2022: A Year of Celebration

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Message From the Executive Director Steph Anderson

As I sit here on this last day of 2022, it is hard to believe that the year is over. I still can not believe that I am here at the top of The Mountain, gazing out over the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. What an amazing place I have come to love.

As I stop to think about what has transpired over 2022, I feel incredibly lucky to have landed here and I am resolved more than ever to make a difference. I have dove in deep and this year has been a whirlwind. I am both exhausted and rejuvenated, and am motivated by all our members and staff to continue moving this organization in a meaningful direction. I still have lots to learn and to experience but The Mountain’s future is bright and my head is spinning with what we can do to be even better!

But more importantly, I see what great things we are capable of. All of you who are reading this are a part of this picture. We could not have done it without your financial support, volunteer support, and just moral support that you have all given to me and The Mountain.

2022 saw new staff come on board, buildings receiving the TLC they so direly need, a “close to normal return” from Covid by grants and large donations focused on new programming, new structures, remodels and more.

It is because of you that there is a grand vision for 2023. Our calendar is full already which shows that The Mountain is thriving. We are adding more programming, the Farm team is producing and teaching, MountainCamp is growing, new groups are arriving and our circle of friends is expanding. The Mountain vision of inspiring people of all ages, transforming lives, and building a more compassionate world, is happening. Thanks to all of you.

Stay tuned, stay involved. 2023 is going to be an amazing year!

A Few of Our 2022 Celebrations at The Mountain

Steph on the dam with engineers, planning next steps for the dam repair

Music Week - learning and enjoying

Dwarf iris - one of many rare plants on property

High school CON bridging activity

Second annual Farm Festival, staff

Intergenerational Camp

Hoop house removal, for greenhouse supported by Mountain Findings grant

Farm Camp for Youth and Adults

Tent provided by a Laurel Garden Club grant, used here for farm dinner

Message from Board Chair - KC Boyce

I was reminded of the outsized impact The Mountain has on people when speaking with a mom dropping off her daughter at Mountaincamp this summer. The family had recently moved to the Northeast. Her daughter’s one request in the move was to continue to be able to attend Mountaincamp because it’s the one time in the year she feels like she can fully be herself.

2022 brought many of these moments to The Mountain, as we resumed a more

“normal” programming schedule – from Mountaincamp to Youth CONs, UU congregational retreats, Mountain-designed programs like Music Week and Grateful Gathering, people from across the country (re)discovered The Mountain’s magic.

Throughout the course of the year, the Board of Trustees has been focused on sustaining and building upon that “magic-making.” In February, we welcomed Steph Anderson as The Mountain’s Executive Director. Steph has hit the ground running with a focus on improving the guest experience and programming excellence. The Board approved key investments in these areas, including upgrading the Craft Barn to provide year-round staff housing (a project which should be nearing completion as you read this!), replacing dilapidated staff housing trailers with permanent duplex units, and renovating cabins along the Ring Road.

We’ve been supporting fundraising for these efforts, including working to prepare for the Roots and Wings Capital campaign that will sustain The Mountain’s capacity for magic-making for the next half-century. I look forward to seeing you at a future Mountain program and hearing your Mountain magic story!

We are sincerely grateful for your participation in Mountain programs, telling others about this special place, your many contributions over the years, and especially for you being part of The Mountain community.

We look forward to seeing you at The Mountain soon and invite others!