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This month we are featuring Linda, who made the move to OSCR last summer. Linda was born in Edmonton; her family moved around to various cities across the country during her childhood, as her father was a pilot for Air Canada and his career required them to reside in many Canadian locations. Linda married her husband and raised a son and two daughters in British Columbia; a piece of her heart will always call the west coast of Canada “home”. Linda moved to Ontario 12 years ago to be closer to her children, as well as her two grandsons. During her working years, Linda was employed as an Air Canada flight attendant, following her father’s career path to the friendly skies. She completed her training in Montreal and spent many years serving passengers as she criss-crossed the world. Linda always enjoyed traveling and has been to many places for work and leisure over the years. In her spare time, Linda loves to work on a puzzle in the family room or lounge- she enjoys the challenge of 500 pieces or more! Linda is also an avid gardener and recently planted her plot of flowers outside on the sunny back patio. We are grateful Linda chose OSCR when making the move to senior living- we are so happy to have her residing with us! 

On May 19 th , we celebrate Personal Support Worker Day in Ontario. Since 2010, this day is a special time to highlight the crucial role PSWs play in the health services system and recognize the positive impact they have on the lives of seniors at OSCR. PSWs ensure our clients live with the utmost dignity and independence as they age in place. OSCR is fortunate to have kind and caring PSWs working with our clients, both on-site and in the community. While we are grateful each and every day for the compassionate care PSWs provide to our clients, Personal Support Worker Day is a time to recognize their dedication to the provision of essential supports. On PSW Day, we acknowledge their efforts and express our appreciation to Personal Support Workers at OSCR. On May 19 th , please take the time to thank a Personal Support Worker, and show them your appreciation for all that they do for you or your loved ones. PSWs dedicate their lives to helping others, and they deserve all the praise and gratitude given to them. There is nothing more admirable than a career in which you support others and enable seniors to live their best lives. Happy Personal Support Worker Day to all PSWs! 

Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Canada which was first celebrated in 1845 to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday. Queen Victoria supported Canadian Confederation, which makes her a key figure in the founding of our country. This holiday marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada and is celebrated from coast to coast. In 1845, the Legislature of the Province of Canada declared May 25 th a public holiday, to honour the birthday of the reigning queen. Following Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, Parliament passed the Holidays Act, which made this date a permanent holiday. In 1952, the federal government moved the holiday to the last Monday before May 25 th to ensure it was a long weekend. Victoria Day is traditionally celebrated nationwide with BBQs, picnics, and firework displays, The holiday marks the start of the camping season, with many people heading to provincial parks to enjoy the three-day weekend. Victoria Day is informally referred to as “May Two-Four” and is the term most Canadians use when speaking about this holiday. Happy Victoria Day!

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Every April, National Volunteer Week is celebrated across Canada. This year, it is taking place from April 19 th to the 25 th . National Volunteer Week is a special time to show appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful volunteers who selflessly donate their time and efforts to OSCR. This years theme is “Ignite Volunteerism”, which highlights the essential role volunteers play in building and fostering connected communities. This theme focuses on building civic action and elevating volunteer engagement across Canada. Volunteers generously give their time to OSCR and our residents. From leading some of the Healthy Living Programs, to serving clients and tenants in OSCaR’s Place, our volunteers play an important role and have a positive impact on the OSCR community. OSCR is fortunate to have such caring volunteers; we’re extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment to our organization. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our ability to offer a wide variety of programs and activities, and we are thankful they choose to give their valuable time and efforts to the OSCR community.  Happy National Volunteer Week to all of our Volunteers!

As we age, a safe and supportive living environment becomes increasingly important. Supportive Living allows seniors to thrive by offering carefree living, social opportunities, improved accessibility, and peace of mind. Living amongst your peers, while being supported by OSCR staff, allows you to live your golden years to the fullest! Carefree Living Supportive Living at OSCR takes away the daily burdens that come along with residing on your own. Our clients enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals in our bright and comfortable dining room. Our homemaking staff take the strenuous tasks of cleaning and laundry off your mind, with both services completed for you weekly. Supportive Living allows you to dedicate your days to your hobbies and live a carefree life. Social Opportunities Many social opportunities are available at OSCR, from fitness classes, craft sessions, group games, and everything in between. Healthy Living Programs aim to keep your mind and body active and socially engaged. Supportive Living offers social networks with your peers, which encourages meaningful connections and shared experiences with others who are at the same stage in their lives. Improved Accessibility Homes and apartments are not typically engineered for our senior years. Supportive Living offers improved accessibility; OSCR hallways are wide and bright, and feature handrails for extra support. Our Supportive Living suites come equipped with grab bars in the washroom, which allow for greater independence. All floors are accessed by elevators, and the front entry doors are automated, allowing you to come and go with ease. Our on-site amenities offer additional accessibility, with OSR Pharmacy, OSCaR’s Place, Bobby’s Salon, and Tiffany’s Foot Clinic all conveniently located on the main level, offering services steps away from your suite. Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones Supportive Living offers peace of mind for seniors, as well as their friends & family. OSCR’s supportive environment allows you to thrive without the worry of living by yourself, maintaining a home, or the burden of food preparation. You and your loved ones are able to enjoy more quality time together, free from the hassle of errands and the associated stress of living on your own.  For a full overview of our Residential Tower, including common areas, please view our Google Virtual Tour.

The 2000s was a decade marked by significant technological advancements, changes to the way we communicate, and pop culture trends. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! A New Millennium The 2000s began on January 1 st , 2000, and ended on December 31 st , 2009. There was much hype surrounding the new millennium, and it ushered in a great deal of changes in the world. The September 11 th attacks in the US in 2001 sparked the war on terror and the war in Afghanistan. During this decade, there was a worldwide economic downturn, which resulted in the 2008 financial crisis, affecting most of the industrialized world. Major Developments in Technology & Communications While there were many negative events during this decade, great strides in communication and technology were made. The 2000s saw a rise in widespread use of the internet, which allowed people around the world to communicate faster through e-mail and instant messaging. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace emerged as a new way for people to stay in touch, as long as they had internet access. Websites such as Google, Wikipedia, and Amazon became the most popular ones on the World Wide Web. The invention of smartphones enabled people to send text messages and access their email accounts on the go, away from their computers. Digital cameras eliminated the need for film & professional printing, which allowed users to take many more photographs and videos than in the past. Pop Culture During the 2000s, reality television increased in popularity. Shows such as American Idol, Survivor, and The Bachelor attracted large audiences across the world. The Harry Potter series were the most popular books of this decade, making J.K. Rowling the best-selling author of the 2000s. The rise of the internet allowed consumers unprecedented access to music; digital downloads enabled instant access to albums and songs without having to go to a music store and purchase a physical copy. Fashion Trends The 2000s are known for their futuristic fashion trends, with Y2K fashion inspired by the excitement surrounding the new millennium. Low rise pants were popular amongst women, as well velour tracksuits. Baggy cargo pants were worn by both sexes, with women wearing fitted tops and men in loose shirts to complete the look. Towards the end of the decade, skinny jeans overtook baggy fitting styles and ushered in more refined fashions. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 2000s!

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day following his crucifixion on Good Friday. Christians commemorate Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life. The date of Easter changes each year, as it is always observed on the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the vernal equinox. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 5 th . Nowadays, modern Easter celebrations have many secular traditions and customs associated with them. The Easter bunny brings children chocolate eggs, which are traditionally hidden and uncovered during an Easter egg hunt. Easter baskets filled with treats are given to young ones, while large meals are enjoyed with family and friends. Homes are decorated with floral wreaths and pastel-coloured décor. Symbols that we associate with Easter are often spring-themed, such as rabbits, chicks, and eggs, which are also symbols of the beginning of the Spring season after the long Winter months. Whether you honour the religious Easter holiday, or celebrate with the secular traditions, Easter is special a time to gather with loved ones to commemorate Spring renewal.  Happy Easter!