Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School

Cooperative Nursery School Webpage
2100 Whitehaven Road
Grand Island, NY 14072
773-3670

Click for Coop Nursery School 2007 News

Coop Nursery School To Host Cookie Lee Fine Fashion Jewelry - 2006
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will host a Cookie Lee fine fashion jewelry fundraiser & basket raffle from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2006 in the Trinity UM Church Family Room, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. All proceeds from the basket raffle & jewelry sales will go to G.I. Co-op Nursery School.
Cookie Lee is stylish, affordable jewelry for all ages and styles. Prices range from $12-$50 and checks and credit cards will be accepted.

"Enjoy The City" Book Is GI Coop Nursery School Fundraiser - 2006

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Parents and staff of the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School are holding a fundraiser with the sale of "Enjoy The City" books. The books are being sold as "buy one, get one free" at $25.
The coupon books feature savings on Fine Dining, Fast Food, Entertainment, Recreation, Retail, and Services. Email Deni LoBrutto at lobrutto@adelphia.net to order or for more information.

GI Coop Nursery School Begins 58th Year - 2006

Photos are of the Monday/Wednesday/Friday morning class with teacher/director Mrs. Vicki Wilkinson. The third picture shows the students meeting their new class pet, "Tinkerbell," a hamster.
Click photos for a larger view.
   The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School began its 58th year on Sept 13, 2006. The “Co-op,” as it is also known, began in 1948 in the basement of the Mazenauer home on West Oakfield Road. Through the years it has been moved to the Old Trinity Church, and then to its present location in the New Trinity building where classes have been held since 1986.
   Although there have been many changes throughout the years, the basic school philosophy is still the same. The nursery school is based on a “hands on” learning environment. Parents and teachers work together to help the children grow and learn at their own pace.
   For registration information or to visit the school, call 773-3670.

GI Coop Nursery School Accepting Registration - 2006

The graduating classes of 2006 from the Grand Island Coop Nursery School are shown: (left) children from the Mon./Wed./Fri. afternoon class; (right) Mon./Wed./Fri. morning class
Click photos for a larger view.
A few openings remain for the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School. The school offers morning and afternoon classes, three days a week on Monday/Wednesday/Friday (4-year-olds) or two days per week on Tuesday/Thursday (3-year-old). For an application or more information call 773–3670.
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School operates at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road with a staff of three teachers and 72 students annually.

End Of Year Picnic For Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School - 2006

Betsy Cali Photos - Click for a larger view.
Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School students, siblings and parents enjoyed the school's end of the year picnic on the grounds of Trinity UM Church, Whitehaven Road. "A special thank you goes out to the many parents and families who volunteered their time to help make the picnic run smoothly." Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School thanks the following local businesses for their generous support:
The Hop Shop, Holiday Inn, Fuccillo Chevrolet, Cannon Design, Tops, Tim Horton's, Marco's Restaurant, Wal-Mart, Martin's Fantasy Island, Manor Lanes, Rain King, Target, Wilson Farms, L.W. Graphics, McDonald's and Frito Lay.
The children and their families had a wonderful time.

Cooperative Nursery School Students Enjoy Spring Activities - 2006

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The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School students and teachers have had a very enjoyable spring sessions that included trips to the Niagara Falls Aquarium and to the Grand Island Fire Company headquarters on Baseline Road.
Registration for the 2006 - 2007 school year is now being accepted. The school offers morning and afternoon classes, three days a week on Monday/Wednesday/Friday (4-year-olds) or two days per week on Tuesday/Thursday (3-year-old). For an application or more information call 773–3670.

Family Fun Night At Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School - 2006

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The staff at Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School provided a Family Fun Night on Friday, May 12, 2006. The children of the GI Coop enjoyed Tattoos, games, and lots of fun. For information about the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School, call 773-3670. Enrollment is still available for the 2006 - 2007 school year.

GI Coop Nursery School Students Welcome Fireman & Truck To School - 2006

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Grand Island Fire Company members Dale Mock (left) and Kevin Rustowicz traveled by fire engine to pay a visit to the Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class at Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School just before Easter. The class of four-year-olds is taught by Vicki Wilkinson and Nancy Major.

Spring Time At Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School - 2006

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A group of Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School students are shown outside enjoying a spring day, and an Easter Bunny Hunt! For more information on the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School at 2100 Whitehaven Road, call 773-3670.

Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School
Kindergarten Readiness Information Night - 2006
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will host a Kindergarten Readiness Information Night 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006 in the family room of Trinity UM Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Sidway School teachers, Mrs. Karolyn Ivancie And Mrs. Renee Luzi, will present information on ways to help prepare children for kindergarten. They will also be available to answer questions or concerns regarding preparation for kindergarten. "This will be an excellent opportunity to meet and speak to these educators and learn first hand what is expected of our children when they enter Kindergarten," a Coop Nursery School spokesman said this week. The program is for parents only.

GI Coop Nursery School Open House & Enrollment For 2006-2007 Year

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The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will offer an open house for 2006 - 2007 enrollment from 12:30-2 p.m. March 10th at the school in the Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Those attending may observe classroom activities. Program details and applications will be available. For more information, call 773-3670.

GI Coop Nursery School Registration 2006-2007

A group of children from the Tuesday /Thursday morning class
Click photo for a larger view.
   Registration for the 2006 - 2007 school year is now being accepted for the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School. The school offers morning and afternoon classes, three days a week on Monday/Wednesday/Friday (4-year-olds) or two days per week on Tuesday/Thursday (3-year-old). For an application or more information call 773–3670.
   The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School was founded in 1948 by a group of nine families. Since 1953, the school has been operating at Trinity United Methodist Church on Whitehaven Road with a staff of three teachers and 72 students annually.
   The Coop Nursery School as it is commonly referred, believes in a "hands on" learning environment. Children are encouraged to learn, discover and grow at their own pace. "Socialization is very important at this tender young age," a spokesman for the school said this week. "We look forward to celebrating our 58th year with your family," she said.

GI Coop Nursery School Donates To Haven House - 2005

Students of the Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM Class
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The children, parents and faculty of the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School, in the spirit of the season, made a very generous donation to Haven House this year.

Nursery School Accepting Applications - 2005
Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School applications are still being accepted for the 2005 school year. For more information regarding registration, call 773-3670.

Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School Welcomes Two New Teachers - 2005

Seated are teacher Nancy Major and Director Vicki Wilkinson and standing is teacher Julie Estenoz.
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   Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School began its 57th year with the appointments of new teachers, Nancy Major and Julie Estenoz. Mrs. Major will serve as the new part time teacher for the M/W/F classes and Ms. Estenoz is the new part time teacher for the T/Th classes.
   The teachers are no strangers to Grand Island Coop as their children, now students in the Island school system, attended the Nursery School and Ms. Estenoz also was a student at the School.
   Vicki Wilkinson, a teacher at the school for the past seven years, has moved up to the position of Teacher/Director upon the retirement of longtime director Bonnie Janowsky.

Cooperative Nursery School Teacher Bonnie Janowsky Retires - 2005

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   Longtime Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School teacher/director Bonnie Janowsky will be honored at an Open House from 7-9 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2005 in the family room of Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Mrs. Janowsky, who began teaching at the Coop Nursery School 24 years ago and officially retired in May 2005, lives with her husband, Dale, on Stony Point Road.
   "The love and dedication she gave to our children and the school was a testament to her commitment to our school," a spokesman for the School said this week. "Anyone who has attended or has had children attend the COOP is welcome to attend and congratulate Bonnie on this momentous occasion," she said.
   Vicki Wilkinson, an eight-year employee of Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School, is now serving as its teacher/director. Those planning to attend or needing more information are asked to call Mrs. Wilkinson at the COOP at 773-3670.

Cooperative Nursery School Begins 57th Year - 2005

Click photos for a larger view.
   The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School began its 57th year on September 14, 2005. The “Co-op,” as it is also known, began in 1948 in the basement of the Mazenauer home on West Oakfield Road. Through the years it has been moved to the Old Trinity Church, and then to its present location in the New Trinity building where classes have been held since 1986.
   Although there have been many changes throughout the years, the basic school philosophy is still the same. The nursery school is based on a “hands on” learning environment. Parents and teachers work together to help the children grow and learn at their own pace.
   For registration information or to visit the school, call 773-3670.

Cooperative Nursery School Visits Niagara Falls Aquarium - 2005

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Students from the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School recently spent some time at the Niagara Falls Aquarium. Students, teachers, and parents watched the sea lion show and enjoyed holding and touching lobsters, crabs, and starfish. The "Co-op" has a few openings for the 2005-2006 school year. For more information please call 773-3670.

Cooperative Nursery School To Host Kindergarten Readiness Program - 2005
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will host a Kindergarten Readiness Program at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10th in the family room of Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Sidway teachers Mrs. Molly Ehlenfield and Ms. Maureen Littlefield will be presenting information and answering questions on how to help your child prepare for kindergarten. Parents only please. If you have any questions please contact the Co-op at 773-3670.

Cooperative Nursery School Enjoys Buffalo Zoo Trunk - 2005

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Students at the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School recently enjoyed a visit from the Buffalo Zoo Trunk. The children learned many things about different zoo animals, and even had a chance to pet a live lizard! The Nursery School is currently accepting applications for the 2005-2006 school year. Call the school at 773-3670 for more information.

Cooperative Nursery School To Celebrate 57th Anniversary - 2005
Register For 2005-2006 School Year

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The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will celebrate its 57th anniversary this upcoming school year.
The "Co-Op" is based on a hands on learning environment. Parents and teachers work together to help the
children grow at their own pace. Registration for the 2005-2006 school year will take place beginning
February 1, 2005. Applications are available at the nursery school, 2100 Whitehaven Road. For more
information regarding registration or to visit the school, call 773-3670.

Co-op Nursery School Visits City Market - 2004

Teacher Mrs. Vicki Wilkinson is shown with students - Click photo for a larger view.
Children from the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School recently took a trip to the Niagara Falls City Market. After sampling many fruits and vegetables, the children made and ate fresh homemade applesauce.

Coop Nursery School's End Of Year Picnic - 2004

Nancy Major Photo
Classmates, including this group of four little girls, had a wonderful time at the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School's end of the year picnic on Friday, June 4, 2004.

Nursery School Students Visit Niagara Falls Fire Station - 2004
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Kim Schopp-Baldassare Photos
Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School students in the Monday-Wednesday-Friday class visited the 10th Street Fire Station in Niagara Falls, NY on Wednesday, May 5. This fire hall is one of the only working departments in the area, where the firefighters are paid and reside there while on duty. The children got to see the inside of the building, where the firefighters reside, the inside of the fire truck and firefighters coming down the pole after they rang the alarm. The students also got to hold the fire hose with the help of firefighter Jason Caffarella.

Rainforest Specialist Visits Cooperative Nursery School - 2004

Kim Baldassare Photo
Rainforest Specialist Alice Stein visited the Monday/Wednesday/Friday afternoon classes of Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School. Ms. Stein's presentation on Thursday, April 22, 2004 taught the preschoolers about the enviroment of the Amazon including all the insects of the Amazon. The presentation was made at no cost to the school, in as much as the families of Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School (all classes) donated sneakers to go to the Amazon families who are in need.

Co-Op Nursery Students Visit Aquarium - 2004

Kim Schopp Baldassare Photos - Click above for larger view

The children attending the Monday/Wednesday/Friday afternoon class of Grand Island Co-Op Nursery School visited the Aquarium of Niagara on Friday March 19th, 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed what they saw there.

Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School To Begin 56th Year - 2004

Kim Baldassare Photos
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will be celebrating its 56th anniversary this upcoming school year. The "CO-OP", as it is also known, began in 1948 in the basement of the Mazenauer home on West Oakfield Road. Through the years it has moved to the Old Trinity Church, and then to the new Trinity building in 1986 where it is now located. Mrs Bonnie Janowsky will be starting her 24th year as our teacher. There are many Islanders whose first school experience was with Mrs. Janowsky. Mrs. Vicki Wilkinson and Mrs. Dina Verso are also teachers with the Co-op. Although there have been changes through the years, the basic school philosophy is still the same. The nursery school is based on a "hands on" learning environment. Parents and teachers work together to help the children grow and learn at their own pace. Registration for the 2004-2005 school year will be taking place in February. Applications are available at the nursery school. For more information about registration, or to visit the school, call 773-3670.

Christmas Celebrated At Cooperative Nursery School - 2003

Kim Baldassare Photos
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School, Monday-Wednesday-Friday afternoon class celebrated Christmas on Friday, December 19th by having a sing-along and cookies for the parents and siblings of the students.

Nursery School Students Visit Farmers Market - 2003
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Kim Schopp-Baldassare Photos
Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School students in the Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes enjoyed a field trip to the Niagara Falls City Market Wednesday, October 1 2003 where they learned about fruits and vegetables and were able to purchase produce and pumpkins. The photos show the afternoon students with their teacher Vickie Wilkinson (in red).

First Day Of Nursery School - 2003

Kim Baldassare Photos
Students from the Monday, Wednesday, Friday afernoon class and their mothers are shown on the first day of Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School on Friday, September 12, 2003.

New Playground Equipment at Coop Nursery School

Kim Baldassare Photos
In celebration of Mother's Day, Grand Island Co-op Nursery School students were treated to a special tea on May 13, 2003. Each child brought one person that they especially cared about. In the same week brand new playground equipment was installed for the preschoolers. The equipment was made possible through a donation from Leslie and Dr. Keith Stube (Knee Center of WNY) and Nursery School fundraisers from throughout the year. Julie Estenoz, a parent from the Tues./Thurs. afternoon class, was in charge of the preliminary research of the playground equipment and was given credit for "making it happen."

Rain Forest Awareness Program Visits Co-Op

Jodi Hayes Dodd Photo
Environmental photographer Alice Stein visited the Grand Island Co-Op Nursery School on Wednesday, March 26, 2003, Her focus, the diversity, beauty and importance of incredible insects found in the jungles of the Amazon, was showcased through a slide show and interactive discussion with the students.

Nursery School Students Enjoy Visit By Sidway Principal - February 2003

Charlotte Sidway School Principal Frank Cannata visited and read to the Monday/Wednesday/Friday class at Grand Island Cooperative School. The students, who are soon to be kindergartners, meet in the afternoon. Mr. Cannata, who read the story "Rainbow Fish" to the Cooperative Nursery School, visits all of the Grand Island preschools each year to tell the pre-schoolers a little bit about Sidway School where most of them will attend in the fall.

Docents From Buffalo Zoo Visit GI Co-Op - 2003

Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click photos for larger view

Miss Helen and Miss Maureen from the Buffalo Zoo visited the three- and four-year-olds at the Grand Island Co-op Nursery School on Thursday, January 30, 2003. The preschoolers learned about mammals, birds and reptiles and saw snakeskin, snake-shed, nests, feathers and different egg specimens. At the end of the visit the children experienced petting a live, bearded lizard that is native to Australia.

Cooperative Nursery School Open House and Registration - 2003
Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School open house and registration will take place from 12:45-2:15 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11-12, 2003 at the school, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Applications will be available.

Co-operative Nursery School Open House - 2003

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Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School (GICNS), 2100 Whitehaven Road, will hold open house from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2003 and Wednesday, February 12, 2003. Applications for the 2003-2004 school year will be accepted starting February 1, 2003. Applications may be picked up at Trinity United Methodist Church ouside the classroom and should be postmarked by March 1, 2003.

Co-operative Nursery School Holiday News - 2002

Kim Baldassarre Photos - Click photos for larger view

The Tuesday-Thursday Grand Island Co-operative Nursery School class invited their families to a Christmas sing-along on Thursday, December 19, 2002. Teachers, Bonnie Janowsky and Dina Verso led the students in singing carols, including "Jingle Bells" accompanied by real jingle bells! Along with the singing of carols, everyone enjoyed cookies and the presentation of homemade crafts.

Cooperative Nursery School Celebrates Thanksgiving - 2002

Barbi Lare Photo

Students of Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School celebrated their Thanksgiving early at school. The youngsters shopped earlier in the fall at the Market to get squash and other ingredients for their meal. The vegetable was cooked and combined with spices and served for the Thanksgiving meal. It was also the birthday of Todd Domowicz so the meal included a cup cake with Todd having a candle. He is shown with his mom, Cheryl and some of the other youngsters at the table.
The butternut and acorn squash were combined, the butter was churned by the youngsters and mini Mayflowers were brought in by another student. Jonny cake (corn bread) was made at the school to complete the meal. Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School meets in Trinity UM Church.

Cooperative Nursery School News

Barbi Lare Photo

Five-year-olds at Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School were visited by Erie Co. Mental Health Dept. representative Mary Lou Montanari who discussed with the youngsters the ways to share and take turns and how to be a good friend. This is part of the Inner I Program. An information sheet was sent home with each child so that the ideas could be shared with their families.

Cooperative Nursery School Students Color Eggs

Michael Englert is shown with his mom, Liz.
Barbi Lare Photo

The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School youngsters colored eggs just before Easter break. And then they went on a hunt to look for the Easter Bunny (who left only tufts of fur, before leaving the area.)

Cooperative Nursery School Students Learn Dental Hygiene

Teacher Vickie Wilkinson is shown with dental assistant Tracey Fest and pre-schoolers.
Barbi Lare Photo

Tracey Fest, from Dr. Greg George's dental office in Williamsville, visited the youngsters at the Grand Island Coop Nursery School and introduced them to good dental habits. Though she recommended that mom or dad do the brushing for now, Tracey taught the youngsters the techniques of tooth brushing and the proper foods to eat, and those not to eat, to insure that they will have a healthy mouth. Each child received a new tooth brush and other helpful aids and information to take home with them.

Sidway Principal Visits Cooperative Nursery School

R.J. Stolfo listens intently to Mr. Cannata, principal of Charlotte Sidway School
Barbi Lare Photo

Frank Cannata, principal of the Charlotte Sidway Elementary School, visited and read to the youngsters at Grand Island Cooperative School. He also told them all about Sidway, the next step for the four-year-olds at the Nursery School. Mr. Cannata promised to send a school bus over to transport them to the school for a specially arranged tour so they could become comfortable with their new surroundings before September, when they would be attending the school. He made the experience sound like fun and all the youngsters were excited to make the trip.
Sharing was the theme of the story that Mr. Cannata read. The Nursery School youngsters concluded the visit with an animated song, "Jack-in-the-Box," for Mr. Cannata.

Zoo Trunk Visits Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School

Michael McMahon takes his turn, with the help of Teacher Bonnie Janowsky
Barbi Lare Photo

The Buffalo Zoo Trunk came to the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School last Friday, February 15, 2002. The Docents, Jean and Sal, brought along all sorts of visual aids to help the preschoolers become more familiar with the birds, reptiles and mammals of the world.

GI Coop Nursery School To Hold Open House
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will hold its annual open house/registration on Wednesday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 12, 2002 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Trinity UM Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. Applications will be available during the open house. For further information call 773-1335 or 775-5317.

Basket Raffle Benefits GI Coop. Nursery School

Barbi Lare Photo

Seventy-eight baskets went out to lucky winners, including the little girl pictured above, during the Friday, Nov. 16, 2001 Basket Raffle to benefit the activities of the Grand Island Coop Nursery School. Nancy Majors chaired the event.

Basket Auction, "Shoppers Extravaganza"
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School will hold a Basket Auction - "Shoppers Exravaganza" from 6-9 p.m. on November 16, 2001. Admission is free. Vendors will include Tupperware, Home Interiors, Genesis Embroidery, Gramma Coo Coo Dried Flowers, Party Lite, Longenburger, Creative Memories, Orchid's Italian Cookies, Mary Kay, crafters and more. Basket tickets are $1 each or 10 for $5. Bidding begins at 6 p.m. and the baskets will be auctioned off at 8 p.m. Admission is free and coffee and cookies will be provided. Pizza and pop will be for sale.

Zoo Trunk Visits GI Coop. Nursery School

Zoo Docent Les Goodrich (left) has the complete attention of the students at Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School. Nursery School teacher Bonnie Janowsky is shown helping "Keegan" touch the little critter that Zoo Docent Les Goodrich is holding.
(Barbi Lare photos)

    Buffalo Zoo Docents visited the Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School twice on Friday, March 9, 2001 bringing all sorts of animal information and a real animal for the youngsters to learn about and see.
   The youngsters were very attentive to the pictures and artifacts that were talked about and were completely enraptured with the chinchilla that made the trip in a "cat carrier" to be shown closely to the excited hands and eyes of the students.
   Zoo Docents, Les Goodrich and Berti Arywitz, took turns providing information so that the preschoolers could understand about the animals and plant life around them.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.