Community Profile
The “Together We Recover 828” design (pictured on our Home page) was created by Leigh Ann Cairns of Snow in July Designs. “My mission with this design is to spread it far and wide to let people know we will recover together and that ALL PROCEEDS from any use of it go to Hurricane Helene Relief.” Learn more and support this effort by visiting snowinjulydesigns.com (Photo taken at Grandview Restaurant in Foscoe). Above: Line crews at work; the NC Army National Guard delivers water to Avery County
Strength in the Face of the Storm:
Scenes of Kindness, Creativity and Cooperation in our Communities
By CML Staff
On September 25, 2024, a weather event triggered a series of heavy rains in western N.C. and bordering states, saturating the ground and swelling our streams and rivers. Less than 48 hours later, a powerful tropical cyclone rushed through the Gulf of Mexico and carved a swath of destruction, from Florida to the Appalachian mountains of NC, TN and VA. Weeks later, it was determined that the flooding and winds produced by Hurricane Helene set a record for the most damage ever recorded in our state. Our friends in Florida and neighboring states also endured some devastating effects.
The recovery of our region continues this winter and for many months and years to come. But beyond the visible changes in the landscape, the most notable takeaways from this event are the amazing acts of bravery and kindness, the incredible ways in which we adapt to hardship, and the resilience of our communities, especially when we unite for a shared cause.
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Honoring Our First Responders and Line Crews
From local law enforcement and firefighters, to 911 dispatchers, medics, rescue teams and the NC National Guard, we have so many men and women to thank for saving lives; limiting injuries and loss; protecting property and assets; and demonstrating acts of bravery and compassion. When you encounter any of these incredible people, please take a moment to thank them for their tireless service. We also pay tribute to the many electrical line crews who worked around the clock for numerous weeks in dangerous conditions to help restore power to our hard-hit area—read our feature article in our print version or online, “A Heroic Month in the Life of Electrical Line Crews,” on page 74.
Overflowing with Generosity
During the weeks following Helene, resource distribution centers were established to accept and house the many tons of essential supplies donated by charitable organizations, businesses, local, state and federal government agencies, and kind individuals from all over the country. In addition to the main Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) for each county, other relief centers were set up at area churches, fire stations, warehouses, high schools, colleges, and community centers. The Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk became a FEMA resource center, as well as a major supply hub for everything a family could need, from baby formula to toothpaste to cleaning supplies to clothing. Linville Resorts organized another huge resource distribution center, serving neighbors directly, as well as restocking other relief centers based on each site’s needs. The Williams YMCA provided vital supplies, food, shelter, showers, and free childcare. The Avery County Cooperative Extension and the Watauga Extension provided essential agricultural supplies and much more.
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation was able to turn its focus outward from park operations to humanitarian efforts in Avery County, working with dozens of nonprofits (local to international), regional businesses, tourism colleagues, good Samaritans and many others in an effort to bring relief to the mountain’s surrounding communities. Over on the Zionville, NC/ Trade, TN border, Zionville Ramp Company (ZRC) transformed into the State Line Resource Station and Rural Distribution Center. ZRC owner and organizer Ashley Galleher posted on Facebook in mid-November, “Much of the nation has moved on from this once-in-a-lifetime disaster … we try to communicate the desperate, urgent [ongoing] need for monetary donations, gift cards, and volunteer labor to rebuild our communities.” Read our feature article on Galleher and her good work on page 61 in our print version or online.
Feeding the Masses
Sally Loftis, Interim Executive Director at Feeding Avery Families, recently noted, “Before Hurricane Helene, we served an average of 500 families per month with 150+ meal boxes through onsite distribution, deliveries, and mobile distribution. In the last six weeks [following the storm], we served 2,500 families in addition to supplying local churches, volunteer fire departments, and Emergency Operations Command with meat and essentials for cooking meals.” Feeding Avery Families also served as one of the many major relief centers for supplies beyond food. Other food pantries, including Hunger and Health Coalition and Hospitality House, amplified their operations as they continue to feed our communities for the long-haul.
Refrigerators and Hot Meals
Shortly after the storm hit, the Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA) staff jumped into action by offering their Food Hub freezer and refrigerated storage to producers, checking in with farmers about their urgent needs, and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to help farms with clean up. brwia.org, brwia.org/disaster-resources.html
In another example of creative problem solving, Coyote Kitchen in Boone, who had a catering order in progress at the time of the storm, pivoted quickly. “When your 100-person catering order gets canceled at the last minute, you get the opportunity to feed the fine folks over at Hospitality House! Being able to help our community . . . made our hearts grow ten times.” Other local restaurants with electricity and stocked pantries were able to put their commercial kitchens to use for the greater good—many free and discounted meals were provided at places like Spear Store, Elk River Depot, The Party Barn in Banner Elk, and Mountain Grounds at Tynecastle.
A big shout-out to all churches, organizations and individuals who ensured that our communities’ basic need of “hot meals” was met with Drive-thru Hot Meal Sites. Read our feature article on World Central Kitchen’s efforts here.
Clean Water Warriors
Clean tap water, ready for drinking, was hard to come by in many communities in the weeks following the storm. Bottled water distribution sites were set up at fire stations, churches, schools, warehouses and parking lots. Cases were brought in by the National Guard and other providers by the truckload. For communities with damaged water lines, including Banner Elk, bottled water fulfilled immediate needs. But as water started flowing again through repaired systems, filters were needed to convert non-potable water to clean, drinkable water. Wine to Water, a nonprofit based in Boone and dedicated to providing clean water globally, offered free filters to every resident of Banner Elk. Read more about Wine to Water’s mission on page 65 in our print version or online.
Warm Beds and a Roof Overhead
The American Red Cross, in coordination with local organizations, set up temporary Emergency Shelters across the region, including at the Holmes Convocation Center on the App State campus. Local hotels and inns quickly stepped in to help those whose homes were destroyed and to house relief workers from off the mountain. A number of our area hotels participated in Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) offered by FEMA, including Best Western in Banner Elk. Over in Newland, The Inn at Shady Lawn also accommodated families sent by FEMA; yet, other displaced families were in need—Shady Lawn’s owners readily opened their doors to unsheltered neighbors, and generous donors pitched in to sponsor these families. Rhode’s Motor Lodge in Boone prioritized hosting employees in need, first responders, relief crews and displaced community members. They also delivered prepared food out into the community. The Rock Gym in Newland served as major emergency shelter, and fire departments, churches and caring families throughout the region provided warm beds, showers, and a refuge for weary storm victims.
Hometown Heroes
While countless volunteers from all walks of life could be sighted throughout the High Country and foothill communities, few groups were as eye-catching as Samaritan’s Purse volunteers in their brightly colored t-shirts. Samaritan’s Purse, a faith-based humanitarian aid organization with headquarters in Boone, exists to “provide spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world,” including right here in the High Country. Says one Avery County resident, “They swooped in… with their orange t-shirts (capes in my opinion). They started demo, carried out furniture, bagged up trash, hosed out mud, piled up keepsakes… I have never seen anything like the orange army from Samaritan’s Purse that descended on my neighborhood and stayed.”
Data Matters
We are thankful for the people and technology devoted to compiling critical data to help determine where and how to rebuild our infrastructure in the quickest and safest ways. Within days following the storm, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data showed over 1,900 landslides in the affected areas, providing valuable logistical information so that roads, bridges and public infrastructure could be re-engineered and repaired quickly. According to the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management, the storm and its aftermath damaged more than 160 water and sewer systems, at least 6,000 miles of roads, more than 1,000 bridges and culverts and an estimated 126,000 homes. The Office’s initial estimate reports at least $53 billion in damages. In addition to helping steer resources to our region, important data allow us to plan better for future disasters. osbm.nc.gov, usgs.gov
Neither Rain, Nor Snow… Nor Floods!
What happens when a post office is completely inundated by a raging river (mixed with toxic water from a nearby sewage treatment facility)? They get clever, and make sure mail service rolls on. For several months, the Linville Post Office (CML’s postal provider) had to relocate their main operations to a mail van in their parking lot while the building was being renovated. P.O Box holders were greeted at the van’s window by friendly faces who cheerily doled out each day’s mail.
Valle Crucis School Students Get a New Classroom
For the first time in more than 80 years, the original Mission School classrooms at the Valle Crucis Conference Center are being used as current-day classrooms, housing second through fifth graders from Valle Crucis School who were displaced by Helene. Next door at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Kindergarten and first graders are busy learning. The sixth through eighth graders are temporarily located at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) in Boone. Valle Crucis School students will remain at these locations until 2025 when their new school on Broadstone Road is completed. Having young students at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, says Executive Director Margaret Love, “has been nothing but a tremendous blessing. A true gift.”
Holy Cross Episcopal Church and the Valle Crucis Conference Center co-sponsor the annual Valle Country Fair to raise funds for community outreach; the 2024 event was cancelled due to the storm. Plans are underway for the 2025 Festival, to be held October 18, 2025. vallecountryfair.org, vcconferences.org, holycrossvallecrucis.net
Lees-McRae College Students to the Rescue
The strange sight and sound of U.S. Army Chinook Helicopters filled our airspace as the N.C. National Guard helped evacuate most Lees-McRae (LMC) students from Banner Elk, a town that lost its core infrastructure, including power, water and sewer. One group of LMC students stayed behind and served their community as volunteer firefighters and first responders, participating in life-saving rescues and offering reassurance to residents in the toughest moments.
Chief Tyler Burr of Banner Elk Fire Rescue later paid tribute to those students, saying “know that your courage, teamwork, and unwavering dedication have touched our hearts in ways words cannot fully express. Our community will always remember your heroism, and I am eternally grateful to stand alongside you as part of this firefighter family.”
App State Students Participate in “Day of Service”
Around 175 Appalachian State students took part in the university’s Student Day of Service—Together We Are Mountain Strong event, held Oct. 19, just three weeks after the storm. They logged over 500 hours of community service to support Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts in communities across the High Country. The university also set up the App State Disaster Relief Fund, raising and distributing over $4 million in bridge funding for thousands of students, faculty and staff at Appalachian State University as they navigated significant losses and challenges from the storm.
The Sweet Sound of Relief
Dozens of music artists from all over the country have banded together to hold fundraising concerts for communities impacted by the hurricane. One of the largest was the “Concert for Carolina” in Charlotte, featuring big names such as Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and other popular artists. The October event raised more than $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Concert headliner Eric Church, who has a home in Banner Elk and is co-founder of “Chief Cares Foundation,” is bringing additional hurricane relief to Avery County in the form of new homes. Church’s Foundation has partnered with Clayton Homes to build 100 homes in Avery County in 100 days. The process is underway, and the state of N.C. and FEMA are also providing support to make it happen.
“Our mission in North Carolina is to be here for the long haul. We are going to start by immediately building homes for 100 families in Avery County and the surrounding areas, and keeping these communities preserved and rebuilt. We are committed to the long-term rebuilding of these communities,” notes Church on his website at chiefcares.org.
Read more about the many recent hurricane relief concerts featuring top recording artists in our Art Remarks column on page 44 in our print version or online.
Cleaning up Our Rivers
Like mountain people, rivers are also resilient—but they need our help. MountainTrue’s “Recovery & Resilience” program focuses on water testing and river clean-ups, which will take place for many months to come. The High Country Office Of MountainTrue partners with and protects communities in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Burke, Watauga, and Wilkes counties and will be water testing and spearheading river clean-ups to remove garbage and debris from our region’s rivers for the foreseeable future. To help, go to mountaintrue.org/eventscalendar or facebook.com/wataugariverkeeper. For well testing pick-up/drop off locations, see mountaintrue.org.
Caring for Animals in Need
Animals are near and dear to our mountain communities, from the pets we love, to the horses we care for, to the farm animals we raise. Our area Humane Societies stepped up to offer free pet food, bottled water, kennels, and more to families with fur children. They were also instrumental in reuniting pets with their owners after the storm, and providing free urgent/ER vet care and prescription refills for the pets of those affected by Hurricane Helene. Averyhumane.org, Wataugahumane.org, mitchellcountyanimalrescue.org, ashehumanesociety.org, humanesocietyofwilkes.org
Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary (SSFS), Ashe County’s 501 (c)(3) horse rescue operation, traditionally opens its facilities and pastures to anyone needing to evacuate horses due to an approaching hurricane. In September, however, SSFS found itself in the path of Hurricane Helene and was battered with over 20 inches of rain, flooding stalls, barns, the tack room and the arena. Quickly moving their horses out of standing water, they were able to care for 19 horses for a week despite no power or water and no way out of their road. While all survived, the farm suffered barn, tree, fence and trailer damage, making it hard to transport and house displaced horses. The organization seeks donations towards a 3- to 4-horse trailer and new barn so they are prepared to continue helping displaced horses in the future—all donations are fully tax-deductible. southernsunfarm.com/donate
A Winning Woolly Worm Emerges
Many of our favorite fall festivals had to be cancelled in 2024. But Woolly Worm festival organizers—the Avery Chamber of Commerce and Banner Elk Kiwanis—stayed busy (and innovative) finding ways in which the community could still participate, honor first responders, raise some funds for Avery County, and have a little fun. A “ceremonial race” was held on a small stage in downtown Banner Elk, challenging first responders to race their chosen caterpillars. This year’s winning woolly worm belonged to Team Newland Fire Department. Organizers extended “a huge thank you to our diligent first responders who raced and to everyone who tuned into our live stream!” Want to get in the Woolly Worm spirit, even if the festival couldn’t happen? You can still pick up an official 2024 Woolly Worm t-shirt at Banner Elk Shirt Company. And see our Tidbits for the winning Woolly Worm’s winter ‘24-‘25 forecast. Plan now to attend the 48th Annual Woolly Worm Festival to be held October 18-19, 2025. Woollyworm.com
Operation Save Christmas
Helping in a region’s recovery goes beyond the obvious. NC Christmas tree growers are the second largest Christmas tree producers in the U.S., employing more than 7,000 workers each year. Some farms in Western North Carolina had greater difficulty this year for obvious reasons, including washed out roads and property loss. “As a farmer, harvest is always a challenge,” said local grower Larry Smith, “This year had a different set of challenges for us.” Homeowners and businesses, who in the past may have put up an artificial tree for the holidays, heard through the grapevine that a good way to support our tree growers was to simply purchase real trees from a local farm. Last minute shoppers, and early shoppers for next year, can locate a tree farm at ncchristmastrees.com.
In other tree news, one of our area’s largest and most beautiful Christmas trees—a 20-ft Fraser fir—was saved for a very special customer. In late October, White House staff travelled to Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County to choose and cut the special tree that was placed in the Blue Room of the White House!
Chambers of Commerce Focus on Outreach
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation established its “Hope for the High Country: Hurricane Helene Business Resiliency Disaster Grants,” offering area businesses grant funding. The Avery County Chamber partnered with Avery County Young Professionals to launch “Build Back Avery,” a grassroots fundraising effort dedicated to helping Avery County residents recover and rebuild. Over in Ashe County, the efforts include the “Ashe County Advantage Project,” collecting donations to support emergency relief and recovery efforts with funds supporting community needs in Ashe County. These local Chambers of Commerce and others in the region played a vital role in sharing the latest storm updates, providing resource directories to the public, and checking in with local businesses to assess their needs.
Show Your Support of Our Local Businesses and Nonprofits
Sadly, many area businesses and organizations sustained significant damage and losses. Some have had to close for the foreseeable future, while others are doing their best to make lemonade from Helene’s lemons. The Harvest Farm corn maze and pumpkin patch in Valle Crucis was flooded and destroyed, their 2024 fall season a total wash-out. Yet their message to the community remained uplifting: “Our family thanks you for your continued support, friendship, and visits to our farm each year. Please pray for our families and communities so deeply impacted from Hurricane Helene as we begin the unprecedented task of try to restore what was lost.”
Over in Foscoe, the Appalachian Apothekary, well known for its afternoon tea parties, had to gut their entire space, yet the tea room plans to reopen for the winter season. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, whose main bridge to their parking area and tasting room washed down the Watauga River, jumped into action to welcome their customers back by constructing a foot bridge from their satellite parking lot to their facilities. The 103-year-old Old Hampton Store in Linville, while put out of operation for months, encouraged their Facebook followers to donate to several local nonprofits who have been instrumental in recovery efforts, including Feeding Avery Families, OASIS, WAMY, and Watauga Riverkeeper. “Take care of them and when we are back on our feet, we will take care of you,” reads their post.
The Mast General Store, which was fortunate to have minimal storm damage, is selling their popular Mountain Strong items, with many of the proceeds going directly to organizations helping people recover from Hurricane Helene.
Support your favorite businesses and nonprofits throughout western North Carolina in whatever ways you can: visit in person as often as possible, buy online at their websites, purchase gift cards, and like them/follow them on Facebook so you can keep up with their progress and share updates with your friends.
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It would take an entire magazine to recognize all the many government and service agencies, charitable organizations, businesses and individuals who have helped make recovery in our region a reality… yet there is still so much to do! Please continue to help throughout 2025 by donating to relief funds, participating in fundraising events, volunteering where needed, frequenting our local businesses, and spreading the word of our communities’ needs and successes.
On page 76 in our print version or online, you’ll find our annual guide to local nonprofits, many of which are critical to our area’s recovery. ALL of them exist to make life better for our communities every day of every year.