Nor'West News: March 09, 2023

Thursday March 9 2023 5
big festival
Jonty’s big effort leaves
mum ‘close to tears’
SOLO: Guitarist Reuben Anderson said the band received
many positive comments from the crowd.
Then afterwards, when we
went out into the crowds, people
stopped us and gave us really nice
compliments. That was really
nice to hear.”
They agreed playing on the
same stage at Sir Dave Dobbyn,
Gin Wigmore, Stellar*, Greg
Johnson, and Hoodoo Gurus
was the definite highlight of their
career to date.
The band plays at The Bower
in North New Brighton each
Sunday as part of a three-month
residency.
Playing at Selwyn Sounds and
at The Bower every weekend will
help their career.
Said Anderson: “I think it’ll
really help us get out into the
local music scene.
“A lot of people who watched
us were from Christchurch and
the surrounding area. I think
it’ll really help our publicity. As
Scarlett said, so many people
came up to us afterwards and
said how much they enjoyed our
set.
“We had a lot of people say
they’re going to come to our next
gig and they’re going to look out
for us. It is really encouraging to
hear that people are digging the
sort of music we’re playing.”
Zephyr played some Led
Zeppelin and Blondie covers, as
well as their own originals during
the 40-minute set at Lincoln.
•Zephyr will be playing
at The Bower beer garden
from 1pm on Sunday.
•From page 1
Jonty has developmental
delays, meaning he takes
longer to reach developmental
milestones. He also has vision
and hearing impairments.
A peg feeding tube is used
nightly for Jonty to ensure he
gets his daily oral intake of pureed
food to improve his growth.
Jonty is an incredibly social
and outgoing, said mum Maree
Smolenski. “Anybody that meets
him can’t help but love his infectious
smile and giggle,” she said.
It was wonderful to see him
take part in the triathlon, Smolenski
said. “The whole experience
of having him there, doing
it alongside his brother and sister
and Liam, was amazing.”
Smolenski and her husband
Sam were registering their
other two children, Ruby, 8, and
Lachie, 12, into the TRYathlon
when they decided to enter Jonty
as well.
The organisers advised Jonty’s
parents to enter him in the
splash and dash category.
On the day, Smolenski was
given a ‘helper’ T-shirt by
Weet-Bix, so she could be on
the course with Jonty and Liam
should they need any help.
‘’We were so supported by
Weet-Bix,’’ she said. “I was close
to tears at the finish line.’’
WELL DONE: Jonty
received his medal from
Crusaders George Bower
(left) and Sevu Reece.
Liam and Jonty met five years
ago at the Special Children’s
Christmas Party, where Liam
performed as Superman. The
pair have developed a special
bond, with Liam attending all
of Jonty’s birthday celebrations
since.
Bridget Pasfield, Liam’s mum,
contacted the Smolenskis before
the TRYathlon and suggested
Liam act as Jonty’s support
person in the event.
“Liam came out of his comfort
zone to support Jonty,” Pasfield
said.
Jonty’s family have made it
their mission to ensure he has as
full a life as possible, by involving
him in the community.
He regularly visits the sensory
room at Pioneer Recreation Centre
and does Jolt dance classes,
and Riding for the Disabled, one
of his favourite activities.
Smolenski wanted Jonty’s
involvement in the TRYathlon
to give assurance and
encouragement to other families.
“Nothing is impossible, you
will be supported,” she said.
‘’These kids get so much
joy from being part of the
community like that.’’
Smolenski said giving other
parents the confidence to try
new things with their children is
a part of why they engage Jonty
with the community.
“(I want to) encourage other
parents to take up the challenge.
“It’s not always easy. We have
days when we are really bought
down to earth,’’ she said.
But seeing the joy her son gets
from being in his community
makes the hard yards even more
worth it, she said.
• To follow Jonty’s journey,
visit www.facebook.com/
OurJontysJourney/
• Heidi Slade is a Public Interest
Journalism Fund cadet reporter
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4716