Discover Oak Bay - March

TFoul Bay Road. The recently opened restaurant is locally owned/ operated and the team is very grateful for the huge support we have received during our first year and a half in business. We will continue to o er a changing array of globally inspired tapas dishes and a great choice of fine wines and cocktails in the jazz-infused, ‘positive red’ atmosphere.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

Are you experiencing a feeling of scratchiness, burning, itching, or gri iness when you blink? Do you have excessively watery eyes? Maybe you’ve noticed a fluctuation in your vision or some blurriness. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be experiencing Dry Eye.

The Canadian Association of Optometry describes Dry Eye as an ocular surface disease. What does that mean? And how do we minimize uncomfortable symptoms?

Some of our newest dishes include grilled bison tenderloin, roasted duck spring rolls and an almond crusted baked brie. We of course have kept our popular Hong Kong Dumplings, West Coast Crab Cakes, Szechuan Green Beans and Patatas Bravas, along with many others. Jason Lee (Head Chef) continues to test new dishes with Dan Massey (Owner), Trinity Turnbull (The Local Celebrity / Front of House Manager), Mahsa Farghadani (Asst Chef) and James Halliday (The Manager of Things). This core team has been operating the restaurant since day one.

BY RUSS MARSON, PRINCIPAL, MIDDLE SCHOOL

In his insightful book, Finding the Magic in Middle School, Christopher Balme compares adolescence to the challenge and thrill of whitewater ra ing. He asks us to imagine being in a ra , navigating the intense rapids of youth. He asks us, as adults, to remember our adolescent journey before reacting to our students’ challenges. It’s a reminder to consider how helpful our responses can be on this turbulent journey.

I think it’s a metaphor that works. Our Middle School students face incredible

To encourage newcomers, we have placed a very good o er in our Ad on this page and we hope you will try us out for the first time and/or just come back

again soon. We have a special Taco Tuesday night each week with half price tacos (4 types) and a Wine Wednesday with half price on all house wines (6 types). We are a perfectly sized space for booking gatherings whether it’s for corporate events, birthdays or any other reason to just get together with friends or family. Reservations are recommended as we are a small restaurant and can fill up fast, so just give us a call on … #250-590-8881… See you at Tapas on Oak !

Your tear film is composed of 3 layers: an oil layer made in your lids’ meibomian glands, an aqueous layer composed of water and protein, and a mucus layer made in the conjunctiva.

When all three layers are functioning optimally, you have well-moisturized eyes. You probably don’t even notice you’re blinking.

However, if these components are not functioning well, chances are you’re experiencing symptoms of Dry Eye. Examples of dysfunction include an unstable tear film and/or clogged meibomian glands.

Diagnosing Dry Eye starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Next, you will meet with an ocular hygienist to discuss a custom dry eye management plan to help relieve uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.

Unveiling the Magic of Middle School

changes—social pressures, hormones, and the drive for independence can all make for a rough ride at times. But it’s also a time of exciting opportunities and adventures. At the heart of a positive experience lies a sense of belonging. Feeling connected and accepted by their school community is crucial for a student’s self-esteem, their belief in their abilities, and their overall well-being. As educators at GNS Middle School, fostering an inclusive environment is our priority. We implement programs and nurture positive relationships to address this fundamental need

for belonging. It’s this sense of belonging that allows us to truly focus on our students’ growth as they navigate this period of rapid physical and social development.

Think back to the whitewater ra ing trip. Just like the ra ers, our students experience moments of joy, fear, and everything in between. When they turn to us, what do they need?

They need guides. They need someone who understands the terrain of adolescence and can o er support through change and growth. They need someone to celebrate their victories and someone to o er a hand when the rapids get rough.

At Oak Bay Optometry, we’re excited to o er improved treatments to optimize meibomian function and help your ocular surface layers function at their best. These treatments include:

IPL, Intense Pulse Light, treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation around the eyes. The result is happy meibomian glands that now produce more oil.

RF, Radio Frequency, treatment provides uniform heat to the skin surface and helps to melt and express meibum.

Zest treatment o ers a deep cleaning of the lid and lash surface, removing build-up and bacterial biofilm.

iLux treatment unclogs and empties the meibomian glands to encourage improved production and expression of meibum into the tear film.

Your eye wellness is our top priority. Schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists today!

At GNS, we go beyond education. We empower and support each student on their journey, acting as dependable and honest companions. Join us

in creating a community where every student can thrive and discover who they truly are. Apply today and be a part of the magic at GNS Middle School!

Keep Hearing, Keep Doing, Keep Being You with Personalised Hearing Care

Hearing aids have the remarkable power to enhance lives, making it possible for individuals keep doing the things they love with no extra listening e ort. But the journey to be er hearing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a process that deserves thoughtful consideration and guidance.

Recognizing that no two individuals have the same hearing needs, HearingLife; a leading provider of personalized hearing solutions o ers a tailored approach to ensure every client receives the perfect fit for their lifestyle and preferences.

In addition to its commitment to providing top-notch hearing solutions, HearingLife has undertaken the Campaign For Be er Hearing initiative, o ering free quality hearing aids to those in need. This program has yielded numerous success stories, with beneficiaries expressing satisfaction with their improved hearing experiences.

fully in group conversations and meetings, boosting my confidence in new job opportunities.”

Their Price Match Policy, available at select clinics also guarantees clients the best deal on hearing aids by matching any competitor’s price for an identical product, features, options, and services within the last 30 days.

WThe Oak Bay Flower Shop

e are so excited to welcome one of our favourite seasons to the flower shop. Easter is at the end of March and already we are seeing the flowers of spring in the store. Whether your favourites are tulips, da odils, hyacinths or lilies we have a lovely selection to choose from. Purchase by the stem to make your own arrangements or have us put something together for you.

Gary Byers, one such beneficiary, shares, “I can experience normal life again, and the world isn’t silent anymore. I am so happy.” Similarly, Cassandra Boniface highlights how hearing aids have enhanced her professional life, stating, “I can participate

HearingLife has clinics in Fairfield and Oak Bay where you can book a complimentary appointment. You can call 1-888-870-3228 for Fairfield and 1-888-870-5607 for Oak Bay. Or visit hearinglife.ca for more details.

Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or making plans for spring entertaining a spring table arrangement will add a fresh seasonal style to your table. A few stems of your favourite flowers paired with oversize spring branches make a statement.

free purchase period. their

Moreover, HearingLife stands by their products with a 90-day, riskfree purchase period. Clients have ample time to experience life with their new hearing aids, with the assurance that if they’re not completely satisfied, they can return or exchange them within the specified period without any additional fees.

A springtime classic, tulips are full of colour and it’s no surprise they’re one of the most popular spring flowers. They are beautiful displayed in a vase on their own but also pair well with other blooms including our locally grown roses.

Take inspiration from the trend to decorate with vintage inspired decor to display flowers in retro or antique containers. Small arrangements can be made in tea cups and egg cups and can be a fun way to decorate for the holidays. Bring in your favourite container and we can design it for you.

Of course Easter is also about Chocolate and we o er Daniels Chocolates. Made in Vancouver with more cocoa, much less sugar, and 100% natural ingredients. Their signature chocolate boxes are filled with chewy caramel, velvety so ganaches, and delightful tru es. They are available to purchase in the store and can be in included in our gourmet food baskets.

Be the Easter Bunny and surprise someone special with a basket of flowers or a gi basket of goodies. The Easter Bunny even delivers. Visit our website for gi ideas or ask us about customizing options oakbayflowershop.com

e Avenue Gallery

o ers carefully chosen works of art that express individuality and seamlessly integrate with a client’s environment.

The Avenue Gallery provides:

their portrayal of

Columbia’s natural landscapes.

roots

Ontario, Davis’ dynamic brushstrokes and vibrant hues capture the organic vibrancy of our lively environment. Drop by the gallery to immerse yourself in these energetic new collections!

Mark your calendar for The Avenue Gallery’s upcoming group exhibition, Botanical Encounters, from May 9 to 23, when over 10 gallery artists will come together to showcase the splendor of flowers in all their glory!

For Victoria’s top interior designers, The Avenue Gallery serves as the perfect finishing touch to corporate and residential projects, enhancing any environment while respecting every budget. A key resource for industry professionals, the gallery

• Open daily

• Accessible entrance

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

• Superimposing of artwork into photos of clients’ spaces

• Flexible payment plans and lease-to-own options

• E-Commerce website

• Worldwide shipping

• Gi certificates

• Complimentary gi wrapping

From pendants to paintings, all your favourites and the latest arrivals are on The Avenue Gallery’s e-commerce website. Order your perfect artwork from home at theavenuegallery.com

The Avenue Gallery is open

Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12 to 4pm. 2184 Oak Bay Avenue, 250-598-2184.

Spreading joy and kindness to the residents of Carlton House

A er some thought, he came up with a simple approach, but a powerful idea: Atlas would make handwri en cards. With no time to spare, he enlisted his mother’s help to purchase Christmas cards for residents, and coordinate with Carlton House Sta .

When the pair reached out, Wellness Program Manager

Debby Macmurchie was delighted to help, providing first names for recipients so that Atlas could get started. “It was really amazing to see,” says Macmurchie, who

SHANNON OAKS

Shannon Oaks is independent all-inclusive living. Independent living is a wonderful way for you to enjoy an all-inclusive 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 500-800 square feet, and it features large windows, a full bathroom, kitchene e, and utilities. Every meal is an occasion prepared by professional chefs and personally served by our dining sta . 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 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 o en become friends and care for one another as well as the sta . 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.

e Old Farm Market

We’re back with another update about the goings-on at The Old Farm Market! Since our last update, we’ve been busy finding ways to make your grocery shop more a ordable. We launched our “Not Corporate, Not Complicated” campaign this year with a plan to showcase the benefits of being a small independent grocer that separate us from the big box stores. We work diligently to ensure we have the best prices out there and every week we check our competition’s pricing to make sure we’re delivering on that. We know how most grocery stores out there will have either great produce or low prices, but not both. Well… we have both! Come down and see why The Old Farm Market is the best place to buy produce.

We have had a change in management at The Old Farm Market and are excited to announce that RJ Forbes has taken over as Store Manager. RJ has nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, having spent the entirety of that working with produce. RJ’s wealth of produce experience is a great fit for our Produce Market. In conjunction with this change, our former Store Manager, Kyle Penny, is now the Category Manager for our Produce Division. Kyle brings nearly 20 years of produce experience to this position and hit the ground running

by lowering prices and delivering the same great quality you’re used to. Between Kyle and RJ, you can be sure that The Old Farm Market is your destination for great produce at

gladly passed along the cards to residents. “When someone so young takes the initiative to connect with seniors like that, the mutual benefits are huge.”

Upon receiving the cards, many residents were thrilled, and reciprocated his kindness by sending cards back, telling him about their lives and asking him about his. One resident, a talented painter, even created a special masterpiece for Atlas, who was elated by the unexpected gi .

Now, two years later, what

started as a beautiful holiday gesture has expanded to Valentine’s Day, with Atlas handdelivering heart themed cards to Carlton House, and on several occasions, meeting his pen pals in-person.

Looking back, it is certain that Atlas has not only achieved his goal of spreading joy at Carlton House, but he has completely surpassed it. He’s made genuine connections throughout the community, inspired others with his kindness, and truly become a young ambassador of joy.

The