The site is now using a content management system called Joomla!, which allows us great flexibility in the services we offer to our members.  This is the same system that Starfleet uses for its Web site, SFI.org.  While a lot of the content remains the same, it is now much easier to handle and administrate.  It is also much easier for non-technical folks to add to the "meat" of the site, which is mainly our calendar and news.  Some of our features include:

• A fully editable calendar module with events catagorized by color, based on the type of event.  Also, all members can add events to the calendar with no need to go into the back end of the system, and with no knowledge of HTML or any other code.  It's easy and simple to do!
• RSVP to upcoming events & receive important event updates.
• Easier to browse photo galleries, with the ability to view slideshows.
• A better organized navigation system, making it easy to find what you're looking for.
• A member login on the front page, which allows you to see members-only content, such as our handbook, roster and fictional history (coming soon).
• A members-only Documents Center to organize important member and recruitment materials for you.
• RSS feed of our latest news.
• Automatic posting of news from the SFI.org Web site.
• Vanity "@usschallenger.org" e-mail addresses, which foward to your regular e-mail address.  This is automatically give to all c-staff members (c-staff, visit the Senior Staff page to see yours) and available upon request for general members.
• A help desk for users, allowing members to send a message to the c-staff when they need assistance with an issue.
• A template chooser, so you can choose the look and feel that you like best for the Web site.
• Polls, so we can take your pulse on different issues anonymously.

More features, such as reservation/RSVPs for future events, will be added in the coming months, so keep checking back for news and information.

Until next time,
Laura & the Web Team

We have plenty of pics of this event that will be submitted for our new website. The food was great and we stayed for some of the singing and dancing and cadet Victoria Rose played a knock down the can game and did better then the CO.