Oak Bay

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021

Discover OAK BAY Workshops are back at Five Fields!

Beaches • Boutique Shops • Galleries Food & Wine • Accommodations

The Avenue Gallery

For many of Victoria’s top interior designers, The Avenue Gallery adds the finishing touches to corporate and residential projects, enhancing any environment and respecting every budget. A key resource for all professionals in the industry, the gallery offers clients carefully chosen works of art that express individuality and are tailored to their environment.

Heather Wheeler, Owner With an unsurpassed collection of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery by he Avenue Gallery has With this broad spectrum of over 60 Canadian artists, The been welcoming art lovers clients in mind, the gallery offers Avenue Gallery is a veritable for over 18 years. The Dutch complimentary art consultations door is always open to passersby and superimposing of artwork into feast for the eyes. The gallery’s for their first peek into the world photos of clients’ spaces. Patrons e-commerce website makes it easy to order your perfect of art, as well as the seasoned may take artwork home ‘on and knowledgeable collector. approval’ for up to 48 hours. If the artwork from home. Shop online anytime at This thoughtfully curated space piece is not a perfect fit for the theavenuegallery.com. provides a welcoming and environment, it may be returned.

The Avenue Gallery is open comfortable environment for Flexible payment plans and anyone looking for a unique lease-to-own options are offered. Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4:30pm. addition to a collection, a special Private appointments, curbside 2184 Oak Bay Avenue, gift for weddings, retirements, pick-up and worldwide shipping 250-598-2184. birthdays, or just because. are available.

T

It’s been quite a year for us!

W call/visit the store if you want to create your own event!

Workshops will be in compliance with all health regulations with a maximum of 6 participants, mask wearing and distancing will be adhered to as well as superior sanitizing standards. Private groups can choose indoor or outdoor classes.

All equipment and materials are included in the day, we choose high quality materials that will produce a product you will be proud to have in your home.

Five Fields is located across from Oak Bay High School at 2070 Cadboro Bay Road, Tuesday through Saturday, 11-4.

Shop online anytime at fivefieldsdesign.com. Instagram @fivefieldsdecor or Call us at 250.592.5611

quality, affordable local food, and we have our amazing customers to thank for our success thus far.

At The Old Farm Market, we continue to attract more customers thrilled at the discovery of a grocery store that ticks all the boxes – local,

high-quality, affordable, friendly staff, and stress-free shopping.

Come see for yourself!

The Old Farm Market is located at 2585 Cadboro Bay Road and is open daily from 8AM to 8PM.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT DISCOVER OAK BAY FEATURE Contact: Paul Wiebe Advertising Sales Representative

250-514-0437 pwiebe@timescolonist.com

Shop.

Create.

Paint.

2070 Cadboro Bay Road (Across from Oak Bay High)

FIVE FIELDS

Open anytime online www.ÞveÞeldsdesign.com

DECOR&DESIGN

hat started out 18 months ago as a modest produce market with a deli and boutique grocery has quickly become a local favourite and one-stopshop, known for our charm and high-quality, low-cost produce.

New customers continue to flock to our store to see what the buzz is all about! To keep up with our rapid growth and many customer requests, we have expanded our offerings to include a frozen foods section and a fresh meat section with Island-raised beef, pork, and chicken. In addition, 48 extra feet of grocery shelving have been added, and the floral department has expanded to include a small garden center.

What we love most about this store are the relationships we’ve built with our customers, our vendors, and our community.

We love being a part of this community and being able to support local farms and other local businesses like our own, and give people access to high

Tomorrow’s Dream, oil on canvas, 48 x 60

I

ts time to reconnect and spend time in person again and whether you are raring to go or just want to dip your toe into the social scene our workshop are the perfect anecdote for rusty social skills! Starting in June Five Fields is offering in person workshops with three different programs; the classic Learn to Chalk Paint, Mixed Media with Iron Orchid, and a private booking event with The Night Out. Learn to Chalk Paint is the perfect way to get to know Annie Sloan paint, you will learn everything you need to know to transform your furniture and complete a small project in class.

Iron Orchid stamps transfers and moulds are amazing and the best way to level up your furniture flip game; the Mixed Media Workshop offers the opportunity to test drive Stamps, Transfers, Moulds, and Inks.

The Night Out is all about the soothing therapeutic joy of block printing, along with refreshments it is a fabulous night available for private events on Thursday and Fridays from 6-8 pm. You can book with your friends or family and can be customized to make it perfect for your group, include a theme, refreshments, a fun birthday or shower idea.

Our workshops can be booked on line at fivefieldsdesign.com or

Open 11-4 Tuesday to Saturday for in person shopping.

Home Decor & Annie Sloan Stockist 250.592.5611

C7

KIMBERLY KIEL 2184 OAK BAY AVENUE VICTORIA www.theavenuegallery.com 250-598-2184

C8

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Discover OAK BAY

Beaches • Boutique Shops • Galleries Food & Wine • Accommodations

Are Over the Counter Hearing Devices Better?

R W

HERE COMES THE SUN!

ith the arrival of summer it’s finally time to venture beyond the confines of our homes and begin to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine (and each other’s company!) once again.

As you step out into those bright rays, be sure you’re looking and seeing your best in a fresh pair of sunglasses.

A medley of sunglass trends have emerged for summer. Want to dazzle? Try colourful crystals from Kirk & Kirk and Thierry Lasry, or wild prints from KREWE. Heritage shapes, like those from Garrett Leight and Barton Perreira, are timeless classics for men and women alike. If

chunky and bold is to your taste, look no further than Cutler & Gross; in contrast, if you prefer a minimalist style try a lightweight LOOL frame. Of course, Maui Jim offers a selection of styles and lens colours suited for a variety of summer activities from golf to tennis to water sports.

While style matters, your eye health is of the utmost importance and sunglasses are your best defense against eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It is crucial to ensure your sun lenses are UV400 protected. A tinted lens doesn’t guarantee protection against harmful UVA and UVB

rays. In addition, lenses with a polarized filter will help cut glare most noticeable on water or shiny surfaces. While consulting with one of our Eyewear Specialists, we will identify the lenses best suited to you and your sun protection needs.

Without a doubt, whether you’re soaking up the sun with friends on the patio, or battling glare while sailing the open seas, it’s always better with exceptional sunglasses. With restrictions lifting and summer in full swing, there’s no better time to visit Acorn Optometry. oakbayoptometry.com

BEAUTYCOUNTER COUNTERSUN SHEER FACIAL SUNSCREEN

T

he best thing you can do for your skin this season is protect it from UV rays and while your at it protect our coral reefs too. Start your mornings with Beautycounter Countersun sheer facial sunscreen. It’s a clean, fast-absorbing face SPF made for all skin tones. This SPF 25 facial sunscreen is your daily

go-to for guarding against the sun’s damaging rays. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this lightweight lotion provides an effective shield from UVA and UVB rays and easily blends onto it the skin without a chalky white cast. Chicory root extract supports the skin’s moisture barrier to lock in hydration.

The Clean Deo from Beautycounter is a long-lasting, hardworking deodorant that neutralizes odour and absorbs sweat to keep you feeling fresh all day, all Summer long. Not only does the Clean Deo ban harmful ingredients like aluminum and artificial fragrance, its refillable packaging cuts the brand’s water usage and fossil-fuel & greenhouse-gas emissions by 47%. And Deo pods will looks chic in your tote too.

Besides mineral sunscreen and clean deodorant don’t forget to exfoliate this summer. The heat (sweating) combined with mask wearing can result in acne. So enjoy the warm weather and add in the Beautycounter overnight resurfacing to combat any blemishes or dullness. Wake up to a healthy glow! Featuring a proprietary multi-acid complex, this leave-on AHA/BHA peel improves skin texture and boosts clarity without irritation or over-drying.

Hello, sunny days ahead!

ecently, Over the Counter (OTC) hearing devices have been popping up in local pharmacies throughout Canada. While the lower price tag may appeal to your wallet, the question is: do they work better than hearing aids? Read this, before investing your hardearned money.

The results of a study conducted by Indiana University and published in the American Journal of Audiology, found the key difference between hearing aids and amplification devices may come down to the interaction with an audiologist.

The study compared outcomes among three groups of patients: one that got a hearing aid that included the services of an audiologist; one that followed an over-thecounter process, choosing a preprogrammed device, but without a fitting; and a control group that got a professional fitting for a placebo hearing aid that had no amplification.

There were 154 adult participants in the study, ranging from ages 55 to 79, that were experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. The researchers compared benefits, including user satisfaction and usage of hearing aids after six weeks.

Researchers discovered that the OTC group was less satisfied with the amplification devices and were less likely to purchase them after the trial (only 55 per cent vs. 81 per cent for the audiologist group).

The purchase of a hearing aid vs OTC products will hinge upon an individual’s specific type of hearing loss, and budget.

While most Audiologists would advise against the purchase of amplification devices, the accessibility of these readily available OTC products is bringing the issue of hearing loss to the forefront of people’s minds. The industry can take this conversation as an opportunity to encourage people with hearing loss to seek help from a hearing professional.

If you want to determine if you have hearing loss, please take a complimentary online hearing test by visiting, nexgenhearingtest.com or visit a NexGen Hearing clinic near you.

Oak Bay 250.598.9884 Fairfield 250.590.2088 nexgenhearing.com

Jody Hollis@livinghollisstyle • Beautycounter.com/en-ca/jodyhollis

CASH - RRSP TFSA - RRIF RESP - RDSP

1ST QUARTER 2021

• $1,000 minimum investment • Fisgard Capital has provided uninterrupted income and growth from mortgage investments secured exclusively by valuable Canadian Real Estate.

• Use our Pre-Authorized Debit ($25/mon minimum) to accelerate the growth of your investment.

• Move your RRSP, TFSA, RRIF and CASH plans to Fisgard. Act now --- we handle the transfer for you.

250.382.9255 1.866.382.9255 fisgard.com/investments

asset management corporation

Investing in mortgages for 27 years

*NET CASH is what investors receive after expenses. Read Fisgard’s Offering Memorandum which details risk.

Investments are not guaranteed, returns may fluctuate, and past performance may not be repeated.

Travel options might be limited

Make your next destination Better Hearing.

OAK BAY 250.900.8026

2215 Oak Bay Ave

FAIRFIELD 250.999.4553

10–1516 Fairfield Road

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021

Discover OAK BAY

C9

Beaches • Boutique Shops • Galleries Food & Wine • Accommodations

Oak Bay Flower Shop

our specialty. Choosing flowers from local growers means your flowers will be the freshest they can be, ensuring they will be picture perfect for your wedding and will last long past your special day. Book a consultation to plan for your special day.

We can customize the wedding package that is right for you.

June is an important time to recognize dads and the impact they have had on our lives.

Looking to delight and surprise your Dad this Father’s Day? Gift baskets are a great way to show Dad you are thinking about him.

Gift baskets can be customized to emphasize sweet or savoury flavours and can include a number of add-ons. If you have a special item you would like included drop it at the store for inclusion in your custom basket. Your basket wil be ready for pick up when you need it.

Or, if you are unable to be there in person, we deliver even on Father’s Day. Check our website oakbayflowershop.com for our gift basket list and specials for Dad.

A

s spring brings warm weather and promises summer’s arrival, flowers are arriving in rainbows of colours. Local growers now have a steady supply of blooms fresh from the farm, meaning longlasting flowers for your home.

If you have been cultivating flowers in your own garden, try using a combination of flowers from the nurseries and flowers from your garden for a personalized bouquet. Choose colours that complement those you are growing or vary in height or blossom size. Additionally, bouquets can be made to suit a

special vase or container. Simply send a picture with the size or bring it to the store to have something made that perfectly suits your home.

Summer brings many reasons to celebrate. Small weddings are

We offer The Freshest Flowers, The Best Value, & Great Service • Fabulous Flowers, Gorgeous Gifts & Gift Baskets • We send Flowers World Wide and offer same day delivery in Greater Victoria • We encourage you to review our business on our facebook page or search our business on google maps - and leave a google review. google review oakbayflowershop.com

100% Local, Handmade Gifts at Side Street Studio!

A

s we begin to see the light at the end of what has felt like a very long tunnel I have say again how grateful we are to all customers for the incredible support we receive every day and throughout this past year. Every purchase made at Side Street Studio not only supports a small, independent, woman run business but a whole community of 200 local BC artists. By “Shopping Local” you have really made a difference for all of us.

Thank you!!

Over 37 years Side Street has represented the work of almost 600 local artists and makers. We continually add to our current collections, curate new work and strive to offer a really wonderful range of unique designs and prices.

You will not be disappointed with our selection of 100% local, handmade, West Coast inspired; Jewelry, Functional and Decorative Pottery and Raku, Wooden Bowls/Boxes/Boards, Glass Sculpture and Blown Glass, Small Prints and Original Works, Textiles, Tea Towels, Pillow cases,

Hand-stitched Leather, Gift Cards, Photography, Metalworks, Natural Soaps, Bath Salts, Candles, Organic Honey, Organic Teas, and much more.

Almost everything in the Studio can also be found on our website sidestreetstudio.com.

We offer worldwide shipping and in-store pick up. Starting June 1st Side Street Studio will be open 6 days a week Tuesday – Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 12-4. If you have any questions or want to confirm our hours please give us a call at 250-592-1262.

We are eagerly awaiting a replacement awning for the front of the store and making some final decisions regarding a new paint colour to go with it.

A fresh new look to reflect the prospects of a better and brighter year to come for everyone.

Take care, Jill Fitz Hirschbold

What Our Students Love About Middle School at GNS

W

e could tell you about all the things that make the Middle School at Glenlyon Norfolk School great. Small class size.

Committed, caring and talented teachers. Strong academics.

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

Extensive co-curricular options.

Individualized education.

Inquiry-based teaching. But we thought it would be better if you heard from the students themselves. So we asked some of them: “What’s your favourite thing about Middle School at GNS?” After a moment of thoughtful hesitation, our students started talking and boy did they have lots to say. Caring staff. The cookies. Loads of co-curriculars. The community.

Awesome subjects. Everyone’s really nice. But one phrase was repeated most of all: “There is something here for everyone!”

At GNS, we are firm believers in placing our students right at the centre of their learning. We know, support and challenge every student as an individual, and understand that our community grows stronger through this practice. Our students engage with depth and passion in an academic program that builds and consolidates foundation skills at a high level, and further

develops advanced level thinking such as how to evaluate, how to apply analytical skills, and how to solve real-life problems with creativity.

Students are encouraged to take on new challenges and, at times, to move a little out of their comfort zones, secure in the knowledge that they will have a safe place to return to if they need it. This is a foundation for tangible success at GNS, university, career, and in life in our highly competitive and everchanging world.

To hear all of what our Middle Schoolers had to say, or to find out more about Glenlyon Norfolk School, visit: mygns.ca/what-makes-ourmiddle-school-great What Makes Our Middle School Great - Glenlyon Norfolk School We could tell you about all the things that make the Middle School at Glenlyon Norfolk School great. Small class size. Committed and talented teachers. Strong academics. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Extensive co-curricular options.

Individualized education. mygns.ca

ORDER NOW!!!

FATHER’S DAY IS JUNE 20TH

FATHER’S DAY...

SPECIAL

GIFT BASKETS CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN, or see our website for gift basket options

COASTAL TREASURES BASKET St. Jean’s Local Seafood

oakbayflowershop.com 102 - 2187 Oak Bay Ave

•

Phone: 250-595-2421

We wanted to know, “What Makes Our Middle School Great?”

So we asked some of our students: What’s your favourite thing about Middle School at Glenlyon Norfolk School? They had lots to say! Caring staff and classmates. The cookies.

Loads of co-curriculars. It’s impossible to get bored. The community. Awesome subjects. There is something here for everyone!

Find out more: https://www.mygns.ca/middle-school Glenlyon Norfolk School

www.mygns.ca 250.370.6801 | Victoria, BC

•

Toll Free: 1-800-667-2421

C10 FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Discover OAK BAY T

Beaches • Boutique Shops • Galleries Food & Wine • Accommodations

Luxe Home Interiors moves to a new downtown address

he new change of space was necessary as their lease was expiring at the Scott Building due to redevelopment plans. Luxe has found a new home in a 160-yearold heritage building that has been the site of a silent movie theatre, a supply store for miners enroute to the Klondike, and the offices of the local women’s temperance union.

Historical buildings often make ideal retail spaces for modern furniture and home décor, with the juxtaposition of old and new creating a beautiful atmosphere for display.

“We love the exposed walls and natural light that pours in from our skylights,” says Elias.

“The team is very excited – one of our members feels that Luxe has finally found its home.”

Luxe Home Interiors’ new space has two levels – a 3000 square foot main floor featuring living room and home office furniture, and 2000 square feet upstairs floor focusing on bedroom, dining, and smaller items.

“Our designers are thrilled about setting up the store and utilizing the space in interesting ways.

“We feel incredibly fortunate.

A year ago, our doors were locked due to the pandemic, so we are happy to have seized the opportunity to move downtown,” Elias adds. “We just know how lucky we are.”

Customers will appreciate a rare downtown parking perk

Luxe Home Interiors is now located at 564 Yates Street (between Government and Wharf).

“It feels perfect being downtown. The vibe is so exciting,” says Scott Elias, co-owner of Victoria’s luxury home décor retailer Luxe Home Interiors. with one hour free in the Bastion Square parkade, directly across the street.

Since the owners expect an increase in ‘walk by’ traffic at the new location, home accessories and smaller gift items have been added with Luxe’s commitment to developing partnerships with local artists and craftspeople, including charcuterie boards from Saanichton, contemporary indigenous art & rugs, metal art from Nanaimo and blown glass from Parksville.

Luxe has always been a brickand-mortar retailer and has never gone the e-commerce route.

However, their website is a vital source of visual inspiration and ideas and will continue to be.

“During the quarantines and isolation periods of Covid-19, we all learned how vital human connection is, as well as the importance of creating a home that is comfortable, functional, and visually appealing,” adds Elias.

The owners believe that customers deserve the opportunity to touch, see and feel the furniture they’re interested in. The online shopping experience can often leave folks feeling flat, receiving goods that look nothing like the photos, sometimes even damaged in shipping.

The furniture labels and brands Luxe is particularly excited about carrying vary in style but never scrimp on quality. “Rene Cazares out of LA does exceptional upholstery.

We love the Bernhardt brand for the elegant look they provide, and Trica from Quebec is ideal for condo living, especially with all the smaller spaces popping up all over downtown Victoria,” says Elias.

“We are a people business that sells furniture, not the other way around,” he says. “This must be about relationships, with our staff, with our clients, and our business partners – we want to touch people somehow.

“We believe in revitalizing the dying art of exceptional customer service with quality and integrity.”

CHANGE IS MORE FUN WITH FRIENDS Visit us at our NEW LOCATION 564 Yates Street, in the historic lower Yates shopping district

John Hillman, 102-Year-Old Veteran, Returns for 2021 Fundraising Walk

C

arlton House of Oak Bay is pleased to announce that resident John Hillman is excitedly planning his walking fundraiser again this year! The World War II Veteran turned 102 in March, and in accordance, plans to walk 102 laps around the Carlton House courtyard with a goal of raising $102,000 for Save The Children Canada.

Since the fundraiser is for Save The Children, which is a global organization that helps provide families and children with essential food, clean water, and healthcare, John thought this year it would be great to get youth involved to help raise the funds and walk with him! John will be inviting kids to walk with him in person, or virtually, in order to make the biggest impact for Save The Children Canada.

John shares “At 102 years of age, I am glad to say I am still around, fit and enthusiastic.

I’m looking forward to my 102 trips around the Carlton House

residence courtyard! Many thanks to those of you who supported the children in 2020 and I encourage you to continue your good work again in 2021”!

John plans to begin his walk June 28th, 2021. Over the course of 10 days, he will be walking 10 laps around the Carlton House courtyard per day, starting at 10:00 AM. We encourage masked and socially distanced visitors to come by and cheer him on!

(This date is tentative due to COVID, please keep an eye on the Carlton House of Oak Bay Facebook page for up-to-date information).

If you know any youth that might be interested, or are a youth yourself that would like to participate in John’s walk, please contact Shelby from Carlton House of Oak Bay at clarkshelby93@gmail.com.

You can also visit “www.bit.ly/ Hillman102” to check out the official fundraising page!

SAME GREAT SERVICE • SAME TRUSTED QUALITY SAME UNIQUE FINDS • SAME COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICES

Some things just shouldn’t change.

Free one-hour parking right across the street in the Bastion Square (Yates Street) Parkade 564 Yates St | 250.386.7632 | www.luxevictoria.ca

FINE CLOTHIERS SINCE 1862

All-inclusive studio suites with a view available now.

Get in touch with us to find out more and book an in-person or virtual tour!

A boutique seniors residence in the heart of Oak Bay.

Reception: 250.595.1914

2080 OAK BAY AVENUE | WWW.CARLTONHOUSE.CA

1221 Government St. 250.383.7177 1210 Newport Ave. 250.592.2821 2449 Beacon Ave. 778.426.4446

STORE HOURS: Tues-Sat 10-5pm

wandjwilson.com