Mondaywrap01december2014

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ISSUE NO.20

MONDAY WRAP Western Province Chinese Association 01 December 2014

On Saturday, 29th November 2014, the community celebrated the life of Fah Loong Lee Pan. The service was held at Our Lady Help of Christians in Lansdowne and the family had a celebratory dinner with Father Tim Wren that evening.

Patrick Chong spoke on behalf of WPCA. On behalf of the Western Province Chinese Association and my family I would like to offer our condolences to the family.

I have been asked to say a few words and in a way, that is almost inappropriate, as Fah Loong Sook was not a man of a few words. He always had a story to tell and even gave a running commentary while he played mah-jong.

Over the years I had the opportunity to spend a fair amount of time with him. There were visits, family functions, and community functions and playing mah-jong.

Over the years he was a staunch supporter of the Association and even when he had already turned 80, he still helped with the fund raising dinners. Fah Loong Sook gave what we all regard as very precious that is, time and effort.

He was extremely proud of the achievements of his children and grand children and would always tell us how well they were doing in their studies or their jobs. He had every right to be proud as he had provided the foundation for them to achieve. His legacy is the family he has left behind.

Rest in peace Fah Loong Sook, your legacy will continue in the community.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the condolences received. Thank you for joining us in celebrating his life. Special thanks to the CCF for organising the tea and to Kelvin Manley for preparation of the programme.

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd/melon is one of the best plant foods that helps improve diabetic and toxemia conditions. Few other fruits/vegetables offer medicinal properties for these ailments like bitter melon does.

Diabetes mellitus: Bitter melon contains a hypoglycemic compound (a plant insulin) that is highly beneficial in lowering sugar levels in blood and urine. Bitter melon juice has been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels.

Also Blood disorders, Cholera, Energy, Eye problems, Gout, Hangover, Immune booster, Piles, Psoriasis, Respiratory disorders and Toxemia.

Consumption Tips Choose unripe bitter melons that are firm, like how you would a cucumber. Avoid those that have turned orange or have soft spots. Ripe bitter melons can be excessively bitter. Store bitter melons in the vegetable bin in the refrigerator which has the right temperature. It should keep for three to four days.

Keeping bitter melons at room temperature or with other fruits and vegetables will hasten the melon to ripen and become more bitter, due to the emission of ethylene gas.

Clean your bitter melon under cold running water and brush with a soft vegetable brush. To prepare, slice the melon length-wise and scoop out the seeds. To lessen the bitter flavor, soak it in salt water for about half an hour before juicing/cooking.

The smaller variety is more bitter than the bigger one. To help make bitter gourd juice more palatable, take it with honey, or add carrot or apple juice. For diabetics, drink the juice with green apple juice.

Commemoration of Madiba on the 1st anniversary of his passing On 5 December 2013, the world lost one of its most iconic leaders and statesmen, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The commemoration of the first anniversary of his death will start with a wreath laying ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 5 December, government said on Thursday.

“Veterans of the struggle for freedom and those who fought side by side with Madiba against apartheid will be invited to lead the wreath laying,” “This ceremony will be open to all South Africans and members of the public are invited also to visit the site throughout the day to lay wreaths.”

The wreath laying will start at 08:00.

President Jacob Zuma will be in China for a state visit on 5 December.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and address the official commemoration ceremony at Freedom Park in Pretoria later in the day on 5 December.

Moment of silence Government would also be encouraging schools, factories, and places of worship to ring their bells and sirens at exactly three minutes and seven seconds before 10:00 to “call the country to attention”.

South Africans would be asked to observe a moment of silence up to 10:03.

“You will notice that the time lapse from the ringing of the bells to the end of the moment of silence is six minutes, seven seconds. This is symbolic of the 67 years Madiba spent in the service of humanity,” said Dlamini.

“The moment of silence will be broken by the singing of the National Anthem at 10:03 across the country and anywhere that South Africans will be gathered.”

If you want any news in the Monday wrap, please email your photos and news items to: rwong@colorfuzion.co.za