StarJam invited to present at Air New Zealand’s Leadership Conference

We were delighted when Air New Zealand asked us if StarJam would give a 30 minute presentation at their Leadership Conference scheduled for 19th November . Firstly, we thought all our young stars would be heavily involved in exams but as it happened they all had exam-free days last Friday, so they all got ready to rock the socks off their audience.

Nine StarJam stars sang and danced 3 songs, jamming with internationally-acclaimed entertainer, Angela Ayers. There was pure delight on the faces of the audience as they spread their joy and their music all about. Then, Redmond Nicholson interviewed CEO Ralph Norris. Those who have seen Red in action will know he has a habit of asking questions that no-one else would dare and won’t be surprised to hear that he asked Ralph Norris things like “When was the last time you traveled economy class?”

It was all a huge success, but for us, the best was yet to come. As we were wrapping it all up, Ralph Norris made a presentation to StarJam giving a big bag of presents to each of the young stars and then handed us a letter containing the magnificent news that Air New Zealand would provide StarJam with 4 return flights to Los Angeles any time within the next year. Joy of joys! Our most sincere thanks to everyone at Air New Zealand.

Fond Farewell to Jo Bunce - Warm Welcome to Amber Forlong

Jo started working for StarJam in February this year on a part time basis, initially just for six months. We persuaded her to stay longer but as we needed someone to work fulltime, Jo kindly agreed to stay until we found someone to replace her. Not an easy task, but thankfully, along came Amber Forlong. Here’s Jo saying good-bye to Daniel Gourlay and Natalie Brunzel at a little party we had for her last Friday.

So now, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Amber to you!

“Hi my name is Amber Forlong, I have just started with StarJam and I am well and truly, completely and utterly, entirely and totally JAMMED! Before StarJam exploded into my life I was involved in a number of events, most recently working with Mike Mizrahi at Inside Out Productions on the Louis Vuitton 150 th anniversary parties. I have a BMA, a BA and I am currently completing the last paper of my LTCL in Speech and Drama, yes I love learning. My Interests include drag racing at Meremere, wakeboarding and just about anything creative I can get my hands on.”

StarJam ’s October Sports Day

The weather was kind to us for our first ever StarJam sports day. With help from members of the Wheelblacks (wheelchair rugby) and the wheelchair basketball team, we had tremendous fun, inventing and cheating at all sorts of games. OK, so most of the guys did put their fingers on the onion to stop it toppling off in the onion and spoon race!!

November End of Year Party

The last meeting for the year will be our big end of year bash. Our young stars have entertained us magnificently all year so we hope some of the parents and volunteers will return the compliment to the Jammers - that’s why we will be having a karaoke machine!! The party is on this coming Saturday from 3 to 5pm. We do have a space limit but if there is anyone who is bursting to come and hasn’t received an invitation or a phone call, please contact the StarJam office immediately so we can direct you to the party place.

Here are a couple of pix from the ‘Opportunity knocks” meeting in September. If you’d like to see more, follow the link below (psst don’t tell anyone but the password for getting in to see the photos is ’star’.)

Click here for more photo’s

Patrick Bellett Photography

Sam Muir-James performs a wonderful juggling solo, everyone grooves to the jamming and Ross Moses thanks Suzanne Lynch for coming

Volunteers - the life blood of StarJam

Behind every volunteer there are countless stories of commitment and service. It’s impossible to tell all the stories. By way of example, one of our volunteers, who does so much for StarJam , does so much for others as well. Val O’Gorman, g ymnastics and roller-skating coach for Special Olympics, recently won the Zonta Annual Award for ‘Women who make a difference to their community.’ Congratulations, Val!

Before we finish the news, we need to remind you to mark you diaries for the first StarJam meeting of the year, Saturday January 29th 2005. So all that is left to say is hold onto your hats because StarJam has big plans for 2005…… and

Have a joyous and safe festive season

Best wishes on behalf of everyone in the StarJam community.

Julie Bartlett