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Diwali is a festival of lights that is celebrated by followers of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. It is a celebration of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit meaning “row of lights”. This year, Diwali begins on October 20 th . The timing of this holiday is determined by the lunar calendar and is held every autumn. Celebrations begin on the day of the new moon, which is the darkest day of the lunar month. On the evening of Diwali, people light candles and clay lamps called diyas, placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the night. During this multi-day celebration, family and friends gather to share meals and sweets, exchange gifts, and watch fireworks light up the night sky. Celebrants clean and decorate their homes to usher in the new moon with joy and positivity. Diwali is seen as a time for new beginnings, when people welcome wealth and prosperity into their homes. Happy Diwali!

The Healthy Living Programs team recently organized a Fall bus trip to Andrews Farm Market and the Mandarin restaurant. It was a fun-filled day of viewing the fall foliage and market offerings, which was capped off with a lovely meal. The bus left OSCR in the morning and headed to the first stop on the day trip- Andrews Farm Market. Clients enjoyed wandering around the scenic property and spent some time perusing the seasonal produce and delicious treats for sale in the shop. The weather was perfect- the leaves were a beautiful shade of orange, the sun was shining, and everyone enjoyed the fresh country air. After spending time on the farm, the HLP team and clients boarded the bus and headed to the Mandarin restaurant for a delicious meal. There was something for everyone on offer at the large buffet, with a mix of Chinese and Canadian favourites. Following a great day of fun and food, the clients headed home to OSCR, with everyone looking forward to the next Healthy Living Programs excursion!

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can lift our spirits and brighten our mood. Acknowledging the good things in your life, such as family and friends, good health, and independence in your senior years, can bring greater happiness and well-being to your daily life. We asked a few of our clients to share what they are thankful for this year- here’s what they had to say:

The OSCR community recently gathered on a beautiful Autumn day for our annual Fall Fair. The sun was shining, and leaves were gently falling as the festivities got underway. Musical entertainment was provided by Matt and Heather, the dynamic duo who always put on a stellar performance for our seniors. Their beautiful songs created a joyous mood during the fair. A BeaverTails food truck served up delicious warm pastries to everyone, as the scent of cinnamon drifted through the air. There was also a talented caricature artist on hand, who created amusing works of art for the residents. The OSCR Fall Fair is a day residents and staff look forward to each year- the Healthy Living Programs team always puts on a delightful afternoon to celebrate the season. As Thanksgiving is upon us, we would like to express our gratitude to all of the seniors who call OSCR home- we are thankful to have the opportunity to serve you each and every day.

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Every year on October 1 st , we honour seniors across Canada by showing our appreciation for the ways they have helped shape our country and continue to enrich our lives each day. National Seniors Day is an important time to celebrate the impact older adults have in our society each and every day. Those 65 years of age and older have made and continue to make profound contributions - at home, in our communities, and as part of the workforce. National Seniors Day was first celebrated in Canada on October 1 st , 2011. Each year since then, we recognize the efforts and accomplishments of older adults. This day is a chance to do something special for a senior in your family, your workplace, or your community. Take this opportunity to thank a senior for their contributions, not only on October 1 st , but throughout the year. Thank you to all of the seniors who call OSCR home. We are grateful to be surrounded by a diverse, active, and friendly group of residents who make OSCR a positive place to be. Happy National Seniors Day!

September 30 th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to honour the resilience, dignity, and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors. A day to remember and pay tribute to the children who never came home. A day to engage and educate Canadians about our history and how it has and continues to impact Indigenous communities across the country. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 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” and symbolizes the stripping away of freedom and culture experienced by generations of Indigenous children. We encourage everyone living and working at OSCR to wear orange on September 30 th to honour the missing children, and the thousands of survivors of residential schools across the country. On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we 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.

The 1980s was a decade marked by significant social, economic, and pop culture changes. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! A Decade of Economic Changes In the 1980s, the economy saw a dominance of conservatism and rise in free market economics. This change was due to advances in technology and the movement towards relaxed capitalism. This decade also saw the emergence of the Global Warming theory, which began to be discussed within the scientific and political sectors. Massive Population Growth The 1980s was a decade that saw a tremendous population boom around the world. The population increased from 4.4 to 5.3 billion people in this decade. During the 1980s, great advances in genetic and reproductive technology were made. Gestational surrogacy was first performed in 1985, making it possible for a woman to become a biological mother without experiencing pregnancy, for the first time in history. Additionally, the first set of “designer babies”, a pair of twin girls, were created in a laboratory in 1989. Pop Culture Icons During the 1980s a wide variety of different television shows, music, and movies emerged. On TV, sitcoms were all the rage. Popular shows included Family Ties, Cheers, and The Wonder Years. The launch of MTV had a large effect on the music industry, as music videos became popular. Artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince mastered this new media and turned music videos into a profitable commodity. On the big screen, the 1980s brought us the golden age of teen films. Movies such as Sixteen Candles, Risky Business, and Pretty in Pink smashed box office sales. Fashion & Trends The beginning of the 1980s saw similar trends to the previous decade, however, styles evolved rapidly. Fashion became more extravagant during this period, with shoulder pads, acid-washed jeans, and leg warmers becoming popular. Hair and makeup styles were over-the-top, as perms, bright eyeshadow, and teased ‘dos were seen on young trendsetters. Trends were exaggerated and eye-catching during this decade. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1980s!