GCC Board Briefing of December 2, 2025

Hello Gualala Community Center (GCC) members
 
It is hard to believe that we are entering the last month of 2025, the years seem to be flying by.  Time is such a curious commodity, we either have too much time on our hands and suffer from boredom or too little of it which can make us cranky and irritable.  But time is all we have and we need to make the most of it, like taking a walk in the forest and foraging for mushrooms; photographing birds on the cliffs; having a sundowner as we watch one more gorgeous north coast sunset or curling up with a good book.  If you ever have extra time on your hands and want to make it count, consider becoming a Pay n Take volunteer.  You will be doing good work and having fun at the same time with other dedicated GCC volunteers.

Gualala Community Center has been through a challenging year but with the help of the many GCC volunteers and community support, good things are happening.  You may have heard that the project, Gualala Community Center Rebuilding part of the House Appropriations Committee Agricultural Bill, was approved for $1,000,000 by congress!  The GCC project money has been appropriated, and we should receive the funding in the next four to six months. The funds will be dispersed by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.  Congressman Huffman’s office stated that we should hear from the USDA by the end of January.  His office also stated that the money had been “appropriated, budgeted and signed into law.” However, it should be noted that the money is not real until we have it in our bank account. This Federal grant was applied for by the previous GCC Board, and we are all grateful for the work put in to submit this grant.

The Rebuilding of the Community Center continues to move forward.   Construction plans for the building were submitted to the Mendocino Building Department on November 12, 2025. Applications for permits for the necessary containers have also been submitted. The property will be surveyed, and property lines staked within the next month.

I mentioned in the last Board Briefing that GCC had received a challenge grant for $300,000.00 which will double any gift to GCC of $25,000.00 or greater from private individuals. This challenge grant has already produced $75,000. Remember, donations can be made by cash or check, through a Charitable Trust or with appreciated securities. 

GCC would like to raise additional funds for items not included in the original estimate of the building costs such as a solar energy collection system, tables and chairs, portable risers for a stage, and landscaping, etc. To this end, GCC is developing a wish list which will be published on the Website in the near future. This list will provide a great way for donors to pick and choose where they want their money to go.

Thank you, all, for supporting Gualala Community Center Gualala Community Center Volunteers and Board of Directors wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season.
 
Janet Pierucci, President
Board of Directors
Gualala Community Center
 
GCC Board Members:
Vice President: Darla Buechner             Member: Paul Cupich
Secretary: Laverne Hancock                   Member: George Provencher
Treasurer: Colby Bibb                              Member: Whyte Owen