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Oaks Gardens one of oldest Canadian-style Chinese food restaurants in town continued from p.22 Canadian food here anymore." Its service model has also changed recently, as about 90 per cent of Oaks Gardens' business is now take-out orders, Lee said. "I really concentrate on the take-out business. I owe Oakville a lot. It gave me something (back)," said Lee, noting the menu has been modified with the addition of new foods and removal of some classics items. The biggest change for Oaks Gardens has been the age and size of its customer base, the former owner said, as it draws children and adults on a regular basis. The development of Oakville has also had an impact, as the town's population growth has helped the business. "Oakville has had quite a big change. In 1981, there were only 87,000 people here. Right now, it's (more than) double that," said Lee. While the population surge has also led to more competition, which has been a challenge, he said, what has helped Oaks Gardens thrive is the repeat customers. "Their loyalty to me is very important. I never heard of any complaining, no foods taken without pay. Oakville people are very friendly and nice to me," said Lee. "I deal with my customers regularly. They all know me. They all come to my restaurant for almost 30, 40 years." His son, Ken, who grew up in Oakville, told the Oakville Beaver that Oaks Gardens may be the oldest Canadian-style Chinese food restaurant in town, which has "truly amazing customers." The family wanted to keep the restaurant, but didn't have succession planning in place, Ken said, which happens with a lot of small businesses. "The next generation can't take it over, even though we want to. It's kind of sad because, to me, it's like a lost legacy. My dad spent almost 40 years there and it's all kind of gone now," said Ken. "I can't stress enough that people know some of us by the sound of our voices and felt connected to us despite never meeting in person." Although he's retired now, Lee assures Oaks Gardens' long-time customers that the food quality won't change. "I kept (the food) the same way in the last 30 years. I keep the same recipe all the time. That's why I stayed this long in Oakville," said Lee. "It may be a little different because there are different people cooking, but at least they can keep it like that." Those who wish to contact John Lee can reach him at johncheunglee@gmail.com. 23 | Thursday, March 17, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton students take on BASEF science fair March 30 A number of Halton students are putting their scientific hypotheses to the test at the upcoming Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF). The 56th annual fair, sponsored by ArcelorMittal Dofasco, will see a record number of students from Halton, Hamilton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant counties and Six Nations, compete for more than $200,000 in prizes and scholarships. Overall, more than 550 Grade 7 to 12 students have registered to participate in the four-day fair that kicks off Wednesday, March 30 and wraps up Saturday, April 2 at Mohawk College. The winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony, slated for April 5. The best projects will go on to represent the region at national and international science fairs in May. This year's BASEF will feature some 390 projects that focus on a variety of topics, including aquatic osteoporosis, antibacterial soap, cell generation, cyberbullying, fishhooks, fatigue, intestinal pacemakers, ice, malnutrition, microwaves, piezoelectricity, polymers, water conservation, wind turbine and Wi-Fi signals. Community residents are invited to view the projects at the Mohawk College David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre (135 Fennell Ave. West, Hamilton) between 9 a.m. and 12 (noon) on April 2, when Mohawk College will also host an open house, offering tours of its campus and newest facilities. Admission and parking to the fair and open house are free. SAVE NOW *Cut out this ad and save 10% on your food bill ONLY VAILD AT 1011 Uppermiddle Rd East, Oakville ON (DINE IN ONLY) This coupon is only valid at 1011 Uppermiddle Rd E in Oakville ON. This coupon entitles you to 10% off your food bill before tax. Only one coupon per table. Taxes extra. No cash value. Expires on April 1, 2016. DINE IN ONLY Give Up To Give 1 in 10 students arrive 1 in 10 at school without students enough arrive food at for school thewithout day. enough food for the day. Give a donation to help kids in your community live free from hunger. Learn more at livefreecampaign.ca Sponsored by: