many events and activities throughout the year, with their popular summer concert series featuring the Oakville Wind Orchestra drawing many patrons to the park. Residents and visitors also look forward to the annual Art in the Park fair, which brings artists, vendors, and art enthusiasts to the waterfront each August. There’s always something to see and do at the Bronte waterfront. Our residents love living amongst the natural beauty in picturesque Bronte in Oakville, with the harbour, the shores of Lake Ontario, shopping, and dining all within walking distance. OSCR clients enjoy living in the well-maintained, safe, and bustling community of Bronte Village – we are lucky to call it home!
Passover is a Jewish celebration that takes place in the springtime, commemorating the deliverance from slavery in Egypt thousands of years ago. The dates of Passover change each year, as they are based on the Hebrew calendar. The celebration usually lasts for eight days, which represent the number of days the Israelites were chased by the Pharoah’s army upon leaving Egypt. This year, the first day falls on April 12 th . On the first night of Passover, the Seder is held. This is a special family meal where foods of symbolic significance are eaten, and prayers and recitations are read. The most important food that is eaten during Passover is matzo, which is an unleavened bread made only of flour and water. Matzo is significant because it symbolizes the bread that Israelites fled Egypt with, as they didn’t have time to let it rise. Apples, nuts, honey, and wine are also consumed during Passover. The Seder meal is preceded by prayers and readings the Haggadah, a book that narrates the events surrounding the exodus, so that each generation can learn and remember the history that is very significant to Jewish life. Chag Pesach Sameach- Happy Passover!
Public Health Ontario has declared the outbreak at OSCR to be over effective April 4, 2025
Moving to a seniors residence can be a big change from your previous living arrangement. Focus on creating a daily routine, becoming familiar with your new surroundings, and meeting your neighbours to ensure a smooth transition. Making the move to senior living brings many advantages- from increased safety, social interaction, and access to services & amenities- residing at OSCR offers many positive benefits to help you live your life to the fullest! Establish Your Daily Routine Life at OSCR provides you with the freedom from household maintenance and preparing meals; this frees up more time in your day for hobbies and interests. When you move in, take note of the dining times, as well as your scheduled homemaking and laundry days. Outside of these service times, your schedule is wide open to fill it as you please. Find a daily routine that works for you- this will help you feel settled and at home. Enjoy the Programs & Amenities There are numerous Healthy Living Programs scheduled daily for you to participate in. Be sure to check out the weekly calendar that is posted on each floor, as well as on the OSCR TV Cogeco channel. Participating in programs is a great way to meet other residents with common interests. We also have a wide range of amenities on-site; there is a salon, pharmacy, tuck shop, fitness room, and library all located inside OSCR for your convenience and enjoyment. Get to Know Your Fellow Residents When you move to a new home, it’s always nice to introduce yourself to your neighbours. Meeting new people, and getting to know them better, is a great way to feel engaged with your community. Dining times provide a formal opportunity to get to know your tablemates, and the Healthy Living Programs are a great way to meet other residents with similar interests. There’s no age limit to making new friends- take the time to get to know your peers at OSCR. Become Familiar with Your New Neighbourhood OSCR is located in Oakville’s peaceful, picturesque Bronte Village neighbourhood. Lake Ontario, as well as many shops and restaurants, are only steps away. You will find everything that you need, while surrounded by nature. Take time to familiarize yourself with the neighbourhood- this will help you feel at ease, and part of your new community. Settling into senior living is easy and enjoyable - we hope life at OSCR feels like home!
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The 1950s was a decade marked by the post-war boom, the rise of the civil rights movement, and the influence of pop culture icons. While the nostalgia of this decade conjures up images of jukeboxes, poodle skirts, and rock and roll stars- it was also a time that was shaped by significant social and cultural shifts. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! The Postwar Boom After World War II ended, people felt confident that the future promised peace and prosperity. The economy was booming, with low rates of unemployment and inflation, and high wages. The middle-class had money to spend- new cars, suburban homes, and an increased variety of consumer goods were readily available for purchase. Families were growing faster than ever before, with millions of “baby boomers” added to the population during the 1950s. The economic growth during this decade meant that families could enjoy a higher standard of living with more money to spend on fashion and leisure than ever before. Evolution of the Civil Rights Movement During the 1950s, a growing number of people spoke out against the inequality and injustice African Americans experienced. This decade brought forth a stand against racism and segregation faced by the black community, which resulted in changes to laws and set the stage for significant advancements in the fight for equal rights. Pop Culture Icons This decade is known for the legendary sounds of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly. The rock and roll genre exploded onto the airwaves and swept the nation. During the 1950s, home television sets grew in popularity. This decade brought us family friendly TV programs such as Leave It To Beaver, I Love Lucy, and The Ed Sullivan Show. People flocked to movie theatres to see Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Marlon Brando on the big screen. Ben Hur and Rebel Without A Cause were just two of the numerous silver screen box office hits that were popular during this decade. Fashion & Trends The 1950s ushered in new fashion trends, with women wearing poodle skirts, bobby socks, and saddle shoes. Leather jackets, cuffed jeans, and slicked hair was the style of choice for young men who wanted to emulate their favourite rock and roll singers. These fashion trends were on full display amongst teenagers at the malt shops and sock hops. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1950s!
Facility Outbreak in the 2222 Residential Tower
Holi is a springtime festival celebrated by Hindus in India and around the world. Also known as the “Festival of Love”, or “Festival of Colours”, Holi is held on the last full moon during the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. The exact date changes every year, and festivities begin on the evening of the full moon. This year, Holi falls on March 14 th . Holi ushers in the arrival of spring and offers people the opportunity to begin anew with a fresh start. This ancient festival marks the end of winter and signifies the triumph of good over evil. The night before Holi begins, revelers light bonfires to bid winter farewell. Hindus gather at temples to celebrate with song and dance. During Holi, participants throw gulal- brightly coloured powders and water- at one another. Each of the coloured powders represent different things- red symbolizes love, green symbolizes new beginnings, and blue represents the Hindu god, Krishna. The streets and revelers are covered in the brilliant colours, with people dancing and singing in celebration. Once the colour festivities end, people usually visit family and friends, where they exchange gifts and share a meal. Holi is a time that Hindus look forward to all year- a time to welcome spring and the bountiful harvest season ahead. Happy Holi!
Moving to OSCR is the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. It brings the chance to downsize and let go of items that no longer serve you; it also opens up the opportunity to create a beautiful, cozy, and functional space to enjoy life. Read on for tips on how to decorate your suite so you feel right at home at OSCR! Maximize Your Space We provide everyone with a floor plan in the information package. This is a useful tool when deciding which furnishings you will bring with you. Be mindful of the measurements of each piece of furniture and choose items that are both comfortable and functional. Consider items that provide extra storage opportunities, such as an ottoman with storage or tv stand with drawers. Only bring furniture that will fit comfortably to avoid an overcrowded space. Prioritize Safety and Accessibility Your space should be easy to navigate and free of clutter or tripping hazards. If you choose to place a rug on the floor, ensure that it has a non-slip backing. Make sure that electrical cords are out of the way, and that power bars are not overloaded; plug your mini fridge or space heater directly into the wall. Décor items should be securely affixed to the walls, or on a tabletop with enough surface space. You should have fun with the placement of your furniture and décor, but falls prevention and safety should be top of mind. Light Up Your Life Adding a floor lamp and a couple of table lamps will bring light and warmth to your suite. The overhead light in the hallway will be complemented by these additional light sources and brighten up your space, creating a welcoming ambiance. Placing a battery-operated touch light in your closets will provide a handy light source when you need it. Consider placing a motion-activated night light in the hallway for added safety during trips to the washroom at night. These added light sources will create a functional, bright and cozy living space. Personalize With Décor Decorate your walls with family photos, souvenirs from your travels, and cherished artwork. Surrounding yourself with pictures of loved ones and treasured paintings will give your suite a personal touch. Add decorative pillows or a throw blanket that feature your favourite colours to your bed or chair to create a comfortable, inviting space. These elements will transform your suite into a reflection of the people and possessions that matter most to you. Add Life to Your Suite Bring in a couple of plants or flowers to add life to your space- greenery thrives next to the large bay window in your suite. Be sure to choose plants that love sunlight. Artificial plants are another way to add colour, without the watering and upkeep. Succulents or snake plants are a low-maintenance option if you’d prefer a real plant. The addition of living (and faux) greenery will add a vibrant, colorful element to your décor. The décor in your OSCR suite should reflect your personality and create a functional and cozy space to live the next chapter of your life!
