Frank Crespino Was A Mentor

FALL/WINTER 2013-14
A Rejuvenating Stroll Through The Elementary School
President’s Perspective
By Fr. Chad Arnold
I
was supposed to have written this article a week
ago, but sometimes school gets in the way of
my literary career. Just like at people’s
homes, here at school there are a lot of things
going on this time of year. It can be overwhelming. Luckily, I have a remedy for that.
Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, I
like to take a walk through the grade school,
often with my rosary in hand. It revives me.
So as I sat down to write this brief note, feeling a bit stressed and not sure about what to
write, I took a walk over to the grade school.
May the Lord be praised!
In my short stroll, I met a couple third graders who
eagerly invited me to visit their classroom. I stood
amazed outside the kindergarten room, amazed because
it was so quiet in there. They were attentively listening
to a story being read to them. I bumped into the mother
of one of our school children. She had her brand new
baby with her and was going to introduce her
to her daughter’s class. I got kind waves from
a classroom of fifth graders.
It is hard for me not to smile as there is so
much to be thankful for: the learning, the kindness, the solidarity of families and the faith.
It is true during my stroll I had to stop to talk
about a lighting issue in one of the classrooms
as well as discuss the licensing particulars of some of
our music. However, those details, though important,
do not seem quite so daunting when I see what we are
creating for our kids and for our God. We are blessed.
May the Lord be praised!
More Than A Coach – Frank Crespino Was A Mentor
By Tom Murry (1970)
W
hen I first learned of Coach Crespino’s induction into the PSU Hall of Fame, I was very
happy and proud for him
and for our school.
I immediately made
plans to attend the
Rosary Group 2
Friday night celebration at the high
school. I was genCrespino 2,3
uinely excited to
return to my roots
and see old classLooking Back 4,5
mates and friends.
St. Mary’s and Colgan is
Alumni News 6
where I grew up. It’s where I learned to read and write.
I learned discipline, respect and the dignity of hard
work. I also met a man who would dramatically influence my life.
Coach Crespino taught us
… no, inspired us to achieve
to a high level. The lessons
we learned from him carried over into all aspects
of our young lives. They
stayed with me for the rest
of my life. Coach was humble and self-effacing. Deep
inside him was a burning desire to succeed. He taught
See Crespino page 2
Tuesday Morning Rosary Group
And whatever you ask in prayer,
you will receive, if you have faith.
Matthew 21:22
What can we all do to help
the students and teachers at St.
Mary’s Colgan Schools? There
are many good answers including volunteering and donating.
But, more importantly, we can
all pray. Pray for their safety,
pray for their success, pray for
their souls, pray for the financial support to keep the doors
open…just pray. With that
simple idea was born the Tuesday
Morning Rosary group at Our Lady
of Lourdes parish. In 1975 four
ladies of the parish, Pat Mullinix,
Millie McClure, Marie Filosa and
Betty Keller would gather around
the statue of Mary on the altar and and family, and peace in troubled
pray the rosary for the students. To parts of the world, but always for
this day, every Tuesday morning the intention of our students and
staff at St. Mary’s Colgan
Schools. These prayer warriors consist of graduates of
St. Mary’s Colgan, parents or
grandparents of SMC graduates and students, and some
women whose only connection to the school is prayer.
Please join these women either
physically by joining them on
Tuesday morning, or spirituafter 8am Mass, there is a group ally, by lifting up the intention of
of women who now kneel in the St. Mary’s Colgan schools. To the
back left pews of the Church join- women, past and present, of the
ing their voices together to pray Tuesday Morning Rosary group,
the rosary. Many intentions will be and all who pray for SMC schools,
announced, including sick friends we thank you.
Crespino continued from page 1
us the value of focus, hard work,
commitment and the expectation
to succeed. Those lessons didn’t
just stop when the season ended
or when we moved on with our
lives. Several times over my career
I was faced with a “4th and long”
situation. Internally, I had to debate
what to do. What do I risk, what
can I expect? My internal thought
process and chemistry was already
formed from my
days at Colgan
and what I learned
from Coach. The
decisions weren’t
always easy, but my
confidence in the
outcome was present because of my
experience with Coach.
On Friday, November 1st, I
walked into the gathering area of
the high school and couldn’t move
around the room fast enough to shake
hands and hug so many old buddies.
We started reminiscing about old
times, game situations and “who
did what” to affect the outcome
of a game. I know my memory
was very clear, but I’m not so sure
about some of the other guys! Our
football team of 1969 was Coach’s
first undefeated team. Kevin Carr
(71) was the quarterback and I was
the center. Those positions form a
unique bond, and
I really sensed
our 42-year connection as soon
as we started
talking
about
old times. We
had a lot of good
athletes in that
group. The polished CCC Cow
Creek Conference trophy was present, and I understand there’s two
more plaques on it. We owe Tom
Compton (70) and Coach Chuck
Smith for saving it for posterity.
The basketball team went 23-2, and
we had a very good baseball team.
We were also pretty good at sneaking out a window during class to go
get donuts.
We gathered in the auditorium
for an official recognition and heard
Tom Saia (66) tell of his personal
connection and development with
Coach. As we headed down the
ramp, I looked into the open door
entering “back stage.” I immediately
reflected on the school plays when
many of the athletes became thespians in Brigadoon and Camelot.
There were a rush of memories of
Sr. Mary Patrick and Sr. Lynda, and
getting to kiss Carol Briece (68),
as my bride in Brigadoon. As a
result of that play I started singing
at weddings and eventually funerals
as my hair turned white. I estimate
I’ve done around 300 weddings and
200 funerals. However, I didn’t kiss
See Crespino page 3
2
St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2013-14
Crespino continued from page 2
nearly as many girls as I sang for
weddings.
Those of us who no longer live in
Pittsburg have a deep affinity to St.
Mary’s Colgan. I know my friends
in El Dorado quickly tire of my
stories of sports successes and the
deep pride I have in my school. Those who live in town may
not have the same perspective, as
they’re around it every day. Those
of us who only get a “taste” once
in a while fondly remember the
friendships, the games, the guitar
Masses, the priests, the nuns and
one very special person who made
our lives much better. I am forever
grateful for Coach Frank Crespino,
and I know I’m not alone.
May God Bless Coach, his family
and the St. Mary’s Colgan family.
Coach's Induction
Coach Frank Crespino was
inducted into the Pittsburg State
University Athletics Hall of Fame
on Saturday, November 2, 2013.
Coach Crespino spent Friday evening reminiscing with a gathering of family, former athletes and
friends. Frank coached baseball,
football and basketball from 19611979.
Frank Crespino
Endowment Fund
To celebrate Frank Crespino’s
impact on the lives of students and
his contributions to our Catholic
schools, we have created the Frank
Crespino Endowment Fund to benefit St. Mary’s Colgan Schools.
This endowed fund leaves a lasting
legacy for his meritorious achievement. The new fund was announced
during an event on November 1,
and so far more than $17,000 has
been raised. We invite alumni and
friends of Coach Crespino to make
a tax-deductible donation to this
fund in his honor. Checks should
be made payable to the Frank
Crespino Endowment Fund and
mailed to P.O. Box 214, Pittsburg,
KS 66762. Questions may be
directed to Frances Mitchelson,
Director of Parish Relations, at
620.231.2135 or mitchelsonf@
ollsmc.com.
inclined. Coaches these day have
been left in the dirt compared to
Coach Crespino. He coached all
sports when I was in school, and
taught regular curriculum as well,
and was an everlasting mentor in
not only sports and the classroom
but life's classroom as well.
Ben George, Class of 1967
Congratulations on your induction into the PSU Athletics Hall of
Fame for Meritorious Achievement.
I am so happy our lives crossed
at St. Mary's-Colgan during 1964
Coach Frank Crespino
thru 1967. You taught us life lesSt. Mary’s Colgan 1961-1979
sons without us even knowing it at
416 Combined Wins
the time. Thanks Coach. A couple
things I still remember hearing you
Kansas State High School
say still stick in my brain.
Athletics Association
"You will always remember takHall of Fame 2000
ing off the football pads for the last
time and your high school years."
Football
A few years after high school I
1961-1979
was able to attend an awards cer153-37-4 record
emony at the Tower Ballroom in
State Champions 1974 & 1975
Pittsburg. While I forgot the spe33-game winning streak 1973-1976
cific award or induction you were
1975 Kansas Coach of the Year
receiving, I distinctly remember
part of your address to the audiBaseball
ence.
1962-1975
"Parents you need to remember
218-60 record
that everything good the teacher or
teachers instilled in your child durState Champions
ing that school day...can be ruined
1964, 1967 & 1971
in five minutes by you at the dinner
State Runner-Up 6 times
table!"
Wow, I had three young children
Basketball
at the time, being kids, spilling
1961-1964
milk at dinner, displaying bad man45-23 record
ners from time to time etc. Your
State Runner Up 1962
statement not only changed the
way my wife, Karen (Reed) (67),
Lasting Impressions
and I approached our meals with
the family. We also passed it on to
Stephen Herman, Class of 1965
I am excited by this recogni- our three children and their famition...... long in coming, but what lies.
isn't known is the impression he Steve Farris, Class of 1966
had on those not so athletically “Truthfully, few people in my life
See Impressions page 8
Our Lady of Lourdes,
3
MITCH TENER
Mitch Tener graduated from St. Mary’s Colgan in 2003. He continued his
education at Pittsburg State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in Biology
in 2007. That was just the beginning of higher education for Mitch, as he continued at the University of Kansas School of Medicine earning his Medical Doctorate
in 2011. Mitch is currently finishing up his Internal Medicine Residency at the
University of Kansas Medical Center and will graduate in 2014. In July 2014,
he will then start Sub Specialty training in Pulmonary/Critical Care medicine.
Although Mitch has interviewed all over the country, he hopes to be accepted to
do his Pulmonary/Critical Care at KU. When he completes his education, Mitch
will practice medicine as a Pulmonologist and Intensivist in an Intensive Care Unit
setting. Mitch says, “I'm not really sure where I want to end up after training, but
I think I'd prefer to stay in an academic institution for a while afterwards since I
enjoy the teaching aspect of the job.” While at Pitt State, Mitch was a member
of the ROTC and received several honors including the Army Parachutist Badge
from the US Army Airborne School, in Ft. Benning, Georgia; the Commandant’s
List for Superior Leadership and Physical evaluations at Ft. Lewis, Washington;
and the Army Physical Fitness Badge for earning the maximum score on the Army
Physical Fitness test. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate at Pittsburg State
University in 2007, being in the top 5% of those evaluated that year. Mitch was
commissioned as an Army Officer in 2007. Beginning in 2005, Mitch became a
member of the Kansas Army National Guard, Area Medical Detachment, where
he is currently a Captain. In reflecting on high school, Mitch says that his favorite
memory is sharing the experience of winning a state football championship with
his best friends that he grew up with. Mitch and his friends won football state
championships his sophomore, junior and senior years.
JANEZ LOMSHEK
Janez Lomshek graduated from St. Mary’s Colgan in 1993. His education
continued at the University of Kansas where he received his bachelor’s degree
in Business in 1998. While at KU, Janez met his future wife, Ali Reynolds. Janez
and Ali were married at St. Ann’s in Prairie Village, Kansas, in 2003. The couple
moved to Orange County, California, for five years, while Janez worked for
Wachter Network Services as the Project Manager for Costco. In 2002, Janez
started an online business called SportingUp.com. Sporting Up specializes in
licensed apparel for both professional sports teams as well as major colleges.
Another business venture began in 2006 when Janez and SMC classmate Shawn
Smith bought Talk of the Town grill and bar at 119th and Quivira in Overland Park,
Kansas. Two years ago, they opened a second Talk of the Town grill and bar at
135th and Nall in Leawood, Kansas. Janez and Ali have three young children.
Their 6-year-old son Ziga, and 5-year-old daughter Zala are in first grade and
kindergarten at Ascension Catholic Schools. Their youngest daughter, Teja, is 2
years old. “Community is very important to us and Catholic education created a
foundation for me. It was always important,” Janez said. “We are trying to pass
that along to our kids.”
KEBRA (BATEMAN) RIOS
Kebra (Bateman) Rios graduated from St. Mary’s Colgan in 1983. Kebra
continued her education at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Consumer Science in 1987. Kebra was
the recipient of a Rotary Ralph Kirschner scholarship which allowed her to study
for a year in Australia. She worked on her master’s degree in Business at the
University of Newcastle. As her primary interest was in the wool industry, Kebra
used this opportunity to work for Primac Wool Pastoral Company. She spent her
time shearing, grading, valuing and brokering wool. Upon returning to the United
States, Kebra made her home in the Kansas City area. She worked for more
than a decade as the buyer and manager for the women’s department of Jack
Henry. American Century Investments was Kebra’s next employer. Again, for over
a decade, she helped people manage their portfolios. While at American Century
Investments, she met her future husband, Louis Rios, who was working there as
a programmer. Louis currently works as a programmer with Cerner and is the
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St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2013-14
owner of his own Live Life Well business. Kebra and Louis have been married
for 17 years. Since 2002, Kebra has been involved with the direct sales industry
through Tastefully Simple. Tastefully Simple is a convenience driven foods company. They market their products through tasting parties, expos, fundraising and
corporate gifting. Kebra has reached the highest level of leadership within the
company and has 250 people all over the country on her team. Within Tastefully
Simple, her team is in the top 50 in the nation. “I am successful when I help others succeed,” Kebra says. Kebra and Louis have two children, Andrew who is a
junior at Bishop Miege High School and Ruby is in eighth grade at St. Peter’s.
Thinking back to high school, Kebra said she really appreciated her relationship
with Sister Prudentia. “She expected perfection, which at times was frustrating.
But, she would always pull more out of you than you thought possible,” Kebra
said. “Everyone needs a Sister Prudentia in their life. Someone who believes in
you, coaches you, and expects amazing results!”
JANIE (PECNIK) BURROW
Janie (Pecnik) Burrow graduated from St. Mary's Colgan in 1973. She
attended Pittsburg State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Elementary Education in 1977. There was no doubt in her mind where
she would teach. In the fall of 1977, Janie interviewed with Fr. Steinberger and
was hired to teach the sixth grade at St. Mary’s Grade School. She always said
they taught her more than she taught them. After teaching sixth grade for two
years, Janie began teaching second grade. For 10 years she loved preparing
the students for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. After
receiving a Master's degree in Reading from PSU in 1995, she began teaching
the first grade. Although many of her previous students still refer to her as Ms.
Pecnik, she married Jimmy Burrow in May of 1997. Jimmy became a part of
our Catholic family after taking instructions from Fr. Tom Stroot. Jimmy is retired
after 40 years of working as an engineer for Kansas City Southern Railroads. In
2005, after earning a Master's degree in Library Media, Janie was hired as St.
Mary's Elementary librarian. “St. Mary's schools and Our Lady of Lourdes are my
second family.” Janie said. “I am truly blessed to have been able to attend and
teach not just academic subjects but to be a part of the formation of the children's
faith journey.”
JOANNE (ELLIOTT) STANG
Joanne (Elliott) Stang graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1963.
Joanne’s first year of high school was the last year for the high school to be
on the third floor of the old building. After graduation, Joanne went to Pittsburg
State where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Education. More
importantly, while at Pitt she met her future husband, Ronald Stang, through the
Newman Club. Ronald is originally from Oakley, Kansas, and spent time in the
Air Force before coming to Pittsburg. He graduated with a Marketing degree from
Pitt State. When they were planning their wedding in 1969, Our Lady of Lourdes
Church was being remodeled, so they were married, appropriately, on campus at
the St. Pius X Catholic Newman Center. The young couple made their home in the
Overland Park/Kansas City area. Ronald was an adjuster for Farmer’s Insurance
and Joanne stayed home with their growing family. Joanne and Ronald were
blessed with six children, Debra, Dianne, Susan, Teresa, Mark and Katherine.
Joanne passed down her Catholic education to her children, as all six graduated
from Bishop Miege High School. Five of their children also followed their parents’
footsteps to Pittsburg and graduated from PSU. All six of their children live in the
Kansas City metro area. Five of them are married and have blessed their parents
with 12 grandkids. In 1988, Joanne went to work for a temp service as a recruiter,
helping to find jobs for people. She continued there until 2010. Both Joanne and
Ronald have retired and enjoy spending time with and babysitting their grandkids.
Joanne fondly remembers St. Mary’s as a friendly, small school. She appreciates
the great teachers and education that she received.
CAROLYN (BRUNET) ELLIS
Carolyn (Brunet) Ellis graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the class of
1953 and went to work right after graduation. In 1956, she moved to Wichita with
classmates JoAnn (Rucinski) Bray and Margaret Ann (Shaw) Forsyth. It was a
very important move for Carolyn because it was there that she met her husband,
Don Ellis. The two were married at Sacred Heart in Frontenac in November of
1957. The couple lived in Pittsburg, Wichita, Topeka and Overland Park, but
returned home to Pittsburg in 1971 and never left. Carolyn has been doing
accounting work for the past 42 years in Pittsburg including work at Vinylplex,
Inc., the City of Pittsburg where she was an Accounting Supervisor for the
Finance Department, and for the last 18 years at Acton Development, where she
holds the position of Vice President. Acton Development is a property development company with rental properties in Pittsburg as well as other states, including
apartments, condos, homes, vacation beach houses and commercial property.
The corporate headquarters are in Pittsburg. Carolyn and Don have four children,
Theresa Tener (’77), Jonna Smith (’80), Scott Ellis, D.O. (’81), and Tom Ellis (’87).
They have been blessed with five grandchildren: Mitch Tener, M.D. (’03), Mallorie
Tener, R.N. (’06), Anthony Ellis, who is a freshman in college in Springfield,
Missouri, and their two youngest Sara-Cate Ellis, 5 years old and T.J. Ellis, 2
years old. Sadly, Don passed away in 2011. Carolyn is an avid sports fan and also
enjoys spending time reading. Carolyn has many fond memories of high school,
including having dances every month, singing Good Night Irene with the football
team after victories and the dedication of the Monsignor McCullough Gym. These
were also the days of brown and white saddle shoes, army surplus ammunition
boxes used for purses and Sodality rallies across the state of Kansas.
Mother of the Church,
5
Recently Deceased Alumni
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful
departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Robert J Brown (1952) Jul 22, 2013
Lawrence Jent (1970) August 30, 2013
Edith (Benso) Parise (1944) September 3, 2013
Margaret (Peak) Hayden (1942) September 20, 2013
Frank Cronister (1956) October 1, 2013
Therese (Lyons) Yoakam (1944) October 10, 2013
Mary (Clements) Roos (1933 8th grade) October 31, 2013
Lillian (Zaccarello) Lanning (1943) November 2, 2013
Alumni Wedding Announcements
And Two Shall Become One
Amy Thompson (2002) & Michael Leiker
October 12, 2013
Alumni Birth Announcements
Welcome to the Baby Panthers
Keiran and Janele (Huelat) Roche (2001), Tucson,
Arizona, announce the birth of a son Liam Joseph,
April 28, 2013.
Jamey and Amanda (Hudson) Sukraw (1999),
Pittsburg, announce the birth of a son, Syler James
Sukraw, August 18, 2013.
Mark (2004) and Lindsay Smith, Frontenac,
announce the birth of a son, William, September 23,
2013.
T.J. (2001) and Chelse Crager, Pittsburg, announce
the birth of a son, Braxton, October 3, 2013.
Michael (2008) and Lena Chandler, Pittsburg,
announce the birth of a son, Paul Chandler, October
7, 2013.
Please consider making a donation to
the St. Mary’s Colgan Annual Appeal
As of December 9, 2013, $47,905 has been
received. Read more about the appeal and follow
its progress at OLLSMC.com. Click on the
School tab, and then click on Alumni.
•Donations to help repair the high school and
junior high roof should be made payable to St. Mary’s
Colgan Schools.
•Donations to the Memorial Fund should be made
payable to the Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund.
•Donations to the SMC Endowment Fund should
be made payable to the CFSEK-SMC Endowment
Fund.
Mail checks to:
Alumni | PO Box 214 | Pittsburg, KS | 66762
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St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2013-14
Holland Places In National
Aeronautics Competition
Josh Holland, a 2004 graduate, recently placed second in a competition that was hosted by the American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Josh, a University of Kansas graduate, was partnered with a student from the Netherlands to create a new design for
an aircraft wing. The task was to design a wing for an
unmanned aerial vehicle that has long endurance for
high altitude. They developed the "Extremely Flexible Light-Weight Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Wing:
For the Rukh HALE UAV.” Josh has completed bachelor of science degrees in math and aeronautical engineering. Currently Josh is working in Topeka as a design engineer for a company that makes industrial
mixers.
VanBecelaere At Santa Clara
University
Evan VanBecelaere (08) is the Head Strength and
Conditioning Coach at Santa Clara University, Santa
Clara, CA. Evan works directly with the men’s and
women’s basketball team as well as oversees the
weight room. Evan played baseball at Crowder College until he was sidelined with an elbow injury. This
injury motivated Evan to pursue the area of exercise
and how to better prepare athletes. Evan graduated
from the University of Kansas with a degree in Exercise Science in 2013. Prior to Santa Clara, Evan had
additional experience at Sparta Performance Science
in Menlo Park, Calif., under Dr. Phil Wagner.
Keep your fellow alumni updated
on your life. Send in announcements of births,
weddings, career changes and advancements or
other life updates. We will publish them in the
next SMC Alumni Newsletter.
Mail this form to:
SMC Alumni, PO Box 214, Pittsburg, KS 66762
or email the information to: [email protected]
Name:
Class of:
Announcement:
Address:
Email Address:
Pray for Us. Amen.
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Impressions continued from page 3
have had such a positive impact on my life than you. I remember only a few highlights from my playing days
at Colgan; however, I remember vividly and with much emotion the genuine warmth, kindness and care you
showed not only toward me, but toward all of the other players with whom I played. Throughout my athletic
and business career, I truly can’t name one person that lives up to your genuiness and honesty. With you, it was
“what you see is what you get” and all I got were good vibes. You certainly deserve to be honored and I’m truly
sorry I couldn’t make it in person to be a part of it.”
Ways You Can Support St. Mary’s Colgan
• IRA Rollover for alumni/friends 70½ years or older -
Normally, a distribution from your IRA is taxed as ordinary income; however, the fiscal cliff tax legislation enacted by Congress extends the opportunity throughout
2013 for individuals 70½ or older to make a direct distribution from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as St.
Mary’s Colgan Catholic Schools. Such qualified direct
distributions to charity from your IRA are not subject to
income tax but must be completed by December 31,
2013. You financial advisor should make check payable
directly to St. Mary’s Colgan.
• Year-End Gifts to the Annual Appeal - If you have not
contributed to the 2013 SMC Annual Appeal or you are
looking for additional charitable deductions at year
end, consider making a donation today. Monies from
Editors Chris Wilbert Flood, Tom Farmer
Reg. Contributors Fr. Mike Baldwin, Fr. Chad Arnold
Printing Tim Collar, Tom Dayton,
Gene Dayton - PITTCRAFT Printing
Art/Design MattWilbert.com
8
this year’s annual appeal can be designated for our junior
high/high school roof project, Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund, or the SMC Endowment at the Community
Foundation of Southeast Kansas.
• Matching Gifts - Many companies have matching gift programs and will match their employees’ donations to St.
Mary’s Colgan. If you work for a company with a matching
gift program, please request a matching gift form, complete it, and mail it to us. Some companies allow retirees
to participate in the matching gift program. Your participation in your employer’s matching gift program will make
an even greater impact on our schools.
All donations, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated, and
your generosity helps financially support your alma mater.
Checks should be mailed to P.O. Box 214, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
For more information about any of these giving opportunities,
please contact Frances Mitchelson, Director of Parish Relations, at 620-231-2135 or [email protected].
© 2013-14 St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall/Winter Edition