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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.

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Staying active and socially engaged in every stage of our lives is important, especially true as we age. Senior recreation is more than just participating in activities for enjoyment; by attending organized Healthy Living Programs offered at OSCR, our clients can improve their overall quality of life. OSCR’s programs aim to help maintain the physical, social, and cognitive well-being of our clients by engaging in meaningful recreation. Physical Benefits Our HLP staff are experts at keeping seniors active! From programs like bean bag toss, group walks to the lake, and table bowling, there are a variety of physical activities to choose from. Lifemark also provides regularly scheduled on-site group exercise classes to help seniors stay motivated and engaged. Maintaining physical fitness is important for all older adults, and exercise is the best way to improve both strength & mobility; it is also the best way to reduce the risk of falls. Social Benefits OSCR’s Healthy Living Programs provide many opportunities for meeting new friends. From the time you move in, you are invited to come to our Newcomer’s group, where you will meet fellow clients who have also recently moved here. The many recreational activities offered by the HLP department allow you to get to know your peers who share similar interests. Participating in the social programs such as tea & chat, bingo, and the knitting group fosters connections amongst our clients, and creates a tight-knit community here at OSCR. Cognitive Benefits Our Healthy Living Programs engage seniors in meaningful activities that can keep our clients’ minds sharp. Crafts, puzzles, and trivia games are some of the programs offered at OSCR. These recreational activities can improve memory and problem-solving skills, which boosts mental agility and cognitive skills. If you’re looking for fun Healthy Living Programs which allow you to live your life to the fullest, OSCR has plenty to choose from to keep you active and engaged!

This month we are featuring Joan, who is a long-time OSCR client; she has been a resident here for 17 years. Joan fondly remembers it was her good friends who encouraged her to apply to OSCR. Karen, our Property Manager, was the first staff member Joan met all those years ago. Joan was born in Toronto and continued to live there after she married her husband, Douglas. He worked for the TTC, and Joan was a travel agent. She loved her career, and it took her to many places around the world. Joan’s favourite destination was Australia- she has wonderful memories from her trip Down Under. Joan was an only child; she has fond memories of crafting with her mother, a hobby that she carried into her adult years. Joan and her husband enjoyed playing many rounds of golf together. Joan has served on the OSCR Seniors Association for 12 years; we value her dedication and efforts over the years. When asked what she loves best about living here, Joan said “OSCR feels like home”. We are grateful Joan chose OSCR when she was making the move to senior living and we are lucky to have Joan residing with us!

Winter in Canada is a beautiful season, but the cold, snowy days can sometimes take their toll on our mood. While the holidays bring warmth and togetherness, the days that follow can bring a seasonal melancholy along with the snow. There are many ways to bring a spring back into your step as we look forward to sunnier, warmer days. Let the Light Shine In Open your curtains to let the natural light fill your space. Bundle up to venture outdoors. Try to get some natural sunlight each day; the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mood. Alternatively, you can turn on more lights inside to mimic the sun; opt for warm toned bulbs to create a cozy feeling. Get Moving A little bit of physical activity each day can boost your mood. Take part in the Healthy Living Programs exercise classes or do some gentle movement; any activity that slightly increases your heart rate can positively affect your outlook. Stay Socially Engaged While you may want to hibernate during the dull winter months, keeping connected to your friends and family will help keep the blues away. Schedule regular telephone calls with your loved ones or participate in HLP social activities. Maintain a Healthy Diet While the chilly days may have you craving warm comfort foods, these meals tend to be higher in fat and sugars. Eating a balanced diet that is nutritious helps to boost your immune system and increase your energy, which helps to keep the blues at bay. There’s no harm in the occasional treat- just make sure you’re eating lots of fruits and vegetables to get your essential vitamins and nutrients. Try to implement some of these tips into your daily life to help keep the winter blues away; spring is just around the corner!