September 2017
U Ch@
m m o C
Nity
FEATZ
Magazine
Gold Ribbon
Month
Meet the CHOC Ambassador
Safety Planning
Rabies
Within an Abusive Relationship
What you need to Know www.featzpublishing.com
Editor’s Message Welcome to the Spring issue. Spring tends to usher in a sense of renewal that leaves us charged with a new energy, a want to take inventory of current things, cast off the old and embrace the new while we chart a fresh start into the season. September is the month when Mother Nature wakes up and brings us a new beginning. As the joy of Spring fills your heart remember to take a moment to appreciate the wonders of nature all around you. September is a busy month with Heart Awareness, Childhood Cancer Awareness, World Alzheimers Day on the 21st, World Rabies Day on the 28th and Arbor Week from the 1st to the 7th. We tried to include all of these, giving us a full September issue. Remember to look out for the links to various websites, which will take you directly to the relevant pages and provide more information. September is also the birth month of two very special people in the Featz family. Eric (The Boss Man) may you have a wonderful birthday this month, without you, Community Ch@ would not be possible. To Mom (Sylvia), we have to say; you are a constant guiding light to us all, have a blessed birthday. We have to say thank you to all our readers, your support is evident in our increasing subscription numbers every month. Keep spreading the word and feel free to keep sharing the magazine. It’s Arbor Week – so remember to plant a tree – even if all you have space for is a bonsai. Spring is in the air — let’s embrace it! Until next month, Happy Reading!
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Spring is in the Air!
To advertise in the next issue, Contact Zelda Tel: 012 348 3486 Cell: 084 041 3058 email: featzads@gmail.com
Upcoming Submission Deadlines for Contributors & Advertisers October Issue 22 September 2017 November Issue 23 October 2017
Published by Featz Publishing (Pty) Ltd and distributed via email. No responsibility is accepted by Featz Publishing (Pty) Ltd for claims, errors or omissions made in advertisements appearing in this issue. All our advertisers are accepted in good faith and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributors or other sources. Reproduction of the content of this magazine is not permitted without the prior consent of the publisher.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
What’s Inside... 4
Be Bold - Go Gold
7
2017 Trees of the Year
12
Living Well with Alzheimers
15
Irish Terrier
17
Rabies, What you need to know
20
African Grey Hornbill
22
Meet the Choc Ambassador
34
September Travel Special
36
Grace - Part 19
44
Safety Planning - Part 2
3
1 - 7 September 2017
Many countries around the world will recognise the importance of educating the youth about the benefits of keeping our environment as green as possible. With this in mind, many countries celebrate Arbor Day once a year – a day on which trees are planted and emphasis is placed on the importance they play in the circle of life. However, in South Africa Arbor Day is celebrated
for an entire week! National Arbor week is a time when South African’s of all ages are encouraged to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees. People from all aspects of the community are urged to get involved and thousands are educated and made aware of the many benefits of planting trees.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
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Be Bold, Go Gold!
September is the gold ribbon month - marked as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; this is a time when globally, countries honour and remember children and families affected by this rare disease, and help rally awareness on the early warning signs of childhood cancer. CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA encourages all South Africans to “Be Bold, Go Gold!” by purchasing the gold ribbon from the online CHOC Store or the nearest CHOC office. The ribbon is to be worn throughout the month of September. This will go a long way in highlighting the disease and showing support to those battling cancer. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine the types of cancers that develop in children are often different from those diagnosed in adults. Adults commonly suffer from lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer, whereas children suffer from leukaemia (cancer of the blood), brain tumours, retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye), rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer of soft tissue), Ewing sarcoma (bone cancer) and many others. Childhood cancers are often the result of DNA changes in cells and unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors, therefore no preventative measure can be taken. Early detection creates a better chance of survival. Globally, for a rare disease, childhood cancer is on the rise. New estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) show that the global
occurrence of childhood cancer is higher than previously assessed. Worldwide, approximately 215 000 cancers are diagnosed per year in those younger than 15 years and about 85 000 cancers in those aged 15-19 years. This means globally, 300 000 parents across all ages, ethnic groups and socio-economic conditions will be hearing the words “your child has cancer”. Many childhood cancers have a higher survival rates when diagnosed early. Unfortunately, childhood cancers are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed because early symptoms are mistakenly attributed to more common injuries or illnesses. The early warning signs of childhood cancer were developed by the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group (SACCSG) and adopted by the International Society of Paediatric
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Oncology are known as the St Siluan signs.
campaign will be made visible at the wards to encourage and give hope to those diagnosed with the disease.
Saint Siluan Early WARNING SIGNS of Childhood Cancer • SEEK: Medical help for early, persistent symptoms. • (I) EYE: White spots in the eye, new squint, blindness, bulging eyeball. • LUMP: In the abdomen, pelvis, head, neck, limbs, testes, glands. • UNEXPLAINED: Fever, loss of appetite and weight, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding. • ACHING: Bones, back and easy fractures. • NEUROLOGICAL: Change in behaviour, gait and milestones, headaches, enlargement of head. Leaflets detailing these early warning signs will be distributed to schools and corporates during September. This WRITTEN ON BEHALF OF DATE BY FURTHER INFORMATION TEL FAX EMAIL
CLICK HERE
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The early warning signs are also shared through the CHOC Awareness Programme, which includes training health care workers, traditional healers, and communities in detecting these vital early warning signs. To date CHOC has trained nearly 5 000 people in Gauteng and neighbouring provinces alone, which has led to a noticeable increase in referrals. Please support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Be Bold, Go gold, for the futures of our precious children are not to be compromised. Visit the CHOC social media pages to find out more about their “Be Bold, Go Gold” challenges Facebook: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA , Twitter: CHOCfoundation and Instagram CHOCfoundationSA.
: CHOC CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION : 13 August 2017 : Zelda Zukiswa Jacobs : www.choc.org.za 086 111 3500 / 011 326 1717 : 011 326 4988 : zelda.jacobs@choc.org.za
To visit the CHOC Website Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
2017 Tree of the Year!
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“Trees are poems the earth write upon the sky” Kahlil Gibran
With nearly 2000 indigenous trees in South Africa, it is not easy to select one to plant. Once established, the right tree can define your garden for decades. Why not opt for 2017’s Tree of the Year? Every year two trees are named as Tree of the
Year in the lead up to Arbor Week. One common and one rare species are chosen to raise public awareness about the diversity of trees significant to the country. This year, South Africa will celebrate the Ebony Tree (Euclea pseudebenus) as the rare tree and the Buffalo Thorn (Ziziphus mucronata) as the common tree.
Buffalo Thorn (or Hairy Buffalo Thorn) Ziziphus mucronata
Positions: Lives happily in sun, shade and semi-shade. Water: Water regularly until established. Size: 3–10 metres Frost tolerance: Very hardy and mostly frost resistant For a hardy tree for any situation, opt for the hairy buffalo thorn. The tree does well in the summer rainfall areas of sub-Saharan Africa. These frostresistant deciduous trees are found throughout South Africa. A few truly magnificent specimens can be seen in Skukuza rest camp in the Kruger National Park. The tree can be shaped as a medium shrub or left to develop into a tree. With their large thorny extensive branches, they make good hedges and natural walls. Their height provides good nesting positions for birds such as weavers. The ovate leaves are glossy green, turning golden yellow in autumn. Their greenish yellow
flowers emerge in dense clusters in early summer. A carpet of the hard seeds is often found underneath the tree. The tree has cultural significance. In Zulu culture, it is used in burial rites and is known to be planted on the graves of chiefs. The hairy buffalo thorn’s antifungal properties are widely used for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach ailments, skin ulcers, chest problems, glandular swellings and many types of pain. Its fruits are edible, and its seeds are traditionally roasted as a coffee substitute.
If honey bees, water-wise trees and elegant draping shade is what you are after, the Ebony tree is ideal. This tree is fast becoming a popular addition to any garden, especially in small, dry gardens.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
The Ebony Tree
This drought-resistant tree thrives in harsh desert conditions and is suited to arid or semi-arid regions with long hot summers. It does however, cope in both winter and summer rainfall areas. Many large specimens can be found in Augrabies Falls National Park. This shrub-like evergreen attracts birds, butterflies and bees. It is elegantly draped and seems out of place in the often harsh environments in which it is found. Its large drooping branches, hanging like a skirt around the stem, offer sought-after shade. The resemblance of the inner wood to the true ebony (Diospyros ebenus) is remarkable. Its wood is often used for chess boards and furniture and as firewood. The nucleus of the tree’s stem is black and looks burnt. It is recognised by its greyish, rough bark.
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The tree has long, narrow blue-green leaves and it’s cream colour flowers appear between winter and spring. In late summer the green berry fruit turn black when ripe. In traditional medicine, the roots are used for treating toothache and headaches and the ripe fruits are also edible and have an astringent, sweet taste.
Positions: Full Sun Plant: Early Spring Water: Drought resistant Size: 3 – 20 metres Frost tolerance: Young plants are vulnerable to frost
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Country Apple Dumplings
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September the 17th is Apple Dumpling Day, how could we not feature this mouth-watering treat? To print a copy of this month’s recipe, visit the Featz website: www.featzpublishing.com 2. Cut each apple into 8 wedges and Ingredients: 2 large Granny Smith Apples, peeled and cored
Refrigerated crescent roll dough
(we included a recipe on the website if you’d rather make your own)
1 cup butter
1 ½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can or bottle Mountain DewTM
set aside. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the baking dish.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Pour over the apple dumplings. Pour Mountain DewTM over the dumplings. 4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in preheated over, or until golden brown
Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 175oC. Grease a 20 x 30cm baking dish
Tip: Aluminium foil can be used to keep food moist, cook evenly and make cleanup easier.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
LIVING WELL AFTER A DIAGNOSIS OF By: Denise Fredericks ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA Viktor Frankl in Man’s search for meaning wrote: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”.
or struggling to follow a conversation or instruction.
There is no cure for dementia, only medication to slow the progression if diagnosed early Dementia is an umbrella term for more than a enough, as well as to manage related hundred different types of neuro-degenerative symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, diseases of the brain of which Alzheimer’s depression, hallucinations and seizures. Disease (AD) is the most prevalent and Carers should administer medication as the accounts for almost 70% of cases. Dementia person with dementia might forget to take it occurs when the structure of the brain or might overdose if they think they have not changes and/or a chemical imbalance is taken their medication. present. It is not part of normal ageing. The cause of dementia is unknown. An Other types of dementia that are common is accumulation of plaque and neurofibrillary Vascular Dementia, which is caused by mini tangles have been identified in the neurons strokes, AIDS-related dementia, Alcoholof deceased dementia patients but this alone related dementia, Lewy Bodies dementia/ cannot be the cause of the disease. The risk Parkinson’s-related dementia and Frontalof developing dementia increases as we age, temporal lobe dementia which is mainly genes, chronic health issues such as diabetes, caused by trauma or injury. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart Each person is unique, so will experience problems, Parkinson’s disease or HIV/AIDS symptoms such as memory loss, and not following a healthy lifestyle. An communication and cognitive functioning unhealthy lifestyle includes bad eating habits, differently. Symptoms may vary with the not exercising enough, not participating in ability to concentrate, perception of time/place social activities, not coping with stress and or space, mood or emotional changes that trauma and abusing alcohol. affect behaviour, forgetting names or faces Dementia does not only develop in the elderly and an inability to carry out their activities (+65yrs). No one is immune. Younger Onset of daily living (self-care). Communication Dementia occurs under the age of 64yrs. problems may include difficulty finding The progression of dementia is slow and the right word/s, misinterpreting things
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
debilitating and differs from person to person. There are circumstances that can change the prognosis, for example, if the person has other illnesses such as heart problems or other chronic or acute conditions, the progression can be faster How to live well with dementia Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be devastating to both the patient and the family. Families react differently to the diagnosis. Some immediately place their loved one in a care facility and could deprive them of a quality of life with their family. Sometimes circumstances forces families to act, especially when there are no children living nearby, the children are all working, the person lives alone and cannot function or cope on their own or the person with dementia refuses help in the form of a caregiver. Many patients and families are in denial and will carry on as before until something bad happens like the person gets lost, falls, almost burns the house down, eats rotten food or squanders too much money.
Some ideas to live well with dementia: Educate yourselves as much as possible on the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association of South Africa (ASA) can help you. They offer one-on-one information sessions for families, 2-day workshops on “Caring for a person with dementia in a home environment” and information talks at nursing homes and churches. Be a step ahead by knowing what to expect as this will ensure that the person with dementia can still enjoy life. Find practical ways to compensate for memory loss, for example, sticky notes, notebooks or a large diary to remember names, dates or to-do lists. Put labels or pictures on cupboards and doors. Replace numbers on the phone with pictures to speed dial. Have an alarm on the phone to remind you to lock up at night as well as to take medications. Arrange with your pharmacy to place your meds in blister packs marked with the days of the week. Calendar clocks can help to remind you what the time and date is. Locator devices can be attached to car keys
and handbags in case they are mislaid. Use a GPS locator if you tend to get lost. Driving becomes a problem at the mid stage, monitor regularly.
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Keep the home safe by ensuring there is enough lighting, floors are level and enough hand rails in passages and the bathroom to prevent falls. Use timers for plugs, lights and heating systems to turn things on and off. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. See a doctor at least every six months to monitor medication and the progression of the disease. Find out about any clinical trials which can save money on medications. Do legal, financial and long-term care planning. ASA has lists of dementia care facilities in your area. Prepare or update your will, living will/advanced directives, curatoror administratorship before the mid stage of dementia as it is not valid after this stage. Ensure a healthy lifestyle: walk regularly, eat the MIND-Mediterranean diet, socialize and manage stress. Find meaning or a purpose in your life. Christine Bryden, in her book Dancing with Dementia says: “God has given me enough time to help change views about people living with dementia, that they are people worthy of value and dignity”.
September is Alzheimer’s month! To assist a worthy cause, donations will be appreciated.
Alzheimer’s SA First national Bank Branch: 253705 Account no: 62004774106 Ref: (Your Name)+donation
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
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Irish Terrier The Irish Terrier dog breed was once described as the “poor man’s sentinel, the farmer’s friend, and the gentleman’s favourite.” Rugged and stout-hearted, he has the advantages of a convenient size, versatile abilities as a companion, watchdog, and vermin dispatcher, and high train-ability.
Vital Stats: Height: 45 to 50cm Weight: 11 to 12 kgs Life Span: 12 to 16 years exceeds any goals you may have set for him. That is balanced by a reckless spirit that can be blind to consequences, so it can be necessary to protect him from his sometimes intemperate desire to guard his loved ones.
The Irish Terrier’s motto is “No fear.” Nicknamed “Daredevil,” this medium-size, agile dog has a tight, wiry red coat and a snootful of courage. He’s animated and loyal, always on guard, and willing to take on anything that comes his way and threatens his Irish Terriers are wonderful watchdogs, people and home. barking to warn their owners of With that tough terrier attitude, however, comes anything new. Some dogs will a need for training and socialization from an become excessive barkers if early age. Irish Terriers are extremely intelligent their behaviour is not and learn easily, but any training must work controlled from the start. around their independent, wilful spirit. If you Thanking the dog for the can make the dog think that training is his idea, alert and then distracting him you will get a happy worker who meets or with another command or
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game is a good way to make sure your dog learns to control his barking. Irish Terriers are excellent people dogs when they receive early socialization, and this helps make them wonderful family companions. They’re best suited to families where someone is home during the day. They aren’t overly active indoors and are happy to relax with their people, but they need exercise in the form of walks and occasional romps in a securely fenced area. The Irish Terrier has excellent hunting skills and a strong desire to seek out and destroy vermin, so a fenced yard and leashed walks are necessary for his safety. He’ll chase rapidly moving objects without paying attention to where the chase is leading him.
such as mice, rats, hamsters, and gerbils. Their terrier instinct to hunt this type of animal may be too strong to overcome. This breed does not do well with other dogs. Irish Terriers can be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex, and they don’t back down from a challenge. They will fight to the point of serious injury to themselves or the other dog. Being fearless, they’ll take on dogs much larger than themselves without thought for the consequences. Make sure your dog is on leash and you have control when around other dogs at any time.
If you’re looking for a versatile, active, spunky dog who will watch over your family for many years, the Irish Terrier could be the breed for you. He’s not one of the more well-known Irish Terriers adore children and are great breeds, so finding a breeder with puppies can playmates, especially when raised with them. be difficult. Expect to spend some time on a Make sure very young children are supervised waiting list and to pay a higher price than you at all times to prevent injury to both the dog might for a more popular breed. The expense and the child. is well worth it, though, admirers say. If you find the right dog, the Irish Terrier can be the Irish Terriers can learn to get along with cats if most wonderful companion your family will they’re raised with them from puppyhood, but ever have. they may not be trustworthy around smaller pets, especially pets from the rodent family
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Rabies
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Rabies is fully preventable and yet results in thousands of human deaths per year. According to the World Health Organization an estimated 55 000 human deaths occur worldwide per year due to canine rabies, accounting for 1 death and 300 exposures every 15 minutes. Almost all human fatalities occur in developing countries with 56% occurring in Asia and 44% in Africa. In Africa a great number of human rabies deaths occur year-after-year.
What is Rabies? Rabies is a deadly disease that is caused by a virus which attacks the nervous system of warm blooded mammals, including humans.
How is rabies transmitted between animals?
How is rabies transmitted to humans? Rabies is primarily a disease of children, who are particularly at risk due to their close contact with dogs, and are more likely than adults to suffer multiple bites and bites to the face and head, both of which impose a higher risk of contracting rabies. Genets and mongoose can also transmit the disease directly to humans.
What are the signs in animals?
Infected dogs show a change in temperament, attack and bite anything, The rabies virus can be transmitted in the they show an exaggerated response to saliva of infected animals during the later sound and light, they are restless, nervous stage of the infection when an infected animal bites a victim. In South Africa rabies and snap at imaginary flying insects. Dogs are often disorientated and wander is transmitted by dogs and jackals in aimlessly around with drooling saliva. Limpopo Province, dogs in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province, Eventually these dogs have uncoordinated and bat-eared foxes in the Northern Cape. actions and show progressive paralysis. On the Highveld rabies is transmitted by mongoose (mainly Yellow Mongoose), and Cats are generally aggressive, show frothing at the mouth and vocalize genets. abnormally.
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Wild animals lose their fear of humans and appear to be tame. The disease usually end in the death of the infected animal.
What are the signs in humans? The incubation period varies depending on the severity and position of the wounds. It can vary between 2 to 8 weeks and is usually shorter than 6 months. Symptoms like headaches, anxiety, fever, vomiting, fear of water, paralysis, coma and inevitably death.
What can you do to control the spread of rabies? Vaccination is a very cost effective way to protect your pet and indirectly humans against the disease. Rabies is a controlled animal disease in South Africa according to the Animal Disease Act 35 of 1984. It is therefore the lawful duty of each pet owner to see to it that their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Kittens and puppies must be vaccinated for the first time at the age of 3 months, and again within 12 months but not sooner than 30 days after the first vaccination, and there after every 3 years.
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African Grey Hornbill GrysneushoringvoĂŤl The presence of the African Grey Hornbill is hard to miss, to my surprise, even my oblivious teenage daughter commented on their regular visits to our garden recently. African Grey Hornbills are small members of the hornbill family. All hornbills have a casque, a hollow structure on the top of the bill that supports the bill and enhances vocal calls, which is unique to this group of birds. These hornbills have dark grey and brown plumage with white underparts and white edging along the wing and tail feathers. Males have a black beak and casque with white stripes along the
underside and a white patch on the upper section. The beak of the female has a black lower-part, cream upper-part and casque and an orange-red tip. (Casque: a helmet-like structure, such as that on the bill of a hornbill or the head of a cassowary.) The breeding season for the African Grey Hornbill begins when the trees come into leaf. A male and female maintain a territory together. The female will build a nest inside a tree hollow and will block herself in using mud and droppings. The male will continue to feed the female through
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
a small hole throughout the incubation. Once the chicks are around 30 days old, the female will break out of the nest before partially blocking it up and assisting the male with the feeding. The chicks will fledge after around 45 days. The diet of the African Grey Hornbill is largely made up of invertebrates such as beetles and grasshoppers. Small vertebrate prey, such as lizards and tree frogs are taken too. During the dry season the diet is supplemented with seeds and fruit. These birds have been known to follow larger animals to take advantage of the disturbed insects. They will also wait in groups at forest fires to catch the small animals that flee. Did you know these 8 Facts about the African Grey Hornbill? 1. In spite of its top heavy appearance the beak of the African Hornbill is made up of a light skin of keratin overlaying a bony support. The beak has lots of tiny holes that are air chambers, resulting in the beak being incredibly light. The large bill may be the reason why hornbills have the first two neck vertebrae fused together. 2. Nesting African Grey Hornbills are monogamous.
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inside the nest using mud, droppings, fruit pulp and her own feathers, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male will feed her and the young. Her mate will bring her and the chicks’ food as often as 10 to 20 times a day. 7. When the chicks are about half grown, it gets a little cramped inside the nest; the female will break out and rebuild the wall. Both parents will then feed the chicks. 8. The young Grey Hornbills break their way out of the nest only when they are ready to fledge.
Depending on where you live you may be lucky and have a hornbill reside in your garden if you supply them with their favourite food or a suitable nesting site. For the last 4 – 5 years they have been seen in the Pretoria East area. For the last month or so we have regularly spotted them in our garden in Lynnwood Glen, on some occasions even wondering very relaxed along the lawn.
Key Facts: Conservation Status: Least Concerned
3. When nesting natural cavities are used.
Distribution: Central and Southern Africa, Saudi Arabia
4. The female lays two to five white eggs.
Habitat: Coniferous & Broadleaf Forests, Savannah
5. The female undergoes a molt of all her flight and tail feathers at the time of egg laying. These are re-grown by the time she emerges from the nest. 6. To protect their young from predators the female seals herself
Diet: Insects, Seeds, small Amphibians, Small Mammals Height: 45 – 50cm Weight: 160g – 250g Number of Young: 2 – 5
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
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Meet CHOC Ambassador
Romina Armellini
as she shares her journey to survival
Internationally-known swimmer Romina Armellini fought and won a sensational victory over cancer. Born in Johannesburg of Italian parents, Romina started collecting swimming trophies from the age of eight and by 17 had achieved a global ranking of second in her event age group. Then the teenager saw the family doctor for suspected ‘flu’ and her fight with cancer started. Just seven days later she underwent a ten-hour operation to remove her thyroid due to stage four cancer. Doctors also removed three parathyroids and a piece of back muscle, as well as scraping pieces of cancer off her lungs.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
When first told she had cancer, Romina’s reaction was: “When can I get back into the water?” But because of the seriousness of the disease and the stress her body would go through, she was advised that she would never be able to return to a professional swimming career. Angry but undaunted, Romina faced the future. Romina’s life changed from that of an athlete to patient; treatments, control scans and radiation therapy were part of the routine. Yet despite opinions of the doctors, Romina returned to the water but it no longer was for the medals, swimming became a part of a therapeutic journey, together with a nutrition and psychological regime. Seven months after the first diagnosis, during a control scan the cancer spread to her liver and she was given a 25% possibility of survival. Romina decided to stop treatment and enjoy her life one day at a time. A month later a control scan revealed that the cancer had completely disappeared. The doctors were speechless.
World University games; European and World Championships; and in the Olympics in 2008.
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Rominas’ has always been actively involved in sharing her unique experience with others. In Italy she was one of the founding ambassadors for a children’s paediatric hospital specialising in cancer treatment in Padova, Italy. In South Africa she is actively involved with CHOC as one of their national ambassadors sharing her knowledge in her motivational talks. September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Romina will assist CHOC in creating awareness about the disease and the Childhood Cancer Ribbon that South Africans can share to show their support this this month. For more details on the childhood cancer ribbon and CHOC visit the CHOC website – www.choc.org.za
Today, Romina is a qualified Industrial Psychologist and is currently writing a book which details her cancer journey and Most would call this a ‘miracle’ but Romina experience as well as acting as somatic views her healing not as a singular event consultant, empowering cancer patients but rather a process where every day is with unique lifestyle skills. a miracle, “I let the cancer in as an active and enjoyable part of my dreams and life; the death related to the cancer became the birth of my true self” she has carried this love and passion for life as a lifestyle ever since. Together with the discipline of sport; she continued to defy the odds and continued a professional swimming career in Italy, breaking national records and competing in
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What is Heart Awareness Month? Celebrated annually in September, this month is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in South Africa and culminates on World Heart Day on the 29th of September. Heart Awareness Month has long been a platform for raising awareness about heart disease and highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment. Heart disease affects South Africans here and now Heart disease and strokes are the second biggest killer in South Africa, after HIV/ AIDS. Once thought to be a disease of the elderly, heart disease now affects people of working age, with more than half of deaths occurring in people under the age of 65 years. Our lifestyles are largely to blame for this growing problem - we eat too much, smoke and drink too much and are not keeping active. Our children are particularly vulnerable and influenced by our unhealthy environments, and are at risk for heart disease from a young age. We have to ask
ourselves, have our own homes become unhealthy environments? Here are some of the shocking statistics in South Africa: • South
Africa has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure worldwide: 1 in 3 adults
• High
blood pressure is a silent killer - 75% of people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it
• 1
in 5 children in South Africa smoke
• 1
in 2 adults and a quarter of children in South Africa are overweight
• 210
day
people die from heart disease every
• 80%
of these premature deaths can be prevented by eating better, moving more, and avoiding smoking
http://www.heartfoundation.co.za
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Fun Day’s to Celebrate in September
Be Late For Something Day
or out. It does not matter where you read that book, as long as you can do so in a comfortable manner. If you doze off along the way, we will not tell anyone. Reading is a great lifetime hobby. It offers so many positive attributes. It’s relaxing and therapeutic. It’s educational. It’s entertaining. And, a whole lot of other good things, too. If you have young children or elderly people in your home, take the time to read a book to them today. It is a wonderful time to bond with them and it creates pleasant, lasting memories.
Celebrated: Always September 5th Be Late For Something Day is a great day to be a procrastinator. If you are among the millions of us who never seem to be able to stay on schedule, then you will certainly enjoy today.
International Literacy Day Celebrated: Always September 8th
Being late for something is a common occurrence. It’s caused by a whole host of reasons. Some are intentional, some are not. Fall behind schedule early in the day today, and you will be late for everything that follows. Doctors and lawyers are notoriously late for something.... their appointment with you! It’s proper to be “fashionably late” for parties. Important Note: We hope you thoroughly enjoy and participate in this day. But, whatever you do, do not be late for dinner!
Read a Book Day Celebrated: September 6th Read a Book Day is today. Take time out of your busy life, and relax with a good book. Cozy up on a chair, indoors
International Literacy Day celebrates and promotes literacy all over the world. The day was created by the United Nations. It is promoted by the UN’s UNESCO. According to their website: “The aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.”
Continue to Page 41
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WOW Service! During August we were shopping for some new wingback chairs. We visited various different stores in the Pretoria East area and just when I was ready to give the entire idea a skip, we wandered into Etienne Lewis in Parkview Shopping Centre. What a wonderful experience! Upon entering the store, Jenny introduced herself and asked if she could help. As always when approached by sales staff we answered that we were just browsing. After offering to help if we needed anything she left us alone while staying well within view, but never hovering over our shoulders. When we had reached our decision, which was by no means an easy task, Etienne Lewis without a doubt had the biggest selection and widest price range of all the stores we visited. We approached Jenny asking about stock availability. From there I have to tell you the experience was beyond belief. Jenny very quickly confirmed stock, and arranged for a same day delivery. The basic paperwork was wrapped up swiftly; we made payment and left the store feeling very happy with our purchase. Little did we know, the biggest shock was still to come! At 14h00 that afternoon we received a phone call from Jenny advising that the delivery truck has just left and that they will be with us shortly. First shock, when last did someone call to confirm a delivery as promised. The delivery staff promptly arrive, delivered our chairs and they were friendly and helpful while they did it! Everything happened exactly as Jenny said it would. We have come to expect bad service and empty promises, so Etienne Lewis well done – your excellent level of service truly wow’d us and showed that good service is not just a memory from bygone days!
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
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The Silent World of
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Jacques Cousteau
acques-Yves Cousteau was a French Naval Officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author and researcher who studied the ocean and all forms of life within it. He was born on the 11th of June 1910 and died on the 25th of June 1997. Jacques is best known for codeveloping the aqua-lung, which over time became the Scuba system we use today with a cylinder and regulator. He was also the original pioneer of Marine Conservation. Jacques first book – “The Silent World: A story of undersea discovery and adventure” was published in 1953 – this book described his underwater research to a world who had never
witnessed or seen what goes on under our oceans. In 1943 he made a film called “Shipwrecks” in which they used two of the very first Aqua-lung prototypes. He continued to eventually produce more than 120 television documentaries and over 50 books on the Oceans and environmental protection. Every home in the world that had a television set was suddenly exposed to this new world under water and families would watch in awe as these unknown creatures and “monsters” filled their screens. This television documentary “The Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau” ran for ten years Cousteau acquired the use of a ship called the Calypso which he re-fitted for
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
a mobile laboratory for field research, and his principle vessel for diving and filming. The amount of discoveries and inventions brought about by Cousteau are far too many to mention, but to name a few: He discovered the fact that dolphins used echolocation, a form of sonar that submarines would later start using. He assisted in the development of the “Diving Saucer” a small two-man underwater vehicle which could reach depths of over 350 meters. He was involved in
projects where three underwater villages were developed to study humans living underwater for extended periods of time.
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Both of Cousteau’s sons, Philippe and Jean-Michel were involved with his research, but in 1979, Philippe was killed in an aircraft crash. The Cousteau Society is still very active today in research and environmental protection. Jacques Cousteau died of a heart attack in 1997, two weeks after his 87th birthday.
“The Sea, once its casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
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Burmese
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
The Burmese is often described as a “brick wrapped in silk,” a testament to his solid, muscular body.
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he Burmese is energetic and friendly. He has the charm and determination of his Siamese ancestors, and enjoys conversation as much as that breed, but his voice is soft and sweet, belying his tendency to run the household with an iron paw sheathed in velvety fur. He is highly intelligent and seeks out human companionship, so he’s not best suited to a home where he will be left alone much of the day. If no humans will be around to engage his intellect, be sure he has the company of another pet. He gets along well with other cats and with dogs, but of course
another Burmese will be his best pal. The Burmese is about as curious as cats come. Expect him to explore your home thoroughly and know all of its nooks and crannies. He is playful and remains so into adulthood. Tease his clever mind with interactive toys, and teach him tricks that will allow him to show off for an audience. Besides sit, roll over, wave and come, he can learn to fetch a small toy or walk on a leash. With proper early conditioning, car rides and vet visits will be a breeze.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
A Burmese is a good choice if you don’t object to complete loss of privacy. This cat will want to be involved in everything you do, from reading the newspaper and working at the computer to preparing meals and watching television. He will, of course, sleep on the bed with you and may even snuggle under the covers. When you are sitting down, he will be in your lap or right next to you, waiting expectantly to be petted. You will be scolded if you ignore him. Guests will receive his full attention, and it is likely that he will win over even those who claim to dislike cats.
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A female Burmese is the very definition of queenliness. She likes attention and she likes to be in charge. Males are more restful, satisfied to fill a lap. Whichever you choose, it’s likely that you will soon find yourself yearning for another.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Axiology and Marriage
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will always be thankful to Dr John Demartini for this gift. Axiology is the study of values and what we as humans value and asserts that human beings are really just trying to do more of the stuff they like and less of the stuff they dislike. That we have things we love doing and things we hate doing. That we will spend our lives trying to get more pleasure and less pain. The fun begins when we realise one thing. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT. One man’s meat is another man’s poison. One woman’s success is another woman’s failure. We each have a 100% individual set of values, needs and wants. You may love fishing while I abhor it. I may love gardening while you see it as a complete waste of time. You always have time, energy and money for the things you love doing. Mine is learning and teaching. I love speaking to big crowds and sharing my insights with them. Many people would rather die! Right at the bottom for me is washing dishes, filling in tax returns and shopping with my wife in a packed mall. So if your husband loves rugby and you love visiting your family, don’t schedule a visit during the Curry Cup Final! Rather grab a beer and sit with him. Shout when he shouts and get miserable when he does. Jump for joy when the final whistle goes. Then go visit mom.
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swipe your Vitality Card and get some extra Discovery miles. Then go to movies. I strongly suggest you go to www. drdemartini.com and do his “Value Determination Exercise”. Then get your spouse to do it. Then share your values with an open mind. I promise you, you cannot change him or her into something they are not. I highly encourage you to accept yourself for who you are, then accept your partner for who they are and then PLEASE, don’t try to change each other. Whenever I work with marriages in trouble it’s usually about one spouse wanting the other spouse to be more like them. Dr. Demartini would call this, “Having an unrealistic expectation of your spouse to live in your values”. Expectations (realistic and unrealistic) are the root of many and even most of our problems. For an excellent insight into this, book yourselves on Dr. Demartini’s Breakthrough Experience. It will strengthen your marriage tremendously. This is an excerpt from the book, “So you’re married, now what? Written by the marriage expert, Stephen van Basten
www.stephenvanbasten.co.za
And if your wife loves going to gym and you love the movies, book tickets after her gym session. Even better, go
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Travel Special
VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE
From R8 785 pps
Included in this fantastic deal: • Return Flights to Victoria Falls • Return Hotel Transfers • 3 Nights Accommodation • Standard Lodge Room • Breakfast Daily • Sunset Cruise • Tour of the falls • All taxes, levies & surcharges Valid 01 November 2017 to 31 March 2018 All rates are subject to availability and currency fluctuations
Natrix Travel
Our office is situated at the The Blue Diamond Boutique Hotel 761 Rubenstein Drive, Corner Rubenstein & Wekker Street, Moreleta Park
Tel: 012 004 1742 / 0724584032
email: info@natrix.co.za
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Welcome to Victoria Falls
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ocally known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, translating to ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls are deservedly one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, fed by the mighty Zambezi River, the Falls are a sight to behold! The 100m vertical chasm spanning the full one and a half kilometre width of the river, creates the biggest curtain of falling water in the world and one of the most extraordinary displays of nature’s might and magnificence. Despite the beauty of the Falls themselves, this region warrants the reputation as an adventure centre, offering a plethora of adrenaline-inducing activities both in and around the Falls. The best time for viewing the Falls is from July to October when the water levels are high but the mist has subsided, offering clearer views. LANGUAGE The indigenous languages are Ndebele and Shona but English is the official language and is widely spoken and understood.
ranging from 25-27°C. The rafting season generally closes completely around April/May - due to the excessive high water level of the Zambezi River and reopens around July, with July to December offering the best conditions. March/ April brings huge volumes of spray which can make it difficult to view the Falls from the ground, but aerial viewing is spectacular. From November/ early December to January, low water levels mean that parts of the Falls dry up, particularly on the Zambian side, but this is when Devil’s Pool is accessible or one can witness the Falls from a different vantage point on Livingstone Island CURRENCY The Zimbabwean dollar is no longer a valid currency and almost all transactions are conducted in US dollars. The currencies presently used in Zimbabwe include US Dollars and South African Rand. Make sure you have a sufficient amount of foreign currency in your possession, prior to entering the country due to a cash shortage and the fact that many ATMs will not accept international cards. Do not change foreign exchange with moneychangers on the street, as this is illegal. It is best to travel with small denominations of foreign currency. Credit cards, especially American Express and Diners, are rarely accepted
CULTURE On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be greeted by some of the friendliest people in the world. The religion is Christianity, with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minorities. MALARIA As Victoria Falls is situated in a malaria zone, it is recommended that you consult your CLIMATE September through to April: Generally physician on the correct preventative medication very hot summers with temperatures averaging required before you travel. between 32-34°C. Wet during the rainy season, from mid-November to April. May through to VISA South African Passport holders do not August: Mild and dry winters with temperatures require a visa.
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Part 19
The Power Within By: Johan Jordaan
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his month we look at the Holy Spirit; the One who indwells us. We have discovered who we are, who our Daddy is and who Jesus is; so now it is time to take a closer look at who the Holy Spirit is and who He is not.
can worry) is unbelief; specifically unbelief in His Son (John 16:9). The Holy Spirit is not a nagger that reminds us of our sins all the time; that is Satan’s terrain. He accuses us (Rev 12:10).
We live as natural beings in a natural world Firstly we must realise that He is a person – or so we think. The fact is that what just like our Father, Jesus and us. He is the happens in the supernatural has much more executive arm of the Trinity. He executes of an effect on us than what we see (in the everything that Jesus and His Father wants natural). And our link to this unseen world is done. He is the Power within every one of us our spirit (different from our soul). At rebirth and it is the same power that raised Jesus we receive a new spirit – our spirit is reborn from the dead. (John 3:5). Our spirit is now integrated with God’s Spirit – the Holy Spirit. We can see It is His work to convince the world of their it as receiving a piece of God’s own spirit. sin – of not believing in Jesus (John 16:8). It Now this is all supernatural and we had is definitely not His job to convince us of our nothing to do with it – we simply accepted sin – He convinces us of our righteousness. Jesus as our Saviour. Read the whole passage above from verse 8 to 11. When He speaks of sin He refers But now we have a choice; either we live to ‘them’ – the world. When He speaks our lives as before – in the natural where of righteousness He refers to ‘you’ – His we are victims – or we recognise this power disciples (us). Get this picture out of your in us and access it for everyone’s benefit mind that God is obsessed with sin for He and become victors. But of course it is not is not. Jesus overcame sin and now He as simple as putting fuel in your car and ‘remembers our sins no more’ (Heb8:12). stepping on the accelerator. There are some The sin that ‘worries’ our Father (as if He principles that God Himself determined and
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
put down in the Bible. It starts when we become obedient to the Spirit and decide to believe in Jesus as our saviour. That is a cognitive decision that leads to salvation, rebirth and the Holy Spirit taking up residence in us – the Spirit within. Now Jesus and the Father are with us all the time. We are saved and we inherit eternal life. But the power of the Holy Spirit is not ours yet; for that we need a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now go find a good book on this subject because I do not have space to explain it all, but basically you receive the Spirit upon you like Jesus did when the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove (Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22 and John 1:32 (KJV)). This is when the supernatural becomes a reality and some people start speaking in tongues etc. Jesus only started His ministry after He received the Spirit upon Him at His baptism. But there is more; when God wants you to do something special He can anoint you with special powers to accomplish the task, be it teaching, prophesy, healing of the sick or whatever. I remember the day that He anointed me to teach. I told my wife that something had happened but I did not know what. Then people started prophesying over me that I had the anointing of teaching. Fact is that since that day I can explain the gospel, remember the relevant texts, have the boldness (that I never had) and possess an ability to explain difficult subjects in simple terms. When Jesus read from the scroll in Nazareth he read these words: Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. (NET) Note the word ‘upon’, the word ‘anoint’ and the fact that the anointing was for a purpose: ‘to proclaim the good news’. From the day that the Spirit came upon Him, He could carry out the task that He came for; before that day he was just a very gifted and special kid. But since that day He was able to preach, heal, cast out demons and even raise the dead. He had bags full of
wisdom and was never short of an answer.
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See, what happened was that He lived supernaturally – always aware of and able to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. He had the kind of relationship with His Daddy that enabled all this. And that is where we should also be. If you read about the things that Jesus promised His followers (authority over the spiritual realm, drinking poison, stepping on serpents, raising the dead, healing the sick and even greater things than He ever did) we realise that we live totally cerebral. We must reduce everything to where we can explain it; we live naturally. But to live like Jesus we have to, by faith, embrace the Holy Spirit. We have to start believing Jesus’ promises. We have to enter into a relationship with Jesus as intimate as what He had with His Daddy, and even more intimate. I barely touched on this subject – I did not even mention the fruits or the gifts of the Spirit. But this is where the power of the gospel can be unlocked or lost. Be dangerous; live supernaturally and make a difference. For me, the words ‘to be like Jesus’ is to have a close relationship with the Holy Spirit because without it I cannot do what Jesus did. He did what He did not so much because of His divinity (which He laid down), but because of His relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Write to me, engage me and I will try to answer any questions that you might have. email: featzmags@gmail.com Subject: Grace
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Pretoria High School For Girls RCL Announcement
PHSG announces their 2018 Representative Council of Learners (RCL). Congratulations to the following learners who were elected to this position by their Grade 11 peers:Â Claire Angel, Vanessa Annor, Nicole Barnard, Alessia Bevilacqua, Meadow Brener, Nomzamo Chabalala, Jenna-Lee Clingham, Ashley Coetzee, Unako Dubula, Jessica Guimaraes, Nikita Huliciar, Kiara Jaimungal, Jacky James, Khutso Maloka, Fendi Mampone, Tshegofatso Matlou, Lucia Mkanda, Karabo Mlangeni, Kendahl Moore, Kiese Mpasa, Annemarie Mugisa, Antonia Mugisa, Mbali Ntuli, Tiffany Padiachy, Cara Schoombie, Naledi Sekoati, Khona Shabalala, Charlotte Smit, Wamu Spies and Helena Zelle Head Girl and portfolios will be determined at a later stage.
Blue Bulls visit PHSG Pretoria High School for Girls received a visit from the Blue Bulls after having won a cheering competition in May where the Blue Bulls played the Highlanders. Edgar Marutlulle, Roelof Smit, Cabous Eloff, Eli Snyman, Louwtjie Steenkamp and Ciaran Dayaram joined the Iris Day Festivities at the school on 11 August. Edgar addressed the school and gave an inspiring pep talk about how your attitude affects your outlook in life, this was followed by signatures, selfies and squeals of delight from PHSG learners.
Checkmate! Seven PHSG learners entered the D4 Individual Trials at Waterkloof Hoërskool on 13 May 2017: • Claire Angel • Tara Pemy • Gabrielle Amrouni • Natasha Janse van Rensburg • Caitlyn Hattingh • Rose Mamabolo • Dren Effendi After an intense 12 hour day and 5 very competitive rounds, 5 learners went through to the Gauteng Schools Individual Chess Championships that took place at FH Odendaal on 27 May 2017: • Claire Angel • Tara Pemy • Gabrielle Amrouni • Caitlyn Hattingh • Rose Mamabolo Gabrielle Amrouni came seventeenth out of 63 learners in the province. Claire Angel came fourth over all and progressed with 6 other learners to the SA School Championships that took place in Durban on 1 July 2017. She came fifth out of 63 players in South Africa ranking first of all the Gauteng players and was invited to participate in the African Individual Chess Championships at the end of August.
Spring Fair Picture Yerang Oh, a Grade 11 learner won R1000 from the PHSG Parent’s Association for this beautiful work of art in a competition. The artwork will be used as the official Spring Fair 2017 picture.
Choir News Well done to our school choirs! PHSG choir, the Doves, participated in the Irene Village Mall Choir Festival on 29 July 2017. Not only did they win Best High School Choir, but were chosen as the overall winners. Congratulations girls and conductor Mr Gericke! On the eve of Women’s Day both PHSG choirs also boarded buses to perform at the SheEO Sleepout at the iconic Women’s Goal at Constitution Hill. This was to be their first performance together. They opened proceedings with a haunting song sung from the upstairs gallery. After inspiring speeches delivered by various dignitaries, they closed the program with a stirring rendition of ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’. We are tremendously grateful for this opportunity and proud of the manner in which the girls conducted themselves.
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Department of Transport, Deputy Director General Chris Hlabisa and Swiss Ambassador Helene Budliger Artieda, centre, with the Pretoria High School for Girls choir during the Swiss National Day celebration in Pretoria.
Training keeps Swiss on a roll Swiss Ambassador to South Africa Helene Budliger Artieda used her country’s national day celebration in Pretoria recently to highlight its dual-education system.
Budliger Artieda said the Swiss-SA business development initiative had trained 1 000 start-up entrepreneurs to date – and was geared to take the programme further.
She explained only one third of young people went to university and the other two thirds pursued vocational training or an apprenticeship. The number of skilled artisans were key to the Swiss economy in which most companies were small and medium-sized enterprises.
Aside from displays by Swiss firms involved in training in SA, the event at the ambassador’s official residence featured the Pretoria High School for Girls choir and a traditional Swiss choir from Joburg. Among the food served was a Swiss cheese (raclette), sweets from the Swiss Hotel school in Joburg, and a chocolate station by Lindt.
Swiss companies, as part of a strong relationship with South Africa, offer vocational training, and
Well done to our public speakers We would like to congratulate the following learners who went through to the National final of the South African Literacy Association (SALA) competition that took place on 29 July 2017. •
Tembiwe Dhliwayo
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Tshedimoho Lerefolo
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Dimakatso Maponya
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Orapeleng Mampane
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Ashleigh Wenhold
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Anathi Soga
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Lucia Mkanda
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Tshilidzi Mabadzhabadzha
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Abi Ashfiled
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Derryn Wenhold
Of the 16 speakers we entered into the competition, 10 of them got through to the final. Of these 10 girls, 4 of them were placed in the top three of their respective categories
Fun Day’s to Celebrate in September Literacy is a global issue, and hence the UN takes an active role in promoting it. They do recognize and celebrate that billions of people are literate. But, they go further to promote literacy, and to seek improved literacy rates in every country of the world. PS. If you are reading this, then you can and should celebrate International Literacy Day.
Grandparent’s Day Celebrated: September 10th
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to bring closure to the departure of our beloved pets. It allows us to fondly remember our departed pet(s). There are all kinds of pets. Sure dogs and cats are by far the most popular. But, pets also include rabbits, fish, turtles, snakes, hamsters, gerbils, and a huge assortment of other animals. Your pet would want you to cherish their memory, and then move on. Use this special day for this purpose.
Chocolate Milk Shake Day
It is only right and fitting that one day of the year is set aside to honour our grandparents. It is time to celebrate those special people who are always there with a hug, a kiss, a cookie, or something special. If you can, enjoy the day with them. That is the greatest gift they can receive from you. If you can’t see them, call them, or Skype them. When you call, make sure you have the time for a long conversation. Remember, grandparents will always ask about you first and listen intently to everything you have to say. They are never rushed or in a hurry. They are there just for you.
Pet Memorial Day Celebrated: Second Sunday in September People love their pets. We quickly grow attached to our pets. Pet Memorial Day is an opportunity
Celebrated: September 12th Chocolate Milkshake Day is an opportunity for chocoholics to savour and enjoy. The weather may still be cool. But, our appetite for chocolate, specifically chocolate milkshakes hasn’t cooled off one iota. What a great day this will be! Simply combine a little milk with some chocolate ice cream, add some extra chocolate syrup, and mix it well in a blender. That’s the fixings for mixing up a big, tall glass of chocolate milkshake. On a diet? Not today. A lot of people cele-
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brate Chocolate Milkshake Day with not one, but two or more chocolate milkshakes.
adult. We hope you always keep and cherish your invaluable rock collection.
Kids collect rocks because it is a fun thing to Bottoms up! do. They even trade rocks among other rock collectors. There are no books on what rocks to collect, or how much each rock is valued Positive Thinking Day at. Rather, rocks are selected for a collection Celebrated: September 13th based upon a wide range of attributes. A lot of Today is all about attitude.... a positive attitude. it is individual appeal. The rock could be big or It’s a lot like the ant, when faced with moving a small, a particular colour or range of colours. Smooth or rough, or display a unique charrubber tree plant thought “I think I can”. With that in mind, I just know that everything will go acteristic. When it comes to rock collecting, beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder fine from this day forward. (or rock holder in this case). The power of positive thinking is absolutely Have a happy Collect Rocks Day! astounding. Medical research confirms that a positive attitude works wonders at fighting disease and ailments, from the common cold to Wife Appreciation Day cancer. People with an “I think I can” attitude, Celebrated: Third Sunday in September are far more likely to succeed at work, and in accomplishing every goal they set in life. The objective of this special day is for wives without children to receive appreciation from Today’s Quote: “It takes just a moment to their husbands. Mother’s Day is for wives with change your attitude. And, in that quick mochildren. So, today is an opportunity for husment, you can change your entire day.” - - Aubands in a childless marriage, to recognize the thor Unknown value of their wife. Let her know how important she is to you, and how much she is appreciated. Have a happy Positive Thinking Day! We just It is a day that she truly deserves. know you’re going to have a spectacular day.
Collect Rocks Day
It should be very easy to show appreciation to your wife, for who she is, and for all the great things she does for you. You know her well, her likes and dislikes. Begin the day by telling her that she is appreciated. Give her a few examples why. Then, select a couple of things she likes or likes to do, and make it happen. Giving her a gift is perfectly okay, but in is not a requirement.
While this day was originally intended to honour wives in a childless marriage, we encourage all husbands to show appreciation for their Collect Rocks Day is a day to enjoy and add to your rock collection. Ahh, to be a kid again, wives on this day. Showing your appreciation and have a rock collection. Well, we have good today is a basic ingredient for a long and hapnews for you. No one ever said you had to give py marriage. up your rock collection when you became an Gentlemen, you will get your day, too. It’s in Celebrated: September 16th
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
April....... Husband Appreciation Day
Elephant Appreciation Day
“The Fellowship of the Ring” opened in this manner, celebrating Bilbo Baggins birthday.
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You can celebrate this special day by watching a Lord of the Rings movie or reading any of author J.R.R. Tolkien’s books that include hobbits. You can hold a Hobbit party.... please just skip the fireworks. You may also choose to walk around barefoot all day. That sounds like fun. As for me, I will celebrate this day enjoying seven meals while re-reading The Hobbit.
Oktoberfest Day
Celebrated: September 22
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Show us how much you care about elephants. This is a big, elephant sized day. We feel it should be celebrated in a big way. Little kids and big kids are fascinated by elephants. In a zoo, in the circus, or a wildlife special on television, elephants captivate us by their sheer size. Today is your chance to let them see that you appreciate them. Showing your appreciation for them starts with a visit to your local zoo. They will be happy to see you. Making a donation towards their support is a great way to show your appreciation.
Oktoberfest : September 23 - October 8 Oktoberfest is a two week festival, held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. While it is a giant world festival in Germany, Oktoberfest celebrations are held around the world during this time. So, if you can’t get to the fair in Germany, you can participate in a local event. It’s time to eat, drink, and be merry! Each year, the Oktoberfest is opened, as the mayor of Munich taps a keg of beer. There is even a special brew made, aptly called Oktoberfest beer.
Hobbit Day Celebrated: September 22nd It is the birthday of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, two of the main hobbit characters from The Lord of the Rings. Hobbits are little guys, and little gals, just two to four feet tall. They are our heroes in the Lord of the Ring movies, performing great acts of heroism and courage. Notably, Hobbits go around barefoot and eat seven meals a day. They also like to dance, have parties, and enjoy fireworks. The movie
Oktoberfest is not just a celebration of beer. It is a huge festival with lots of food, music, dancing, rides, and carnival booths. Each year millions of people from all over the world come to the fair. Oktoberfest celebrations and festivals are held around the world during this time. These festivals also celebrate the rich heritage of the German people.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
44 SAFETY PLANNING WITHIN AN ABUSE RELATIONSHIP (PART 2)
Compiled by Lt Col Gerber (Police Social Work Services)
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afety planning is a process that takes safest to use a computer at the public into account a victim’s current situation library, an internet café, or community and encourages the development of centre. strategies that help to reduce harm, minimize risks, and create a safe environment. The previous article, SAFETY PLANNING WITHIN • Create a new email account with a new AN ABUSE RELATIONSHIP (PART 1) provided password from a safe computer. Use an some safety tips on how to keep you safe anonymous name and password that the in an abuse relationship – whether you are abuser will not be able to guess. remaining in the relationship or planning to leave. Adding to those tips, it is crucial to • Change passwords and PIN numbers. also note that technology, including everyday Some abusers access victims’ accounts items such as computers and cell phones, is a fraudulently to track them, to impersonate vital area to consider in safety planning. Below them, and to cause harm. Think about any is a summary of a number of technology password protected accounts you may precautions to consider. have, including: online banking, medical records, voicemail, etc. - if anyone abusive Technology tools you cannot do without could knows or could guess your passwords, put you at risk change them quickly • Trust your instincts. If the abuser knows and frequently. too much regarding your whereabouts, • Use a donated it is possible that your phone, computer, or new cell emails, and other activities are being phone. A tracked. family cell • Use a safe computer. When you look for phone plan help, a new place to live, etc., it may be produces
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
billing records and phone logs that might reveal your plans. • Check your cell phone settings. If you are using a cell phone provided by the abuser, turn it off when not in use. Phones can be set to automatically answer without your knowing it - in effect becoming a speaker. New phones have GPS which makes them capable of tracking you. • Search for your name and your phone number online. Major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and switchboard. com have links to your contact information including satellite photos of your address. Search your name in quotation marks: “Full Name.” Do the same with your telephone number. • Consider taking down your social networking pages such as Facebook, etc. Information posted on these sites can compromise your safety through photos that reveal your resident and through friends your abuser knows who link to your social site.
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Make sure your child’s school and your employer know not to give your address or phone number to anyone.
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Change your habits. Shop at different stores. Shop at different times. Vary your schedule as much as possible.
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At work, have a security guard accompany you to your car. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
SURVIVOR PSALM I have been victimized. I was in a fight that was not a fair fight.
I lost. There is no shame in losing such fights.
Protecting yourself once you have left
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Provide a photo of your abuser to your colleagues and the security at your workplace and to your children’s teachers and school administrators. Advise them not to allow the abuser on the premises.
I did not ask for the fight.
If or when you have decided to leave the relationship and made that move, the unfortunate reality is that you still need to protect yourself and your children from the abuser. •
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Change your phone number. Block caller ID. If your partner has moved out or if you do not live together, alert your neighbours to call the police if they see him nearby. Create a signal that will tell them they should call.
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Change the locks – all doors!
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Get a private mailbox and do not give your real physical address. When asked by businesses, doctors and others for your address, have a private mailbox or PO Box. Try to keep your residential address out of national databases.
I have reached the stage of survivor and am no longer a slave of victim status. I look back with sadness rather than despair. I may never forget, but I need not constantly remember. I was a victim. I am a survivor.
(www.giftfrom within.org) Source: Safety Planning (http://www. domesticviolenceroundtable.org/index.html)
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Fascinating People
Photo Credit: Shane Leonard
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Stephen King Stephen Edwin King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his parents separated when Stephen was a toddler, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father’s family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of the elderly couple. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen’s grandparents passed away, Mrs King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged. Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and then Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional.
He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately postgraduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums. He and Tabitha Spruce married in January of 1971. He met Tabitha in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University of Maine at Orono, where they both worked as students.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a labourer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men’s magazines. Stephen made his first professional short story sale (“The Glass Floor”) to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men’s magazines. Many of these were later gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies. In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
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December, purchasing a new home in Center Lovell, Maine. After living there one summer, the Kings moved north to Orrington, near Bangor, so that Stephen could teach creative writing at the University of Maine at Orono. The Kings returned to Center Lovell in the spring of 1979. In 1980, the Kings purchased a second home in Bangor, retaining the Center Lovell house as a summer home. Stephen and Tabitha now spend winters in Florida and the remainder of the year at their Bangor and Center Lovell homes. The Kings have three children: Naomi Rachel, Joe Hill and Owen Phillip, and four grandchildren.
Stephen is of Scots-Irish ancestry, stands 6’4” and weighs about 200 pounds. He is blueeyed, fair-skinned, and has thick, black hair, with a frost of white most noticeable in his beard, In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co. accepted which he sometimes wears between the end of the novel Carrie for publication. On Mother’s the World Series and the opening of baseball Day of that year, Stephen learned from his new spring training in Florida. Occasionally he wears editor at Doubleday, Bill Thompson that a major a moustache in other seasons. He has worn paperback sale would provide him with the glasses since he was a child. means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has put some of his college dramatic At the end of the summer of 1973, the Kings society experience to use doing cameos in moved their growing family to southern Maine several of the film adaptations of his works as because of Stephen’s mother’s failing health. well as a bit part in a George Romero picture, Renting a summer home on Sebago Lake Knightriders. Joe Hill King also appeared in North Windham for the winter, Stephen in Creepshow, which was released in 1982. wrote his next-published novel, originally Stephen made his directorial debut, as well as titled Second Coming and then Jerusalem’s writing the screenplay, for the movie Maximum Lot, before it became ‹Salem›s Lot, in a Overdrive (an adaptation of his short story small room in the garage. During this period, “Trucks”) in 1985. Stephen’s mother died of cancer, at the age of Stephen and Tabitha provide scholarships for 59. local high school students and contribute to Carrie was published in the spring of 1974. many other local and national charities. That same fall, the Kings left Maine for Boulder, Stephen is the 2003 recipient of The National Colorado. They lived there for a little less Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished than a year, during which Stephen wrote The Contribution to American Letters and the 2014 Shining, set in Colorado. Returning to Maine National Medal of Arts. in the summer of 1975, the Kings purchased a home in the Lakes Region of western Maine. At Originally written by Tabitha King, updated by that house, Stephen finished writing The Stand, Marsha DeFilippo. much of which also is set in Boulder. The Dead Zone was also written in Bridgton. CLICK In 1977, the Kings spent three months of a projected year-long stay in England, cut the sojourn short and returned home in mid-
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Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
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3 Homemade Face Masks for Dry Skin
The winter climate takes its toll on your skin. To give your skin a moisture boost, try one of these homemade facials. Remember for the best result always cleans your face before applying a mask.
Egg and Honey Facial Mask Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of sunflower oil with the white of one egg in a small bowl and mix well till they thicken slightly. Spread the mixture onto your face and leave it for 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
Banana, Yogurt and Honey Facial Mask Put two fully ripe bananas, 1 teaspoon of honey and ½ cup of yogurt in a blender. Blend these natural ingredients together until they form a consistent paste. Smear the paste onto your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes or until it dries. Rinse your face with warm water.
Cucumber and Aloe Vera Facial Mask Peel a cucumber and place it in a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and blend until they form a thick consistent mixture. Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then rinse your face with warm water.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
Pop Lock ‘n Roll Release date: 29 Sep 2017
49 MOVIE TRAILER
Find the strength to dance again. Raps is an ambitious street-style hip hop dancer from a poor neighbourhood who believes that money is everything. He gets a lucky break and rises as a professional entertainer, but, when he falls in love with the beautiful Brazilian wife of the gangster-producer who’s making Raps’s career, Raps will have to risk it all to find true happiness.
MOVIE TRAILER
Blade Runner 2049 Release date: 06 Oct 2017
Thirty years later, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for three decades. Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
MOVIE TRAILER
Release date: 22 Sep 2017 Welcome to the secret world inside your phone. Hidden within your messaging app is Textopolis, a bustling city where all of your favourite emojis live, each hoping to be selected. In this world, each emoji has but one facial expression—except for Gene, an exuberant emoji who was born without a filter and who’s bursting with multiple expressions. Determined to be “normal,” Gene enlists the help of his handy best friend, Hi-5, and the notorious codebreaker emoji, Jailbreak. They embark on an epic “appventure” throughout the phone’s apps (each having its own wild and fun world) to find the code that will fix Gene.
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For a printable copy of this month’s Sudoku puzzle or for the solution if we have you stumped
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Famous Birthdays Gloria Estefan (born Gloria
María Milagrosa Fajardo García; September 1, 1957) is a CubanAmerican singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She started off her career as the lead singer in the group called “Miami Latin Boys” which was eventually known as Miami Sound Machine. Adam Richard Sandler (born September 9, 1966) is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, film producer, and musician. After becoming a Saturday Night Live cast member, Sandler went on to star in many Hollywood feature films that combined have grossed over $2 billion at the box office.
Paul William Walker IV
(September 12, 1973 – November 30, 2013) was an American actor. Walker began his career gueststarring in several television shows such as The Young and the Restless and Touched by an Angel. Walker gained prominence with breakout roles in coming of age and teen films such as She’s All That and Varsity Blues (1999). In 2001, Walker gained international fame for his portrayal of Brian O’Conner in the street racing action film The Fast and the Furious (2001), and would reprise the role in five of the next six instalments but died in the middle of the filming of Furious 7 (2015).
Jeremy John Irons (born 19 September
1948) is an English actor. After receiving classical training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Irons began his acting career on stage in 1969. Irons’ first major film role came in the 1981 romantic drama The French Lieutenant’s Woman, for which he received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. After starring in dramas such as Moonlighting (1982), Betrayal (1983), and The
Mission (1986), he gained critical acclaim for portraying twin gynaecologists in David Cronenberg’s psychological thriller Dead Ringers (1988). In 1990, Irons played accused murderer Claus von Bülow in Reversal of Fortune, and took home multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
(25 September 1969) is a Welsh actress. Born and raised in Swansea, ZetaJones aspired to be an actress from a young age. As a child, she played roles in the West End productions of the musicals Annie and Bugsy Malone. She studied musical theatre at the Arts Educational Schools, London, and made her stage breakthrough with a leading role in a 1987 production of 42nd Street. Her screen debut came in the unsuccessful French-Italian film 1001 Nights (1990), and she went on to find greater success as a regular in the British television series The Darling Buds of May (1991–93). Dismayed at being typecast as the token pretty girl in British films, Zeta-Jones relocated to Los Angeles.
Heather Deen Locklear (born
September 25, 1961) is an American actress. She is known for her television role as Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place (1993–99), for which she received four consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress – Television Series Drama. Her other notable television roles include Sammy Jo Carrington on Dynasty (1981–89), Officer Stacy Sheridan on T. J. Hooker (1982–86), and Caitlin Moore on Spin City (1999–2002), for which she earned a further two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy. She had a recurring role on the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland and a main role on the TNT drama-comedy television series Franklin & Bash in 2013.
Community Ch@ Magazine - September 2017
September 2017 Monday
4 Happy Birthday Mom
Tuesday
5 Happy Birthday Eric
Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
Saturday
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International Literacy Day
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Sunday
Apple Dumpling Day
Roald Dahl born 1916
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 World Alzheimer's Day
Heritage Day
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Public Holiday
World Environmental Health Day
World Rabies Day
World Heart Day
25 26 27 28 29 30 Print a copy of the Calendar
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