The Mini Makers Faire held at SUNY Fredonia last week was an outstanding community event. Friends greeted friends along the display strewn aisles and visitors were drawn to the vast array of skills offered at each display. It was a true community happening with smiles all around.

The display of Greystone Nature Preserve drew in both friends and strangers to its Make Your Own Stick Person interactive display. More than 200 young and young at heart community members turned driftwood into animated characters by applying eyes, hair, cloths and other accouterments of a real person. More than the Making was going on at the Greystone table. Four SUNY Fredonia Public Relations students were also practicing their skills in advertising and creating goodwill. These students were accomplishing their Capstone Senior Project through the fun and community of Mini Makers Faire. And another element of community involvement happened. Six Job Corps students worked at the publicity table for Greystone during the major time of the Faire. They collected a number of volunteers for Greystone and helped people to sign up for tours and classes. They also were delighted to walk the campus and visit

From all of these levels, The Mini Makers Faire was an agent in connecting and forming community.

Greystone Nature Preserve is a not for profit organization with 72 acres for the public to enjoy and experiential environmental education available to community members of all ages and ability levels. Call 679-6603 for reservations or questions.