Greetings Friends,

We are here to welcome in 2021 with you! Members of the staff and board of The Mountain are immensely appreciative of your generous spirits in 2020, as you have come to The Mountain for personal retreats, engaged in volunteer activities and online courses, and provided financial support.

These actions have made a difference in our efforts to stay engaged with one another and continue the work of The Mountain.  Thank you for being part of our collaborative work in the New Year!

Given our COVID-related reduced programming, we are taking advantage of this opportunity to repair and upgrade our facilities.  In addition to caring for our buildings, our staff and volunteers are developing new skills.

Mountain Facilities and Infrastructure

Progress is Being Made!

Dam & Lake

A North Carolina State mandate requires reinforcing the dam, which is rated as “high-risk.”  This has been in process for a few years because the county first needed to replace the small culvert in front of the dam.  The culvert is now complete – hurray!!  In December, the work on the dam began with the survey and engineer team doing the topographic and bathymetric data collection.  This included grid pattern measurements in the canoe, using a sonar system to determine lake depth and contours.

Next steps involve updating our Emergency Action Plan and completing the engineering plan, which has been contracted.  We are delighted to have restricted funds to cover about half the cost of this project.

Solar Panels

Previously, The Mountain contracted for solar panel installation on the deck side of the lodge and the development office.  The office roof needed to be reinforced, which has been completed and the panels should be installed by February. 

A step forward in living our values.

Ongoing Maintenance  

Kerry Kennedy is replacing plumbing fixtures under the building.  Given deferred maintenance on dozens of old building, plumbing work happens frequently.

Christmas morning The Mountain was covered by a light snow, which was lovely. However, the thick layer of ice under the snow was less lovely, especially with several retreat guests registered.

Kerry, Ben and Beverly spent several hours clearing the road by hand – spreading ice melt, sand and salt, and then using snow shovels to clear the snow and ice.  Beverly took the photos, but otherwise was using the snow shovel.  It was an adventure in teamwork and trying to remain standing on the icy road!!  

Emerson

Refinishing the cabinets, adding a counter, and replacing the defunct dishwasher.  This facility has two bedrooms, living room with fireplace, full kitchen and laundry facilities.  It is very popular for small groups and/or longer retreats.  

Cliff Haven

Formerly the Director’s home, this building is being prepared for group rentals.  In addition to the incredible views of Blue Valley, this facility includes a living room with fireplace, two bedrooms, a den (with sleeping arrangements), loft for possible sleeping arrangements, two full bathrooms, full kitchen, and laundry facilities.  Available for rentals mid-January.

ASCENDER

Part of this building is one of the oldest on Mountain property.  The name comes from a MountainCamp program: ASCENDER -- All Summer Campers Exploring Nature's Delights and Experiencing Recreation. The ASCENDER youth were housed in this building for many years, and it is an integral part of Mountain memories.  Originally, part of this building was used as a kitchen and dining area by the Parry family, who had established Camp Parrydise for girls in the 1920’s and 30’s.

Parry Family From Atlanta Circa 1920's

This building has deteriorated due to leaks in the roof, mold on the walls, and an electrical fire under the building this past Spring.  It is no longer functional as a meeting space or for lodging.  We are exploring removing this building, providing the opportunity for a functional facility.

As this building is part of Mountain history, it is important to honor people who have been involved, and to recognize how this facility has served The Mountain over the years.  To this end, a recent conversation with Laird Parry, grandson of the Parrydise Camp originators, was encouraging.  Laird emphasized that he has no attachment to the ASCENDER building, that he never went to that building when he was at The Mountain for quarterly Board meetings 2008-2011.  His attachment is to the tower, as is the case with many Mountain friends.  Laird stated, “It is time to replace the building, to do what makes most sense for The Mountain now and for the future.”

Involved with the ASCENDER building in the 80’s and 90’s, Andy Harris recently said, “No one has a stronger emotional attachment to this building than I do, but it is time for the building to go.”  This sentiment has been expressed by others, and we welcome hearing from you.

For at least a decade, Mountain Boards have discussed doing something with the ASCENDER building, and the Strategic Plan includes, “Rebuild or replace ASCENDER.”

A plan is evolving to remove this building, while salvaging everything possible.  If anyone would like to be involved in the building removal, honoring the building, or considering possibilities for what might be next in that space, please contact beverly.cree@themountainrlc.org. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate on a project which can make a unique difference for the future of The Mountain.

Cabin Upgrades

Over the years, our cabins have been winterized and some have storm windows and insulation under the floor.  The next step is to add insulation in the walls between the two units of duplexes, replace damaged linoleum flooring, upgrade fixtures, general sprucing up.  Donors have contributed to this work, and we are looking forward to collaborating as these upgrades are completed.  The Columbia, SC Unitarian Universalist Congregation has adopted Cabin 12 for upgrading. This is an exciting project to work on together.

Ring Road Cabins Circa the 1970s

The Lodge

Our lodge will be receiving much needed care.  In recent heavy rain storms, rainwater has flowed down the inside wall and along the side of the fireplace of the Great Room.  In addition to taking care of this, we will also tighten loose boards on the deck and repair the stairs at the back of the lodge.

Staff Updates 

Matt DeMond Departs

Matt has resigned his position as Development Associate.  In addition to his work in development, Matt was also involved with facilities projects and networking with business establishments in our community.  Most recently, Matt coordinated the traditional holiday auction.  Although this is typically part of our annual Thanksgiving gathering, Matt completed the auction online after the Thanksgiving event was cancelled due to COVID.

Matt’s contributions to The Mountain are appreciated and we wish him the very best as he continues his life journey.

Introducing Andy Harris

Facilities Director, January 1, 2021

Andy came to The Mountain straight out of high school and worked at The Mountain from 1981 to 1991 in many positions, including Maintenance Assistant, Cabin Counselor, Adventure Counselor, Kitchen Assistant, Childcare Staff, Youth Camp Co-Director and Director and Personnel Coordinator.  Andy met his wife Sylvia at The Mountain when she was also on staff and they were married on Meditation Rock in 1994.  Since leaving The Mountain staff Andy has worked at a variety of jobs in several different locations including the coast of North Carolina (Wilmington area), Tallahassee Florida and Arizona.  Since 2001 Andy and Sylvia have lived in southern Vermont and Andy has owned and operated his own Residential Remodeling company for the last fifteen years.

As Facilities Director Andy hopes to develop a comprehensive plan for the entire facility that will address a great deal of deferred maintenance issues while also upgrading existing accommodations to help The Mountain in attracting and implementing exciting and diverse new programs in the future.

Chat with the Director

Please sign up for a ZOOM conference call with Beverly Cree, Acting Executive Director, and other Mountain friends to share your thoughts, hopes and dreams for The Mountain.  There is great potential for this special place to continue making a difference in the world, we want to hear from you to discuss the possibilities.

Thank you for being a part of The Mountain

If The Mountain has enriched your life, please consider a financial contribution. 

During this time of reduced programming about 70% of our budget has come from your contributions. This enables us to continue fulfilling the mission of The Mountain.

In addition to supporting the annual campaign through a direct donation you may also consider planned giving, stock transfers, or IRA contributions. 

Your support makes a difference. 

 Donate to The Mountain's Annual Fund

or become a Mountain Member.

We look forward to seeing you on The Mountain.