Articles

3 February 2006 Des Hill describes Australia Day celebrations. On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian. In communities across the nation, Australians take to the streets, parks and backyards to celebrate our land, people, heritage, diversity and freedom.   This year, the Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast attracted families and individuals from near and far.  Activities offered something for all ages. One of the most popular highlights was the Rodeo, featuring open saddle bronc (wild horse), junior bull rides, poddy (calf) rides and rodeo clowns.  In between sessions, the spectacle of pie eating was witnessed, along with egg throwing and whip cracking.  The Bush Track also proved to be a cool place to be, with exhibits of whip making, sheep shearing, cow milking, pottery, weaving, fine restored machinery, a blacksmith and wheelwright, plus samples of tasty damper (bread made on the open fire).  After all that activity, a cold beer and a seat were in order, enjoyed with performances of bush poetry and songs. The All Nations Precinct provided a taste of food from around the world including India, China, Japan, Turkey, Hungary, France, Mexico, Fiji, Indonesia, Germany, Bosnia, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, plus simple Aussie fare. The Australia Day Woodchop Championships was quite a spectacle, and with the wood chips flying, the fierce competition provided an exciting finish to the day. As we say in Australia – “strewth! Des Hill is one of ARMS' Installation Coaches / Client Services Consultants ................................................................................................................................................... 16 January 2006 ARMS Client Services Manager spreads Christmas cheer. For the past five years, ARMS Client Services Manager Zoe Everingham and her husband Richard have organised a special lunch on Christmas day for the elderly, single parents with children and generally anyone who would otherwise be alone. The need for such an event was established in the first year, when over 100 people were fed, the number rising to 200 over the next two years.  Guests are referred through local charity groups, social services, mental health support networks and St. Luke’s nursing services.  Special diets are catered for and transport is provided when required, thanks to two Gold Coast bowling clubs who donate the use of their courtesy buses on Christmas day. Sponsorship from local businesses (including McDonalds) provides chickens, hams, drinks, Christmas puddings and bon-bon table decorations.      An army of local volunteers make salads, decorate the hall, provide entertainment, work in the kitchen and act as individual table hosts to welcome and wait on guests.  This year, an entertainment company provided a professional Santa who had also been visiting children in the Gold Coast Hospital. “I was surprised this year how many families rang to offer help” said Zoe.  “Parents wanted their children to see that Christmas was not all about receiving presents.  The true message of Christmas is about giving and serving, as exemplified in the birth and life of Jesus.”  The gratefulness of guests demonstrated how much need there was for companionship and celebration on Christmas day.  “A wheelchair bound lady living in a hostel expressed how lonely the festive season usually was for her, while another cried explaining that it was the first time in 20 years that she had been out of the house on Christmas day.  Many elderly people have attended for the last five years because they have such a good time and would otherwise be on their own.  Single parents, unable to afford Christmas presents or festive food, have fun watching their children receive a specially picked present from Santa.  A volunteer photographer is also on hand to record the joyous occasion.” Sometimes it is difficult to know how to help others.  By extending the concept of sharing time, a meal and gifts on Christmas day, from just personal family to an extended group, others lonely or less fortunate are touched; their self esteems are bolstered and a glimmer of hope that others do care returns. ...................................................................................................................................................

30 August 2005 Long-time ARMS client wins prestigious industry award. Gary J. Long, founder and owner of Gary J. Long Jewelers in Stockton, California has been named the 2005 recipient of the Robert B. Westover Award, presented by the California Jewelers Association to individuals for their cumulative contribution to the jewellery industry.  Long is only the fifth recipient of the award, named in honor of the CJA’s longtime Executive Vice President, Robert B.Westover. Long was one of ARMS’ very first North American clients more than 10 years ago.  He is a keen advocate of ARMS' software and business management consulting and recommends the company to other jewellers via our advertisements and also on this website. In naming Long as the 2005 winner, CJA Immediate Past President, James Hartstein, cited not only Long’s service as President of the CJA in 1994 and as Chairman of the Spring Pacific Jewelry Show for three years, but also his leadership during a tumultuous period in the CJA’s history.  In addition, Long was instrumental in developing the concept of the new West Coast Jewelry Show.

Gary J. Long

Long has operated his own store for more than 20 years and has been in the jewellery industry since 1970.  He has been active in numerous industry and community organisations, including: Member of the CJA Board of Directors since 1988 President of the California Jewelers Association in 1994 Chairman of the Spring Pacific Jewelry Show Member of the Board of Directors of the American Gem Society and holds the AGS title of Registered Jeweler Member of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California Member of the Retail Advisory Board of the West Coast Jewelry Show Member of the Advisory Board of the Centurion Jewelry Show Member of the Advisory Board of the Professional Jeweler Prime Time Show Member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Member of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Valley Better Business Bureau Treasurer of the Stockton Sunrise Rotary Club Benefactor for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the Stockton Symphony Long is a graduate of the Sacramento State University, with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.  He and his wife have three children: Andy, Chrissy and Amanda.  The award was presented to Long at a reception at the Westin Century Plaza Hotel & Spa in Los Angeles on Saturday 27 August. ...................................................................................................................................................