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This month we are featuring Sheldon, who has been an OSCR resident for several years. Sheldon was born in Cape Breton, where a love of music was instilled in him and his brothers from an early age. He began playing the guitar when he was young and went on to play in several bands in the 1970s. Sheldon was employed as a truck driver for many years, and eventually the road led him to Ontario, where he has resided ever since. He has two stepchildren, one whom lives in Alberta, and the other in Quebec. When asked what he loves best about living here, Sheldon said he “always looks forward to the seasonal bus trips with the Healthy Living Programs team”. Sheldon volunteers his time within the HLP department, running a program called “Sing Along with Sheldon”, where he plays songs on his guitar and sings along with fellow OSCR clients. Everyone loves participating in this lively program. Sheldon is a member of the OSCR Seniors Association, where he provides valued input and ideas for our organization. We are grateful Sheldon chose OSCR when he was making the move to senior living, and we are very lucky to have him residing with us! 

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17 th to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Originally a religious holiday, it has become a day which is celebrated worldwide by Irish and those who are Irish at heart; it is a true celebration of culture and history. The namesake of this day, St. Patrick, was born in Britain in the 5 th century. He was reportedly taken to Ireland by Irish pirates, until he escaped back to England and became a priest. St. Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the Irish people to Christianity, using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the citizens. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often include big meals of cabbage, corned beef, and soda bread. Pints of Guinness beer are typically consumed, along with Irish whiskey. New York City hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, and the Chicago River is dyed green using an eco-friendly powder. In pubs across the world, traditional Irish dancing and music is enjoyed by revellers on this day. Everyone who celebrates St. Patrick’s Day wears green, as it is considered bad luck if you wear another colour. Superstition dictates that leprechauns will pinch those who don’t wear green on this day. Put on your best green attire and celebrate the patron saint of Ireland- we’re all a little bit Irish on March 17 th . Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Music is a powerful artform. Listening to music on a regular basis has been shown to improve both memory and mood by increasing mental alertness, reducing stress, and inspiring creativity. Enhance Cognition Music can activate areas of the brain involved in processing sound, emotions, and memory. Listening to classical music has been associated with increasing mental sharpness. Hearing a beloved song from our past can transport us back in time, conjuring up happy memories of that era. Music allows us to reflect on the past with songs and artists associated with different stages of our lives. Strengthening our memory using music to recall the past is a powerful way to enhance cognition. Elevate Your Mood Science has shown that listening to calming music may help lower your blood pressure and reduce levels of stress. Your favourite songs can also cause a dopamine-release; pair this with dancing or singing along for an immediate mood boost. Listening to your favourite tunes is an easy and effective way to reduce stress and calm your mind after a long day. Boost Creativity Music can encourage new ideas and inspire creativity by allowing your mind to wander or daydream. Fast-paced, upbeat songs can be motivating and give you a burst of creative energy. Music can also enhance your focus, allowing you to concentrate on what you are doing, whether it be a new knitting pattern, a puzzle, or an art project.  Play your favourite songs and see what music can do for your memory & mood!

Enjoy our March Edition!

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world. The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, known as the lunar cycle. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 17 th , depending on when the new crescent moon is first seen. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and heightened devotion to their faith; they believe that Ramadan teaches self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy. People gather with their families and perform acts of generosity throughout this holy time. Common greetings during Ramadan include “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem”, which mean “Blessed Ramadan” and “Generous Ramadan”. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to sundown. A pre-dawn meal, called Suhoor, is eaten before the sun rises for the day. 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. 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, Muslims gather together to enjoy a large feast which marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a springtime festival which marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar. It is widely celebrated, with large celebrations held in Asia, as well as many other countries around the world. Many customs and traditions are observed during the Lunar New Year festivities. Homes are cleaned in preparation for the fresh start, as a way to sweep away any bad fortune, and clear space for luck. Red decorations and paper lanterns are hung, as this colour is associated with good fortune, health, and prosperity. During Lunar New Year, large firework displays and candles light up the night sky to symbolically bring light to the darkness of the long winter nights. People gather to share large meals, usually consisting of noodles and dumplings, which symbolize luck and longevity. Another tradition that takes place during Lunar New Year is the gifting of lucky money in red envelopes. The bills placed in the envelopes should be crisp and clean- old, crumpled bills should not be given out, as they are seen as unlucky. It is customary for family, friends, and even acquaintances to exchange these red envelopes. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. The Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle- each year corresponds to an animal. According to Chinese beliefs, the Year of the Fire Horse is associated with strength, energy, and independence; this is a year for change and bold action. Gong hei fat choy! Wishing everyone happiness & prosperity in the new year!

February is Senior Independence Month, a time to focus on the importance of assisting seniors to remain independent as they age in place at OSCR. Our safe and supportive environment empowers our clients to live their best lives; we encourage and support hundreds of seniors each year to live as independently as possible. 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. 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. We offer convenient on-site amenities such as a salon, pharmacy, and tuck shop, allowing our residents to access what they need without having to ask family or friends for assistance with coordinating errands and tasks. Senior Independence Month highlights the support and resources that are available at OSCR to help seniors live full, engaged, and active lives. This is a month to reflect on the importance of physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of community. OSCR’s Supportive Living Services allow our clients to thrive in their senior years and live their lives to the fullest. Encouraging the independence of seniors is a crucial part of maintaining good health and the well-being of our clients each and every day. Happy Senior Independence Month!

Each February, we celebrate Black History Month; this is a special time to commemorate the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada. This month, we highlight the achievements and experiences of Black Canadians, while broadening our understanding of their history and positive impact on our society. The theme for Black History Month in 2026 is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This year’s theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada, as we honour Black Canadians whose leadership, innovation, and resilience have shaped our past and present, and will inspire future generations. While Black History Month is a time for celebration, it is also a time to reflect on the painful experiences, challenges, and discrimination Black people in Canada have lived through and continue to face. We encourage you to learn more about those who have helped shape our great nation while reaffirming our shared responsibility to address issues facing Black people in Canada.  This February, we celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada, the contributions they have made to Canadian society, and recognize the positive impact that Black Canadians have made in shaping our cultural and social landscapes.