function showMenu(){
			var spacerPrograms = document.getElementById("spacer_schoolPrograms");
			var menu_schoolPrograms = document.getElementById("menu_schoolPrograms");
			var menu_civicPrograms = document.getElementById("menu_civicPrograms");
			
			var spacerGear = document.getElementById("spacer_gear");
			var menu_gear = document.getElementById("menu_gear");
			
			var spacerMission = document.getElementById("spacer_mission");
			var menu_donations = document.getElementById("menu_donations");
			var menu_contribute = document.getElementById("menu_contribute");
			var menu_member = document.getElementById("menu_member");
			
			var spacerLakeScience = document.getElementById("spacer_lakescience");
			var menu_forum = document.getElementById("menu_forum");
			var menu_stories = document.getElementById("menu_stories");
			
			var menu_home = document.getElementById("menu_home");
	
			if(!(page == "programs" || page == "school programs" || page == "civic programs" || page == "award_ece" || page == "award_em" || page == "lucas" || page == "faq")){
				// the following code makes submenu items invisible on the sections
				// other than "Programs"
				spacerPrograms.className = "menuItem";
				menu_schoolPrograms.className = "menuItem";
				menu_civicPrograms.className = "menuItem";
			}
			if(!(page == "gear" || page == "about MLCI")){
				spacerGear.className = "menuItem";
				menu_gear.className = "menuItem";
			}
			if(!(page == "support our mission" || page == "donations" || page == "contribute" || page == "become a member")){
				spacerMission.className = "menuItem";
				menu_donations.className = "menuItem";
				menu_contribute.className = "menuItem";
				menu_member.className = "menuItem";
			}
			if(!(page == "lake science" || page == "forum" || page == "success stories")){
				spacerLakeScience.className = "menuItem";
				menu_forum.className = "menuItem";
				menu_stories.className = "menuItem";
			}
			if(page == "home"){
				//make HOME button invisible on the homepage
				menu_home.className = "menuItem";
			}
		}