Oak Bay Feature November 25, 2022

At Barclay’s, we take pride in providing an excellent customer service experience. We value ge ing to know our customers and their style.

Did you know that we have a wish list feature in our clientele database?

Visit us from now until December 9th to select items for your personal wish list and be entered into a draw for $1000 towards your selected items.

We have a curated selection of fine jewellery just waiting to find its perfect home this holiday season. From sparkling diamond anniversary bands to handmade artisan gold jewellery, we are

sure you will find pieces that you love. We will even email you photographs of the items that you’ve chosen for your wish list to pass along to that special person.

Appointments are highly encouraged to ensure we have an experienced associate available to assist you in creating your personalized wish list.

To book an appointment please call or text 250-5921100. The lucky winner will be announced and contacted December 10th.

Oak Bay Flower Shop

gi is for that special someone who has everything? One of our gi baskets might be the answer. Our baskets are made in store and can be customized with many types of treats and to your budget. We carry a large selection of gourmet goodies both savoury and sweet and also o er vegan and gluten free treats.

Christmas is right around the corner and it’s one of our most favourite times of the year. Seasonal stock is arriving and we have what you need to make your home festive and bright. Whether you are looking for gold, silver, white or traditional reds and white, we have items to match your holiday style.

Whether you are making your own wreaths, holiday garland or decorating inside or outside, look for inspiration in our selection of holiday flowers, greenery, berries, twigs cones and more. We also carry locally grown poinse ias and Christmas planters that are perfect for decorating and for gi giving.

Holiday greenery can bring the scent of the holidays indoors. If fragrance is important to you, select a combination of aromatic evergreens for your garlands and wreaths. A mix of pine, cedar, eucalyptus, and juniper will result in a uniquely wintry scent. A daily misting of water will help keep evergreens smelling fresh.

Need to purchase a gi and you have no idea what to buy? Maybe the gi is for a new friend and you’re clueless? Maybe the

Another popular gi item is our Flower Subscriptions. Give the gi of flowers all year with a gi subscription. Flowers are delivered during a specific time range that you pick with or without an end date. Deliver flowers weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly set to a schedule that can end whenever you like-it’s that easy! We charge your credit card each time the flowers are sent – so you don’t incur a large up front charge, and as an added bonus, each bouquet will have just a few more flowers added as a bonus.

This year brings a return to holiday gatherings, parties and celebrations. If you are looking for a secret Santa, thank you or hostess gi , stop into the store, say hi to Charlie and let us help you choose the right gi for the occasion. Happy holidays and thank you for shopping local.

oakbayflowershop.com

TAPAS ON OAK

Tapas on Oak, the newly opened global tapas restaurant in Oak Bay has now been operating for just over 3 months. As a locally owned business, we are very very grateful for all the support we have had during this time. We are also very excited to have joined the local culinary community here.

Tapas on Oak will now build on this experience, o ering a slightly changing tapas menu weekly. We o er a delicious small plates selection and a great choice of fine wines in the jazz-infused, ‘positive red’ atmosphere. Jeremy Teahan, who graduated top of his culinary class and went on to study under a Michelin Star Chef, continues to test new dishes with the owner Dan Massey and the Manager of Things (James Halliday).

We have a perfectly sized space for booking small gatherings (32 people max inside) whether it’s for corporate events, social clubs, birthdays, pre Christmas drinks or … for any other reason to just get together with friends or family. The restaurant’s team is thrilled to be serving the residents and visitors to Oak Bay and the wider Victoria area and welcomes all to come enjoy the Tapas on Oak experience.

Reservations are recommended and are very easy to do by calling the team on … #250-590-8881. See you at Tapas on Oak. Thanks.

WHAT CAUSES HEARING LOSS?

CONGENITAL CONDITION

tinnitus, but what causes it?

Hearing loss may be a result of environment, aging, health factors, or a congenital condition.

LOUD NOISES

Sounds that are too loud or last too long can cause noise-induced hearing loss. In basic terms, loud noises can overwork hair cells in the ear and cause them to die, causing irreversible damage. Protect your ears if you’re o en in a loud environment.

AGE RELATED HEARING LOSS

Presbycusis is a natural byproduct of aging and is caused by changes that occur in our ears as we age. Medical issues that arise with age may increase one’s chances of presbycusis.

HEALTH FACTORS

A variety of health factors can impact one’s hearing. Otosclerosis, for example, causes the middle ear bone to be unable to move, which means the ear cannot properly signal the brain. Ménière disease also may result in hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the chambers of the inner ear. Furthermore, an acoustic neuroma or physical head injury could impact hearing.

OTOTOXIC MEDICATIONS

Some medicines can cause ototoxic hearing loss including chemotherapy drugs, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and loop diuretics. If the dose was high or longterm, damage may be permanent. Contact your physician if you are concerned about a hearing loss emergency.

Hearing loss is the most common congenital condition in Canada. Waardenburg syndrome, Alport syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Usher syndrome, Down syndrome and Crouzon syndrome all include symptoms of hearing loss. Hearing may also be impacted by exposure to alcohol and drugs in utero or having a low birth rate causing underdeveloped ears.

SUSPECT HEARING LOSS?

If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, find a good audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner to run some tests. Living with untreated hearing loss can lead to mental fatigue, poor emotional wellbeing and dangerous falls.

The dedicated and experienced hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are here to support you on your journey to be er hearing. To book an appointment at our Oak Bay Hearing clinic call 250-598-9884.

THE AVENUE GALLERY

The Avenue Gallery o ers:

• Open daily

• Accessible entrance

• Curbside pick-up and worldwide shipping

• ‘On approval’ artwork trial for up to 48 hours

• Flexible payment plans and lease-to-own options

• Superimposing of artwork into photos of clients’ spaces

• E-Commerce website

• Gi certificates

celebrating their 20th anniversary,

Gallery

one of the premiere boutique art galleries in British Columbia. Patrons are treated to ever-changing exhibits of contemporary Canadian fine art and have access to unsurpassed collections by painters, sculptors, ceramicists, glaziers and jewellery artists. Popular with collectors as well as those new to the contemporary art scene, The Avenue Gallery is a beloved destination for local Victorians and visitors.

In December, The Avenue Gallery hosts their highly anticipated 10th annual jewellery fundraiser for Victoria Hospice, All That Gli ers X, showcasing stunning, wearable art created by the finest boutique jewellers in Canada. A percentage from the sale of each item of jewellery sold during the exhibition, December 1 to 24, will be donated to Victoria Hospice, o ering each of us the opportunity to acquire a li le gem while supporting this extraordinary community treasure. Looking fabulous has never had such a worthy payo !

• Complimentary gi wrapping

With an unsurpassed collection of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery by over 60 Canadian artists, The Avenue Gallery is a veritable feast for the eyes. The gallery’s e-commerce website makes it easy to order your perfect artwork from home. Shop online at theavenuegallery.com

The Avenue Gallery is open Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-4pm. 2184 Oak Bay Avenue, 250-598-2184

How to Winterize Your Ride

As fall draws to a close, it’s time to think ahead about the winter. Most people choose to put their bikes away for the colder months, opting for indoor activities over chilly rides. But with mild west coast weather, we have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors much longer than the rest of the country. All it takes is a li le preparation.

As the days get shorter, it’s important to think about safety. High-vis clothing can’t be seen in the dark, so don’t rely on vivid colours once the sun goes down. Instead, equip yourself and your bike with lights and reflective accessories. This can include leg bands, wheel reflectors, or even a string of Christmas lights! Choose clothing with reflective details or add reflective strips to your helmet and bike.

For riding while the temperature dips, keep your heat by warming your core.

Opt for wind resistance over waterproofness, as waterproof material tends to cause internal moisture buildup – which in turn makes you colder. A jacket with pit zips does a great job, but a vest will also do the trick.

Even for the shortest commutes, extremities can lose blood flow quickly. Choose a solid pair of gloves that keep your

digits warm and toasty. There are options for people who love thicker fleece-lined gloves and for those who prefer a thinner profile, like ones made of merino wool.

And finally, the most important advice of all: always plan a stop at your favourite local co ee shop. Everyone knows a cold-weather ride is best enjoyed on the way to a warm drink. Share a sweet treat with a friend or have one to yourself. You deserve it for all the riding you’ve done.

At Oak Bay Bicycles, we have everything you need to keep riding well into the winter - including warm drinks! Stop by 1990 Oak Bay Ave and talk with our experts who are all gearing up for winter themselves. Let us help you enjoy riding all winter long. oakbaybikes.com

Shadows Grace The Backcountry by Maria Josenhans 30 x 48 oil on canvas

Thank you! For the incredible support we receive every day and over the last few years. Every purchase made at Side Street Studio not only supports a small, independent, woman run business but a whole community of local BC Artists and Makers. By “Shopping Local” you have really made a di erence for all of us. We know that many customers have made it a priority to show their

support in the community in this way and we are so very grateful.

Side Street Studio is like visiting your favourite holiday cra fair all year long. We are celebrating 38 years having represented over 600 local BC Artists and Makers during that time. We strive to, both in-store and on our extensive up to date website, to o er a wonderful range of unique designs and prices on handmade West Coast

Lazy Susan’s

Kid’s Shopping Event from 12 - 4pm! Kids can shop for their friends and families on their own - choosing from an awesome assortment of goodies all priced at $5. Each shopper will have help wrapping their gi and making a personalized gi tag. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to local charity W.I.N, helping Women in Need.

Inspired; Jewelry, Po ery, Wood Turnings, Glass Art, Small Works, Textiles, Sculptures, Gi Cards, Photography, Metalwork, Natural Soaps, Bath Salts, Candles, Organic Honey, Organic Teas and much more. We really do have something for everyone and rarely a customer leaves empty handed.

We have continued with the vision of the original Seven Women Artists who founded Side Street and have created a space to showcase the unique work by artists inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia. We endeavor to build connections between the work, the artist and the customer and have curated the Studio with the hope that when you step inside you can see from where they draw their inspiration, the majestic mountains, our ancient forests, the rugged coast, and the beauty of the sea.

Whether you are shopping for the Holidays or everyday we always have something new in stock!

Best wishes to everyone this coming season. – Jill Fitz Hirschbold

THE OLD FARM MARKET

The Old Farm Market continues to buzz as we keep on expanding and bringing in new o erings! In a couple weeks’ time, we will have hit our 3rd anniversary since we opened back on December 6, 2019. Time flies, and we’ve loved every second of being a part of this amazing community. Since our last Oak Bay feature, we have introduced a self-serve soup & co ee bar, each day serving two di erent kinds of hot soup, as well as fresh co ee and hot chocolate available for our customers. Additionally, we now have a cozy seating area inside our store where you can sit and eat your soup and sandwiches and stay warm from the cold (complete with a li le fireplace!) We also changed the layout of our produce department to o er be er flow. One of the things about our stores and our customers that we love is our ability to adapt and change to what our customers are wanting from us. Soon we will have a way for customers to provide their wri en feedback and suggestions that will go directly to the top

for consideration. Keep your eyes open at your checkout or near the exit for a customer feedback section!

We are truly blessed to be a part of the Oak Bay community and are overwhelmed with the love and support we have received from our amazing customers. Our success wouldn’t be possible without your continued support. We’re excited to be a beacon in our community and provide a destination where customers feel like they ma er and that their needs are heard. Come down and chat with our Store Manager, Kyle Penny, and he’ll be happy to hear how we can serve you be er.

Thank you for supporting local!

Season’s Greetings, from all of us at The Old Farm Market! 2585 Cadboro Bay Road theoldfarmmarket.ca

Susan’s, located at 2039 Oak Bay Ave is excited to spend their first Christmas on ”the Avenue!”

We are full of big plans for the season - from ‘make -yourown’ cards and gi s classes to Vintage Holiday Trunk Shows, it’s all happening here! Join us Nov. 26/27, Dec.3/4 and Dec 10/11 for Holiday Vintage Pop Up sales in our back room studio. Three di erent vendors (1 each weekend) will bring a carefully curated selection of vintage treasures for you to shop including Christmas items, housewares, clothing and collectibles. Sales run from 12 - 4 each day.

On Dec.18 we are very excited to bring you our first annual

We are delighted to be joining with other vendors on our end of Oak Bay Avenue to bring you some festive late night Christmas shopping. Beginning Nov. 25 Lazy Susan’s and others will stay open Friday evenings until 7pm. We will have goodies, giveaways and special sales each Friday. While in our store fill out a ballot to “Win

The Window”. Details in store. Last but not least - Let’s Shop!!! Our store is bursting with all kinds of beautiful gi ideas so you can tick o your to-do list. We have cards, cozy nightwear and flannel shirts, beautiful dresses, handmade toys, games and puzzles, Christmas decor, housewares and even some vintage phones!! Come see them all. We will be open everyday, 7 days a week from Dec 1 - 24 for your shopping convenience.

It’s a wonderful time of the year and we sincerely wish you and yours a glorious festive season! Enjoy!

facebook.com/ lasysusansshop/

Tulipe Noire Clothing is a destination for casual quality lifestyle fashion. Shop well known brands such as Eileen Fisher, LINE, Rails, Cambio, DL1961 & AG Denim. Velvet, White + Warren, Yerse , YAYA, Bryn Walker, Brave Leather just to name a few.

THREE LOCATIONS

Victoria 1887 Oak Bay Ave Oak Bay Village 2227 Oak Bay Ave

Downtown Duncan 102 Craig Street

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What Our Students Love About Middle School at GNS

We could tell you about all the things that we think make the Middle School at Glenlyon Norfolk School a wonderful place.

Small class size. Commi ed, caring and talented teachers. Strong academics. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). But we thought it would be more meaningful if you heard from the students themselves. So we asked some of them: “What’s your favourite thing about Middle School at GNS?”

A er a moment of thoughtful hesitation, our students started talking and boy did they have lots to say. Caring sta . The cookies. Loads of co-curriculars. The community. Awesome subjects. Everyone’s really nice. But the one phrase was repeated most of all? “There is something here for everyone!”

Located on the same campus as our Senior School, students in Grades 6 to 8 enjoy the benefits of sharing sophisticated facilities with their high school counterparts while still being part of their own close-knit, nurturing community.

Middle School is the perfect age for students to try new things and our students are encouraged to take on new challenges and, at times, to move a li le out of their

comfort zones, secure in the knowledge that they will be supported by their teachers and peers.

GNS is pleased to be able to o er the IB MYP, a rich academic program that is designed to shape our students into reflective, critical thinkers as well as confident, capable global citizens who are wellprepared to move on with confidence to their high school years. It provides students with the opportunity to engage with depth and passion in a program that builds and consolidates foundational skills and further develops advancedlevel thinking such as how to evaluate, how to apply analytical skills, and how to solve real-life problems with creativity.

“In the future when you’re applying for a job no one is going to ask you the specific date that Louis XVI was beheaded,” says Mrs. Gina Simpson, our IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator.

“They’re going to ask you whether you can critically analyze a situation. Can you research and understand both sides of an argument? Can you communicate your opinion and understanding? Can you synthesize multiple ideas?”

To hear all of what our Middle Schoolers had to say, or to find out more about the IB MYP at Glenlyon Norfolk School, visit: mygns.ca/middle-school

THE CHRISTMAS ELVES OF CARLTON HOUSE

When the holiday season comes around, there’s no place like Carlton House. Each November, the festivities kick o with a cherished tradition that’s been going for years. It begins with a team of owners, sta , and friends enjoying a delicious meal together at the Penny Farthing Pub (and perhaps a drink or two!) A erward, the group walks back to Carlton House... And while visions of sugar-plums dance in the residents’ heads, the “Christmas Elves of Carlton House” get busy decorating and making everything merry and bright.

“Few people know when the decorating is happening, so when the residents come downstairs

for breakfast it’s a fun surprise!” says owner and president Judi Prewe .

The next day there’s a tree decorating get-together for residents, with tasty treats, yummy drinks, and Christmas music. More festivities continue throughout the season.

One of the many things residents enjoy during this time, are the delicious home-cooked, traditional meals prepared by Chef Je Chan and his team. These comfort-food experts are known for their beautiful turkey dinners, delicious Beef Bourguignon, and perfectly roasted glazed pork.

Throughout the season there’s lots to enjoy, like carollers, choirs, wreath-making, gingerbread

decorating, and Christmas light tours. Residents even have front row seats to the Oak Bay Avenue Light Up and Lighted Truck Parade which is just outside. Another favourite tradition is the formal Christmas Gala hosted by the owners. Everyone enjoys a festive night of dancing, feasting, and friendship. Finally, on December 31st a champagne New Years Eve party is thrown to top it all o !

With so many fun traditions and a full roster of festivities, there really is lots to do over the holidays at Carlton House. And it certainly helps to have a few helpful Christmas elves, who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves! carltonhouse.ca

ALL INCLUSIVE RETIREMENT LIVING IN THE HEART OF OAK BAY

Judi Prewe and John Hillman at the Carlton House Christmas Gala.

OAK BAY

THE OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL

hint of roasted chestnut, a slight caramel sweetness, and a dry malty finish.

Vancouver Island Brewing’s “Small Batch” Pilot system is where their brewers play with new ideas, recipes, ingredients, and techniques.

VI Brewing will sometimes bring in our community members to collaborate on beers for special events or causes. These beers are of very limited availability and o en only available in their taproom or through a limited edition of kegs.

created a variety of o erings to share with their community, partners and loyal guests.

The Dining Room will feature a menu inspired by The Tudor Room by the Sea, our predecessor’s fine dining restaurant, where guests were served “Three Le uce Salad,” “Veal Oscar,” and “Coquilles Saint Jacques,” to name a few.

The Snug Pub will also feature a special 1970’s cocktail menu, inspired by an original Snug menu recently donated to the hotel by an anonymous guest.

Oak Bay Drop-in Fitness

You may not know that Oak Bay Recreation o ers dropin fitness group classes at three di erent centres. The Neighbourhood Learning Centre, located in the southwest corner of the Oak Bay High School is now hosting drop-in programs before work with the Total Body Training Express Class. If you have not been to this class, I suggest you check the class out.

The instructor is full of energy and will help work your body in areas you have forgo en about!

o ers Moderate and Mild Fitness classes, as well as Sit & Fit and the always fun Dance Express and Jazzercise classes.

Of course, you are always welcome to drop-in for a swim, come for a skate or work-out at the gym. The schedules are online under the program pages, if you want to find the best time which suits you!

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is excited to launch a new limited edition brew, Anniversary Ale, in collaboration with Vancouver Island Brewing’s Pilot Program, to celebrate the Hotel’s 10 year anniversary of their first rebuild and reopening. Working with VI Brewing’s brewmaster, they uncovered a traditional English Ale recipe that flourished in 1927, when the hotel was first built. This brew is modeled a er Tetley’s Mild Ale, a smooth and velvety ale, with a

Available to enjoy in The Snug Pub as of December 1st, guests can try this new Anniversary Ale until the kegs run dry! Guests will also have the option of purchasing a 10 Year Anniversary Pint Glass.

In late 2012, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel o cially reopened its doors to the community to unveil the newest iteration of this landmark Hotel. Reflecting on all of the wonderful memories and achievements of not only the past 10 years, but also honouring our previous history, the Hotel has

Options for di erent group fitness classes are held at Henderson Recreation Centre where indoor cycling and Jazzercise are great work-outs. Monterey Recreation Centre

You can pre-register for dropin classes online, if you have an Oak Bay Pass card, the sessions are included, or you can pay with a punch pass card or drop-in fee. If you like to treat a friend or family member, buy them a gi card to have fun with you or they can come on their own. We look forward to seeing you!

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