ESTATE NEWS
Crier
THE VILLAGE I S S U E 3 | JUNE 2020
ESTATE NEWS
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P u b l i sh e r K-S t udio (P t y) Ltd on behalf of H ert i ta g e H i l l
contents features ISSUE 3 | J U N E
A d ve rti si n g S al es Tobia tobia@ k-st udio . co . za sales2@ k-st udio . co . za
JUNE
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C alv in sales3@ k-st udio . co . za
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Ed i to r Tobia von Zwiet r i n g Copy w ri te r / p ro of r eader C hantél Venter
2018
EDIBL E INDIG ENOUS SOUT H AFRICAN P L ANT S Food foraging is a global trend that is finding its way into news stories...
H OW T O K EEP EV ERY ONE ENT ERTAINED DURING L OCK DOW N South Africa is still in lockdown due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...
De si g n & La y o u t K-S t udio (P t y) Ltd e tobia@ k-st udio . co . za t 082 962 82 5 5 f Kreat iefS t u d i o
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H IST ORY OF H ANDWASH ING Handwashing has been a central component of personal hygiene and a religious and cultural custom for many years...
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L ET T ER FROM T H E ESTAT E M ANAG ER
It is my absolute pleasure to be writing my first newsletter communication...
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IM P ORTANT CONTACT S
In case of an Emergency revert to our list of contacts... Disclaimer:
This
e-Magazine
is
produced
especially for residents/owners of Heritage Hill Estate to provide updates and useful information. It
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WY OBI
Access control, visitor management...
is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Heritage Hill Estate HOA. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Heritage Hill Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
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M ANAG E COL D & FL U
If you get the flu, you’ll likely experience a high fever, sore throat, cough, and lots of aches and pains...
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WE G OT SOM E RESIDENT S T O S H ARE T H EIR L OCK DOWN EXP ERIENCE W I TH Y OU Here’s what they have to say...
Follow Us On @KSDigitalPublishing @ksdigitalpublishing
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CL ASSIFIEDS
Estate NEWS
ESTATE Estate NEWS
From The Estate Manager Dear Heritage Hill Residents,
will not be shared.
It is my absolute pleasure to be writing my first newsletter communication.
The email address to use is caring@heritage-hill.co.za
I have been here for just over two months now, and I can honestly say that whilst also being confined to the office for most of the day when I am at the Estate, I have seen a true community at work in the most trying of times.
Should you wish to make a monetary donation towards food packages, payments can be made into the levy account/account details below, and please use reference SHTH21070X in order for us to keep an accurate account of donations.
The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the will of nations and the resilience of people around the world. It is a very painful test that continues to take away precious lives in many countries.
Account Holder: Pretor Estates (Pty) Ltd, Account number: 514 242 794 08 Bank: First National Bank, Pretoria, Branch code: 251 445
I wish to make use of this opportunity to remind residents of the following: • All Estate events have been postponed until further notice. • When outside walking your dog, please be reminded that you are responsible to clean The pandemic will continue to push the world up any excrement your pet might have left to the limits. However, the crisis will end. We all behind. must be patient, take care of each other, help • All parks will remain closed to residents until the less fortunate, do our parts in fighting the further notice. virus by staying home, and co-operating with the authorities. These are unsettling times and COVID-19 is clearing impacting our personal and professional I wish to remind residents that, with the negative lives and those that we love. I wanted to wish impact of the pandemic on jobs and income, we you, your loved ones, safe passage through this are aware that there may be some of our residents difficult period. that are possibly in a situation where there may be a shortage of food or essential products like Please take care, stay positive, and find some cleaning material and toiletries. time for having fun and smiling. It is challenging operating under the current restrictions; however, Heritage Hill HOA has launched a Care campaign I am confident we will get through this, together. where you can email us and let us know if you, a friend on the Estate or a neighbour may be in Regards, a situation where they may be struggling with meals or essential products. Your email and information will remain strictly confidential and It has crippled life and took away many things we used to take for granted — things as simple as meeting loved ones and friends. It has shattered economies around the globe and the world is likely to plunge into a deep recession.
Jaco Lombard
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COMPLETE HOME AUTOMATION SAVES MORE THAN ENERGY.
New & Existing Residential Audio, Video, and Lighting Solutions
Our Home Cinema Installations offer a complete solution including cinema seating, home cinema designs and layout,acoustic design and consultation, 3D design renderings, installation and programming, and the calibration of the audio-visual equipment to ensure the highest levels of performance.
We also offer system maintance for existing installations including, but not limited to; Smart-Home Automation, Central Lighting, HD Audio Visual Distribution, & Security. For system upgrades, new install, or check-up contact us or visit our showroom in Fourways, Gauteng for consultation with our sales team.
Contact us to arrange a consultation to assess your automation requirements. Juan 082 308 0809 www.automationauthority.co.za Johan 076 540 0393
Gauteng, Fourway. Design Quarter, Shop 58 Tel: 011 465 2390
@Automation_Authority @AutomationAuthorityAfrica
ESTATE NEWS
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS Estate SECURITY
AMBULANCE
Control Room: 076 936 5249
Emer-G-Med: 0861 007 911
Main Gate: 012 657 2350 (or extension 11111)
Netcare: 082 911/086 133 2332 ER 24: 084 124
Thorburn Security: Security Manager Moses Sehoma: 071 670 1016 / msehoma@thorburn.co.za
EMERGENCY CARE
PRETOR Group: Levy Enquiries Portfolio Manager Connie Stergianos Switchboard: 012 001 9000 / ConnieS@pretor.co.za SAPS 012 654 2121/3131 011 316 3010 SAPS Flying Squad 10111 Fire Brigade, Lyttelton: 082 612 0509 MUNICIPALITY Water & Electrical supply problems: 012 358 6690 NETWORK & DSTV SERVICE PROVIDER Ssupersonic 0861 SUPERS(787 377) info@supersonic.co.za
Midstream Medi Clinic: 012 652 9102 Medical Centres Midstream: 087 805 5222 NHC (Brakfontein Road): 012 762 6300 Midpharm Pharmacy: 012 940 9000/1 NHC Pharmacy: 012 762 6333 Bees; Snakes & Pest Control: Nico: 071 640 5543 Snake Bite Assist: Arno 083 739 9303 HHHOA Estate Manager Fred Botes 012-657 2329 (or extension 2495) 079 989 6353 fred@heritage-hill.co.za
Stay Cozy BOOST YOUR BUSINESS & REACH YOUR TARGET
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR NEXT ISSUE e tobia@k-studio.co.za
Administration Elsa van Schalkwyk 082 877 4175 elsavs@heritage-hill.co.za
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ESTATE NEWS
SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE
SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE
DISCOVER A WORLD OF WELLBEING
DISCOVER A WORLD OF WELLBEING
xtracted from plants to capture their flavours, scents and beneficial properties, essential oils make for great dditions to a natural health, beauty and home care regime. The Wellness Essential Oils are certified organic, Extracted to capture theiringredients. flavours, scents and beneficial properties, essential oils make for great uelty-free and from madeplants from 100% natural
additions to a natural health, beauty and home care regime. The Wellness Essential Oils are certified organic, cruelty-free and made from 100% natural ingredients.
nd us at: Western Cape - Cape Quarter, Cavendish, Gardens, Glengarry, Helderberg, Howard Centre, Kloof, Paddocks, Palmyra, Piazza John, Plattekloof, The Point, Steenberg, Table Bay, Waterfront. Gauteng - Benmore Centre, Brooklyn Centre, Clearwater Mall, Dainfern, Find us at: Western Cape - Cape Quarter, Cavendish, Gardens, Glengarry, Helderberg, Howard Centre, Kloof, Paddocks, Palmyra, Piazza e Grove Mall, Kyalami Corner, Menlyn Maine, Morningside Shopping Centre, Nicolway, Parktown Quarter, Thrupps Illovo, Southdowns, St John, Plattekloof, The Point, Steenberg, Table Bay, Waterfront. Gauteng - Benmore Centre, Brooklyn Centre, Clearwater Mall, Dainfern, lage View, Woodlands Boulevard. KwaZulu-Natal Ballito Junction The Grove Mall, Kyalami Corner, Menlyn Maine,-Morningside Shopping Centre, Nicolway, Parktown Quarter, Thrupps Illovo, Southdowns, Village View, Woodlands Boulevard. KwaZulu-Natal - Ballito Junction
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wellnesswarehouse.com wellnesswarehouse.com
GARDENING
Indigenous South African Plants By Stodels Garden Centres
Food foraging is a global trend that is finding its way into news stories, restaurants and our everyday eating. Edible plant varieties are all around us – it just takes a bit of knowledge to identify and cook them correctly. And more often than not, they’re also indigenous to our soils. South Africa has a vast and beautiful array of indigenous plant species. They thrive in their natural conditions, and many are also water-wise or drought-tolerant, making them a logical choice for your garden. Looking for plants that are both water-wise and useful in the kitchen? Look out for these varieties:
Confetti bush (Coleonema pulchellum) A member of the buchu family, this fragrant herb is best used as you would thyme, by stripping off the leaves and infusing them with savoury or sweet dishes. The branches are also stunning in a floral arrangement. How to grow: The confetti bush can be planted in a bed of fynbos or in a pot, where it
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ESTATE GARDENING NEWS
will need to be pruned to be kept small Kluitjieskraal and neat. It needs well-drained soil and (Agathosma ovata) a 3:2:1 fertiliser. Add a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture. While young, don’t Commonly known as the false buchu, allow the plant to dry out. Once it’s estabKluitjieskraal can be used for medicinal lished, it will be able to withstand drought purposes or as an essential oil. It is also conditions. delicious brewed with rooibos in a herbal tea, or used to infuse vinegars and oils Snake flower for a distinct Cape flavour.
(Bulbine frutescens)
More medicinal than it is delicious, the leaf of the snake flower produces a jelly-like substance that can be rubbed over burns, blisters and rashes, or added to hot water to be sipped to soothe coughs and colds. How to grow: The snake flower makes a fantastic water-wise ground cover in the toughest conditions. It requires minimum care and needs only well-draining soil, enriched with compost, and full sun. Prune when untidy and nip off the dead flower heads to encourage the plant to flower.
How to grow: Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil where it will receive full sun. Water moderately only during very dry periods. Cut off new growth to encourage a bushy shape.
African wormwood (Artemisia apra) As well as being a medicinal wonder plant for fevers, colds, flus and headaches, the African wormwood adds a unique herbal flavour to cocktails, ice teas and other herbal drinks. The flavour is strong, so use sparingly. How to grow: Plant in well-drained, sandy soil where it receives full sun. Prune in winter to encourage abundant growth in spring.
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ESTATE NEWS
VISITOR MANAGEMENT
www.wyobi.com Issue 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V illa ge Cri er 11
ESTATE NEWS
In-app support tickets 1
Open the Visitor Access Management App and click on the
2
Click on the ‘Create New button’
Support tab
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ESTATE NEWS
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Next, you can select the dropdown list to choose a specific query (Access control / Electricity / Meetings / Visitor management / Water etc.) for your support issue
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Fill in the 'Notes' field to describe the support issue in more detail
If you want, you can attach a document as well Then click the Save button
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ESTATE NEWS
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Your ticket has now been logged and the administrator will be informed
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The status on your Support Tickets will change depending on actions taken by the administrator (Logged / Investigating / Resolved / Closed) To track the status, view the Support Tickets main screen
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ESTATE NEWS
Get in Touch info@wyobi.com @wyobi facebook.com/wyobi
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HOW TO KEEP EVERYONE DURING THE LOCKDOWN source: AASA
South Africa is still in lockdown due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We may feel overwhelmed, scared or uncertain about what lies ahead. We are also adjusting to new working from home (if we can), as well as keeping our kids safe and entertained while having to stay contained.
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LIFESTYLE
While we’re all staying at home, working towards flattening the curve of the outbreak to help our healthcare system cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, cabin fever may kick in.
There are many online workout channels and programmes to help keep you in top form. There are many fitness apps out there, or if you have a trainer at the gym, they can also work out some home training schedules for you.
We’ve compiled a list of activities to help you keep the cabin fever at bay while you’re P.S. Here’s a free Yoga class to get started! doing your bit to help keep your fellow South Africans safe. 3. Tackle those tasks you’ve been putting off around the house.
FOR THE ADULTS:
Those of us working from home are not only navigating new ways of doing things, but we also need to look after ourselves mentally and physically during the lockdown. Here are some activities and tips for adults to help you:
Once your workday is over, and over weekends, tackle those household or gardening tasks you have been putting off to help you switch off. Maybe you’ve been wanting to hang some family photographs or paint a room. Now’s the time to get started.
1. Stick to your routine while you’re 4. You can still see your friends, online. working from home. Set up space where you can work from home comfortably. Avoid working from the couch and bed (your back, neck and shoulders will thank you.) Get up at the same time you would typically do, get dressed and then get going.
Socialising with friends and family may be what keeps you going. But staying indoors doesn’t mean that you cannot see your friends and loved ones. With the technology available to us, you can always set up some time to braai and chat with your friends online. We recommend apps like Zoom, FaceTime or even WhatsApp video call.
Remember to also take a break to hydrate and eat. Also, set your “office hours” and try P.S. did you know that some ISPs to stick to them to prevent burnout. increased your fibre speed from 1 April? 2. Stay active.
5. Declutter your home.
Whether you do yoga or like to go jogging, Whether it’s the linen cupboard, the you can still stay active while you’re at home.
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LIFESTYLE
kitchen or the garage, now’s the time to KonMari your house. Even better if you can get the whole family involved - tackle your house room by room. You can donate items to shelters or hospice as soon as the lockdown lifts.
FOR THE KIDS:
Even though it would have been school holidays now, our kids need entertainment and stimulation while we are all home. Juggling taking care of your children with working from home can be stressful for 6. Cure your wanderlust with online parents and children alike. We also need tours. to make sure that our kids keep to a routine to help them ease back into school when You can still somewhat settle the travel it starts again. bug, online. Google is offering free virtual tours to over 1 200 museums across the To make sure our littlies are entrained and world. Hop on, and join in. stimulated, you can plan out some fun activities:
7. Start that hobby you’ve never had time for. 1. Set up a timetable for each day. Use this time to take up that hobby you’ve never had the time for. Try out new recipes, bake some bread, read that book you’ve been wanting to, or build that puzzle you haven’t touched since you’ve bought it. There are also free online training resources if you would like to upskill yourself. Try out Coursera or even Massimo Bottura’s cooking classes.
Ask your kids what they would like to do the next, and draw up a timetable. This way, it gives them a sense of autonomy. But do remember to suggest some balance as well with some structured or chosen activities. Here’s an example of a timetable from justmamma.com: • • • • • • • • •
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Breakfast Chore time The main activity of the day Mid-Morning Snack Free play Lunch Naptime / Quiet time Outdoor play Mid-afternoon snack
LIFESTYLE
• Screen time • Fitness Fun • Dinner / BathTime / Bedtime 2. Get the kids to help out with chores. Of course, chores need to be ageappropriate, but everyone in the house can chip in and do their part. Here are some chore ideas: • Putting toys and books away every day • Help to feed pets • Helping with laundry, like sorting out the clothing • Making their bed • Water the plants • Setting the table for dinner • Help to prepare lunch or dinner • Help to pack away the dishes after a meal • Help to pack away groceries
• Making playdough (here’s a recipe and some colour and scent ideas) • Finger painting • Baking (from mud pies to actual cookies) • Teaching how to count or doing match puzzles with items from the pantry like dried beans • Scavenger hunts (like finding 10 things in the garden, if you have one) • Helping with gardening • Building obstacle courses • Having Lego challenges (timed build challenges, or imagination play) • Drawing • Building puzzles • Solving puzzles
You can also reward chores with a kind of currency that they can spend on “luxury” snacks (like perhaps chocolate or some crisps) in mom’s tuckshop. 4. Have family activities after dinner 3. Keep learning through play.
Whether its a movie night, board games, puzzles, or reading, take this time to There are so many activities that you can do spend some time as a family enjoying with your kids, it may feel overwhelming. some much needed time together. From arts and crafts to sensory play and motor skills, what does one choose? Together we can help to flatten the curve Simply put, ask your kids what they would and prevent COVID-19 from spreading like to do and set this up as a structured to our fellow citizens. Stay inside, keep activity. Here are some ideas: hydrated, and more importantly, stay at home. Issue 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V illa ge Cri er 19
ESTATE NEWS HEALTH
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ESTATE NEWS HEALTH
manage
cold & flu
source: www.vicks.co.za
If you get the flu, you’ll likely experience a high fever, sore throat, cough, and lots of aches and pains. You might feel like you don’t need to see a doctor, and opt to treat yourself with extra rest and fluids. But in certain cases, seeing a doctor will help you get better faster and prevent major complications. We have a few simple tips to manage the common cold or flu this winter. SORE THROAT
scratchy, dry throat and aids cilia movement, which helps the immune system fight infection, especially during cold and flu season. RUNNY NOSE/SNEEZING There’s No Need to Over-clean When kids are sniffling due to cold or allergy symptoms, it’s smart to keep common areas clean. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States found that rhinoviruses (cold germs) can only survive a maximum of three hours on inanimate objects and human skin. So, while cleaning often is important, over-cleaning might not help you avoid getting a cold or flu.
Humidify the Air Indoors Humidifiers, increase moisture in the air, HEAD CONGESTION which helps provide overall comfort and can help clear secretions, soothe airways, Spice It Up to Unclog Your Nose and reduce coughs. Moist air also can asBring on the cayenne! Eating spicy foods sist in minimizing the feeling of having a can make your nose run. A runny nose 2 2 Is s u e 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V i l l ag e C ri e r
may be beneficial because it helps break up nasal congestion and remove irritants. Elevate Your Head to Ease Congestion Slightly elevate your head by using additional pillows to ease head congestion while you sleep. The increased angle will help drain your head and relieve sinus pressure.
ESTATE HEALTH NEWS
ACHES AND PAINS
Use the Right Pain Reliever There are two primary over-the-counter pain relievers on the market today— nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, relieve Drink Water to Relieve Sinus Pressure pain by reducing inflammation, making Keep a bottle of water with you wherever them well-suited for muscle aches, while you go and take sips throughout the day. acetaminophen blocks pain signals, which The extra hydration helps keep your nose is ideal for general headaches and fever. moist and might help you breathe and rest easier. GENERAL COLD CARE Learn to Love Shower Steam Sometimes the best way to care for a stuffed-up head for you or your child is to simply run a hot bath or shower and let the steam fill the room. FEVER Fight Fever with Fluids When you’re fighting a fever, try drinking at least 2 to 3 additional ounces of fluid every hour. Water or non-carbonated sports drinks work best. And remember, even if you’re not sweating, you still can get dehydrated, which might weaken your immune system and lead to a prolonged fever. Moisture from continuous fluids also might help you with sore throat relief. It’s important to stay hydrated all of the time, but especially during cold and flu season. Exercise with a Cold, but Not the Flu The National Institutes of Health in the United States has said that, for the most part, it’s OK to exercise even if you have a cold. The simple act of sweating helps expel harmful germs. Cold medicines might help keep your coughing and other cold symptoms at bay while you’re working out, but don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you have a fever.
Expect Multiple Cold and Flu Symptoms It is estimated that 80% of cold and flu sufferers experience more than one cold symptom. The most bothersome symptoms are runny/blocked nose, cough, aches, and pain. Eat for Relief Warm, flavorful food can help relieve cough and sore throat symptoms by stimulating salivation and secretions to help soothe and lubricate the throat. Put Your Trust in Chicken Soup When you have a cold or flu, a study conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians® suggests that chicken soup can help you feel better. Decrease Stress Studies show that elevated levels of stress reduce the number of T cells in your body. You need T cells to keep your immune system strong. So if you’re feeling under the weather, take it easy. Relax and breathe. Doctor’s orders!
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ESTATE NEWS
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ESTATE Estate NEWS NEWS
EVENTS & FOOD
Classifieds DOMESTIC HELPERS Albinah: 076 355 283, Mon – Fri (from 1 April) Betty: 079 982 7804, Tue Christina: 072 089 4505, Thu Francinah: 079 973 0400, Tue, Fri & Sat Josephine: 073 804 5016 – Mon, Wed & Fri Lina: 082 843 7638 - Wed Lindiwe: 074 843 6039 – Wed, Fri & Sat Maria: 078 654 1163 – Mon & Fri Sylvia: 072 643 7242 – Wed
SELLING Do you want Tupperware? Please contact Desiré for any Tupperware orders or enquiries - 071 269 7875 Annique Products Annique products conveniently delivered at your doorstep in our Estate! You are more than welcome to place an order with me or contact me for current specials. Mea van der Merwe 071 172 7074 or gmvdmerwe@gmail.com
SERVICES Dahlings Cleaning Services; Gaynor Kelly 064 656 2427 Straight-edge knife and scissor sharpening, from R20. WhatsApp Cobus on 082 906 7830. Handyman: Kobie – available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to assist with any handyman work. (072 329 7464) Uncle John Construction Tiling, painting, building, plastering, ceilings, waterproofing, paving. Contact John 078 662 8483 / 061 2 6 323 Is s u e 6045 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V i l l ag e C ri e r
Heritage Tutors Lessons at your home within Herritage Hill for Mathematics, Physical Science, Natural Science, English. R150 per hour. Contact Andre 082 881 6552 or Stacey 061 547 9393 The Daily Tutor: Grade 1 – 3 (Mathematics, Afrikaans & English) Cian van der Sloot – 076 735 2508 Games Partner Any residents who would like to play Bridge (the card game) together. Please contact Amanda Penfold, 073 187 8514. Looking for unique gifts for that someone special, follow us on facebook to find that perfect gift. https://www.facebook.com/moimoigeskenke/
For all LP gas 9kg, 19Kg & 48kg. Delivered to Heritage Hill kontact Bowen – 082 443 9610
BABY-SITTING Afternoon Babysitting (14:30 – 16:30) Sherley de Bruin – 076 759 4530
PET-SITTING Wian – 082 877 4175 Michelle – 072 579 3618 Rudolph – 076 224 5837
ESTATE NEWS
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ESTATE NEWS
We got some residents to share their lockdown experience with you... here’s what they have to say Lockdown and what I have learned. Well without a doubt we have shared a challenging time together while our world is in crisis. I truly believe that we will all come out of this with valuable lessons learned. We were all forced to SLOW DOWN and 2 8 Is s u e 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V i l l ag e C ri e r
to me, that was a good thing. Approval Addiction really takes a toll on your body mentally and physically and my day just never felt successful if I hadn’t been able to tick down all my TO DO boxes. I have without a doubt realised the benefit of a healthier pace, a time of reflection a time with God and my family. I have developed a heart of gratitude for what I DO have instead of what I don’t.
ESTATE NEWS
I will, and hope, NEVER AGAIN forget I appreciate our security personnel, who to Appreciate the day to day things we so relentlessly dress themselves with smiles easily take for granted. every day and keep us secure despite the challenges they face at home. My domestic worker, my daily dose of serotonin, I appreciate you, I realised I appreciate the fact that I was forced by ironing and washing windows are rare the government to maintain some sort of skills in my eyes an overseen Essential a routine by becoming a jogger between 6 Service. and 9 in the mornings. Our beautifully maintained parks, Windmill Pond neighbourly vibe, and well managed Estate…without ample warning, all the artists of this beautiful painting were forced to lay down their brushes. Oom Pieter de Koning his entire Team and Ben and Garden Group guys my heart longs for you, for your friendly faces and your rare skill keeping our gardens beautifully manicured without ever complaining. I appreciate you.
I appreciate the unbottled energy of my 2 dogs when I open the door to venture outdoors with them, the crisp winter air, the gorgeous autumn colours and the smiles in every person’s eyes whom I pass. May we never again take for granted the small mercies that are new every morning, may we savour every moment we have with family and may I forever appreciate the quick cup of coffee with neighbours or friends in the village as it is only by Grace it has been given to us.
• 6 to 9am Running time slots gets me pushed to wake up & run • Meeting hibernating neighbors • Family Quality time & gaining confident with house chaos without our domestic workers (I have more respect on our helpers). • Developing Business ideas • Meditating
Dag 53 van 21 ...
35 dae. MET vlakke. Vlak “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (no lift off) ...”
21 dae het lank geklink. Die lysies vir “spring cleaning” was lank en ons was Ewe skielik word ons denke uitgedaag, ons maniere van doen, oefen en praat. Ewe gereed vir aksie. skielik is dit nie net meer 21 dae nie en Toe word 21 dae met twee weke verleng. ewe skielik gaan ons nooit weer terug na Issue 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V illa ge Cri er 29
ESTATE NEWS
die ou normaal toe nie. Dis ‘n ultrmaraton stadiger. En amper beter. Maar dis vir ons wat uithouvermoë gaan verg. ... Daar is soveel daar buite wat nie het wat ons het nie. Lockdown tot nou was goed vir ons. As gesin spandeer ons meer kwaliteittyd saam Die realiteit om nie te ver vooruit te kan en ek geniet die nuwe “homeschooling” beplan nie, was aanvanklik ‘n aanpassing. avontuur (ons dogtertjies is nog klein, 4 Terselfdertyd het dit ons weer kom leer en 5 jaar oud). Ons bak-en-brou saam, om die “nou” te geniet, want môre is vir ons bou legkaart, probeer idees van ander niemand belowe nie. wat nou in die tyd iets nuut ontdek het en “connect” meer gereeld as gewoonlik. Wat en wanneer en hoe vir die nuwe normaal is nie seker nie, maar “lockdown” Die oggende is nie ‘n malle gejaag om het ons weer kom leer om weer die kleinbetyds by die skool te wees nie, veral nie groot goed te geniet en te waardeer. nou in die herfs/wintertyd nie. Die lewe is
How and where do you even begin to translate the impact of COVID19 into words?
handyman jobs in and around the house – if it was standing around, I sure found a place for it to be hanging! I even became an expert baker, cook, and bathroom cleaner, we all had to do things we never thought we will have to do in the 21st Century. We focused ourselves to support one another There are so many things going through – husband, wife, friends, and children – your head all the time and if all the “what- trying our utmost best to make this a fun “excursion”. ifs” could stop, that will be a start… On the eve of the lockdown announcement, we did not know what to expect as it was all new to us. One sure thing is that all of us had to prepare for 21 days so we ran to the hardware store, grocery store and liquor store, little did we realise or did it cross our minds that this could be more than 21 days.
But, as time passed, this became more and more challenging as schoolwork started, more businesses opened, parents had to work from home or even go to work and we subconsciously prepared ourselves and adapted to the new way of life, yet still unsure what this really entails…And the mind kept on playing games with us.
I had no excuse now to finish all the Despite all of this, South Africans still took 3 0 Is s u e 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V i l l ag e C ri e r
ESTATE NEWS
time to humour each other and that put a smile on our faces - from an egg challenge to a make-up challenge to a, “who can down a drink on us” the quickest, made each of us laugh and a feeling of this is home! We cherish this moment we found ourselves in because we learned how to care better, reach out to people, spend quality time with loved ones, and appreciate the smaller things in life we take for granted. It also taught us patience again, since a lot of us became teachers overnight.
we still learn from these unprecedented times – This is truly very unsure for us, only time will tell I guess. One thing is sure: People were not made to “operate” like this, we are individuals that need to socialize more than we believe and I think this might be the toughest on all of us.
A person told me once in a completely different situation, that it is what it is, there is nothing we can do about it, we need to do what we can and what we can control. Should you have the same outlook on the current situation? I don’t know but some days it sure helped to just for a moment forget about what is really going But what did we really take or what will on out there…
What a challenging but unique time we are all facing!
of faith. Faith that a sense of normality will be restored. Faith that things will be okay. Like a forest recovering after a devastating fire, we will slowly start to see the green shoots of renewal. For now, enjoy the change of season and be encouraged that I know that many will agree that the small victories count… words face mask, isolation, lockdown and essential goods equal a tremendous “And the people stayed home. And read amount of frustration, but these are surely books, and listened, and rested, and balanced by the hundreds if not thousands exercised, and made art, and played of jokes, memes, and comments about games, and learned new ways of being, lockdown life as we know it. and were still. What a wonderful time to be a South African. We really do have the best sense of humour! And perhaps it is the humour that will keep us going…along with mountains
And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. Issue 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V illa ge Cri er 31
ESTATE NEWS
And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.” And when the danger passed, and the -Kitty O’Meara
At first when the announcement was made I thought, it won’t be that bad we will be able to still explore on the estate and thank God we are not in a “normal suburb”. But then reality set in and we were apparently not above the law. Our “place of residence” did not include the lovely parks and off-road running path that we
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have grown to love and unintentionally taken for granted. I have undoubtedly lost my mind on more days than I have had it together. The 4 walls have been creeping in on me daily! Covid19 has taken a lot from many globally and many have lost so much. I personally saw my profession come to a complete halt, including my side hustle; an online business I thought would thrive no matter what hit the world. My husband’s salary has also been cut, but thank God he is able to work from home and flourish in his career. Our space has also proven too little for two high-energy, high-spirited toddlers. They have been so desperate to get out and
ESTATE HEALTH NEWS
HISTORY
Of Handwashing
H
andwashing has been a central component of personal hygiene and a religious and cultural custom for many years. However, the link between handwashing and health was first made less than two centuries ago. Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian doctor working in Vienna General Hospital, is known as the father of hand hygiene. In 1846, he noticed that the women giving birth in the medical student/doctor-run maternity ward in his hospital were much more likely to develop a fever and die compared to the women giving birth in the adjacent midwife-run maternity ward. He decided to investigate, seeking differences between the two wards.
source: globalhandwashing.org He noticed that doctors and medical students often visited the maternity ward directly after performing an autopsy. Based on this observation, he developed a theory that those performing autopsies got ‘cadaverous particles’ on their hands, which they then carried from the autopsy room into the maternity ward. Midwives did not conduct surgery or autopsies, so they were not exposed to these particles. As a result, Semmelweis imposed a new rule mandating handwashing with chlorine for doctors. The rates of death in his maternity ward fell dramatically. This was the first proof that cleansing hands could prevent infection. However, the innovation was not popular with everyone: some doctors were disgruntled that Semmelweis was implying that they were to blame for the deaths and they stopped washing their hands, arguing in support of the Issue 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V illa ge Cri er 33
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prevailing notion at that time that water was the potential cause of disease. Semmelweis tried to persuade other doctors in European hospitals of the benefits of handwashing, but to no avail. A few years later in Scutari, Italy, the Crimean War brought about a new handwashing champion, Florence Nightingale. At a time when most people believed that infections were caused by foul odors called miasmas, Florence Nightingale implemented handwashing and other hygiene practices in the war hospital in which she worked. While the target of these practices was to fight the miasmas, Nightingale’s handwashing practices achieved a reduction in infections. Sadly, the hand hygiene practices promoted by Semmelweis and Nightingale were not widely adopted. In general, handwashing promotion stood still for over a century. It was not until the 1980s, when a string of foodborne outbreaks and healthcare-associated infections led to public concern that the United States Centers for Disease 3 4 Is s u e 2 | 2 0 2 0 | V i l l ag e C ri e r
Control and Prevention identified hand hygiene as an important way to prevent the spread of infection. In doing so, they heralded the first nationally endorsed hand hygiene guidelines, and many more have followed. In recent years, handwashing with soap and other forms of hand hygiene have been gaining recognition as a costeffective, essential tool for achieving good health and nutrition. Now that its effectiveness is no longer in question, the main focus is on how to make handwashing universal. This challenge– sustained handwashing practice at key times–is being met with new thinking about behavior change, such as habit formation and nudges, increased research into the impact of hygiene, and collaboration in organizations such as the Global Handwashing Partnership.
Everyone can promote good handwashing behavior.
ESTATE NEWS
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ESTATE NEWS
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