CARLTON HOUSE NEWS

winter 2013
Carlton House of Oak Bay | 2080 Oak Bay Avenue | Victoria BC | 250-595-1914 | www.carltonhouse.ca

Whats happening at Carlton House this winter

Book Club
At the request of several of our book-loving residents, Carlton House hosted its inaugural book club meeting in January with great attendance. The group will meet every second week to discuss books ranging from great literature to beach reads!

our finest fea ture: oak bay

Ask any Carlton House resident what they love about living here, and youre guaranteed to hear that our unparalleled location figures pretty prominently on their list (somewhere between fantastic staff and exquisite food). Carlton House has the enviable position of being situated right in the heart of Oak Bay, an idyllic oceanside community known for its attractive shopping avenue, bountiful walking opportunities and some of Canadas stateliest heritage homes and gardens. Settled by the British at the turn of the century as a streetcar suburb of Victoria, Oak Bay retains its European, genteel charm, prompting some to remark that it is more English than England itself. While you certainly wont have any trouble finding a fish and chip shop

Cocos Fashions
Shopping right here in Carlton House! Residents will have the opportunity to browse the racks of Cocos Fashions and make sure theyre well-outfitted for the new year.

Afternoon at the opera

A new resident has graciously offered us the use of her DVD opera collection, which we are screening two afternoons a month in the Carlton House TV room this winter.

or tearoom here, Oak Bay also has an excellent selection of art galleries, restaurants, rec centres and far more sunny days than any English hamlet would ever see. Oak Bay is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, and with Carlton Houses location right on the Avenue, many of our residents decide to give up their cars within months of moving in. Banks, grocery stores, coffee shops, a post office and

pharmacy are all within striking distance. Avid walkers can also venture outside the village, wandering the many peaceful residential streets and nearby shoreline paths. Often you dont even have to leave Carlton House to appreciate its location. In the winter, residents take in the lighted truck parade from their balconies, while in the spring and summer, they cheer on runners in the Oak Bay Half-Marathon and admire collectible cars at the annual car show. At once bustling and quaint, dynamic and relaxed, Oak Bay truly does have something for everyone. Whether youve lived here for years, have visited the area in the past, or are totally new, why not come visit us and see what all of the fuss is about. Wed be happy to show you around.

Robbie Burns Dinner

True Scots or not, well be donning our kilts, toasting our haggis and practicing our poetry in celebration of the legendary Scottish bards birthday.

Valentines tea and tour

Find out why so many are making Carlton House their home
Please join us Saturday February 9th at 2:30pm for Valentines tea and treats in our conservatory. All are welcome to indulge in afternoon tea followed by a guided tour of our residence and suites. There are limited spots available so be sure to call and book yours as soon as possible. RSVP: 250-595-1914

CONNECT WITH C A R LTO N H O U S E ! Follow us on Twitter: @CarltonHouseOB Or look us up on Facebook!

Coming up... Robbie Burns Day

Bring on the tartans, haggis and poetry Robbie Burns Day is upon us and we at Carlton House couldnt be more excited. Renowned for having written, To a Mouse, To a Louse, and the ever-popular New Years anthem, Auld Lang Syne, perhaps Burns greatest legacy is having his birthday celebrated the world over more than 200 years after his death. Communities from Burns homeland of Scotland to Australia to Canada celebrate the occasion each year with traditional Robbie Burns dinners gatherings which typically include the recital of Ode to a Haggis before consuming a generous helping of it often alongside several helpings of Scotch whiskey. At Carlton House, well be donning our plaids, devouring our neeps and tatties and dancing our jigs and reels Scottish or not, it promises to be a riotously fun night!

A very carlton Christmas

Christmas at Carlton House is always a magical time, and this year was no different, as our staff and owners spent hours decking the halls in green, red and gold. Overnight, Carlton House was transformed into a twinkling Christmas wonderland, with wreaths on the doors, garland over the entryways and stockings above the fireplace. Residents lent a hand at our annual tree trimming party, where they nursed hot drinks, nibbled holiday treats, and sang along to their favourite Christmas songs with the Victoria Hospice carolling group. Another much-anticipated December event was the annual Oak Bay Lighted Truck Parade, which despite torrential rains, was a great success. Resident spectators stayed warm and dry in the Carlton House conservatory as the convoy of festively decorated trucks made its way down the Avenue. Our leisure services manager Rowena also led many holiday-themed excursions into the community, including a trip to see the gum-drop laden gingerbread houses on display at the Laurel Point Inn and a very popular bus tour of

the citys most dazzlingly litup homes. But the grandest event of all was undoubtedly the champagne reception and gala dinner, held Dec. 7 and hosted by Carlton House owners Rod and Judi Prewett and Steve and Betsyn Clark. Residents and staff dressed to the nines and had a fabulous evening of socializing, eating, drinking and dancing. Thank you to everyone in the Carlton House family for making this holiday season extra special. Were already looking forward to next year!

Executive Director Seona Stephen and her husband John at our Robbie Burns dinner.

Healthy habits for 2013

A new year signifies new beginnings, and for many people, that means resolving to do better than they did the year before. While the old tried and true resolutions of exercising more, eating better and getting enough sleep stand to benefit us all, seniors especially can benefit from making such commitments. Here are four resolutions that will keep you happy and healthy well into your golden years. with a neighbour or friend. If the winter weather has you wanting to stay indoors, try the local community centre and see what types of yoga, tai chi or aerobics classes are on offer. Challenge your mind and your muscles by trying new things!

Eat more fresh foods

Just because its winter doesnt mean that you cant eat fresh. Markets stock all kinds of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables right through the colder months, so dedicate yourself to eating fresh and notice the difference in the way you look and feel.

Exercise options at Carlton House

Our leisure services program takes a balanced approach to health and wellness. Two fitness classes are offered three times a week, as well as yoga and open access to our exercise room. Residents also enjoy weekly guided walks in and around Victoria. We also strongly believe in the value of life-long learning, and as such, Carlton House offers ongoing intellectual opportunities, including lectures, travel presentations and seminars.

Exercise your brain

Mental sharpness is just as important as physical fitness as we age, but unfortunately, it is an aspect of health that is often overlooked. Keep your mind active and engaged by completing crossword puzzles, playing cards, joining a book club or attending some public lectures at a university, library or seniors centre.

Schedule regular check-ups

With age comes an increased risk of illness and other health complications. Making sure that youre up-to-date with your appointments can improve your chances of early detection and prevention, meaning a longer, healthier, happier life.

Try a new physical activity

Keeping active doesnt have to mean joining a gym or religiously trudging to the pool twice a week it can be as simple as a daily morning walk

Resident Testimonial: Bill King

When Bill King moved to Carlton House in April 2011, he says it was like coming home not only because of the cheerful staff and comfortable surroundings, but because Bill actually grew up just down the road on Newport Avenue. Born in Toronto, Bill moved west with his mother at the age of two. He attended Glenlyon Norfolk School and Oak Bay High before enrolling at Victoria College and subsequently UBC, where he earned a degree in commerce and met his wife (an Oak Bay native herself). fulfilling career with forestry companies MacMillan Bloedel and Canfor, which saw him selling B.C. lumber as far abroad as Europe and Japan. After retirement, the Kings bought a condo in Craig Bay, near Parksville, with the intention of making their return to Victoria when they were no longer happy living on their own. Sadly, Bills wife suffered a stroke in 2010, and passed within a month. Without her, Bill says he was lonely and had trouble remembering to eat. I was the helpless male, you know. I wasnt like the modern male who can cook and things. With the help of his two children, Bill moved home to Carlton House, where he quips he has no trouble remembering mealtimes you just have

Bill King, Resident to watch it or youll start to put on weight! But even more than the food, Bill says he loves the easy access to shops, services and scenic walks that living at Carlton House affords. You cant beat the location. Talk about real estate being location, location, location, well

Talk about real estate being location, location, location, well this place has got it.
Bill raised his family in Vancouver and had a long and

this place has got it. Bill has quickly become one of Carlton Houses most active residents, walking almost every day, volunteering at the Royal B.C. Museum and synching his schedule regularly with Carlton Houses comprehensive leisure services program. He especially enjoys the lectures and educational presentations, which he calls thought-pr ovoking and stimulating. We need to be stimulated, were old! he jokes. When asked if he has any advice for those considering a move to independent living, Bill is quick to respond. If youre thinking about coming to some sort of residence, just come. Come, come. Dont delay. Wise words from someone who is clearly living life to its fullest.

Carlton House of Oak Bay 2080 Oak Bay Avenue Victoria BC V8R 6w2

Postage

Carlton House of Oak Bay is one of the most sought after retirement homes in western Canada. Centred in the highly desirable community of Oak Bay, near downtown Victoria, Carlton House combines quiet elegance and unparalleled amenities in a secure and supportive environment. Built in 2005, the residence features 87 private apartments, many with balconies overlooking manicured gardens and a courtyard. Living at Carlton House also includes a complete package of services ranging from weekly housekeeping to nutritious meals to exercise classes and even an in-house hair salon! Call Alanna Hardinge-Rooney, Community Relations to learn more and book your tour. 250-595-1914