I was wondering if it would be possible to add a shoutbox? I used to run a forum (vBulletin 3.8.4) and we were using the vBInferno Shoutbox (I think that was the name, hard to remember, almost a year ago, although I know it said Inferno)
Its a simple to install shoutbox, it allows mod/admin commands and it'd be a great addition to the forum. Its a way to communicate with other members without PM, or spamming up a thread. Considering that this is a close-knit community I think it would be a good idea.

Consider it!