The project event that we have been working toward for months, Cabin Work Week 2021, has been completed and was very successful. We had an unusual “pre-week”, with a Lowe’s Red Vest volunteer day to help us position supplies and get a head start on the work. Also, since the Lowe’s funded part of the project ended on October 31st, we had to work through the statistics and reporting we needed so that we could meet their October 31st deadline, which was also the kick-off day for Cabin Work Week. The team did an amazing job, and we also had some surprise volunteers when Cathy’s sisters Chris and Carolyn joined us for 2 days.
Preparations complete – Cabin Work Week begins
It seems that every year Cabin Work Week gets better and better. 2021 was no exception. It was our most successful to date. Not only did we completely stabilize the Weyanock cabin group (our primary site), but significant progress was made in the Paspahegh cabin group, too. And we installed a new roof on a Chickahominy cabin (identified as having a leak late in the project last year).
It seems that every year Cabin Work Week gets better and better. 2021 was no exception. It was our most successful to date. Not only did we completely stabilize the Weyanock cabin group (our primary site), but significant progress was made in the Paspahegh cabin group, too. And we installed a new roof on a Chickahominy cabin (identified as having a leak late in the project last year).
The stabilization bar was raised with the use of composite roofing material that looks like cedar shakes, maintaining the historic look of the cabins while holding the promise of lasting longer in the park’s wooded environment. The triangular cabin vents at the peak of each roof were treated with a layer of hardware cloth to keep out the squirrels followed by a layer of screen to keep out the insects. Finally, all screens were given a knob so that they can be opened without coming into contact with the screen. All of these items were added to our normal carpentry, painting, roofing, screening, and special projects.
Here is this year’s video: Pocahontas State Park Group Cabin Stabilization Project 2021
Parting Shot
We both achieved a milestone this year that was acknowledged at the park’s Volunteer Appreciation Picnic midway through the project. We have each volunteered for 1000 hours (not counting our hosting duties). That earned us a spot on a plaque, which is nice. More importantly, it causes us to reflect on the accomplishments within those 1000 hours, the connections we’ve made in the park, and the ability to do something that will benefit others that come to the park after us
We both achieved a milestone this year that was acknowledged at the park’s Volunteer Appreciation Picnic midway through the project. We have each volunteered for 1000 hours (not counting our hosting duties). That earned us a spot on a plaque, which is nice. More importantly, it causes us to reflect on the accomplishments within those 1000 hours, the connections we’ve made in the park, and the ability to do something that will benefit others that come to the park after us
