• Tabloid Style
• Letter Style

Read "About Newsletters" below to help you make your selection.

TABLOID STYLE

With outside pages 1 & 4 on one page and inside pages 2 & 3 on another page.

Note: This is the best format to use if you want a 4-page, folded newsletter that is printed on both sides of an 11" x 17" sheet of paper.

LETTER Style

With each page on a separate page.

Note: Use this style if you want to print on 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper.

ABOUT NEWSLETTERS

• Using the Complete Adobe PDF Newsletter
• Using the Blank Adobe PDF Newsletter
• Using the MS Word Newsletter
• Newsletter Publishing Options
• Newsletter Tips and Do's and Don'ts

• You can save your work to your computer even if you don't have Adobe Writer. (Assumes you have MS Word or similar program.)
• You can edit or add your own articles, clip art, and pictures.
• You can change font sizes and styles.
• All of the articles and clip art are in textboxes so that they can easily be rearranged.

Publishing Options
Using the newsletters on this page to publish a ......

• Four-page newsletter with a mailing label on the last page.
• Four-page newsletter/calendar with mailing label. Print pages 1 and 4 of the newsletter and replace pages 2 and 3 with your monthly calendar of events. (Creating Calendars will help you build your calendar.)
• Four-page newsletter/calendar without the mailing label. Replace page 4 with page 2 or 3 of the newsletter and insert your calendar in the middle.
• Two-page newsletter. Print page 1 of the newsletter on the front and one of the other pages on the back of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper.
• One-page, 8 1/2" x 11" newsletter. Print page 1 and add your monthly calendar on the back or leave blank.

Newsletter Tips and Do's & Don'ts

Design Tips and Do's & Don'ts

• Decide on a design and keep the same appearance and layout from issue to issue.
• Feature the name of your newsletter (letterhead) in large print across the top of the first page.
• Don't forget to include the name and address of your community in smaller font on the front page.
• For the most professional looking newsletter, use black ink on white, off-white, or cream colored paper. You can add color with graphics and pictures.
• Stick to just two or three font styles throughout the newsletter.
• Don't clutter your newsletter with too many graphics or clip art.
• Use clip art and graphics that are age appropriate.
• Put the most important features on the front page.
• Make the articles easy to read. Be clear in your writing. Don't try to write "fancy" - just stick to the basics.
• Keep your articles short or break them up with subheadings. Nobody likes to read a wall of words.
• If your newsletter is going to be distributed outside of your building, do not include articles that may not be of interest to the community at large - such as departmental communications (change in laundry schedule, reminders to sign-up for transportation, etc.).

Kinds of Articles
Include interesting, informative, human-interest articles, such as:

• Success stories of past activities and special events.
• Activity features about particular activity programs (such as your physical program, choral group, men's club, etc.).
• Upcoming activity highlights.
• Resident features (such as new residents or a resident of the month).
• Residents' writings (such as short stories, articles, poems, etc.).
• Associate features (such as employee of the month).
• Volunteer features.
• Tips for promoting wellness.
• Games and puzzles appropriate for the age group.
• Cartoons and humor.
• Birthday congratulations. Note: Avoid mentioning age or year of birth.
• Ask department managers to write regular monthly articles related to their professions. For example:
  • Food for Thought (dietary)
  • Nuts and Bolts (maintenance)
  • Household Tips (housekeeping)
  • For Your Health (nursing)
  • Special Happening (marketing)
  • Manager's Desk (administrator)

There's More!
The Monthly Gazette (a two-page mini newsletter with fun facts about the month) makes a great newsletter insert!