As one longtime City of Elizabethton steps down from his post, the Elizabethton Kiwanis Club was sure to make sure they showed their appreciation.
The Kiwanis Club took the opportunity Tuesday to honor Mike Mains, who stepped down as director of Parks and Recreation for the city Friday, with the club’s Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the community.
“We hate to lose him in our community,” said David LeVeau, local Kiwanis Club president. “He’s done so much in his capacity as Parks and Recreation director for the city and wanted to take the opportunity to show our respect and appreciation for all his time and effort.”
LeVeau added the club appreciated the working relationship with Mains over the past 23 years.
“He’s done so much for the City of Elizabethton, the Elizabethton Twins and helping to provide community quality parks and recreation opportunities during his tenure,” LeVeau added. “Especially with the building of the Tetrick Pavilion and other recent park improvements.”
Mains embodied the club’s goal of wanting to provide great opportunities for children in the region by his work in the different outlets, the president added.
Mains was also recognized by the City of Elizabethton Thursday evening during the City Council meeting.
As the months move on, LeVeau added the club would work at securing grant funding and continue to fundraise to help provide opportunities to directly support children and organization serving children in Elizabethton and Carter County, which includes the Parks & Rec Department.
Another initiative the club participates in is flag distribution, which businesses can take part in by purchasing flags which will be placed outside their establishment during holidays throughout the year. The first flag is $40, LeVeau said, while years afterward see the flag only cost $25. Club members take the time out to place the flags and proceeds from the initiative go to benefit the group’s annual special needs picnic for area children.
Businesses or organizations looking to receive a flag can contact Danny Smith with Physical Therapy Services of Elizabethton.