MAIN honors supporters at annual celebration

At its annual celebration Dec. 5, MAIN honored the many people who have contributed time and knowledge to make the community network even stronger over the past year.

A highlight of the evening was the staff's presentation of MAIN's first Volunteer of the Year Award to Volunteer Coordinator Anne Whitefield (above, in green sweater).

Above: MAIN Executive Director Wally Bowen lauds Anne for her volunteer work. A potted tree (center) with ornaments made by MAIN staff was later given to Anne.   Right: Wally presents Geoffrey Willett (far right) with a plaque in appreciation of his service on MAIN's board of directors. Geoffrey will finish his term as board president later this month.
Right: MAIN thanked individual volunteers, like Chris Dale (pictured) who was instrumental in customizing MAIN's online auction software, with a certificate of appreciation.   Below: The audience listens to the executive director's annual report on the community network and plans for the future, such as the addition of a low-power FM radio operation.
Below: Another volunteer vital in MAIN's operation, part-time Receptionist Mary Ann Harlan (right), was honored and wished a warm farewell because she will be moving to Virginia shortly. . . and we need someone to fill her shoes! Please email Anne if interested, or visit MAIN's volunteer page for other opportunities.	Below: MAIN Board Member Jim Stokoe with MAIN Webmaster Michael Tracey (right). Michael was also wished warm farewell as he will be leaving MAIN in December to spend more time with family and his solo venture, biblio.com, an online book search engine.
Below: The party also allowed the community to get to know MAIN board members like Board President Geoffrey Willett (far left) and Board Vice President Mariano Raigo (center in right picture).
	Left: Betty Smith, who donated several "A Bluff Mountain Christmas" audio tapes, which feature her singing mountain Christmas music and were given as door prizes.   Below: The food, catered by Black Mountain's Monte Vista Hotel, was a hit.         more pictures...