NST Online: StreetsJohor

Posted: 04 Aug 2011 09:08 AM PDT

Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) held an open day to showcase new products made of rattan, paper and fabric

THE Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (Jaro) held an open day recently to unveil its new range of Green and Heritage products made from rattan, paper and fabric.

Jaro is a workshop that was set up in 1952 to rehabilitate former Johor Baru General Hospital patients by training the physically disabled with basketry, book-binding, tailoring and other handicraft-making skills.

In this way, it hopes to help the disabled find jobs.

The open day brought back memories for Adeline Kuah, who has been buying Jaro products since 1980.

Her son's Hilltop Kindergarten uniform was made by Jaro as well as its soft toys and a picnic basket.

Kuah and other Jaro regular customers were impressed by the new products at the store along Jalan Sungai Cha -- such as the cotton notebook covers, notebooks in A4 and A6 sizes, and boxes made from recycled paper.

At the event, Rotary District Simplified Grant's former chairman Datuk Dr Lim Kee Jin presented a cheque for US$2,000 (RM5,920) to Jaro.

Among the guests were Rotary Club Johor Baru president Ng Swee Poh and club members.

In his speech, Ng said Jaro is a household name among Johoreans and expatriates who appreciate beautiful, quality and useful handmade products.

The contribution will go towards upgrading the computer system in Jaro and the installation of a computer in the showroom to help customers shop by browsing for products.

Chris Parry, a former New York-based graphic artist, designed the new look in Jaro's latest line of products.

He said that when customers buy the Green products, they are not only supporting Jaro but also supporting the use of sustainable, renewable and recycled materials.

Similarly, buying the Heritage products will help promote and nurture local traditions, cultures and crafts.

"It's like a breath of fresh air," said Lisa Shedd, a Jaro volunteer, commenting on the product changes in Jaro.

She was excited to see how fresh merchandising ideas and new products have transformed Jaro over the last seven months.

Shedd is among several volunteers who help staff in the marketing, sales and promotion of the products.

Also present were Spastic Children's Association of Johor chairman Tunku Yan Nazihah Tunku Laxamana Nasir, Dr Balachandrah Nair of Metropoint College Johor Baru and Thanam Visvanathan-Suresh, the president of the Johor Women's League.

Refreshments were provided by four sponsors and served by volunteers from the Johor Baru Breast Cancer Support Group.

Jaro's retail outlets are at Johor Baru City Square and Holiday Plaza.

It is open on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.

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Martial arts in music and dance

Posted: 04 Aug 2011 08:36 AM PDT

A scene from the 'Wushu Madness' show. — Picture by Peggy Loh

THE "Wushu Madness" show held during 8th Johor Baru Arts Festival, was a fusion of wushu martial arts with modern dance to portray the insanity of today's daily rat race.

Using simple props like tables and chairs symbolised social status and the desire for power.

The scenes flowed smoothly in a series of well-choreographed, powerful dances to illustrate the law of the corporate jungle.

In the segment entitled "Office", it was easy for the audience to relate to the pressures of work, where humans often worked like machines.

The clever use of light and a synchronised soundtrack helped to bring the scenes to live and conveyed the pathos of the routines that created stress and hostility in the workplace.

The centrepiece of the show, "One Table Two Chairs -- Brothers," brought out the truth about the competitive environment in the workplace. Using one table and two chairs, two artistes presented a powerful picture of the dog-eat-dog world which exists in every workplace.

The solo performance in "Sad City" used two tables to depict a high wall, an excellent imagery depicting the rat race. From facial and bodily expressions, the artiste portrayed the maelstrom of emotions as he was crushed by life's challenges.

Artistic director and choreographer of Lee Wushu Arts Theatre Lee Swee Seng collaborated with the Johor Society for the Performing Arts to produced the show. -- By Peggy Loh

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Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Jumaat, 5 Ogos 2011

NST Online: StreetsJohor

NST Online: StreetsJohor

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