Oak Bay Fall 2023

TAPAS ON OAK

Tapas on Oak would like

to thank all our fabulous customers as we have just celebrated one year in business! It was not an easy time to enter the restaurant industry but as a recent addition to the Oak Bay culinary community we hope to continue to provide a tasty global tapas experience and we appreciate the

support.

The plan is to change our o ering slightly each month with so many fabulous small plates we can consider. We hope that locals and visitors can relax and enjoy our fine wines and our jazzinfused ‘positive red’ atmosphere.

The Victoria born owner Dan Massey personally oversaw the

Where the locals gather - Windsor Café

creation of the menu, which is based on his travels and a love for fine food, shared plates and great wines. He has a fabulous team including James Halliday, Trinity Turnbull, Jason Lee and Mahsa Farghadani, all of whom have been with him since day one.

Tapas on Oak has its own street patio for outdoor dining

and is also perfectly designed for small events where you can arrange a 3 to 7 course lunch or dinner.

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

Whether you’re in a rush for a quick co ee or cold drink or looking for an upscale bistro dining experience, our local café has something just for you – and we welcome everyone who arrives riding a bike or walking beside a dog.

Looking for a glass of pinot gris and a chance to share a mushroom bruschetta? Or sandwiches and beer? Windsor Café has local beers on tap, as well as a superb selection of wine and cider.

Enjoy a luxurious baked pastry, a gourmet drink, or a seasonal lunch menu feature in our fully licensed establishment and take a stroll down to the waterfront on a summer day. On a winter day, escape the weather with one of our warm fair-trade and organic co ees.

Our Tudor-style building features three indoor dining rooms, and two outdoor garden patios with a view of Oak Bay’s stunning Windsor Park, the best gathering spot in our community.

With the scintillating atmosphere we have created in our two-level heritage building, our café has become a destination for the entire region.

You can spend your time admiring the local and vibrant art adorning our walls while the sounds of soft jazz echo slowly in

the background, welcoming you home.

STEPS AWAY FROM THE OAK BAY MARINA

Nestled in the heart of Oak Bay, Windsor Café is just steps from the gorgeous Oak Bay Marina on scenic Beach Drive. Our location is ideal for everyone who prefers to ride a bicycle. It’s also a great area for walking your dog – and because our front patio is dog friendly, your four-legged friends will be welcomed here.

No matter the season, the oceanfront provides an idyllic setting for your Oak Bay café dining experience and a great neighborhood for bike riding and dog walking. Come and visit us today to see just what the Windsor Café has to o er.

HOURS: Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm

Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Sorry, we don’t take reservations. windsorcafevictoria.ca

The home of local produce and familiar faces

What an amazing Summer it has been! Fall is just around the corner, and fresh winter veggies are on their way. Keep your eye out for Locally Grown squash, potatoes, and root veggies! In our last update, we shared how The Old Farm Market launched an exciting line of products that are made in-house or locally made for us. Old Farm Market Original has become our Seal of Quality and a promise that you’ll love the product. We originally launched with a line of 8 dips, and quickly

expanded to more than 20 OFM

Original dips and sauces! We’ve launched a few new dips since then, including our new Mango Fandango (mango salsa) and Presto Pesto!

One of the most exciting improvements we’ve made recently is upgrading the boulevard in front of our parking lot with a new seating area. No longer do you need to sit on a jagged rock to enjoy your custom sandwich, because we have picnic benches, umbrellas, and garbage/recycle cans available for your convenience (though that

jagged rock is still there if you’re feeling nostalgic).

At The Old Farm Market, we want out customers to feel confident that they are getting the best produce prices they can get - that’s what we’re all about. That’s why every week we take a close look at 5 different major grocery stores’ produce prices to make sure that we are the best place to buy produce.

As of September 15, spending $25 in produce at a well-known grocery chain would have cost only $18.75 at The Old Farm Market (on average). You can

shop with confidence knowing we do our homework to make your groceries more affordable. Come down and say hi! Our team loves talking to our customers and hearing what they love about Old Farm and what they want to see added.

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

Shannon Oaks Oak Bay is the perfect place to enjoy retirement and spend time doing the things you love the best.

Shannon Oaks is independent allinclusive living. Independent living is a wonderful way for you to enjoy an allinclusive lifestyle filled with social engagements, nutritious meals, daily exercise, and new friendships. You would be surrounded by understanding peers and belong to a meaningful community. Some describe it as living on a cruise ship on land. Your own private suite can range from 500800 square feet, and it features large windows, a full bathroom, kitchenette, and utilities.

Every meal is an occasion prepared by professional chefs and personally served by our dining staff. Bus trips are scheduled multiple times a week to include malls, libraries, concerts and more.

There is also a hair salon and esthetician available for all your beauty needs.

Other amenities include a gym with

Thank you to our amazing customers for supporting our local business!

Kyle Penny Store Manager theoldfarmmarket.ca

equipment specialized for seniors and a spacious entertainment room that hosts weekly movie nights, dances, socials, and a variety of local entertainers. You can pick and choose what you like.

Step into a beautiful courtyard with a bubbling fountain and landscaped gardens to relax in.

Do you like to grow your own tomatoes or plants? We have a greenhouse for all your green thumb wants and needs. There really is something for everyone. While living in independent living you will feel like you are part of one big family. Residents often become friends and care for one another as well as the staff. It is beautiful to see.

Are you feeling lonely? Do you live alone and want to stop burdening your family with chores around your large home? Maybe it is time for you to come and take a personalized tour of our independent living community. There is a new journey waiting for you. shannonaoks.com

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IS IT TIME FOR YOUR FLU SHOT?

Fort Royal Pharmacy, your local community based pharmacy, is here to assist you when you need it. With their 3 locations, professional sta , quick and e cient service, they strive to provide the best customer service to all their clients. They are ready to renew a prescription, make changes to an existing one, provide an emergency supply of medication, administer vaccines, and to check the medications you are taking to make sure they're the best ones for you. Whatever your medications needs, they are here to make the process easier and smoother for you.

What is Influenza?

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory

illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. With the fall season approaching comes the risk of getting infected with Influenza. The influenza virus is constantly changing, so a new vaccine is needed each year to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How much are flu shots?

Publicly funded influenza vaccines are free for all British Columbians ages 6 months and older.

What about COVID boosters? Our immunity wanes over

time after getting a COVID vaccine, so getting a booster after 6 months is essential to reduce your risk of getting infected or experiencing complications from COVID.

Which location can I get a flu shot and/ or COVID vaccine at?

Fort Royal Pharmacy will be o ering both COVID boosters and flu shots this fall at their pharmacies. You will be able to get these vaccines at any of their 3 locations. All bookings will be done online through the BC provincial system. If you are registered with the Province's

Get Vaccinated system, you should be receiving an invitation to book your appointment.

To registervisit: www. GetVaccinated.gov.bc.ca OR call 1-833-838-2323.

When can I come in for a shot?

Both flu shot and COVID booster shot will become available sometime mid-October (exact date and rollout of supplies to be determined by the provincial government).

What about a high dose flu vaccine?

For seniors, the high dose vaccine will also be available. There are multiple ways to

register for this vaccine:

1. Email your contact information to: info@ fortroyalpharmacy.ca OR

2. Call the location you would like to get your shot at and put your name on the list. Come into any of their 3 locations on Fort St, Hillside Ave, or Oak Bay Ave and talk to their pharmacist for more information. Serving the community of greater victoria for over 10+ years, Fort Royal provides Delivery, Free Medication Reviews, Free Blister Packaging and many other services at all their locations.

GNS Achieves Accreditation as a CISCO Networking Academy

Upon successful completion of the courses, GNS students will attain CISCO certifications, which are globally recognised as a hallmark of excellence in IT education. CISCO certifications can benefi t applications to postsecondary and equip students

with a distinct advantage in pursuing future opportunities within the ever-expanding realms of IT and technology.

Families and students seeking a transformative educational experience in IT are encouraged to explore the unparalleled

benefi ts o ered by GNS's CISCO Networking Academy.

To learn more, please visit our website: mygns.ca/ our-school/senior-school/ gns-cisco-academy

Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) is thrilled to announce its recent accreditation as a CISCO Networking Academy. With this new distinction, GNS is the only independent school on Vancouver Island, and one of only three in British Columbia, to o er this initiative.

“The CISCO Networking Academy accreditation marks a significant milestone for the school, with the ability to provide top-tier IT training and certifications to its students,” said Jon Hamlin, the Director of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at GNS.

“Through strategic partnerships with CISCO and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), GNS students will have access to internationally recognized certifications that

hold substantial value within the global IT sector.”

The CISCO Networking Academy a liation empowers GNS to o er a wide array of IT courses and certifications to Senior School students, primarily through its GNS Launch Pad program. These courses will be accessible in various formats, including fully online, in-person, or in hybrid settings, ensuring flexibility that caters to diverse learning preferences.

The curriculum encompasses an array of cutting-edge subjects, including networking, computer programming in JavaScript and Python, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, GNS plans to expand its o erings based on demand, providing students with a comprehensive skill set that aligns with industry trends.

Sun Yi, Pharmacy Manager (Fort)

A WARM WELCOME FOR AUTUMN COLOURS & FALL FLOWERS

Fall. The season of pumpkin spice lattes, falling leaves, and orange foliage. It's no secret that we are very much in love with this time of year and the Autumnal colours that surround us. Rich hues like red, yellow, orange, brown, purple, and green fill our homes, wardrobes, and Mother Nature.

We are fortunate to have relationships with local growers in order to o er the best blooms of this season. Amazing sunflowers, vibrant zinnias, and of course our favourite – the delectable dahlia.

Our local Dahlias are grown by Connie Young-Davis, known in Dahlia circles as the Dahlia Queen. She can be found in her garden before the sun rises and can be found there frequently when the sun sets. The dahlias she grows vary in size and complexity. Recently Connie has begun hybridization of her dahlias which has brought about some unusual and lovely results.

The diverse size and shape of all the dahlias is accompanied by a kaleidoscope of colour ranging from creamy white to the palest pink, sunny yellow to regal purple, crimson red to (almost) black, and everything in between. Some dahlias bloom in multiple colors at once and many have bi-color or variegated petals.

The symbolism associated with dahlias is that of elegance and dignity and they are also known to represent one who stands strong in his/her sacred values. Perhaps this is why dahlias are often a popular choice for wedding flowers.

Perfect in bouquets and vase arrangements Dahlias make a great as a gift for yourself or someone else. Perfect to decorate your home for parties and celebrations order now for Thanksgiving. Stop in to view our selection and visit with Roscoe and Charlie oakbayflowershop.com

Good Vision = Better Learning

Schools are back in session and as parents we want to give our kids the best foundation for learning. This may include proper school supplies, tutors, and extracurricular activities, but have you thought about their eyes?

A child's learning relies heavily on their eyesight, more than 80% of learning is based on vision. If vision issues are left untreated, kids are left lagging behind in school. In fact, 60% of children with reading di culties have an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem.

Often, children don't recognize they are struggling with their eyesight as they do not have a point of reference to compare to. You can’t assume your child has healthy eyes because they’re not complaining or have passed a generic screening test. Kids may have one eye doing most of the work disguising the fact that the other is not functioning properly, causing strain and frustration in the classroom.

Some signs your child is struggling with their vision, such as squinting and sitting very close to the television, are easily recognizable. However, symptoms including headaches, irritability, lack of concentration, excessive blinking or rubbing of eyes, avoiding coloring and other near-distance activities, unusual posture, lack of participation, struggling to keep their place or omitting words while reading, struggling with eye-hand coordination activities such as catching, short attention span,

and performing below potential can be attributed to poor vision as well.

Once your child starts school, an annual eye exam is crucial to identify potential visualperformance problems. During the exam, your optometrist will check for eye-movement defects, coordination of the eyes, eye-hand coordination, and ability to control focus. If a

vision condition is detected, your optometrist will often prescribe corrective lenses or vision therapy as a solution. Set your child up for success this school year and for the years to come. Schedule an eye exam with one of our skilled optometrists today.

acornoptometry.com

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The Journey to Better Hearing

Recognizing the signs of hearing loss in yourself can be di cult, and taking steps to address hearing loss can be even harder.

Many individuals with hearing loss delay treatment 7-10 years and are often not sure how to seek assistance. With the right steps, creating a treatment plan can be simple.

Don’t Wait – Have Your Hearing Assessed

Once you start to notice signs of hearing loss, the first step is to obtain a hearing assessment. You can do this by contacting a local hearing health professional or obtaining a referral from your primary care physician.

During the hearing assessment, the clinician will determine your lifestyle and communication needs as well as the type and degree of hearing loss present. If a medical condition is identified a r eferral will be made to the appropriate health professional.

Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting

If hearing aids are recommended, the clinician will work with you to find the right product that will meet your hearing and lifestyle needs. A trial period with the chosen hearing aid is an important part of the process, as it provides you time to adjust to the hearing aids so you are able to assess the benefi t accurately. It can sometimes take multiple visits to the clinic to have the hearing aids adjusted. It is important to establish a trusted relationship with your hearing health professional as hearing aids require ongoing maintenance and at a minimum should be checked annually.

For individuals concerned about hearing loss, HearingLife formerly NexGen Hearing o ers free tests, consultations, and more at their clinics.

To book an appointment at our Oak Bay Hearing clinic call 1-888-870-5607 and our Fairfield Hearing clinic call 1-888-870-3228.

Located in charming Oak Bay Village, The Avenue Gallery is one of the premiere boutique art galleries in western Canada. This impressive gallery has showcased contemporary Canadian fine art since 2002. Popular with collectors as well as those new to the contemporary art scene, The Avenue Gallery is a treasured destination for local Victorians and international visitors. Don’t miss The Avenue Gallery’s highly anticipated upcoming solo exhibition, The Quality of Light, featuring Maria Josenhans from October 5 to 19!

The artist will be in attendance on Saturday, October 7, to share her inspirations and answer questions.

The Avenue Gallery o ers:

• Accessible entrance

• Open daily

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

• Superimposing of artwork into photos of clients’ spaces

• Layaway payment plans and lease-to-own options

• E-Commerce website

• Worldwide shipping

• Gift certificates

• Complimentary gift 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 art piece 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.

MARIA JOSENHANS – THE QUALIT Y OF LIGHT OCTOBER 5 - 19

EVER-CHANGING COLLECTIONS AND ACCESS TO UNSURPASSED PAINTERS, SCULPTORS, AND GLASS AND JEWELLERY ARTISTS.