Greetings to all, Tuesday was our 'transitional' board meeting. During the conference call the recently elected board members officially took their seats on the board and officers were selected. Four leaders in Community Networking ended their tenure on our board and have been added to the ranks of our Advisory Council, where they will continue to provide service to our cause, and much appreciated guidance to me and the rest of the current board. Gene Crick, Judith Pepper, Ann Bishop, and Richard Lowenberg taught me a great deal in a short time. The best way that I can think to thank them is to do my best as President of the Association, and for Community Networking as a social practice and philosophy.

Judith Pepper & Michael Maranda, co-chairs The Association For Community Networking (AFCN) is now accepting nominations for seats opening on the Board of Directors, and plans to commence elections by the beginning of October. Please address all nominations (or questions) to nominations@afcn.org Nominations will be accepted via email through Sunday, September 12, 2004. Self-nomination is welcome. The information included with the nomination should include: 1) Name of Nominee 2) Organization 3) Email Address 4) Motivation for Nomination

The AFCN intends to award one or two scholarships to current Members, to cover registration and some expenses to attend this years Rural Telecommunications Congress (ruraltelecon.org), Oct. 10-13, Spokane, WA. Scholarships are valued at up to $1,000 each, covering the $295 registration, and providing additional support toward travel and lodging. If you are doing exemplary rural community networking work, would like to attend RTC, but have a limited budget, this opportunity may be for you.