October President's Report

Greetings, Cattailers –

It has been a lovely fall, and as many of you know, we’re finally getting some much-needed rain—making the creek sparkle again.

The Building Committee has been hard at work, and Chair Dennice Stone shares the following October update:

1. Four contractors have been out to provide estimates for what would be Phase One, which includes:
   a) Raising the Hall and foundation,
   b) Teardown of the deck, kitchen, and storage areas, and
   c) Hauling away all debris.

2. Three of the four contractors have since backed out, but we are pursuing another possible quote.

3. A Fundraising Committee is being organized.

4. The recent survey responses were overwhelmingly positive, with the dominant choice being to rebuild.

5. We currently have $47,000 in our budget.

6. Many residents have expressed a strong desire for transparency as this project moves forward.

7. Mountain Watch has not yet begun, but more information will be shared soon. Anyone interested can email Dennice at dennicestone@gmail.com.

8. Because the Hall project must be completed in phases as fundraising permits, we will soon share details and approximate costs for each one.

9. Fundraising Progress Display: We plan to install a visual “progress thermometer” in front of the Hall to track donations by phase.

10. Now is the perfect time to make a tax-deductible donation to our community’s registered 501(c)(3). Contributions made before December 31 can be claimed on your 2025 income taxes, so your generosity this fall can directly benefit both you and the community. (An authorization letter is attached.)

As you can see, progress toward restoring the Hall continues steadily. It may feel slow at times, but who would have thought—just 13 months after the storm—we’d already have rebuilt so much of our beloved community?

It has been heartwarming to see so many Cattailers up here enjoying “leaf-peeping season.” Thank you all for your continued spirit, generosity, and faith in Cattail’s future.

On a related note, I’ve attached a Washington Post article about Yancey County and the federal delay in cleanup funds that has stalled some creek bank restoration efforts in our area.

Warm regards,
Worth Weller
CCHOA President