PennAEYC

Mt. Pleasant Children Center

For the week of the Young Child we not only did activities for the Children but honored the staff that educate them. Below is an article that was highlighted in our local paper and attached is a picture of our dedicated staff, who work each and everyday to plant the seeds of our future.

Heather Meglaye, Center Director

The Mt. Pleasant Children's Center, which is operated by Seton Hill Child
Services, observed the "Week of the Young Child" by holding extra activities
for those who attend the center and recognizing those who run it.

"We have a wonderful group of dedicated individuals here," center director
Heather Meglaye said. "I thought that it would be nice to do something to
show appreciation to the teachers."

The teachers and workers at the center face a different challenge than those
who work within a traditional classroom setting.

"It's different for the teachers here because they have kids of different
ages here," Meglaye said. "For instance, they have 3-year-old and 5-year-old
kids in the same room."

The center has children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age.

Meglaye added that the expertise needed to show individual attention to each
child sets her staff apart from others.

"Each child is treated as an individual here," Meglaye said. "We very much
pride ourselves on that."

The "Week of the Young Child," which this year was April 11 through 17, is
held annually and is sponsored by the National Association for Young
Children. April was proclaimed the "Month of the Child" by the Westmoreland
County commissioners.

"In addition to recognizing the teachers, we had activities planned for the
children as well," Meglaye said.

The center sets itself apart from others by welcoming all children from the
area, Meglaye said. "We accept anyone and everyone. We take children with
special needs or those who have behavioral problems."

The early development center is much more than a place for the child to
spend the day, too.

"A lot of people see a preschool as a baby sitter," Meglaye said, "but the
curriculum that we have here is lesson-based."

The students recently received a gift from a former student, Zachary
Garstecki, who donated musical instruments to the center as part of his
senior graduation project.

"We were very grateful for the instruments," Meglaye said of the keyboard
and drum set Garstecki gave to the school. "He went here years ago. A few of
his teachers are still here. He felt that it was valuable to give back to
where he received his early education."

Due to budget cuts, the facility lost a few members of its staff and Meglaye
wanted to stress to those still at the center how valued they are.

"I feel that it's important to recognize the people that are here and that
educate the children," Meglaye said. "After the budget cuts that we
suffered, I think that it's important for them to know how important that
they really are."

At the end of the week, the teachers received flowers and the parents were
given the opportunity to fill out cards to finish "I think my child's
teacher is important because ... "

The completed cards will hang in the entryway until the week of May 2, which
is "Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week."

H.A.N.D.S. of Wyoming County, Tunkhannock

The illustrator of the PA One Book, Will Hillenbrand, visited the Tunkhannock Public Libray to do a reading of the book and talk about how the book came about.  A local retired teacher, Cindy Reynolds, volunteered her time to dress-up as the "mole" and with the staff of H.A.N.D.S. of Wyoming County did activities with the children.  Everyone had a wonderful time. You can also visit our facebook page, Wyoming County Family Resource Center, for more photos.
 
Annette Smith, Executive Director, (570)836-2350
 

Bustleton United Methodist Child Care Center, Philadelphia

Our program focused on Family Involvement and invited the parents in for storytelling and gardening during the week of the young child.  

 

 

 

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Morrisville YMCA

 

The Morrisville YMCA will once again be hosting our annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day event
on Saturday, April 17th, from 1pm-4pm. 

 

200 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Morrisville, Pa 19067

 

This is a health fair type event but is geared towards young children and their entire family!  This FREE community event is open to all ages and promises to be a fun filled and educational day!

Some of our participants for this year already include:  BC QCCC, St. Mary's Hospital, Senator McIlhinney's office,
Cub Pack 3, 4 Kids in PA, Two Balance Inc, Network Now, BucksMontMom.com, Pampered Chef, PA Dept. of Health, Tastefully Simple, and soooo much more!

 

Kimberly Kane, Community Events Director, 215 736 8077 W

Begin with Us Child Care & Preschool, Altoona   At Begin With Us, we are sponsoring a family ice skating evening for the Week of the Young Child. On Sunday, April 18th from 4-6pm any family who is interested may attend an open skate event at Galactic Ice in Altoona. Skates are provided to anyone who wants to skate, the concession stand will be open for dinner and snacks, and we are providing skating instructors from 4:30-5pm to teach anyone that wants to learn. Jessica L. Yamnitzky, M.S., Child and Family Advocate, (814)515-1044

BARC Friendship Circle and Head Start, Croydon   Class Trip to BounceU Friday, March 19, 11:00am - 1:00pm Parents are free!  annual Community/Family day Wednesday, April 28, 10 - 1 Finger painting, Story time, Puppet show, Arts/Crafts, Music   Latanya Smith, MSW, BARC Friendship Circle, Program Director of Early Intervention Services in Lower Bucks, 215-785-2120, Fax: 215-785-0514, latanyas@barcprograms.org, www.barcprograms.org

Montgomery County Community College  Children's Center, Blue Bell   Grandparents Day: Grandparents/Grandfriends will be invited to join us for the morning. They will start in the classroom for the first hour and complete an art project with their child, if they wish. The second hour will include light refreshments and a presentation/ discussion led by our mental health consultant focusing on Grandparenting in the 21st Century.    Debbie Ravacon, Director, 215-641-6618, dravacon@mc3.edu

Northeast PennAEYC, Moosic   Week of the Young Child public event   Date:                Saturday, April 17, 2010 Time:                1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Location:           PNC Field, Moosic   Lots of free give-a-ways, raffle prizes, community information and fun!  All NAEYC Accredited sites in our five county region are welcome to have a table at the event.  For more information, please contact either eerrico@uwlc.net or scamoni@hildebrandtlc.com.

WMPCCCC/ Kinder Academy Mayfair, Philadelphia   We are having Adele from Adele's literacy program. Adele will read to the kids, and each child will get their own book as well. Adele started this program last year when she was just 13 years old.  Info on Adele is www.AdelesLiteracyLibrary.org.    We are also keeping in line with Literacy and having a "live" Charlotte's Web. Quiver's Farm is bringing Charlotte and all her friends for the kids. We are excited!  We are trying to get "Gentry" from the fire dept. to come for a visit as well.   Tracia Walzer, Director, 215-535-4424, twalzer@kinderacademy.com   Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, Sunbury   8th Annual Community Day for Kids:  "Treasure in the Park," Saturday, April 17, 11 - 1, King Street Park, Northumberland. Children six years and younger, and their families, are invited to come to the park and find treasure!  The 2010 PA One Book selection "What a Treasure" by Jane & Will Hillenbrand, will be read at the Gazebo during the event beginning at noon.   Karen Ulp, Early Care and Education Coordinator, (570) 988-0993,   ececoord@gsvuw.org Little People Day care School, Scranton   During the week, we have guessing games with prizes, ice cream sundae treats and volunteers come in to read and paint faces.  It is a great week.    Each year as a wrap up to our week, we have a Trike-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  The children bring in their trikes and ride in our parking lot.  We talk about safety on bikes and roads at this time, also.  We also view a video and do lots of related activities. For the trike riding, I mark the perimeter of the parking lot with arrows in chalk. We post stop signs, street signs and display balloons at out entrance. The children have a great time and collect money for the children in the hospital.     Donna Wood, Director  Kids First Blair County, Lily Pond Child Development Centers, Altoona   Field trip for families and children to the Shriner's annual Circus Event Friday April 16th from 10:00-1:30. Location is at the Jaffa Temple ,Altoona.                         Family Pancake Breakfast (Parents and any family members can come and enjoy breakfast in their child's classroom) Wednesday April 21st 6:30 am-9:00am.   Participating as a agency at the WOYC Celebration at the Altoona Campus on Saturday April 24th 2010 (families and community invited).   First Annual WOYC Walk-a-Thon to support healthy life styles and community awareness. ( all staff , families and the community are invited to walk to raise money for our local library) Special guests will be Blair Dairy Princess, Steamer, Chucky Cheese, Firefighters, Library Representatives, and Penn State Cooperative Extension Representatives.  This will be held Thursday April 29 from 5:30pm-dusk at the Altoona Area School District Track across from the Altoona Area High school on 6th Avenue.   Becki Grace, Family Engagement and Community Outreach Coordinator (814) 943-8177 - phone, (814) 949-2052 - fax Hosanna House Child Development Center, Wilkinsburg    This year for the Month of the Young Child, we will be creating a storybook forest.  All classrooms will choose a children's book or author and implement meaningful learning experiences around that theme with the children.  Artwork will be displayed inside and outside of the classroom.   We are also sponsoring an emerging leadership brunch bringing together a diverse group of leaders focusing on local, regional, and national issues that can impact an emerging leader's ability to be successful. Participants will earn 3.5 Act 48 credits.   Tammi L. McMillan, M.A., Doctoral Candidate, Hosanna House Inc., C.D.C. Program Director, 412-342-1327, tammim@hosannahouse.org Holy Redeemer Child Care Center, Meadowbrook     Monday April 12:  Hands-On Art, Abington Art Center; Little Bunny Foo Foo puppet show   Tuesday April 13:  Story Time with Mike Laign, President Holy Redeemer; Fun Bus for toddlers; Water Play Mad Science for preschoolers)   Wednesday April 14:  Parent Breakfast; Yoga with Yoga Child   Thursday April 15:  Cooking with Chef Jonathan; Pizza Party   Friday April 16:  Grandparents Day Storytime with Bill Wood; Teacher Lunch Appreciation; Quiver Farm Petting Animals   Margot Adams, Director, 215-938-3381, madams@holyredeemer.com Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Homestead   DART Family Night, April 15, 6:00 - 7:30 PM   --"Beginning with Books" bookmobile   --information on health and safety  --behavior strategies --a sensory room to explore ways to calm and alert your child --visit from Ronald McDonald --fun ways to incorporate literacy and math into everyday routines --art activities --assistive technology information --refreshments --a music room for singing and dancing --Head Start and Pre-K Counts --incusion:  what is it?  what does the research say?   Kathleen Sullivan, M. Ed., AIU/DART Preschool Service Transition Coordinator 412 394-5735 Allegheny Intermediate  Unit, Clairton     "Celebrate the Week of the Young Child" Parade April 9, 10:00 a.m.   Children from the Clairton Head Start Classrooms 1 and 2 Clairton Pre-K Counts Classroom Clairton Education Center students Clairton High School Marching Band Honeybears, Cheerleaders Clairton Police Department Clairton Fire Department Clairton City Goverment Clairton Chamber of Commerce   Joyce Dodds, joyce.dodds@aiu3.net New Kensington Children's Center    Month of the Young Child Activities   --outdoor egg hunt --derby days --red reading week --preschool field trip to Carnegie Science Center --Mazes with Moms --Planting with Parents --Games with Grandparents --Dirt and Digging with Dads   newken@shchildservices.org Monroe County   Month of the Young Child Activities   --early childhood screenings --guest storytellers --Week of the Young Child proclamation by County Commissioners --ADHD Workshop for parents --One Book readers at centers --author visit with Will Hillenbrand --author reading with Concetta Payne --International Dinner --author reading with Jennifer Flyte --children's puppet show by the Teen Advisory Board --El dia de los Ninos Story-time    Roxanne Powell, Program Manager, Pocono Alliance, 570-517-3958 CARE-A-LOT Learning Center, Philadelphia   The children will be having a busy week during the WOYC.    They will be involved in a disability awareness program through the Muscular Dystrophy Association and close their week with a HOP-A-THON.  The children will use the resources provided by the association and receive Flip Flop Hop coloring books, stickers, certificates, and a great learning experience upon the completion of the program at the close of the WOYC.    We will also be taking the children to visit the seniors at the Mercy Life Center.  We are involved in an intergenerational program.    Additionally, we are going to the Library for a special reading program and to the Art Museum for a Museum Looks and Picture Books program.  Lynda, 215-339-1990 Lebanon County   Lebanon County will be celebrating the Week of the Young Child with 39 readers across the County reading the One Book Every Young Child, "What a Treasure"  In Child Care Centers, Family Day Care Provider Homes, After school programs and Head Start.  Art work of children will be displayed in the Lebanon County Library and store fronts in the city of Lebanon.  We are extending the week to include our first Literacy Festival to be held April 24, 2010 in the downtown at HACC-Lebanon, the Lebanon Arts Council, the Lebanon County Library and the YMCA.  We will close down a street for vendors and host parenting classes, three major authors, Kay Winters, Linda Oatman-High and Kerry Royer, and illustrator, E.B. Lewis, children's crafts and book giveaways.  The County Commissioners will declare April 19th through 24th, the Week of Literacy in Lebanon County!  Local businesses, civic organizations and a grant from Verizon have made this possible.   Everyone is welcome!   Betty Holsopple, Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13, 717-450-1513, margaret_holsopple@iu13.org   Drueding Center/Project Rainbow Childcare Center, Philadelphia    Monday, April 12:  kick off breakfast for parents and staff, "wall of stars" photo exhibit, children's art exhibit Tuesday, April 13:  "bring your parents to school day," storybook parade Wednesday, April 14:  Crescendo music class, crazy hat day, inside out clothing day Thursday, April 15:  favorite color day, staff appreciation lunch Friday, April 16:  pajama day, special storyteller presentation, ending celebration   Arcadia University, Glenside    Students in Arcadia's Early Childhood Education program will be collecting artwork from numerous early childhood centers where they are observing and will be hanging and showcasing it across the entire campus. This is a terrific way for college students to reflect on their 'early days' as well as brighten the hallways, stairwells, and bulletin boards for all to enjoy.   Cindy Kennedy Reedy, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Early Childhood Education Program, 215-572-2147 Gwynned Mercy College Student AEYC, Gwynned Valley   To celebrate the week the local college chapter, GMAEYC, is going to have an information table, raffle baskets, guess the professor, a donation bin for Maggie's Ministry.  Look for the art work, of the children from Hobbit House, displayed on campus.   Mrs. Hylinski at Hylinski.k@gmc.edu Becca Dise at Dise.r@gmc.edu Community College of Philadelphia   1. Poster Contest (open to all ECE Students) Design poster with the theme of the woyc: " Early Years Are Learning Years" Prize: A Membership to DVAEYC 2. 4-13 (Tue.) Jeri Packman Art Institute (Coffee House) theme: Dramatic Play 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. 3. 4-14 (Wed.) ECE 261 Group Dramatic Play Presentations in Coffee House (9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.)  Attendees: Local Headstart Classes 4. April 15 Lokoff National Teacher Awards- Please Touch Museum- (CCAEYC will pay for the bus to take students) Masonic Homes Child CareCenter, Elizabethtown   We have many wonderful things planned to celebrate and honor children and those who touch their lives. Each day of the week we have special events planned including Spirit Day where each of our 9 classrooms will come up with a cheer/song to show their class spirit. We have planned special guest/mystery readers (families & friends of the center) Each class will create a display for their classroom door that will support the theme Early Years Are Learning Years include children's art work and inform parents about one way that children learn in their class.   All of the many events will be followed (April 15th) by the highlight of the week...a Family & Community Pot Luck. This is our second WOYC Pot Luck and special dignitaries are invited such as the Mayor, Senators, State Reps and School Board Members , STARS Reps well as family and friends. Community partners such as area businesses have donated funds to purchase the meat (fried chicken) for the event and our center's families will provide the side dishes and deserts.   After the meal the children will engage in activities planned by local college students and the fire fighters of the Etown Fire Company while Parents and staff will engage in a partnership learning session conducted by Leanne Grace.   We are really excited about the event! Last year we had about 100 people attend and this year we expect more. I will send pictures after the event.    Rose Snyder, Director, rsnyder@hildebrandtlc.com    Harrisburg Area Community College    We are having several events for this very important week. However, our biggest event is body collages of our children and handprints for the younger children that will be displayed in our Student Center at the Harrisburg campus of HACC. Along with each of these self portraits, our parents will be submitting papers that tell the audience why their child is special to them. We feel the collaboration between children, families and staff is what this week is all about, in addition to educating the community on the importance of children in our everyday lives.   All week: Self portraits with parent quotes displayed in our student center. Tuesday: Puppet show for the entire center and families with the puppet place. Then the children can make puppets afterwards if they would like to do so in their classrooms. Wednesday: One book every child with a special guest reader. Thursday: Staff appreciation day. Massages for all staff from our massage therapy students along with a luncheon our parents are cooking for us. We also have gratitude boxes that the staff decorated with their names and whatever else they wanted. Parents and staff will fill out a gratitude ticket to express why they are thankful for that staff person or what they like about them. These will be displayed at the center. Staff can review these when they have had a tough day. Friday: Miss State Capital comes to read stories with a photo op.   Winnie Richards, Childcare Manager, wsrichar@hacc.edu, (717) 780-2605 Small Wonders In-Home Group Childcare, Norristown   Small Wonders In-Home Group Childcare will begin the week with a contest--renaming our circle time puppet (children and parents will submit names), name chosen will receive a gift card to area water ice stand.    Tuesday, area dentist will come out and speak with the children   Wednesday children and staff will walk to area pizzeria for lunch   Thursday and Friday, parents are invited to come out between 9:30-11:00 a.m. and spend time with their child during circle time, free play, and activity time.      Looking forward to a fun filled week.   Mary Darden Schuylkill County, Child Development, Inc. and Community Engagement   Child Development, Inc. and Community Engagement for Early Childhood Education will come together to celebrate children by displaying children's artwork throughout local organizations, businesses and community partners in Schuylkill County during this week. Many local organizations, businesses, and community partners have volunteered to display the artwork of young children who attend quality early childhood programs across the county, including child care, preschools, Head Start, and PA PreK Counts programs, to bring awareness to the needs of young children.   Child Development, Inc. has activities planned at all of their sites, including the following: --community day --sock-hop --interactive storyteller --"Raising a Thinking Child" sessions --guest One Book readers --special activities and presentations from community guests such as a flower shop, Fish & Game Commission, Home Depot, geologist, IU therapists, yoga --trike-a-thon --school photos --tree planting --dance-a-thon   Marie Groody, Early Childhood Services manager, Child Development, Inc. Kids Connection Learning Center, Sharon Hill    On Thursday, April 15th, Kids Connection Learning Center will be conducting an anti-child abduction seminar for the children in the Pre-School and Pre-K rooms.  This seminar will be conducted by Kevin Crane who, along with his wife Phyllis, owns the center.  Mr. Crane is a retired federal agent, spending 21 years conducting investigations in support of national security.  He is a 3rd degree Black Belt with 33 years experience, and a national certified anti-child abduction instructor.  Over the years Mr. Crane has conducted numerous seminars to over thousands of children for free as a community service.  Attending the seminar will be PA State Representative Nick Micarrelli who will receive a tour of the facility before the seminar is presented.    Kevin & Phyllis Crane, (P) 484-497-5973 , www.KidsConnectionFun.com Montgomery Early Learning Centers Infant Friendship Center, Philadelphia    Monday, April 12:  community quilt, photographs of various business owners will be added to our quilt. Tuesday, April 13:  NJAAS Wednesday, April 14:  Each classroom will read stories about community and children will create a community project representing their uniqueness. Thursday, April 15:  Center wide seed planning.  These plants will be kept inside the classroom until they are ready to be planted outdoor. An activity that will beautified our center. Friday, April 16:  Teddy Bear Hospital   Sarah Yip, Assistant Director, (215) 386-5097 Discovery Child Development Center, State College    We sent our art work down for the display at the municipal building in State College. Our lead teachers, Abbey and Jodi are sending out a flyer asking if any parents can come in to be a special reader for the class. They'll be having the "Week of the Young Child" parade, with streamers and musical instruments they're going to make. They are going to set up a reading area in the rooms with a partition for the parents to take a few minutes in the am or pm to read a book to the children. We had a policeman come in to read the One Book for Every Child to the class. He invited us to go on a field trip to the police station for a tour. The Pre-K room is planning a trip to Shaver's Creek to look at and hear about the wildlife in our area.   Kim Howell, Program Director 814-238-3202 Discovery@cdfc.org Adath Jeshurun Preschool and Infant Center, Elkins Park    Monday:  Gubernatorial candidate Joe Hoeffel visits as a guest reader; infant center picnic in the park Tuesday:  celebration with a music teacher, ice cream treats Wednesday:  visit from Friendly Farm Petting Zoo Thursday:  guest author/illustrator/artist Stephen Heigh; infant center playground fun Friday:  movement activity; schoolwide Shabbat   Michelle Bernstein, Early Childhood Director, mbernstein@adathjeshurun.info  Reibman Hall & Hannig Family Children's Centers, Northampton Community College, Bethlehem   How will Reibman Hall Children's Center celebrate Week of the Young Child?  Parents will wear stickers featuring the 'Week of the Young Child' logo. Easton city councilman, Jeff Warren, is scheduled to read to children on Thursday, April 15th, at 10:30am.  Parents are hosting an International Night on Friday that will be filled with activities and food from all over the world (in keeping with the sub-theme of the event, 'Embracing Diversity').   How will Hannig Family Center celebrate Week of the Young Child? Parents will wear stickers featuring the 'Week of the Young Child' logo.  Theresa Merli, Monroe County Commissioner, is scheduled to read to children.  Children and parents will focus on one of the sub-themes of the event, 'Teaching & Teachers Matter', by honoring teachers in a different way each day of the week.    Assistant Professor, Melenese Sivells, instructs the Intro to Professional Early Childhood class that will present a display of the 'Importance of Early Childhood' and hold a bake sale on Wednesday.   Janette Zuk, Family Success Coordinator, 610-332-6084, Fax:  610-861-4110, jzuk@northampton.edu St. Mary Child Development Center, Langhorne   We start off with trying to coordinate spring, growing and learning.  Since our classrooms have "bug names" (Grasshoppers, Fireflies, etc) we are centering learning around insects.    Monday - centers set up in our Gross Motor Rm to wiggle like worms thru tunnels, fly like bees to the flowers, dig for bugs in sensory tables and plant grass seeds to make Hairy Harrys.  Tuesday - Magical Bug Show Wednesday - Sleepy Hollow Petting Zoo Thursday - outdoor dinner with covered dishes from families with a DJ and Sock Hop Friday - we end up with a picnic outside with an ice cream truck for everyone to end the week! Elaine Karmilowicz, Director, P. 215-710-5720    York Area AEYC   Special Recognition Event for caregivers, teachers, and anyone interested in helping  young children develop to their fullest potential - dinner, keynote Will Hillenbrand, and awards ceremony.    Second Annual Networking Night:  progressive dinner featuring 3 local NAEYC-accredited centers.     Trish Bissett & Angie Sparks, WOYC Committee Co-Chairs Little People Day Care School - West   A few thing that we did include: 1.  Guessing Game - Jar in foyer where children guess the contents all week long.  Prizes are awarded Friday.  This year, we used circus peanuts.  In the past, we used jelly beans, mini marshmallows, gummy bears and pennies. 2.  Special Readers - In the past, we had: local 5th grade class, Mike Washo, Kevin Murphy.  This year our school-agers are doing the reading.  We expect a Bank president to read at the end of the month. 3.  Face painting  by our school-agers.  In the past, we invited local college kids to paint. 4.  Special treats like ice cream sundaes and favorite lunches 5.  Trike-a-thon to benefit St Judes Children's Hospital.  This year, we included our annual Hop-a-thon to benefit MS and Bubbles for Autism.  Baskets were donated by staff, community members,  and the school.  All monies are being sent to the three benefits. 6.  School-agers and Pk children did wheel-barrel races in the playground this year.  It was fun for everyone!!! I will attach a few pictures in another e-mail     Thank You, Donna Wood, Director Tots-N-Tikes, Youngwood   On Thursday we visited our local Library in Youngwood where Ms. Lynn read to us stories about spring and we made a spring flower garden.  She concluded the event with the story "What a Treasure."  She passed out activity papers for the parents and stickers for the children. We also conducted our preschool vision screenings through coordinated efforts of our staff and United Way of Westmoreland County.  We did 54 vision screenings on our 3 and 4 year olds.  Diane Hendrick, (724) 925-7020 Breezy Point Day School, Langhorne   David Perry will entertain all classes and visitors with his Artistic and Musical talents and Humor.  All Bucks County AEYC providers and centers may call 215 752-1987 to arrange your time to see the show and then play in our child-sized town, BreezyTown, and complete a special art project and enjoy a snack.  Our Parent Club volunteers and the Neshaminy HS child care course students will be assisting director, Sandy McCloskey run the areas.  Owner, Gale Wiik will once again dress as the Teapot, "Mrs. Potts" and welcome all the visitors, volunteers and students.