Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is an important time for Muslims around the world. It is a period of spiritual reflection, heightened devotion, and self-improvement. Ramadan is a time to focus on their Islamic faith, gather with family, and perform acts of generosity. The dates of Ramadan change each year, as the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to sundown. Nothing is consumed during daylight hours- not even water. Once the sun sets, families gather for large meals to break their fast. Called Iftar, these meals are often shared with extended family and friends. The month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to dedicate more time to the teachings of Islam and perform acts of kindness and generosity. They believe that Ramadan teaches self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy; many Muslims raise money for charity or donate to causes to help less fortunate people during this time. Common greetings during Ramadan include “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem”, which mean “Blessed Ramadan” and “Generous Ramadan”.  Ramadan comes to an end once the first sighting of the crescent moon occurs. Eid al-fitr begins at sunset when this moon is visible. On this night, families and friends gather together to celebrate. Fasting is not permitted during this time, and Muslims prepare large feasts to mark the end of Ramadan- a month of fasting, spiritual devotion, and acts of generosity. Ramadan Mubarak!

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February is Senior Independence Month, a time to reflect on the importance of helping seniors live as independently as possible- which is what OSCR strives to do each and every day. Our safe and supportive environment empowers our residents to remain independent as they age in place. Supportive Living at OSCR provides services such as dining, homemaking, and laundry to ensure our clients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place to assist them to live with a strong sense of independence and dignity. Senior Independence Month is a time to focus on the support and resources that are available to help seniors live full, engaged, and active lives. This is a month to highlight the importance of physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of community. The Healthy Living Programs offered at OSCR provide our seniors with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities to keep their mind and body active. Clients of OSCR enjoy a wide range of Healthy Living Programs such as exercise classes, walks in the community, and group games. We also have convenient on-site amenities such as a salon, pharmacy, and shop, allowing our residents to access what they need without having to ask family or friends for assistance with coordinating errands and tasks.  Our sense of community also fosters strong connections and friendships amongst our residents. We believe that encouraging the independence of seniors is a crucial part of maintaining good health and well-being as they age. At OSCR, each of our residents are treated as individuals, and are encouraged and supported to live as independently as possible. Our supportive services allow OSCR clients to thrive in their senior years and live their lives to the fullest. Happy Senior Independence Month!

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!