A big hello to the North Bay Lodge Family
Spring crept in a lot slower and later than expected. One can feel the anticipation of shorter nights, earlier mornings and fun days ahead. Fortunately flu wasn’t intense in our home this year, perhaps the flu vaccine the residents had in May and their general good health were the ideal buffers.
It was bustle of activity these last few months with Heritage Day celebrations, Friendship Bingo, outdoor trips, health walk’s and a rock festival at North Bay, the days sped quickly to the Christmas Party. We also lost another beloved resident in October.
As is evident, lots of activities and happenings filled the last quarter of the year. I’ve shared some snippets below. Enjoy the read.
Art & Crafts
Art classes for our residents provide a safe haven where creativity flows freely, empowering participants to express themselves in ways words cannot. The joy on their faces as they hold up their creations is a testament to the healing power of art, turning simple materials into vibrant reflections of their inner worlds.
Each brushstroke and sculpture is a celebration of individuality fostering a profound sense of accomplishment and belonging in a supportive community.
The act of creating art ignites a self-confidence and pride, as participants discover talents and perspectives they never knew they possessed. Through the colourful landscapes of their imagination they remind us all of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Bakers in the making
This was a delightful day filled with creativity and joy. The residents were grouped into small teams, each given a cake to ice and decorate as they wished.
Laughter and excitement filled the dining hall as they worked together, choosing colorful sprinkles, chocolate vermicelli, icing and decorations to bring their creations to life. Most of the residents eagerly participated, with the kitchen staff and supervisor providing guidance and gentle encouragement.
In the afternoon, everyone gathered to enjoy tea and slices of their beautifully decorated cakes. The sense of accomplishment and pride was evident in the residents’ faces as they admired their work. It was a day that brought fun, teamwork and sweet memories to everyone involved.
Knit-a-Ton
We take warmth for granted. Our residents joined the Durban North St Martins church members who spearheaded a Knit-AThon & Winter Warmth project.
The aim of the fundraising event was to ‘crochet and knit as many items, including beanies, jerseys and blankets for the community who often face the harsh winters with very little. The Bulwer, Drakensberg community benefited from this. Our residents proudly contribute each year, spending their Saturday knitting at the church site, knitting furiously to make their targets
Out and About & DCMH outdoor events
Out & About at the Golden Hours Flea market, DCMH Valentines Day, Hide and Seek in the grounds , skittles in the yard.
Gatherings become parties
Most events are turned into a party with dance being centre of it all. Its one activity residents don’t need to be cajoled to join!
Quattro Voci Under the Mistletoe
A huge thank you to Ethekweni Caterers for sending their band Quattro Voci to showcase their Christmas Special – a rendition of Christmas classics. They certainly brought the spirit of Christmas with their heart warming performance.
Those Christmas carols and festive tunes signaled the year was coming to a close! The residents enthusiastically joined the performers in the singing and dancing. They effortlessly made everyone feel included and joyful. It was a memorable celebration that uplifted spirits and started the spread of the holiday cheer.
Rest Well Patty Oelschig – 4/07/1951 – 10/08/2024
Our great Dame Patty Oelschig gained her angel wings early on Saturday morning 10th August after a short period of illness. Patty was a resident at North Bay for 29 years, with the last few of those years in a wheelchair under full time high Care supervision. A beautiful, intelligent, woman with a quiet presence & captivating smile was a greatly loved resident in our High Care wing. Residents & friends of North Bay Lodge said a befitting farewell to Patty on Monday 19th August at St Martins Anglican Church in Durban North. Fly well dear Patty. We will miss & fondly remember you always.
Birthdays
Birthdays are a special time to celebrate each resident’s unique journey and the joy they bring to each other in the home. By coming together as a community, we create heartfelt memories that remind us of the importance of love, inclusion and belonging. Here are some pics of recent birthdays celebrated
Anthony
Carolyn
Bradley
Jackie
Biggie
Che
Lisa M
Janet
Mo Asmal
David Maree
Entertainers for Easter – Quattro Voci
Thank you Ethekweni Caterers for bringing us your super talented musicians and entertainers from Cape Town. Our residents counted the days to their arrival. As always, they wowed our residents with their incredible renditions of classics, stage outfits and amped vibe!
We will await their return…
St Martin’s Church – Residents Christmas Party
St. Martins Church initiatives have been a prominent feature & highlight for many of our residents throughout the year. They religiously come through each Monday to spend time with our residents, having a service and then doing craft lessons. On a fellowship Saturday, their programme includes games & entertainment. Sharon and her team hosted a beautiful Christmas Party for our residents on site to end the year. Joining them on the day was a 2 piece band who played beautiful Christmas Carols and everyone sang along. The residents were treated to delicious treats afterwards and enjoyed a time of fellowship with the volunteers, relishing every moment until they got to see them again in January.
Farewell Kiran Govindasamy – Social Worker
Kiran began her association with North Bay Lodge residents many years whilst still under the governance of Dept of Health prior to 2010. She has the been the contracted Social Worker since NBL became a private NPO. Kiran’s gentle , warm caring disposition was a “safe space” for residents who received regular counselling and guidance. We appreciate the contributions Kiran has made to us, especially during the period she formed a support team to Gloria Fidalgo in earlier years. We record our sincere gratitude to her and wish Kiran a restful, peaceful semi retirement. We hope she will continue to visit the NBL family.
NBL Christmas & Year end Party
The Christmas party was the highlight of the year and eagerly anticipated by all. It was a heartwarming celebration that brought together residents, carers, suppliers and staff.
Generous donations poured in to make the event truly special, reflecting the community’s love and support. All present received a thoughtful gift, and the spotlight of the event was a visit from Santa Claus, where every resident got their picture taken with Santa, spreading joy and laughter.
Our residents had been diligently rehearsing and they entertained one and all with beautiful Christmas Carols and a few other songs. Delicious meals were provided and everyone enjoyed a day filled with music that encouraged attendees to dance freely, embracing the spirit of the season.
We record our sincere gratitude to our sponsors whose kind & generous donations made this years party another successful, joyful and memorable event for our residents and carers – they were feted, gifted and celebrated in the most fitting way!
We acknowledge and Thank the following donors : Priority Cleaners for the large tent; Carol Holinshead, Kathy Marx, Toni Torino & Torino Brothers, Darell Worthington, Gail Whittal, Jim Cockburn, Robyn Longe, Gavin Waugh, Denise Lord, Michael Stettler, Derrick Shell, J P Maurel, Garth Le Roux, Neil Kaufmann.
Salute & Farewell Dr Visegan Subrayen – ex Chairman
Dr Visegan Subrayen’s association with NBL began over 22 years ago when his mum became a resident whilst he was still a medical student in Cape Town. Over the years he became more involved in the organisation, working closely with then Chair – Jim Cockburn.
Dr Visegan (non practising dentist); MBA (UCT), was elected Chairman in 2018. He is CEO of his company PPO Serve (innovative solutions – health care delivery) and worked as a clinician & in executive hospital management roles. Under his leadership, North Bay Lodge benefited from his extensive experience in the health care sector and diverse professional background.
He steered NBL through many changes and challenges viz the Covid pandemic, ensuring the stability of the organisation throughout. Many improvements were noted during his tenure eg NBL rebranding, installation of Solar panels, installation of Jojos, new age Fire Alarm systems, out-sourcing catering; care levels (mDQ98) introduction & implementation etc.
The Council, Grantors, Management Staff and residents record their sincere gratitude to Dr Visegan for his visionary, ethical, integrity filled leadership ensuring proper and transparent governance, support of NBL staff at all times. We wish Dr Visegan the Best for the future.
As we bade farewell to 2024, we embrace all that 2025 offers!
We are most grateful for another blessed year – residents thrived, enjoyed many new experiences and overall, most residents have maintained a good, healthy year. We have enjoyed the support of our reliable contractors and suppliers whose contributions helped us perform above the expected levels.
I take this opportunity to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to my dedicated team viz Morgan, Wendy, Kiran, Supervisors, carers and volunteers who stood alongside me to care for our residents and tend this facility during 2024. Your contributions and genuine passion for North Bay tells in your every day service to our disabled. Looking forward to a superb 2025 – May it be Awesome in every way.
Best,
