Newsletter
28 April 2009
Dear Mike,
In this issue we start bringing you Mother's Day Events (below) and Specials:
Yeesh- Receive a free beauty gift and a rose!
Create a Star- Order a My Special Mom book for Mother's Day & receive free bubble bath.
Predator World -Free entry and a gift for moms on Mother's Day.
Keedo@Home-20% discount on all winter merchandise May 1-10 only.
Zwartkops Quad Centre Moms Special-buy 2 laps and get 2 free May 9,10.
Just 2 more days to go before our COMPETITION with 40 book prizes to be won, closes. Don't forget to enter before it's too late. We will be running a new compeition in May with a range of very different prizes. Watch this space to find out more.
New MAY/ JUNE events in this issue:
Kasabow Kids Bookshop-Free Book Readings, Craighall Park (BOOKS)
Star Quality Performing Arts School, Acting Classes, Rivonia (DRAMA)
Mothers Day @ Yeesh!, Woodmead (MOTHER'S DAY)
Keedo Winter Fashion Show, Broadacres (MOTHER'S DAY)
Indulgence Mother’s Day Lunch, Northcliff (MOTHERS DAY)
Smudge Art Centre Mothers Day Week, Craighall Park (MOTHER'S DAY)
Zwartkops Quad Centre Mother's Day Special, Centurion (MOTHER'S DAY)
Sci-Bono Science Festival for Schools, Newtown (SCIENCE/TECH)
Animal Farm, Dance Factory, Newtown(THEATRE)
The Genius of Water for Kids, Johannesburg (WORKSHOPS)
APRIL/ MAY/ JUNE EVENTS:
ANIMALS
Magalies Fly-fishing Special, learn to fly-fish & enjoy a day in the country, Magaliesburg, Mar 25-May 5.
Shepherd's Fold Stables Sunset outrides Jun 5; Camps Jun 29-Jul 1; Horse course Jun 16, Elandsrift.
ARTS/CRAFTS
Crystal Kidz Creativity Wkshps, Petervale/Bryanston, Apr 28-30, May 4,5
BOOKS
Story Hour/ Storie- Uur at BOEKEHUIS, Auckland Park, every Wednesday afternoon.
Free Book Readings at Kasabow, the ultimate Kids Bookshop May 8; & make Mother's Day cards May 9.
BUFFET LUNCH Family Sunday Lunch ,at the Hyatt Regency Hotel w/ kids activities, Rosebank, every Sunday.
COOKING
Little Cooks Club Holiday cooking workshops in May & Jun.
uShef Cooking Courses for kids from 7yrs & domestic workers, Olivedale, in May.
My Suite Hyatt Mini Hoteliers program, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosebank, every Saturday.
DANCE
The Happy Prince a kids ballet production by Ballet Bugs, Braamfontein Jun 23-26; Pretoria Jul 7-10
DRAMA
Star Quality Acting classes w/musical theatre, improvisation & more, Rivonia, every Sat.
National Childrens Theatre Challenging, innovative & stimulating theatre wksps, Parktown, every Sat.
EXPO SOS² Reptile Expo SA’s biggest collection of reptiles, Kempton Park, May 2-3.
FAMILY HOLIDAYS
Program w/ Wild Dophins w/ DolphinCare-Africa & Dolphin EnCOuntours, Mozambique, Apr 27-May 3.
Swim w/ Dolphins Family Holidays, Halo Gaia Holistic Tourism, Mozambique,Jul 9-12; Dec 12-16.
FUN
Assumption Convent Fun Day, giant slides, jumping castles, food & flea stalls, Malvern, May 16.
Yeesh Holiday Easter fun, paint Easter eggs, Woodmead, Bryanston, Apr 1-30.
GARDENING Soil & Planting Workshop for kids & adults, Ludwigs Rose Farm, Pretoria May 2
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
River Cafe Holiday program, Parkmore, Apr 29,30.
O'Summit Montessori Holiday Club, lots of fun activities, Bryanston, Apr 16-30.
Kids Holiday Club 5 days of kids activities, Wilro Park, Roodepoort, Jun 29-Jul 3.
Fame Academy Holiday Wksps-singing, acting, dancing w/professionals, June 29-Jul 3; July 6-10; Jul 13-17.
MARKETS
Body, Mind and Soul Fayre for holistic fun & entertainmt in Blairgowrie May 31; Edenvale June 7.
Hazel Food Market , food products, kids craft classes & a jumping castle, Pta, Sat. mornings.
Rosemary Hill Market w/ quality produce & kids activities, Pta East, 2nd & last Sun of mnth.
Irene Village Market at the Smuts Museum, Irene, Pretoria, 2nd & last Sat of every mnth.
The Rustic Food Market w/homemade and farm produce, Fourways, every Sun.
blubird Whole Food Market for fresh produce, Birnam, every Sun.
Jozi Food Market in Parktown North every Sat morning.
Urban Midrand Market, for quality goods & kids activities, 1st Sat of every mnth.
Craighall River Craft Market w/organic food, playgd & pony rides, 2nd Sat of every mnth.
Bryanston Organic & Natural Market, food, crafts, kids activities, every Thurs & Sat, 9am-3pm.
Crafter's Market at Bokkie Park, Boksburg-1st Sat of mnth; Bunny Park, Benoni- last Sat of mnth.
MOTHER'S DAY Zwartkops Quad Centre Moms buy 2 rides & get 2 free, Centurion, May 9,10.
Ushef cooking for Mother's Day, May 2; cooking with mum ,May 10, Olivedale.
Keedo Winter Fashion Show for Mother’s Day w/ prizes to be won, Broadacres, May 9.
Yeesh! Mothers Day free beauty gift & a rose, Woodmead, May 10.
Friends of the rail Bela Bela – Mothers Day trip to Marula Mountain Village, May 10.
Smudge Art Mothers Day Week -flower frames, Craighall Park, May 5-10.
Indulgence Coffee Cafe home of Lollipops Catering, Mother’s Day Lunch w/ live jazz, Northcliff, May 10.
MUSIC
Johannesburg Festival Orchestra,Old Mutual Encounters Concert, Emmarentia, May 3.
“Make a Note of It“Alfresco Musical Feast for families, St Mary's School, Waverley, May 31.
Music for Toddlers, Smudge Art Centre,Craighall Park, every Fri.
Sundowner Music Concerts, at UJ Kingsway Art Centre, Auckland Park, every Mon.
NATURE
Stargazing at Maropeng with astronomer, Vincent Nettmann, May 23, Jun 11.
Planetarium, shows & lectures, Braamfontein, Thur, Fri & Sat.
PARENTING
Bright Ideas, wkshps by Nikki Bush for parents, Bryanston, Edenvale, Mar-May.
SCIENCE/TECH
Sci-Bono Science Festival From evolution to exploring the universe for schools,Newtown, May 19-23.
THEATRE
Animal Farm by Sibikwa Arts Centre, Dance Factory, Newtown, May 11-30 excl Sun.
Princess Magogo,opera, Nelson Mandela Theatre, Braamfontein, Apr 30; May 3,8.
Cuban Ballet Stars perform at Aula Theatre, Pretoria, May 14,18
Othello Shakespeare’s tragedy about racism, love, betrayal, UJ/ Auckland Park, May 28-Jun 4.
Pippi Longstocking, interactive kids theatre, National Childrens Theatre, Parktown, Jun 8-Aug 1
Coppélia by SA Ballet Theatre, Roodepoort, Jun 12-14,16,18-21,23-8.
TRAINS
Friends of the Rail, Steam train trip to Pretoria-Tshwane, Cullinan/ Bela Bela, Pretoria, May 2,30; Jun 16,21,28.
WALKS/HIKES
Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in Gauteng.
The National Zoological Gardens of SA (Pretoria Zoo) 5km Fun Run/Walk, 3rd Sat of mnth.
Delta Park Walks Victory park, every 3rd Sun of mnth.
The Zoo Trot at JHB Zoo, May 17, June 14.
Alberts Farm Walk in Greymont, 3rd Sun of every mnth.
Kloofendal Nature Reserve Weekly guided walks & talks, Roodepoort, in Mar & Apr.
Melville Koppies Open Days, every Sunday.
Melville Koppies West Walk , Westdene, 1st Saturday of every mnth.
Sandspruit Walk in Rivonia, every Sunday.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in Mondeor, every 2nd & 4th Sun of the mnth.
Petathon Walk A walk or run with or without a dog +-10km/ 550m, Hartbeespoort, Jun 20.
WORKSHOPS
The Genius of Water for Kids, Exploring the magic of water, Johannesburg, May 23.
YOGA
Revitalise Your Soul, Mom’s Yoga 5 week Series, Yoga Warrior, Rosebank, May 6-Jun 3.
Yoga Child Yoga Warrior classes for kids, incl storytelling, games & music, Rosebank, May 9.
We welcome your feedback. If there's something we have missed, please email us with your suggestions. Meanwhile, please share this with your friends and encourage them to sign up for this FREE newsletter.
Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
http://www.jozikids.co.za/
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Sunday, 26 April 2009
No Electile Dysfunction Here!
Well, the nation's general elections are a thing of the past, and to all accounts that I'm aware of, it all went rather well. My experience of it was very organized and peaceful. No surprises in the results. Now we wait and see.
Two more public holidays this week, then life should get back to more-or-less normal here. Honking taxis, rising prices, the serious business of crime and the equally serious business of denying its seriousness......apathetic government departments - especially in Welfare - and police more acute at dodging having to open cases than dodging bullets.....
Ho-Hum.
At least we have the 2010 Soccer Cup to divert attention.
Two more public holidays this week, then life should get back to more-or-less normal here. Honking taxis, rising prices, the serious business of crime and the equally serious business of denying its seriousness......apathetic government departments - especially in Welfare - and police more acute at dodging having to open cases than dodging bullets.....
Ho-Hum.
At least we have the 2010 Soccer Cup to divert attention.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Odds and Evens
Tomorrow we go to the polls to vote for a new government. I received a timely e-mail from my aunt in America to say that she'd seen some pictures of "your new man in South Africa", referring to Jacob Zuma, probable new President.
"He seems to like dancing around dressed in animal skins...don't you think that's a little odd?"
I guess it does seem a little odd in the international context. (I couldn't help trying to conjure up some mental images of other world leaders prancing about in traditional dress. It did put a smile of my face, I must admit.)
A little more odd to us, though, are his vociferous cries against corruption - for which he is / isn't supposed to stand trial (depending on the mood of the day) - and the fight against HIV/Aids, in light of his 'showering after unprotected sex with a known Aids victim' debacle.
On the positive side, though, here's a leader who speaks from the heart, doesn't speak down to his audience and thinks about what he's saying as opposed to reading pre-prepared responses. Despite his rather odd actions, an element of sincerity eminates from him, which is rather appealing, if a little frightening. All rather odd indeed.
On the Evens, the split in the African National Congress (ANC) that gave rise to the breakway Congress of the People (COPE) party, adds an interesting element to these elections. Results have traditionally been a certain ANC runaway victory, with a very second-place Democratic Alliance (DA) as official opposition and not much else featuring. While COPE is unlikely to do much damage at the polls to the ANC, the DA certainly seems to have strengthened considerably, gaining credibility from the bickering of the other two.
The likelihood is an ANC victory by a slightly diminished margin, with the DA as official opposition, with substantially more support than they've enjoyed previously. However, the possible alliances that could spring up could prove interesting, with some rather strange bedfellows.
It would be rather nice to have at least a fair number of COPE candidates winning seats in Parliament - after all, who could level effective criticism and provide expose`s quite as effectively as dissidents who once formed part of the ANC's inner circle?
Corruption amongst officials, rampant crime and pathetic service delivery in this country is certainly not the dream Nelson Mandela envisaged, yet support for the ruling party seems unabated - rather odd.
On the evens, though, we still have a democracy - and a democracy where corrupt officials are still charged and disciplined, a feature not to be taken for granted in Africa.
Well, tomorrow will come and go - after which there'll probably be a lot more excitement about the 2010 Soccer World Cup than there was about our elections.
"He seems to like dancing around dressed in animal skins...don't you think that's a little odd?"
I guess it does seem a little odd in the international context. (I couldn't help trying to conjure up some mental images of other world leaders prancing about in traditional dress. It did put a smile of my face, I must admit.)
A little more odd to us, though, are his vociferous cries against corruption - for which he is / isn't supposed to stand trial (depending on the mood of the day) - and the fight against HIV/Aids, in light of his 'showering after unprotected sex with a known Aids victim' debacle.
On the positive side, though, here's a leader who speaks from the heart, doesn't speak down to his audience and thinks about what he's saying as opposed to reading pre-prepared responses. Despite his rather odd actions, an element of sincerity eminates from him, which is rather appealing, if a little frightening. All rather odd indeed.
On the Evens, the split in the African National Congress (ANC) that gave rise to the breakway Congress of the People (COPE) party, adds an interesting element to these elections. Results have traditionally been a certain ANC runaway victory, with a very second-place Democratic Alliance (DA) as official opposition and not much else featuring. While COPE is unlikely to do much damage at the polls to the ANC, the DA certainly seems to have strengthened considerably, gaining credibility from the bickering of the other two.
The likelihood is an ANC victory by a slightly diminished margin, with the DA as official opposition, with substantially more support than they've enjoyed previously. However, the possible alliances that could spring up could prove interesting, with some rather strange bedfellows.
It would be rather nice to have at least a fair number of COPE candidates winning seats in Parliament - after all, who could level effective criticism and provide expose`s quite as effectively as dissidents who once formed part of the ANC's inner circle?
Corruption amongst officials, rampant crime and pathetic service delivery in this country is certainly not the dream Nelson Mandela envisaged, yet support for the ruling party seems unabated - rather odd.
On the evens, though, we still have a democracy - and a democracy where corrupt officials are still charged and disciplined, a feature not to be taken for granted in Africa.
Well, tomorrow will come and go - after which there'll probably be a lot more excitement about the 2010 Soccer World Cup than there was about our elections.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Work, Sweet Work.
In South Africa, April has been the month of Public Holidays. There isn't a full week's work this month. The Easter weekend gave us Friday last week and Monday this week. Next week would have been a full week, but Wednesday the 22nd has been declared a public holiday because the country goes to the polls in our General Elections. Monday the 27th is a local public holiday and Friday 1st May is, of course, Workers' Day.
All very pleasant for people earning fixed salaries, but less exciting for contractors and others who get paid by the hour. Add to that kids who would rather be spending money on the holidays than conserving it, and life gets fairly interesting.
Thankfully, we have been enjoying the most glorious Autumn weather, with "fresh" mornings and sunny , warm days. Great outdoor weather. How I envy people who live in the coastal regions, where the family can spend these days on the beach at virtually no cost! In a city like Johannesburg, there's little that one can do for entertainment that doesn't cost fairly dearly.
Bored kids who are whining can be slightly irritating - but creative kids who are too quiet can be downright scary! Household items (that you actually procured for a reason!) can undergo some wonderful metamorphases as creative - and bored - young minds transform them into works of art and items that would stun the original designer!
Frankly, I don't have a major problem with that (except when I get woken up at 1:15am before a working day to "come and see what I've done to my room! Do you like it? Do you like it?"), but the task of keeping them occupied at minimum damage can be quite formidable! Then the sweet luxury of a day at the office in an environment that can be anticipated can be so theraputic and restful!
For a while. Hooray, tomorrow's Friday!
All very pleasant for people earning fixed salaries, but less exciting for contractors and others who get paid by the hour. Add to that kids who would rather be spending money on the holidays than conserving it, and life gets fairly interesting.
Thankfully, we have been enjoying the most glorious Autumn weather, with "fresh" mornings and sunny , warm days. Great outdoor weather. How I envy people who live in the coastal regions, where the family can spend these days on the beach at virtually no cost! In a city like Johannesburg, there's little that one can do for entertainment that doesn't cost fairly dearly.
Bored kids who are whining can be slightly irritating - but creative kids who are too quiet can be downright scary! Household items (that you actually procured for a reason!) can undergo some wonderful metamorphases as creative - and bored - young minds transform them into works of art and items that would stun the original designer!
Frankly, I don't have a major problem with that (except when I get woken up at 1:15am before a working day to "come and see what I've done to my room! Do you like it? Do you like it?"), but the task of keeping them occupied at minimum damage can be quite formidable! Then the sweet luxury of a day at the office in an environment that can be anticipated can be so theraputic and restful!
For a while. Hooray, tomorrow's Friday!
Friday, 3 April 2009
Away With The Blues
No more licensing blues! Monday morning was a breeze and I'm on the road legally again.
I went to the Marlboro Traffic Office (also in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area), with some trepidation, in case they sent me back to the City Centre to complete the transaction. No such problem.
By 7:00am a number of us were in a neat queue outside the front door, awaiting the 7:30 opening. By 7:30 the queue was quite long already, but I was relaxed - I was fourth from the front. They opened almost on time, by about 7:40. The doors opened and .....the queue disintegrated! A mass of bodies stormed the half-open door, determinedly led by a group of regulars, who register vehicles for other people. I emerged from the throng to find myself about twenty places down!
Fortunately, not too many were there for renewals, so that line moved fast. My hard-earned paperwork from Fruitless Friday was scanned briefly and before I knew it, my license was in my hand and my bank balance felt considerably lighter.
What a pleasure these glorious Autumn days are for biking - legally!
I went to the Marlboro Traffic Office (also in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area), with some trepidation, in case they sent me back to the City Centre to complete the transaction. No such problem.
By 7:00am a number of us were in a neat queue outside the front door, awaiting the 7:30 opening. By 7:30 the queue was quite long already, but I was relaxed - I was fourth from the front. They opened almost on time, by about 7:40. The doors opened and .....the queue disintegrated! A mass of bodies stormed the half-open door, determinedly led by a group of regulars, who register vehicles for other people. I emerged from the throng to find myself about twenty places down!
Fortunately, not too many were there for renewals, so that line moved fast. My hard-earned paperwork from Fruitless Friday was scanned briefly and before I knew it, my license was in my hand and my bank balance felt considerably lighter.
What a pleasure these glorious Autumn days are for biking - legally!
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