Chairman’s Message
Hi Neighbours, Welcome to the first issue of our Long Mountain Lifestyle eZine! This will be our primary method of communicating with you on a monthly basis. With an estimated population of approximately 2,500 residents, regular communication is a key factor in maintaining the high standards we have established for the Long Mountain community. We realize that our previous newsletters did not achieve the desired success, so we have taken the decision to outsource the production of this important communication tool. This new online magazine will be more engaging, featuring community news and updates as well as various features on topics relevant to suburban living, such as Home and Garden, Family, Health and Personal Finance. Long Mountain Lifestyle eZine will be emailed to you free of cost. The production cost will be partially covered by advertising, which also makes it a strong revenue source for the Long Mountain Country Club. We hope you enjoy this inaugural issue of our eZine and we will continue to ensure that Long Mountain remains the best place for you to live and raise your children.
LMCC C O M M ITT E E S Residents are encouraged to get involved in the affairs of LMCC by becoming members of the various Committees. Below is a list of committees and their Chairpersons. BEAUTIFICATION Stephen Dawkins SECURITY Derrick Tulloch, J.P. BUILDING & REPAIRS Dr. Halden Morris Karen Britton FINANCE Edward Harper PR & COMMUNICATIONS Ruthlyn Johnson FUNDRAISING & CIVIC AFFAIRS Maurice Henry Faith Brown
Stephen Dawkins Chairman
3
Long Mountain News
Finance Committee Report
P
ayment of your maintenance fee is the primary source of revenue for the Long Mountain Country Club (LMCC). As such, LMCC has facilitated a number of payment options for residents and the maintenance fee ($4000 per household each month) is critical to maintaining the expenses of the community. Residents can pay their maintenance fees at the Property Office from Monday to Friday during office hours (Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Maintenance fees are due on the first of each month and can be paid using cash, credit/debit card or cheque. Payments can also be made at any branch of Paymaster, as well as online with NCB. Scotiabank customers will also be able to pay online in the near future. Late and Non-payments Residents are encouraged to avoid accruing arrears on their maintenance fees. Those who owe over three
by Edward Harper
months fees will have their gate access cards deactivated. Cards will, however, be reactivated once arrears are settled or brought below $12000. Residents owing over one year of maintenance fees or $48000 and have made no attempts to contact the office could find themselves being contacted by lawyers representing LMCC. We are aware of the fact that circumstances can affect one’s ability to pay in these challenging times; however, we encourage dialogue as communication facilitates room for understanding. Residents are invited to visit the Property Office and discuss payment schedules to settle arrears. 2010 Audited Financials The 2010 audited financials for LMCC will be presented at the next Annual General Meeting on July 31, 2011. All residents are encouraged to attend this meeting and participate in the discussions.
Delinquency Report as of June 1, 2011
Category Over 2 years
Amount Due 2,509,900
No. of Residents 18
13 Months to 2 years
1,308,935
21
7 Mths to 1 year
1,838,295
55
4 months to 6 months
1,784,730.11
93
Total
7,441,860.11
187
All residents that fall in the categories above are strongly being urged to settle outstanding amounts.
5
Long Mountain News
From The Property Office
R
esidents, please note the following important information:
3. Accounts in arrears will have access cards deactivated for balances in excess of three months.
1. Maintenance payment of $4000 is due on the first of every month. The annual membership fee of $500 is due in January of each year.
4. Pets should be under the care and restraint of their owners at all times. Dogs should always be maintained on a leash when outside of the home. Pet owners must make every effort to ensure that their pets do not become a nuisance to the community. This means that they must clean up after their animals and, in the case of dogs, limit excessive barking, especially at nights.
2. Maintenance payments can be made at: a. The Property Office by way of cheque, debit or credit cards (No cash payments are accepted in the Property Office) b. National Commercial Bank (NCB) online c. Any Paymaster outlet. Ensure that you provide the owner’s name and the Lot number of the residence d. Paymaster online e. Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) online f. Any Bill Express outlet (Ensure that you provide the owner’s name and the Lot number of the residence)
5. With the onset of the summer holidays, parents are encouraged to have an adult accompany children when they use the swimming pool and clubhouse facilities. No child under the age of 14 is allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.
advertisement
6
Long Mountain News
Security Committee
by Derrick A. Tulloch, J.P. (Chairman)
S
ecurity is paramount to the wellbeing of the residents of Long Mountain Country Club and your Board continues to monitor the environment to ensure the safety of all our residents. Earlier this year, the Committee, along with the assistance of our security provider, undertook an audit of the property. As a result, we are implementing a number of initiatives, including replacing security cameras and bushing the fence around the property. We are also actively pursuing the installation of a gate. We have reviewed, evaluated and subsequently renewed the contract with our existing security providers, Milex Security Services Limited.
8. If you can afford it, install an alarm system that will alert your neighbours of burglary at your property. We cannot afford to become complacent. We need to be vigilant to ensure that our community remains crime-free. Crime is minimized when neighbours work together to watch each other’s property. Please report any suspicious activity to LMCC Security at 946-8816.
advertisement
The following are some tips that will enhance our security in Long Mountain Country Club:
1. Please cooperate with the security at the gate by providing the relevant information requested. 2. Delay your entry through the gate long enough for the gate to close and prevent tailgating. 3. Change exterior locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen. 4. Report incidents/burglaries to the LMCC office at 946-8823. 5. The Matilda’s Corner police can be contacted at 978-6003. 6. Use an engraver to mark your valuables with unique numbers. Marked items can be easily traced by the police and are more difficult for the burglar to dispose of. 7. Make sure that exterior lights are mounted out of reach, so burglars can’t easily unscrew the bulbs.
7
Long Mountain News
Beautification Committee
T
by Stephen Dawkins
he Beautification Committee has embarked on a number of activities to ensure that the aesthetic appeal of LMCC continues to improve. Some of these are:
• Upgrading the entrance with enhanced landscaping • Improving the first impression areas along the main roads • Developing the open spaces – this is and will be a joint venture between the LMCC board and the residents of respective Phases • Planting of trees in open spaces – 20 coconut trees were recently planted in Phase 1
The Beautification Committee would like to thank those residents who continue to support the team to enhance the value of the property.
advertisement
The contract for the landscaping and ground maintenance services has been reviewed and evaluated. As a result, the contract of Martin Yorke (head of the ground maintenance team) has been renewed. The committee will embark on a tree planting exercise; however, the success of this project is dependent on the support of the residents. Where trees were removed, appropriate replacements will be replanted. Trees that are destroying the sidewalks and the general infrastructure will be removed. Residents are asked to assist in watering these plants until they can survive on their own. We continue to seek support from residents to provide the maintenance crew with various sturdy plants by contacting Martin Yorke at 865-8240.
8
Hurricane Season
When a
Hurricane Threatens
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest level. Freeze water in plastic containers. • Sanitize bath tubs and fill with water. • Tie down or bring in all outdoor objects (such as awnings, patio furniture, garbage cans). • Secure or remove satellite dishes, TV or radio antennae from roofs. • Pick fruits such as coconuts, mangoes, etc., from trees. Clear your yard and drains of debris. • Remove all pictures, clocks, books, figurines, tools, office equipment, appliances and important papers (passports, birth certificates, etc.); wrap them in plastic or in waterproof containers; and store in a safe room. • Stock up on water and non-perishable foods. Refill prescriptions. • Fill your car with gas to avoid long lines after the hurricane. Also, fill containers for portable generators. • Park your car in a place that is safe from falling trees and utility poles. • If you are in a high-rise building, know the location of the nearest stairway. Don’t use the elevator. • Batten down windows and doors with shutters or lumber. Wedge sliding glass doors with a bar. • Turn off electricity from main breaker 24 hours before the storm is expected to hit. • Unplug major appliances.
9
Family
Preparing Your Kids for
T
here is only one thing on the mind of children everywhere: summer vacation! School is a distant memory for now, but, as a parent, it is important to ensure that your children have some kind of structured activity to engage them during this downtime. One perfect activity is summer camp. There are several different kinds of camps available locally, so with a little planning and preparation, you can help to create memorable experiences for your children.
What kind of camp is best for your child? When choosing a summer camp, parents should speak to the director to ensure that it meets their requirements and their children’s needs. Many camps are geared towards specific activities such as sports or academics, but some offer general programmes. It is also important to consider the length of stay, whether it is an overnight or day camp, single sex or co-ed. Day Camp vs. Overnight Camps Day camps are run during the day and your children return home in the evenings. Overnight camps allow them to stay for extended periods of time, up to four weeks or longer. Day camp is a good first experience for children who have never been to a camp. It introduces them to the basics of camp life but allows them to go home to a familiar setting. They might be more open to going to an overnight camp after a good day camp experience. Academic Camps – Research has shown that children who are not engaged in ongoing learning activities tend to lose ground academically. Keep your child’s brain active by sending him to an academic camp. These are often hosted by schools at minimal cost and are specific to subjects, most often math and science. Art Camps Art camp activities include dance, music, acting, creative writing, painting and more. Many local performing arts groups offer children’s programmes during the day. The Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts also offers children’s programmes.
Religious Camps Religious camps typically offer many of the same programmes as a typical summer camp, but include scheduled time for religious study through preaching, music and small-group activities. Some include service projects as well. Many local churches offer summer programmes and even have their own facilities. Special Needs Camps These camps design programmes that help children with special needs experience as much of the traditional ‘summer camp’ life as possible. Unfortunately, there aren’t many such camps locally. For children with autism, Therapy 4 Kidz Summer Camp is a great option. Programmes include occupational therapy, speech therapy, social skills class, physical therapy with play, aquatic therapy and art therapy. Sports Camps Many sports camps offer general activities while others are more targeted, focusing on one sport, such as football. Take into consideration what your child is hoping to gain from the experience. If he wants to improve his performance, find a camp that offers specific instruction.
r
nside o c o t s p m Ca
Kidz s of four. Therapy 4ren work in group ild h pist. -12. C rs, aged 8 istants, 2 per thera- 0004 20 campe 9 0 5 , 10 ass 6 0 0 781-5 Contact: y4kidz@gmail.com therap Coco Jamer Camp 2011 Sup Jammers: Summer Ages 3-7, 8-12 5 .com 946 260 Contact: m, wwwcocojamja o .c il a m g ojammin@
coc
10
Family
Fun Vacation Spots for the Family
I
t’s summer! The kids are on holiday and you’re wondering where to take the family on vacation. Selecting a summer vacation spot is an important decision. Outside of getting your money’s worth, it is crucial that the family has a great time together. Whether you decide to take a trip abroad or keep it local, it’s good to consider vacationing in areas that allow you to enjoy a variety of activities. To make it easier for you, we’ve done all the work and compiled a list of great places you can visit.
Relax & Unwind: The Lounger
Treasure Beach Take the family to Jakes in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth and you’ll treasure the moment forever. Well-known as the former home of popular literary festival Calabash, it provides an idyllic atmosphere in an authentic setting, offering a true Jamaican experience. Rafting on the Martha Brae Take relaxation to a whole new level by enjoying one of nature’s most beautiful gifts. Traverse the beauty of the Martha Brae in Trelawny, while taking in the sights and sounds of your environment. Vacation Homes Rent a vacation home away from the hustle and bustle of the city and prepare to spend some quality time with the family. Ensure that you take along fun and exciting activities for the kids. If your family loves the beach, then getting a home within walking distance would be a definite plus.
Fun & Excitement: The Adventurer
Chukka Caribbean Adventures A favourite among locals and visitors alike, Chukka Caribbean’s wide range of activities ensure that the adventurer in you is satiated. Hop on one of their four-wheel rides, enjoy the zip-lining canopy tour or have a go at the river tubing safari.
Mystic Mountain Bob Marley once said, ‘There’s a natural mystic flowing through the air’ and you can certainly experience this while soaring in a sky explorer on your way to the top of Mystic Mountain. Located in St. Ann, the attraction boasts a Bobsled ride, zip-lining, waterslide, an infinity pool and a café. This mix makes it a great family spot. Sun Coast Adventure Park Have an interest in setting up tactical moves that will score you points? Then paintballing is definitely for you. Plan a day trip and take the family to Sun Coast Adventure Park in St. Thomas, which offers paintballing, a rope challenge, hiking and a human-sized maze.
Bon Voyage: The Traveller
The Bahamas With so many gems right here in the region, you can consider taking your family to another island in the Caribbean. Bahamas is a fun spot this time of year and their famed Atlantis resort offers a host of attractions and is usually a hit with tourists. Caribbean Cruise Anyone who’s ever been on a cruise will tell you how absolutely fun and exciting it can be. Forget how you felt while watching Titanic and plan to take your family on an islandhopping cruise. Carnival and Royale Caribbean are popular lines that usually make stops at islands like Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, among others. Eastern Caribbean The Eastern Caribbean has a number of breathtaking islands that offer a truly memorable experience. Whether you decide to explore the Petions in St. Lucia, La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent or experience why Grenada is called the ‘spice isle’, you’ll certainly have an enjoyable and memorable time with your family.
11
Feature
The Pride of Long Mountain
Inside the East Mountain Pride Block Garden
12
Feature
The Pride of Long Mountain
Inside the East Mountain Pride Block Garden
E
ight years ago, when Jeff Sealy and his family first came to reside at East Mountain Pride Avenue, there were no green spaces around. In fact, even the very idea of a garden seemed as far-fetched as, say, snowfall in mid-July. First of all, there was no topsoil, only rocks - jagged and treacherous and the steep slope behind the block of townhouses was as bare as, well, stone. But the barren landscape met its match in the tenacious Barbadian-born management consultant, who saw the space as a canvas awaiting the artist’s brush. So determined was he that in one section of the garden, grass was actually nailed to the rocks. “The concrete and wood by itself doesn’t really bring out the beauty of our house. It’s not how you want to live,” he said in his quick-fire Bajan lilt. Several other neighbours along the block felt the same way and they came together to create their own oasis. “The first thing about this garden is that it is an example of cooperation between neighbours. This is the only block at Long Mountain that doesn’t have fences. We came together as a block and we pooled our funds together and got soil and earth and… had somebody plant grass on the top,” Jeff said, explaining the garden’s modest genesis. Today, the garden is awash with vibrant blooms of various hues: multi-coloured lantanas, tiny white roses; red, pink and yellow hibiscuses as big as tea saucers; fragrant white gardenia and frangipani; red and orange Cuban cigars and canna lillies; flamboyant birds of paradise and heliconias; over 70 varieties of orchids, including the hybrid cattletonia; red and yellow pride of Barbados, the country’s national flower and a few ‘special plants’ that have not yet been identified, but whose flowers are beautiful and fragrant nonetheless. “We like to have cut flowers in the house. Before the garden, there was the usual Saturday morning trek down to Devon House to buy flowers, but that hasn’t happened for years and years,” Jeff laughed.
The garden is also a haven for a variety of butterflies, birds and lizards that flit and leap from plant to plant with consummate ease. The variegated hummingbirds, sunny gold canaries and a family of parrots feast on the natural bounty provided by the flowers and various fruit trees such as mango, guava, cherry, sweet sop, otaheitie apple and passion fruit. Jeff and his partner Alicia Lyle, have also hung out feeders for their feathered friends, which serve as ‘assistant gardeners’, dropping seeds everywhere. Many plants have also been contributed by other neighbours in the community. The plants are grown in clusters to create maximum visual impact and are arranged in what Jeff calls ‘phases’. The earlier phases are located closest to the townhouses, featuring the smaller, more colourful plants, including flowering grasses. The later phases are located along the slope and feature more trees and hardy plants. The gardener, Courtney, has also helped to create paths and steps leading down the slope, which gives the garden a lovely tiered look and prevents soil erosion. This area sports a flowering plant called ebony, which is native to Long Mountain as well as cacti and other plants that thrive in dry conditions. The overall effect is rustic and natural, as they didn’t want the garden to look “gentrified”, Alicia said. The gardening project also extends to the front of the yards, where some houses sport hedges and arbors. Jeff and Alicia’s house sports a hedge of fragrant natal palm and white jasmine, which is one of Alicia’s favourite features, especially at nights when the fragrance is most noticeable. The view from East Mountain Pride Avenue is breath-taking, to say the least, but when Jeff and Alicia and their neighbours look down at the city Kingston from their decks, this spectacular outlook is no doubt enhanced by the soft blooms and fragrances of the Eden they have created together.
13
Personal Finance
PanCaribbean Offers
Innovative Investment Products
Donovan Perkins (left), CEO of PanCaribbean and Tanya Miller, Vice President of Marketing PanCaribbean
T
oday’s financially savvy investor has many opportunities to grow his money, from regular or preference shares, stocks and cash or liquid assets. For those interested in the particular benefits of securities or even investing in international companies, PanCaribbean recently launched two new products, Sigma Venture and Sigma Corporate. These bring to five PanCaribbean’s unit trust pool, which already includes Sigma Optima, a regional equity portfolio, Sigma Solution, a JMD-denominated fixed income portfolio, and Sigma Liberty, a USD-indexed fixed income portfolio. Sigma Venture is an equity portfolio invested in private and public equity securities and venture capital holdings based in the Caribbean. Sigma Corporate is a fixed income portfolio also invested in corporate debt securities of companies that are located locally, regionally and internationally. Both Sigma Venture and Sigma Corporate are more aggressively focused on growth. Investors of varying size can finance leverage buyouts, start-ups, private companies, companies listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market, as well as established businesses. The funds aim to provide investors who have a longer-term investment horizon and limited liquidity needs within the first year of investing, with aboveaverage returns on these emerging asset classes.
our marketplace. The Venture fund is the first of its kind, as is the corporate bond portfolio. They both provide an investor with the exposure to a new and emerging asset class, geographical diversification, potentially higher yields and higher growth,” he said. The initial minimum investment in both Sigma Venture and Sigma Corporate is 50,000 units, with subsequent minimum amounts of 5000 units per portfolio. The initial offer price is $1.00 per unit. The Sigma Venture portfolio includes a preliminary charge of four percent, provided the investment is held at the minimum investment period of one year. The Sigma Corporate portfolio also includes a preliminary charge of one percent; however, units will not attract this fee if held for the minimum one year period. Portfolios are priced daily and valuations are done based on each particular asset, plus all income is accrued to investors after fees are subtracted. Donaldson noted that the funds would be managed to provide investors with the highest possible returns on the carefully selected portfolio of investments. “At PanCaribbean, we have the first mover advantage on these products and the experienced management to make it work. The overall investment market is changing and there is demand for investment options like Sigma Venture and Sigma Corporate,” he said.
PanCaribbean Financial Services Equities Unit Manager, Kevin Donaldson, noted the advantages that the new products offer to the more aggressive and growth-focused investors. “These products are not ordinarily available to investors in
15
Personal Finance
Real Estate Value of LMCC
O
ften described as a model community, Long Mountain Country Club (LMCC) offers residents firstclass living in a comfortable and secure environment. It boasts a number of facilities and services that make it ideal for both the single man or woman and families with children. A gated complex with townhouses, studios and stand-alone homes, it has continuously proven that it is one of the preferred places to live in Jamaica. One of its main features is 24/7 security, which provides screening of visitors and regular patrols of the property. Gloria Thompson, a real estate agent from Long Mountain, says the price of homes within LMCC generally depends on what improvements have been done to the property, in addition to a number of other factors. She says residents have listed their homes starting at $15 million, and this increases depending on how many additions have been made to the property. “In some cases, washrooms have been added, people have added patios to the back and in a lot of cases they have extended it to three bedrooms and two bathrooms,” she says, which ultimately helps to determine the property value.
The location of LMCC also has significant impacts on property value. “It’s located in the Kingston 6 area, so it’s in demand because of proximity to hospitals, universities, airports, business districts in New Kingston and downtown. You also have two choices of travelling routes,” Thompson says. “Because of the cost of gas, people shy away from living far from where they go for their daily living. People want to live close to where they work, where the banks are, where they shop.” Undoubtedly, people also like to live in areas where they are comfortable with their neighbours. Thompson says LMCC is very close-knit and offers a family-oriented setting. “It’s a community that offers everything that [both] the single person and families would require.” She notes that one factor that maintains the value of a property is when individual homeowners maintain their properties, which comes together to add to the overall value of the complex. “The homeowners take great pride in the upkeep of their property,” she says, solidifying the fact that LMCC is truly a model community and is constantly increasing in value.
Other factors which impact on property value, she says, include the overall services offered by the community and how convenient, safe and comfortable residents feel in LMCC. “What impacts on the price is whether the apartment has a view,” she says, noting that the ambiance of the complex is also a determining factor. “It is nicely landscaped and it is well-kept. It provides a really pleasant and peaceful ambiance and of course the security….what people also find appealing is that they can walk any time of the night.”
16
Sleep Tips by THERAPEDIC • Your bedroom should be a place of rest and relaxation.
• A relaxing bedtime ritual like reading or listening to music prepares your body for total relaxation
• A quiet dark room contributes to a good night’s sleep
• The body’s metabolic system slows down when at rest. Have a light meal only, avoiding oily, spicy foods for the evening meal. Make it easy for the digestive process. Then retire in comfort
• Good air quality and the right humidity levels ensure a clean healthy sleep. • Buy good quality mattress, base, pillow and linen
• After a good night’s sleep you should feel energized next day. Ensure that you always have a good day. Sleep Advice from the sleep experts at THERAPEDIC
• Average daily sleep requirement for an adult is seven to eight hours. Others, especially in the over Fifty (50) age group may require less. Ensure your full sleep requirement.
Contoured Memory foam Pillow • Ergonomically designed to provide excellent neck & head support • Great for Back and side sleepers • Molds to the exact contours of your body • Hypo-allergenic
Memory foam Comfort Topper ic Visco-elast
am
Memory Fo
Therapedic Caribbean | 68 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10 |
927-7307
• Transform your existing mattress into an ultra-luxury Memory foam sleep system • Guaranteed to significantly improve the quality of your sleep • Easy application
| www.sleeptherapedic.com
Health and Fitness
Getting in Shape for Summer
Women
• Keeping heels together, bend both knees 90 degrees so that they slightly point out to sides, then squeeze glutes to lift knees two inches off ground.
Shoulders and chest – Bra-strap lift • Holding one end of a resistance band in each hand, palms facing in, stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart so that both feet are placed securely on middle of band.
• From here, slowly pulse legs an inch or two upward, leading with flexed feet, four times.
• With palms facing each other, raise extended arms (keep elbows slightly bent) forward until they are parallel to ground and thumbs point upward.
• Do four sets of four reps.
Shape up to don that fabulous new bathing suit by attacking your trouble zones.
• Slowly lower arms to start position. • Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps. Abs and Obliques - Twisting Jacknife • Lie face-up on ground with legs extended and arms diagonally out to sides, palms down. • Lift left leg straight up as you simultaneously crunch up and rotate torso left. As you do this, bring extended right arm up and across body so that right hand reaches to outside of left ankle. Lightly push off ground with left palm to get up. (MAKE IT EASIER: Push off with left forearm for extra support.) • Lower to start. Switch sides and repeat to complete one rep.
• Maintaining bent-leg position, lower knees to ground.
Men
Work 300 muscles in just 15 minutes with these exercises. Body-Weight Squat Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as far as you can by pushing your hips back and bending your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Pause, and slowly stand back up. Judo Pushup Begin in a pushup position but move your feet hip-width apart and forward, and raise your hips so your body almost forms an upside-down V. Lower the front of your body until your chin nears the floor. Then lower your hips as you raise your head and shoulders toward the ceiling. Now reverse the movement and return to the starting position.
Butt and Inner Thighs - The Platypus • Lie face-down on ground with upper body propped up on forearms, hands close together in front of face, palms down.
Sprinter Sit-up Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms at your sides, keeping your elbows bent at 90 degrees. As you sit up, twist your upper body to the left and bring your left knee toward your right elbow while you swing your left arm back. Lower your body to the starting position, and repeat to your right. That’s one rep.
• Flex feet and press heels together.
Tips taken from Fitness and Men’s Health magazines
• Do three sets of five to 10 reps.
18
published by
Suite # 25 Technology Innovation Center University of Technology 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Office: (876) 970 5657 info@ezineslimited.com