NELSON, USA CLUB

US Embassy student and youth outreach program

January 18th, 2012 | Category: General

Did you know that the US Embassy in NZ has a wide range of teaching tools and resources to help teach and learn about US history, culture, holidays, and many other topics? Did you know that you can request a visit from the US Ambassador or expert speaker to visit your school and give a ‘guest lecture’ on many of these topics? It’s all true!

I’m sending this email to teachers, educators, and anyone interested in youth issues and development to introduce myself and share some information about our new social media channels and programs for youth communities and NZ educators. Please feel free to share this message with any colleagues or friends that may be interested in keeping in contact on any of these topics. As a way of enriching our programs for youth audiences (primary to secondary school students) we’ve created an online sign-up sheet where any NZ teacher, administrator, or youth program coordinator can register their interest in the following areas:

Having a US guest speaker visit your class or group and talk about a particular topic
Learning more about how to apply for universities and study in the US
Teaching resources and guides on US-related themes and topics
Alerting the Embassy about your programs and projects that have an American theme or connection – maybe we can help out in some way
Requesting materials or research assistance
Or if you have a specific question or area of interest that isn’t covered in the form just send me an email and I’ll be able to work with you directly on your project or request

Once you have lodged your interest online you will receive information periodically according to the areas of interest you’ve indicated, for example: if you indicate that you’re interested in science topics we will alert you when we know of a visiting scientist in your area or if NASA is conducting an online video chat with students around the country or globe. We will get in touch with you directly when we have a speaker available to visit your class/group in the 2012 school year (of course we cannot guarantee that all requests will be filled in this time frame, but we will endeavor to do so). The Embassy also supports a number of exchange programs and NZ programs for students (i.e. the NZ UN Youth organization) that we can send you information on.

We’ve got some interesting projects coming up this year – fill out the sign-up form if you’d like to be kept up to date on any of them:

70th Anniversary of US Forces posted in NZ during WWII – we’re organizing events and creating teaching resources on this topic to include class field trip guides and an oral history project/competition for history students and teachers
A NZ tour for the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band in June 2012 – check out some of the concerts and activities they took part in when they were last here during the Rugby World Cup: http://blogs.newzealand.usembassy.gov/ambassador/2011/09/marines-make-music-in-taranaki-and-wellington/
American Youth Leadership Program – we’re looking for a partner school/organization to help host a group of US students to visit and learn about NZ, focusing on science and technology in 2013
US Elections 2012 – we’ll be offering teaching guides and guest speakers to explain the elections process in the US to any interested groups

If you’d rather keep yourself updated on our programs via social media channels, you can follow or like a number of specialized social media channels:

US Embassy Youth Outreach Twitter – development, leadership, exchanges
Study in the US Twitter
Study in the US Facebook page
Resources for students and teachers - Embassy website

Please feel free to contact me directly with any other questions or ideas.

Regards,
Shauna Mendez
Youth Outreach Specialist
Office of Public Affairs
Embassy of the United States

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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23rd, 2011 | Category: General

Whether you have planned a grand feast surrounded by friends and family, a restaurant dinner, or maybe a takeout, it is not really the edible food, but rather who we share it with that counts most of all, and to me, this is the true value and meaning of Thanksgiving.

The Nelson, USA Club extends the opportunity of friendship and networking among our members and I know we are thankful for some reminders of home when we chat to each other.

If you know of any special Thanksgiving events happening in Nelson, please share them with us on our Facebook page or via email so we can pass them on.

Here are a couple of recent messages you may be interested in:

USA SHIRT RAFFLE

Jeff Whittingham (jeffwhittinghamis @hotmail.com) has a signed USA rugby shirt that he is raffling off to raise money for St John’s Earthquake appeal in Christchurch.

He was given the shirt by Dallen Stanford who is the media officer for the Team. You can email him for the account details to send your payment for a raffle ticket and the Christchurch Police will be conducting the draw. Here is a link to an online story about his fundraising for your reassurance.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4935001/Football-shirts-to-be-sold-for-quake-victims

USA FOOD ITEMS

Tom says he has been filling his suitcase with groceries to return from his USA trips for 30 years! He has now found an online USA food website and has shared the extensive list of available products.

Martha’s Product List

Once you place an order Sandy will get back to you on what is available. They then invoice you and as soon as payment comes through, send via courier. Shipping costs depend on weight.

www.marthasbackyard.co.nz

Life’s Riches
When we count
our many blessings;
It isn’t hard to see
that life’s most valued
treasures are the
treasures that are free.

For it isn’t what
we own or buy
that signifies
our wealth.

It’s the special
gifts that have
no price:
our family,
friends and health.

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Richmond Festival 2011 Photos

September 26th, 2011 | Category: Richmond Festival

What a great parade! The Eagles players were amazed at the support from Richmond…. here are some photos of the event.

: Buy this photo from http://www.shuttersport.co.nz/richmond-unites-welcome-eagles

More photos on the shuttersport website here: http://www.shuttersport.co.nz/richmond-unites-welcome-eagles

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Monday March & Tuesday Party

September 24th, 2011 | Category: Eagles in the World Cup,Event,Richmond Festival

Monday Marching
Please meet at the top parking lot of the Richmond Mall carpark (where the staff park) at 11.30am on Monday so we are ready to join the parade at 12 noon. I have made a big banner for a couple of us to hold as we march down Queen Street in our red/white/blue.

If you need a quick costume, the $2-style discount shops have big flags for $5 and just wear it like a cape. After the parade, we will jump up on stage at Sundial Square to say the Pledge and sing the Anthem with our banner in front of us as a group. Here is a link to download the MP3 soundtrack of that performance so you can have a quick practice… you don’t need to sing well – just lip-sync!

I really appreciate you making the effort to join in with the Nelson, USA Club to march in this event with some of the Eagles players – it’s a one-in-a-lifetime activity for us, I’m sure! I have invited ANY American in town for the game to come and join us in the parade – so please pass on this information to anyone you meet!

Tuesday GAME DAY!
I have just received a special invitation for any club member going to the USA game at Trafalgar Park to join the US Ambassador’s pre-game tailgate party in support of the USA Eagles prior to their Rugby World Cup match against Italy. However, I need to present them with a list of names by Monday morning so they know exactly who is attending. Please email me the names of your family/friends (children included) so I can pass these on. The party will take place at a venue on Bridge Street in Nelson between 4.30pm-6pm and the kick-off at Trafalgar Park is at 7.30pm. I’ll send additional details when I’ve compiled the list.

The hosts of the party are the Ambassador of the United States of America David Huebner and his spouse Dr. Duane McWaine. The invitation has been presented from Shauna Mendez whom you may remember from the breakfast we hosted when she was in town from Wellington. Very exciting to meet the Ambassador – lucky us (bring a camera)!

Other Activities
Don’t forget to support club member Anthony Holder’s Sevens Tournament all day on Sunday at Jubilee Park – complementing the on field rugby action will be an evening of entertainment, featuring a prize giving, presentations, live music, cultural items and exhibitions. All this along with a traditional kiwi BBQ with local wines and craft beers.

There are activities in the Richmond Mall during Monday afternoon (including Poppy singing in the American Idol competition at 3.30pm). A midday parade down Queen Street complete with classic American hotrods, cheerleaders and marching bands, paves the way for an afternoon of family entertainment, competitions and exhibitions in the Richmond Mall. As the sun sets, a Sundial Square evening of dancing, fine foods and mingling will unfold with a quintessential kiwi picnic featuring the best of local fare.

The Tailgating Party at the Richmond Fairgrounds is from 2pm on Tuesday before the game. This free family event includes an afternoon full of interactive activities, with classic kiwi games immersed with American Tailgate traditions, live music, performances, tasty regional cuisine and boutique beverages. There is time to have some fun in Richmond before heading in to the Ambassador’s party and then the Eagles game itself!

Here are some links for more information:

THANK YOU

THANKS to those club members who came to have their photo taken with the Corvette for the Leader…
The Eagles players are training at Saxton Field over the next 4 evenings – they arrive in town today and you can go down to watch them – not sure about the details though. Good try last night boys – you played with a lot of heart and we’ll be there supporting you when the same thing happens on Tuesday night!

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Welcome to Nelson!

September 19th, 2011 | Category: Eagles in the World Cup,Richmond Festival

The Nelson, USA Club welcomes all our American friends to town while the Eagles are playing. If you’d like to meet some of the Nelson, USA Club families living here, please join us for the Main Street Parade at the Stars & Stripes Block Party at noon on Monday 26 September.

The Nelson USA Club will also be leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Star-Spangled Banner during the Sundial Square speeches after the parade in which several of the USA Eagles players will participate.

Our club was formed to celebrate holidays specific to the United States that commemorate historical events or encourage a common national memory for children living in Nelson Bays region with American citizenship. We hope to familiarize our American children with national symbols to develop pride and respect for them as well as building national unity and interest in their cultural background.

We celebrate holidays during the year with get-togethers for Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July and have a current membership of 56 families living in the Nelson region. There are no fees or requirements; just an informal email networking group and Facebook page to share information when something of interest is happening in Nelson. We welcome new members and invite any USA citizen currently in Nelson to come and march in the parade with us.

If you are an American and would like to march with the club ‘like us’ on Facebook or join the club or call Adrienne on 544-2088 or 021.480.212.

If you’re visiting Nelson from the USA; wear something red, white and blue and meet us at the marshalling area of the Richmond Mall carpark by 11.30am on Monday 26 September for a special welcome to town.

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The Eagles in the Waka

September 08th, 2011 | Category: Eagles in the World Cup

During the welcoming ceremony on the 4th, the Eagles were taken out in a Waka – a traditional Māori canoe:

http://usrugbynz.com/2011/09/08/the-eagles-in-the-waka/

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Richmond Festival USA Block Party

September 08th, 2011 | Category: Activities,Richmond Festival

The main street parade is going to be really colourful and there has been a great response from the community to be involved. Nelson City and Motueka Regional Brass Band will lead the procession, and will be followed by the following performance groups: Tasman Blue Beat Marching, Sun City Rock n Rollers, Tasman Mako Cheerleaders, Sirens of Smash Roller Derby Girls, Tasman Line Dancers, and Henley primary school pupils. Bringing up the rear will be a selection of classic American cars (Hosting members of the US Eagles, plus the US Ambassador and Mayor of Tasman and other VIP guests), Harley Davidson Bikes and a fleet of military vehicles.

Following the parade procession, a series of short performances, along with opening/welcoming speeches will take place at Sundial Square. The Nelson USA Club will be leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Star-Spangled Banner during the Sundial Square speeches between 12-1pm on Monday 26 September. We are scheduled for 12.35pm. It would be great to have everyone in their USA gear. Adrienne has printed the song cards for everyone to use so they have the words.

The kids entertainment scheduled for the Richmond Mall is all on track, with superstar singers registered, and a couple of hundred hotdogs and warm fruit pies sourced from the local supermarket for the respective eating competitions. It’s great to see kids faces light up and their imaginations run wild when informed of the proposed eating competitions – the adults don’t seem to share the same enthusiasm!

Parade participants are required to assemble at the vacant lot adjacent to the Richmond Mall from 11.00am onwards and are to report to Sally Wood on arrival. Please do not arrive any later than 11.40am. The parade will commence at 12noon sharp.

Here is a copy of the printed words for you to download to practice: Pledge Card
Here is a copy of the music mp3 for you to download to practice: MP3 practice

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