In January 2006, Sandi Loytomaki became caretaker of Holly Oak - along with an amazing team of women and men (Suzanne Botsford, Sue Baker-Proud, Tara Payette, Melanie Tonin and Kevin Sutton, Mark Anderson, Matt Habermehl) who contributed to the early re-development, birth of new divisions and a website along with generation of change and transformation.

The original HollyOak was birthed by Jean Downie in 1993. A pioneer in the community Jean was an incredible asset to many people pursuing their path of awakening during the nineties and through to January 2006. She created a mecca for those to fulfill the needs of their development. As all paths bring new adventures…Jean’s adventures did not include remaining with HollyOak. Our full gratitude, respect and honor are extended to Jean for her pioneering ways and the stable foundation she created. Thank you Jean for all you did for this community and this establishment.

In 1998, Sandi was given a vision of a place that provided resources, educated and informed, brought people and practitioners together and celebrated all paths … together with a business model that would allow for and mandate sustainable community. It was the fall of 2005 when this first vision would begin to manifest. Through the co-creative efforts of Kevin Sutton, VisionWings, Melanie & John Tonin, Sandi and the team of support in the ethers…the principles of the vision began to take physical form. By January 2006 Holly Oak, the retail store transferred caretakership … and 2090814 Ontario Inc. began its travel. The Opening Way, our educational division was launched in April 2006. During mid-2006 the Winds of Change division - on site practitioners and readers - birthed itself. And by summer 2006, OneHeartOneHand, our community ‘give back’ division began to take shape. It is from this collective that conscious travellers can dip their feet or dive in and swim at any level of personal, group or community transformation.
Holly Oak-The Gathering provides books to nourish the mind, tools and resources to nourish the heart and soul and ambience to nourish the self. It is with fortitude that Holly Oak has become the foundation of the new growth for the Opening Way, Winds of Change and One Heart One Hand. Dedicated to change and leadership, as an organization, we attracted experiences in 2007, that pushed us to our limits…and that had incredible ’silver linings’ and invoked stellar change. And…we are here - active and vibrant - much to the patience and support of our community - both patrons and suppliers. Thank you everyone! 2007 truly exemplified what it means to have individuals and community work together to create something more. At the end of the year, 2007, the name Holly Oak shifted to Holly Oak-The Gathering, as a method of honoring this natural development that occurred and has been occuring in the store. Our location has become a spiritual oasis for many - we welcome people to come and spend as long as they need with us! Stay tuned for a continual process of change – with new and exciting items all the time at Holly Oak-The Gathering…AND…interesting, invigorating shifts in 2008 - for the Opening Way! When possible, plan to visit us. Also, we love to here from all our patrons. Holly Oak-The Gathering is dedicated to responding to community needs … so please let us know what is working for you, what your needs are, what you would like to see in the future.

updated Jan. 2008