November 2024
Roan Mountain Roan Mountain Magazine
Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 1, Issue 2
November 2024
STAFF
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Amy Thurman amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Christian Ledford christian@roanmountainmagazine.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Diana Tolley
GUN TALK WITH JON
Captain Jon Strydom
NEWS FROM THE ROAN
Ranger Marcianne O'Day
THE LAST WORD & THE GRACE PLACE
Noah Blair
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Faith Lynn
CONTRIBUTORS
Carol Ann Mitchell
Pamela Bernardo
Nick Sluder
Contributing Photographer
Copyright © 2024
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.
Roan Mountain Magazine is published monthly and can be found at multiple locations throughout the Roan Mountain area, free to readers. We are not currently offering print subscriptions, but please contact us if you are unable to find a copy. (423) 440-9012
Read the Digital Version at: www.RoanMountainMagazine.com
Visit us on Facebook: Facebook.com/RoanMtnMagazine
Roan Mountain Magazine is printed by The Elizabethton Star
Letters to the Editor: We would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you’d like to share, please send to Christian or Amy: christian@roanmountainmagazine.com amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
www.roanmountainmagazine.com
ARTICLES & FEATURES
14 New Section Coming Soon
We're adding another regular section soon and need your input!
16 Roan Mountain Strong
Uplifting stories of the kindness, compassion and care we've witnessed and experienced in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
22 Recovery Resources
Diana Tolley shares information on local churches providing supplies, meals and more, and Pamela Bernardo shares information on agencies and organizations.
REGULAR CONTENT
Editor’s Letter
Gun Talk with Jon Taste of the Roan
The Grace Place News from the Roan The Last Word
Woods & Water and What's Going
On will return with the next issue.
ABOUT THE COVER:
Although we would normally aim for something colorful and happy on the cover, we felt the need to record this part of our community history. When we look back a year from now, we'll certainly see how far we've come. This drone image was taken the morning of the flood after waters had begun to recede. Main Street runs left of center, toward the mountains.
Photo by Nick Sluder, Color Effects Photography
24 Emergency Preparedness Tips
We all learned a lot during Helene, but we've complied some tips we can all do to be better prepared.
27 Kid's Fun Page
Our first kid's page with puzzles, games and coloring, with a Thanksgiving theme.
28 Change on the Mountain
A short story about life, memories, and the coming of autumn, by Diana Tolley.
Wishing y'all a Happy Thanksgiving!
EDITOR'S LETTER
I grew up in southern Missouri alongside the Mississippi River. We were flooded out six or seven times and I recall when I was about 11, wading through water over my waist while carrying Susie, our family dog. Each flood, we had to wait weeks for the river to crest, then weeks more for the water to recede, then the work began. Shoveling out mud, tearing out mudcaked drywall and waterlogged insulation, removing warped floorboards, scrubbing out cabinets, the bathtub, the toilet, window sills. The smell of silt and mildew and mold. It took months to clean and repair everything while we lived in a small shack belonging to friends of the family, and with little in the way of plumbing or heat.
After the last time, when I was 16, the house was no longer insurable and my mother had had enough. Later, in the flood of 93, the house washed entirely away. When I visited friends a few years later, we drove by and it was a gut punch to see grass growing between the three huge pecan trees where our house used to sit.
But those experiences taught me a valuable lesson: be prepared. For anything. That served me well later when I lived in a hurricane zone.
A tropical storm was headed for my stretch of coast last fall, a month before I moved here. I spent time on the phone with a meteorologist prior to the storm and mentioned to her that I was moving to the mountains of northeastern Tennessee. I joked that I didn’t know what I’d do with all my free time if I didn’t start each day checking the National Hurricane Center website eight months out of the year, and disrupting my life several times every fall to prep for potential storms. She laughed and said, “Oh, but you could have blizzards, flash flooding, mudslides and forest fires to worry about!”
And yet, Hurricane Helene took me by surprise. It took a lot of us by surprise, even lifelong residents. The short preparation time and the magnitude of damage has rocked our community to the core.
I spent the day before the storm getting ready. I printed out my checklists so I wouldn’t forget anything, filled water jugs, moved things on lower shelves up high, packed up some things for my animals and myself in case we had to get out of the house, took photos of everything in case I had to file an insurance claim, charged my camping lanterns, and made arrangements in case I had to evacuate. And all the
while I was frustrated, suspecting it would all come to nothing and I’d have to spend more time putting everything back in order, when I should be working on the next issue of this magazine.
The night before the storm, I got up several times to check the forecast and the level of the Doe River, which runs alongside my house. At 3:30 a.m. I checked the weather and saw that our area had been downgraded, which was a relief. Around 4:30, my neighbor, Rob, came by and said to be ready, that the Doe had come over the bank in his backyard. A few minutes before six, his wife, Kristi, texted me that she, their son and her mom had left.
I seriously thought about staying. Everyone said my house had stayed dry in 98 and the forecast had been downgraded; surely it would be fine. I was a little worried about my three-year-old truck sitting in floodwater, so I loaded up the dogs (the cats weren’t cooperating with getting into their carriers) and went to the Whiteway for a quick breakfast. When I came back, Rob and Kristi met me at the top of the street and told me to turn around. We then spent the better part of the day sitting at the credit union watching our homes as flood waters rose and our outdoor belongings washed away. And I worried about my cats and my chickens.
After over 20 years living in a hurricane zone, the worst hurricane damage I’ve experienced was here, in our little mountain community.
But I was still fortunate. And blessed. While there’s major damage outside, the inside of my house stayed dry. My cats were fine. I lost one chicken and the rest were wet and traumatized, but safe. I slept in my own house that night and prayed for those who couldn’t.
While I’ve had a written emergency plan my entire adult life and it’s served me well, I’ve made several changes to it in the weeks since the storm. Just in case, I now have a plan for my chickens, thanks to Niki Goudy. I have a mild feline sedative to give my cats so I can get them in their carriers. I’ve replaced my freezer and moved it to a higher spot. I’m updating my household inventory for insurance purposes, adding to my stock of water jugs, having Blossman relocate my propane tank, and other steps to reduce damage and ease my mind if this should ever happen again.
Some of these steps are included in our preparedness article, beginning on page 24, and we’re writing a more in-depth emergency guide that will be free to readers. Look for it soon.
There’s been a silver lining to this catastrophe though: the compassion, kindness, generosity, selflessness, and sense of community we’ve witnessed and experienced in the aftermath. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying it’s moved me to tears on more than one occasion. The churches stepped up in accepting donations, making them available to anyone in need, and providing meals. The linemen who worked tirelessly to restore electricity. The water department
for quickly making sure our water was safe to drink. The gas companies that worked to replace tanks needed for heat as temps dropped. Our Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for their constant efforts, too numerous to list. The volunteers who delivered water and meals to people in the hardest hit areas and fed work crews. The restaurants that hosted community meals at reduced or no cost. All those who donated supplies. All those who showed up with their equipment and muscle to help us begin recovering.
And let’s not forget magazine advertiser 2nd Amendment Gunsmith (ad on page 8). Jon and Angela set up Starlink giving many of us the opportunity to connect with the outside world so we could check in with loved ones outside the area, contact employers, file insurance claims, and other important tasks. They did this while dealing with their own recovery efforts.
I’m certain there are countless others. Thank you all.
I have never been more proud to call a community home and there’s not a single other place on this planet I’d rather live.
Prayers continue for those still struggling, dealing with losses, and trying to resume their normal lives. We’ll get through it. If you or someone you know still has unmet needs, please reach out to us and we’ll do our best to assist or point you in the right direction. Due to recovery efforts, we did not publish an October issue. I hesitated about making this issue about the storm, for fear that we've all had enough of it. But part of our mission with this magazine is to document our community history, and this was definitely a defining moment in it. Thank you to our advertisers for your support and to all who've contributed.
Stay safe and we’ll see you ‘round the Roan!
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Photos, top to bottom:
Drone image of my house after the rain stopped and waters began receding. Photo by Nick Sluder
The Doe River raging through my neighborhood with my house in the background.
Jon at 2nd Amendment Gunsmith and his "Muddy Internet Cafe." Photo by Angela Greene
Preserving a gun exposed to flooding requires immediate action to prevent rust, corrosion, and permanent damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Safety first: Ensure the firearm is unloaded. Doublecheck the chamber and magazine.
2. Initial cleaning: Disassemble the firearm following the manufacturer’s instructions. Vigorously rinse the gun with clean, fresh water to remove dirt, debris, or salt if it was exposed to saltwater. Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove any remaining debris or moisture trapped in small areas. Thoroughly spray all components with a good aerosol oil like WD40.
3. Dry the gun: Thoroughly dry all parts using soft, absorbent cloths. You can also use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process. Avoid overheating any parts, particularly synthetic materials. If available, use silica gel packs or place the gun in a dry, warm location with good ventilation.
4. Remove rust: If rust has already started to form, gently remove it using a brass brush or fine steel wool. Best in my experience is #000 or #0000 with a small amount of thin oil like WD40 or 3-in-One. Be careful not to scratch the metal surface.
5. Lubrication and protection: Once the firearm is dry and free from rust, apply a light coat of gun oil or a protective lubricant like CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) to all metal surfaces. Pay close attention to moving parts like the action, trigger assembly, and any springs. Lubricate the barrel inside and out to prevent rusting. Use a cleaning rod with an oiled patch to coat the inside of the barrel.
6. Reassemble: After all parts are dry, cleaned, and oiled, carefully reassemble the firearm.
7. Check the stock: If the gun has a wooden stock, it may have absorbed water and started to warp. Dry it slowly at room temperature for at least a week to avoid cracking, and treat it with a wood conditioner or stock wax once dry.
8. Monitor and maintain: For the next few weeks, periodically check for signs of rust or corrosion. Reapply oil or protective coating as necessary. Store the gun in a dry, controlled environment with low humidity. A dehumidifier or silica gel packs can help.
9. Test: Before using the gun again, it’s a good idea to take it to a qualified gunsmith to ensure that no internal damage occurred and that it’s safe to fire. Taking quick and thorough action after water exposure can help preserve the firearm and prevent lasting damage. If you can't immediately preserve a firearm after it has been in a flood, here are some steps to minimize damage until you can perform a full cleaning and preservation:
1. Water removal: Drain water from the firearm by holding it in different positions to allow water to run out of any openings (barrel, action, etc.). Thoroughly
GUN TALK WITH JON Preserving Water-damaged Firearms
By Jon Strydom (aka African Jon)
flush it with fresh, running water. Wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much surface moisture as possible.
2. Submerge in oil (if possible): If you have access to a large container of gun oil or another water-displacing lubricant (like WD-40 or CLP), submerge the entire firearm in oil. A good alternative is one part engine oil to four parts diesel. This helps to displace water and reduce rust formation. If submersion isn’t possible, spray the firearm generously with oil or lubricant to coat all the surfaces.
3. Short-term storage in desiccants: If you can't work on the gun immediately, place it in a sealed bag or container with silica gel packs or another desiccant to draw out moisture. You can also use uncooked rice as a temporary moisture absorber if silica gel is unavailable.
4. Avoid heat or direct sunlight: While it may be tempting to leave the gun in direct sunlight or near a heat source, this can cause uneven drying and warping of wooden parts. Instead, store the gun in a cool, dry location with ventilation until you can perform proper cleaning.
5. Minimize handling: Try to handle the firearm as little as possible to prevent transferring additional moisture, oils, or dirt from your hands.
6. Rust prevention: Even if you can’t fully disassemble or clean the gun right away, apply oil liberally to prevent rust. Oil acts as a barrier against moisture and can slow down the rusting process.
7. Prioritize areas susceptible to rust: Focus on keeping key areas such as the barrel, action, and trigger assembly as dry and oiled as possible. These parts are the most prone to corrosion and functional damage.
8. Get to it ASAP: As soon as you have time and access, follow the steps in the first section. The longer you wait, the more likely the firearm will suffer rust, corrosion, and possible long-term damage.
These steps will help protect your firearm until you can get it properly cleaned by a professional or can disassemble it yourself. The most important thing is to remove as much water as possible and protect the surface from rust.
INGREDIENTS
1 – 2 cups leftover turkey, white or dark meat, chopped
4 ½ tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups chick broth
1 ½ cup milk
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
8 oz pasta or noodles, cooked al dente (not quite done)
½ cup sliced almonds (can toast if you wish, I don’t)
Thyme
Sage (optional, but I like it)
Pepper
½ cup Parmesan cheese (or more if you like)
Vermouth or wine (vermouth adds a nice flavor)
DIRECTIONS
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
TASTE ROAN of the Turkey Tetrazzini
Submitted by Carol Ann Mitchell
I found this recipe around 1985 in an old Joy of Cooking book, but it was originally developed over a century ago by Chef Escoffier in honor of the opera star, Luisa Tetrazzini.
I made some additions to boost taste, primarily adding herbs, spices, and a dash of white wine or vermouth. I make it for 2 to 4+ servings. Great if you have leftover pasta (about 2 cups – I prefer scooper type pasta which holds the sauce nicely).
It's a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, too!
• Butter a baking dish (I prefer a round 7- to 8-inch dish, about 4 inches high) Prepare the sauce:
• Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet..
• Whisk in flour; when it begins to thicken (happens fairly fast) then add chicken broth slowly (it will continue) to thicken. Then add milk and continue whisking until smooth.
• Stir in the thyme, sage and pepper to taste.
• Stir in half of Parmesan (or more to taste).
• Add a dash of wine or vermouth. Sauce will look thin but pasta thickens it, not to worry.
• Add turkey to sauce, stir, then set pan aside. In another skillet:
• Heat remaining butter over medium-high heat.
• Add mushrooms stirring until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in almonds.
• Stir pasta and mushroom mixture into sauce then pour into baking dish; sprinkle top with Parmesan.
• Bake until it bubbles and crust is slightly browned, about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
If you have a family recipe or just a favorite dish you’d like to share, get in touch – we might be able to include it in an upcoming issue. Ideally with seasonally available ingredients, and if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
By Noah Blair
THE
GRACE PLACE
I'm an observer. I like to watch things going on around me, and one of my favorite ways of doing that is “people-watching.” And in doing so, I’ve concluded that we humans are vastly more peculiar than any other of God’s creations. The engine that drives our peculiarity is our minds. Our minds are where we have the internal dialogue that shapes our decision-making, opinions, and how we decide what is truth and what is falsehood.
One alarming observation I’ve made is that in today’s world it’s becoming increasingly popular to have a negative opinion on what I will refer to as the “local church.”
The local church is exactly that, any church in the community where you live. The churches you might have attended in your youth, drive by daily, and have been there as long as anyone can remember. The local church has been an establishment in communities across our nation and the world for centuries. So why, suddenly, is it common to find people with a negative opinion of the local church?
Every local church congregation is made up of flawed individuals. Romans 3:23 tells us, “we all have sinned and came short of the glory of God.” And what does that look like? It looks like people making mistakes and doing things that can cause hurt to others, words being said that should never have been uttered, and hypocritical actions. These things cause pain and begin the decay of the opinion of the local church.
It's understandable that when these things happen, we can become cold and negative towards the local church. Yet, we must also be willing to give the local church the very grace that Jesus extends to us for the many mistakes we all make.
This is especially apparent when a “500-year flood” comes through and destroys your town. Who were the first people to offer help and shelter? Who missed work and instead used their time to load their vehicles and bring supplies to those in need? Who left their own damaged homes and properties sit for weeks to make sure others in the community had warm meals, clothes, and other supplies?
The local church.
We are so lucky to have these local churches that truly love our community and want to be the hands and feet of Christ. The local church’s actions remind
us of, and show in real-time, the effects of the Gospel. The love they have shared only comes from one source: the man named Jesus. His Word tells us, “He will never leave or forsake His children” and we have seen that promise come true. No matter how dark the flood waters can get, Jesus Christ’s light pierces through.
If you are wondering how we as a community can say thank you to the local church for their acts of love and kindness towards our community, I have a radical suggestion. GO TO CHURCH.
They don’t expect you to be perfect when you walk in because they aren’t either. They want you and your family to come in and worship God the Father and his son Jesus who loved us so much that he died for us, so we could be forgiven for our sins and have a better home in heaven where we don’t have to worry about flood waters and pain anymore!
I will leave you with a verse that explains it all: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
And to that I say amen and amen.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
C.GARDNER
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NEW SECTION COMING SOON
As our mission states, Roan Mountain Magazine will work to publish stories handed down from earlier generations in an effort to record the community’s history. But it’s also important to record what’s happening now, as that will be the history of generations to come. We would like to start recording, every month, things that happen in our community in a new section called History Happening.
While the Flood of ‘24 (which is surely what it will be called years from now, given that this is how we refer to the Flood of ‘98) is what sparked the idea, we want to record both the big events, and the individual moments.
For example, someone might submit, “Mabel and Henry Smith were pleased to welcome their 11th grandchild into the world on October 8, 2024. Melissa Sue was born to their daughter-in-law Mary and son John.”
Or, “Chris Barnett retired from Roan Mountain State Park on October 7, after 28 years of service.” (Okay, so that one’s real. Congratulations Mr. Barnett!)
Or, “Joe Smith set a new state record for brook trout with his 5 lb. 1 oz. catch on October 23, in the Doe River.”
Or, “ABC Business has moved to their new location on Hwy 19-E and hosted a grand reopening on October 19.”
We want to record your special moments, however large or small. Guidelines for History Happening include:
• Events that happen locally or involve local businesses.
• Personal moments involving local residents (awards, milestone birthdays, new home purchases, engagements, etc.).
• Business milestones (new businesses opening, anniversaries, new locations, etc.)
• School, community, church, or volunteer moments (scholarships, wins, new pastors, new fire chief, etc.)
• Keep it clean and printable in a family publication.
• Keep it short and to the point.
• Things that have happened since the previous issue of Roan Mountain Magazine was published.
• Please participate in the spirit this is intended (don’t trash anyone, don’t use it for self-promotion, etc.). Send submissions to amy@roanmountainmagazine. com, via Facebook messenger, or by phone.
Understand that submissions might be edited for length. Photos are welcome, but will be included as space allows (though might be included on the website).
Let us record and share your special moments!
NEWS FROM THE ROAN
By Marcianne O'Day Park Ranger Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain State Park was one of four area Tennessee State Parks that sustained significant damage during Helene and the aftermath. While the park closed to the public due to hazardous conditions, staff have been more than busy with all manner of disaster recovery activities. After the weather event and evacuation, park staff and volunteers returned to begin the process of removing massive amounts of debris and damaged structures. Rangers from across Tennessee State Parks responded with chainsaws to assist with hazardous tree removal for days. In the coming months and years, the park will continue to rebuild and rehabilitate damaged areas as it reopens facilities deemed safe enough for public use. While the ecological impact of the flood damage remains to be seen, we anticipate a long-term multi-pronged recovery and restoration effort will be necessary. We’re grateful to everyone who has had a hand in our ongoing recovery.
Beyond working to recover the park, staff have also volunteered time in the community helping deliver supplies, performing cleanup work, and assisting with home repairs. Park Rangers have also been assisting local TEMA and FEMA operations at the Elizabethton Multi-Agency Resource Center.
We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely! We will return to normal operations as safety conditions allow and request that the visiting public abide by posted signs indicating remaining closures. For current closures and more information please visit www.tnstateparks. com/parks/roan-mountain. To join a volunteer day, register at tnstateparksvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/.
Photos to left of park staff and volunteers working to clear debris after Hurricane Helene. Some areas of the park remain closed as recovery efforts continue. Visit the park website above for more information.
Photos provided by Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain Strong
Fby Heather Cloyd Osburn
riday morning, September 27, Hurricane Helene hit our small community. Even downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it arrived, it still caused flash flooding throughout the region and heavy winds resulted in downed trees and power lines. All the lowlying areas of Roan Mountain experienced flooding, as did many surrounding hollers. Roads and bridges were blocked, damaged or washed out entirely, homes were damaged or destroyed, mud and debris were everywhere, and in only a few hours, our lives changed. Many had no power for weeks. We had little or no contact with the outside world for five days, and many had to wait even longer. We were cut off, damaged, heartsick, worried, dirty, and tired. But no lives were lost in our community and for that we’re all grateful.
In spite of the damage, one thing we’ve all heard (and said) over and over is, “Yeah, I had some damage, but others had it a lot worse, and I’m grateful.”
Our community pulled together. The strength, resilience, endurance, and compassion we've witnessed moved many of us to tears.
Neighbors and complete strangers stepped up to help each other. Farmers and other heavy equipment operators got to work clearing roads. Our churches fed our stomachs and our souls. We're digging out, we're cleaning up, we're salvaging what we can of our homes and properties, and we're doing it together. We donated whatever we could spare, pitched in where we could, fed each other, hugged each other, prayed for and with each other, supported each other, and found
By Amy Campbell Clark
ourselves even stronger for it.
We are Appalachian strong. Roan Mountain strong. To demonstrate this, we’ve gathered some of the stories to share with you, highlighting that strength.
Carley Street and her husband, Pastor Geren Street, of First Baptist Church Roan Mountain, live in the village. A few minutes after seven, the morning of the flood, Commissioner Julie Guinn texted Carley and advised the family to evacuate; Carley responded that they were leaving for the church then.
At 7:57, less than an hour after evacuating her own home, Carley texted Julie again, stating that the church was open for people to come if they needed a place to go. In spite of her own worries over potential damage to their home, and while reassuring and caring for her children, she and her husband opened the church to provide a safe place for people to land, to feel safe, to get warm.
“That snowballed into the church becoming a shelter and a key donation center in the hours, days and weeks that followed,” Julie said. “Carley Street put her own concerns aside and focused on the needs of others. I can’t say enough about what an amazing woman she is.”
Not long after word got around that the church was open, food was provided. Smoky Mountain Bakers showed up with what appeared to be their entire morning stock: bread, rolls, muffins, cookies, and more. This selfless and generous act provided not only breakfast to hungry survivors, but also comfort in the face of hardship. ***
From Julie Guinn:
I wanna tell you a story. On Thursday, September 26, the forecast looked terrible. Through a series of spotters on every creek entering our valley, we started getting calls around 11:30 p.m. that creeks were at capacity. By 1:25 a.m. your Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was out watching bridges and roads. At 3:25 a.m. the first call was made to two residents on 143 who needed to evacuate. By 4 a.m., Heaton Street was at the point of no return, so those streets were getting evacuated. By the time we went to full flood stage we knew everybody who needed to be out was out. Others opted to hunker down. The volunteer firefighters couldn’t stop what the storm was gonna do,
Nathan and Emily Purcell sum it up nicely for all of us with this sign.
Photo
but they knew they'd done their best to keep everyone safe. Most of these firemen weren’t around in 98, but they performed exceptionally through it all. Even when we lost all comms, they brainstormed to get White Rock tower up and going, and kept it going. I saw our rescue squad guys spend all day in their trucks at the fire hall where they could get any 911 calls. I saw a level of dedication in worrying over their folks, getting supplies out to not just our people, but across state lines to other fire departments that needed help. I saw them battle to get the barriers moved at the state line. They never backed down. Not once. I am so proud of them for doing everything within their power to keep us all safe. I just thought y’all should know what a great department we have. And I’m thankful they let me be on the ground floor with them through all of it. I have a new level of appreciation for what they do and I want the community to know how exemplary these young men were, both during this storm and afterwards.
Game Changer: All communications were lost Friday morning during the worst of the flooding. Internet services were down, as were cell phone services. The only communication system in the area was the 911 radio and firefighters manned the station non-stop in case emergency calls came over the radio.
“It was frustrating and scary,” Julie Guinn said. “We couldn’t get word out to anyone. I sat down for a minute and said, ‘God, you’re gonna have to help us. We need You right now.’ And not ten minutes later, this man walked into the firehouse and told us he had a StarLink. I didn’t even know what that was and he had to explain to me that it was a satellite internet system.”
That man was Captain Jon Strydom, owner of 2nd Amendment Gunsmith, on Main Street. He said that he’d set the system up at his shop, available to anyone who needed it. This allowed the fire department and commissioners to communicate with county officials
and others to let them know what we were dealing with here. Mountain Electric linemen used it to get and provide updates. Deputies used it to check in and share information. And this allowed many in our community to reach out to loved ones and let them know they were safe, to check in with employers, and to begin the process of filing insurance claims.
“I honestly think that helped clear people from the missing person list, when they were able to let loved ones outside the area know they were okay,” Julie said.
Jon and his wife Angela provided this service to the community, at no charge, even while dealing with their own recovery efforts. His shop on Main Street was flooded and contained several inches of mud. “The first day after the flood, we hauled out 96 cartloads of mud,” he said. Hence the nickname, “The Muddy Internet Café,” because a little humor always helps. Although Jon and Angela are relative newcomers to our community, they now an indelible part of it and we’re all grateful for their selflessness.
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Riverview Country Store and Puerto Escondido worked together in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The Mexican restaurant’s coolers went down but Dan and Dustin at Riverview offered the use of their coolers to prevent food loss. Jaime, of Puerto Escondido, brought over not only the food to be stored, but also offered food to share. “The first day we cooked and gave out burgers. He had a few pans of chicken and steak and told us we could cook it too, and give it out if we wanted, so I bought 200 tortilla shells and a few others pitched in and got stuff to make fajitas,” Dustin said.
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From Faith Lynn:
I want to share a personal story about a gentleman by the name of Steve Rehmar, his wife Cindy, and his church, the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain.
Captain Jon Strydom, owner of 2nd Amendment Gunsmith, set up his Starlink at his Main Street shop for everyone to use. Photo by Nick Sluder
I live on top of Roan Mountain and after the storm, had no power, no water, and was feeling forgotten and alone. Steve, determined to help, came up and figured out a way to get our well going with a generator that he loaned us. That generator provided water to 12 houses! If it wasn't for his generosity and kindness we would not have had water. If it wasn't for this man and his wife taking time out of their lives to help us it would have been a lot harder, so thank you Steve! This was one man who gave us hope on top of a mountain that felt forgotten. Kindness is the GREATEST GIFT. In addition to that his church supplied so much hope and items needed for all of the families in Roan Mountain. We are so blessed to have these churches in our community.
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Operation Wrapped in Love: Angie Parker
Stoeltzing is crocheting blankets for those in need as cold weather approaches. “I realize blankets have been provided in a lot of places, but I just want to give something homemade. Especially now that’s it’s cold. I’m choosing soothing mountain colors and will have an “Appalachian Strong” leather tag attached,” Angie wrote. She’s focusing her efforts on those who’ve lost their homes or had severe damage. She has received donated yarn as well as purchasing yarn herself for the project.
“Thank you to all who have and are donating yarn, it’s so rewarding and hearing their
stories touches my heart. It’s not just a blanket but an opportunity to give space, to hear a story, and share a hug with a stranger. Really, isn’t that what life should be about? Let us always lead with love.”
At print time, Angie has crocheted and donated 12 blankets. You can send her a message on Facebook to find out how to get yarn to her or to recommend someone in need of a blanket. ***
From Amy Millhorn Leonard:
Miracles After Devastation Along the River: The property I had been helping at, along the Doe River, is 100 years old and has been in the same family going back three and four generations. We were surprised it hadn’t completely washed away. By some miracle it did not but had three feet of water in it that destroyed many family heirlooms. One thing that survived was the stone fireplace which the grandfather built. The family Bible was found on the mantel, unharmed. From that point on, other miracles just seemed to start happening.
Family members came together and while we washed and dried photos and family keepsakes, they shared stories of their childhood summers spent there with their grandparents; stories of visiting bears, blue herons, hellbenders, and catching trout and crawdads all along the river.
Trees were gone and debris was everywhere now along the river but not long after talking about these animals, they appeared to us miraculously. A mama bear came off the mountain and crossed the river with her triplet cubs. I spied a blue heron standing beside the river, said by the family to be "Grandma" who lived to be 104, coming back for a visit to the river. A cousin's young son saw the biggest crawdad ever, which he dubbed "a lobster" and then proceeded to catch a good-sized trout. Then a young daughter caught a hellbender by hand. An ancient species, hellbender numbers have been thought to have decreased drastically due to floods destroying their river habitat, but miraculously this one is proof at least some survived.
The driveway and road to the property had washed completely out. After hiking in on the first day and driving carefully through an elderly lady's yard for a few days, the road was temporarily repaired, volunteers came with heavy equipment to repair the driveway and linemen came to restore electricity in the area. More miracles.
Another organization showed up to gut the house after we had cleared it of most of the contents and a lot of the mud left behind by the river. No one asked them really, they just showed up at a property not many know is there, down along the river. Then FEMA came through, which is certainly miraculous. Often cynical, this has restored my opinion of people because for the most part it has brought out the best in them.
All this has affected not only those impacted by this
Top, Angie on a yarn buying trip. Bottom, six more blankets ready for delivery.
Photos provided by Angie Stoeltzing
disaster, but also those who were just miraculously drawn, from all over the country, to help in any way they could, including me and what little I could do and those of you reading this who have watched it unfold and helped as well. It has touched our lives. What I take from all of this, if you can take anything miraculous from all of this devastation, is this: Terrible times bring about miracles, bring out the best in people, bring people together, and bring signs from God that yes, life is forever changed but it will and does go on.
From Tom Niziol:
One look at the three community parks the day of the flood was gut-wrenching. Over 20 years of work to build and maintain those parks disappeared in one day. However, just a few days later a crew of five or six guys, with heavy excavating equipment showed up to move trees, brush and debris onto neat piles at Erik Anderson Park behind the Post Office. I was amazed! These volunteers said they knew our community needed help so they loaded up their equipment and drove from Monroe County, south of Knoxville, to help. They spent two full days of work at in this park and the children’s playground, and accomplished more than we could have in weeks of effort. A day later a van pulled up in front of our main building in Erik Anderson Park and out jumped the entire Unaka girl’s basketball
team! They had equipment in hand and asked where they could begin cleaning up. We had work for them but it would be dirty. They didn’t care and over the next several hours, they washed down mud-caked bathroom floors, toilets and sinks. They power-washed tables and sidewalks. They got plenty dirty but in the end the kitchen and bathrooms were clean. That weekend I put out a request for any volunteers who might be willing to come down to our parks on a Saturday and help to do more cleanup. We expected a few people but instead over 100 people showed up to clean and restore our parks!
A few days later a group of young adults from Colonial Heights Christian Church, in Kingsport, arrived and spent several hours shoveling loads of caked mud from the baseball diamond. The Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation wants to thank every volunteer for the tremendous support you have given the community parks since the major flood disaster in late September.
There is good news. With the area around the main garage, stage and shelters cleaned and restored we will be able to hopefully host the Christmas Tree lighting, tentatively scheduled for the evening of November 25th. The bathrooms will be operable and the Roan Mountain Citizens Club, who sponsors the Christmas Tree lighting every year, will hand out hot chocolate from the kitchen once again.
***
Heather Cloyd Osburn shared a story about Nathan and Emily Purcell (photo pictured at start of article). They moved here from New York with their five children and quickly became part of our community. Their house was badly damaged in the flood, but neighbors and others in the community stepped up quickly to help them. When Heather shared their story on Let’s Talk Roan Mountain’s Facebook page, multiple members commented about what a sweet family they are and how loved they have become here. Both of their mothers also commented.
“This is my daughter and son-in-law’s home, along with their five children. I can never begin to thank the community and everyone involved in helping them. It is overwhelming the support, kindness and help they have received. This community and area should be proud!” from Dennis Brigham, mother of Emily.
“This community has been such a blessing to my son, Nathan, and his precious wife Emily. Because of you all, they and their precious children will get their home and life back together. Thank you.” From Barb Purcell, Nathan’s mother.
***
Rob Duggar and several friends and coworkers were working to clear a downed tree and other debris behind his house when a man and his son from out of the area showed up in a pick-up truck pulling a skid steer on a trailer. The man said he’d been to Erwin to help but had been turned away as they were still doing body
These kids weren't afraid to get dirty! Top, Unaka girls basketball team. Bottom, young adults from Colonial Heights Christian Church. Photos by Tom Niziol
recovery; he asked if Rob would allow them to help. He and his son helped for several hours and when the job was finished, wouldn’t accept a penny in payment, not even fuel for his skid steer. He told Rob they’d come to help and wasn’t going to accept anything in return. Rob’s place of employment and coworkers went above and beyond too. They not only gave him time off work to get his house fixed to a livable state, but also showed up to help on multiple occasions, brought/ prepared meals, and brought groceries and other needed items. Rob and Kristi were in awe of the steady support and help they were given.
Dollar General was one of the few businesses to still have power the day of the storm and in the days immediately afterwards, due to its proximity to the nursing home. Roberta Whitehead kept the store open, allowed us to use the bathroom, and worked overtime to keep shelves stocked. I heard from several people that she was there until midnight several nights and in early each morning. As if that weren't enough, I ran into her on her day off later that week and she was delivering supplies to people who were still cut off. Thank you and God bless you, Roberta.
Area restaurants stepped up by doing what they do best: feeding people. And often at discounted rates or no charge at all.
“I can’t even count how much money has been contributed to our ‘Pay it Forward’ program. When our power was restored and we were finally able to reopen, so many people gave and told me to pay for meals for anyone who needed it,” said Tammy Hoag of H & H Whiteway Grill. “It’s just warmed my heart to see people being so good to each other during a time like this.” Whiteway also gave 50% off all meals to first responders, linemen, and many volunteers, as well as hosting a community meal at no charge to anyone. They’ve also collected supplies and distributed them to families in need and to donation centers here in town. They are still collecting winter wear for children and adults.
Americano Steak House & Wine Bar hosted four community meals. “We fed anywhere from 500 to 700 people each time,” said owner Troy Boane. They also provided “surprise” meals, in which volunteers, linemen, and others who were obviously working at recovery efforts, came in to eat and discovered they didn’t have a bill at the end of their meal.
Other restaurants in the community also provided discounted rates or comped checks and we apologize profusely for not mentioning you by name – it was a shortage of time, not oversight – and we thank all of you for your generosity. We’ve also seen many folks eating out locally more than they otherwise might in an effort to support local restaurants. Support comes full circle.
Our churches were amazing and now, at print time six weeks later, they continue to provide. They’ve served as donation distribution centers, they’ve sought out donations of much needed items, they’ve provided shelter for anyone in need, as well as out-oftown volunteers and others here to help, they’ve fed us, prayed for us and with us, they’ve offered peace, comfort and aide. They’ve demonstrated that a church is so much more than a building – it’s the people who embody Christian compassion and love when it’s needed most. We would have quite literally been lost without you. First Baptist Church Roan Mountain and Lower Shell Creek Christian Church led the charge and it was taken up quickly by others. God bless you all.
United Way volunteer and Kingsport resident Christy Rogers was in Roan Mountain helping with recovery efforts with her husband when she found a mud-drenched handmade quilt. It might have been another small miracle that Christy also happens to be a quilter. She was able to clean the quilt and on October 5, posted a photo of it on the Let's Talk Roan Mountain Facebook page asking if anyone recognized it.
That post led to Christy returning the quilt to owner Betty Barnett (pictured below on left, Christy on right), as well as a family portrait. She shard this photo of the return on October 18, along with prayers for our community.
A young woman in Ohio, named Taylor, saw a video on social media about what was happening here in Roan Mountain and couldn’t get it out of her head. So she took time off work, loaded up her tools, and drove down. My neighbors and I met her when she came to help work on Rick and Kathi Heaton’s house and we all took to her straight away. She was a hard worker, not afraid to get dirty, friendly, polite, funny, and obviously compassionate. When we met her, she’d been here three weeks, sleeping in her truck at the Lower Shell Creek Christian Church parking lot. We got to know her during her last week here and were impressed with her eagerness to help and her selflessness. Not to mention her courage – to come alone to a strange place,
as a woman, and at the age of only 22, solely to be of help to others was both brave and kind. Taylor fell in love with our little community and we look forward to welcoming her back!
***
There are countless other stories and so many deserving thanks. All the linemen who worked tirelessly until we all finally had power restored. The “Roan Mountain Strong” and “Appalachian Strong” fundraisers, the Christmas toy drives, the groups who showed up from out of the area, such as Texans on Mission and the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief organizations to provide help.
Jessica Ledford Street and her family worked hard to match up people in need of help with people who had equipment, and far more. She's a powerhouse and we're lucky to have her.
All those who found photos and other items in the debris and went to great lengths to return them.
The Summers-Taylor fuel deliveryman who sat behind downed power lines for several hours waiting to get through and deliver much-needed diesel to the fire department.
Les Roberson, Melvin Johnson, and other equipment operators who showed up to clear roads, help load or remove debris, repair driveways, and move dirt.
Cloudland high school students who volunteered in the community.
A man named Eric who repaired Jess Jarret Road, allowing residents to get in and out.
Pamela Bernardo who looked up resources, made copies and put them up around town so people could find help they needed, and everyone who shared useful information on Facebook.
Missy Ensor's grandson Odon, who set up a toy drive in the days after the flood to collect toys for kids who lost theirs.
Everyone who tracked down people whose family members couldn't reach them, easing minds.
Everyone who offered up things others needed, expecting nothing in return.
Friends, family, and complete strangers from across the country who sent supplies, came to help, donated funds, or simply prayed for us. Farmers across the country who sent feed, hay, fencing materials and more to help our farmers recover.
The list goes on far longer than we have space and we sincerely apologize for any we left out. You are appreciated more than words can express.
One thing is crystal clear: this community, our community, in spite of being impacted by the worst disaster in recent memory, rose to the challenge with kindness, compassion, grace, and sheer effort. We took a hit, but we remain Roan Mountain Strong.
This note was taped to a package of donated supplies that ended up at Bristol Motor Speedway. Maarja Fox snapped a photo of it and shared it on Facebook.
A huge thank you to Mountain Electric linemen and personnel, as well as linemen from other cooperatives, who got us back on. We love you!
Recovery Resources: Local Churches
Compiled by Diana Tolley
"Once in a lifetime.”
“Unparalleled.”
“One for the books.”
These are some of the phrases we have heard from folks all over the upper East Tennessee/Western North Carolina region. In the early morning hours of September 27th, our town, like so many others, was battered by a catastrophic storm by the name of Helene. The winds and the rapidly rising waters in area rivers and creeks wreaked havoc on homes, vehicles, churches, businesses. And lives.
We could most assuredly have focus on the devastation that the tropical storm left in its wake. And we absolutely could have looked around us at the rerouted waterways, mangled trees, eroded land and fractured homes, and wallowed in the loss and heartache of changes that could never have been imagined. But the people of this Roan Mountain community are not doing that. We come from a long line of strong, resilient, and hardy stock, who aren’t afraid to pick up, push on and move forward in life.
I have witnessed both blessings and curses, smiles and tears, gratitude and anger during these last few weeks. But what has made the biggest impact, has been watching neighbors, friends and strangers from all over come to help, to give, to work, organize, utilize, solve all manner of difficulties and just plain DO for those around them in need.
People can say what they will, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty? Folks helping folks is what makes us human, makes us grateful and encourages us all to be better than we were yesterday.
This storm may have kicked us in the teeth, certainly brought many of us to our knees. But it will not overcome us.
We are strong.
We are not alone.
And, with the help of the good Lord, we will make it through this together.
First Baptist, Roan Mountain
8498 Highway 19-E
Pastor: Geren Street
Open Mon. – Sat. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for supplies,
Items available:
• Nonperishable foods
• Cleaning supplies
• First aide/over the counter medications.
Lower Shell Creek Christian Church
8726 Highway 19-E
Pastor: Gerald Holly Associate Pastor: Scott Morgan
Open Mon. – Sat. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for supplies and a hot meal. (Meal only on Sundays, after church.)
Items available:
• Nonperishable foods
• Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, sheets, etc.
• Cold weather apparel (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots)
• Personal hygiene
• Cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes and liquids, paper towels, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bleach, etc)
• Sleeping space for out-of-town workers and those with no heat source
• Clothes, shoes and other apparel
This church is a base camp for companies to ship in fire department needs (trucks, equipment, fire-protection apparel) for all communities.
Coordinators will search for large appliances such as chest freezers, fridges, stoves, heaters, etc.
Animal/livestock feed thru UT Extension, Agricultural Law Enforcement, Hay. Contact Jessica Street at LSCCC
Roan Mountain Church of God
108 Smith Road
Pastor: Joshua Kodak
Call the church: 423-481-1461, or message the church on their Facebook page: Roan Mountain Church of God, for general supplies.
Roan Mountain Holiness Church
504 Durward Julian Drive
Pastors: Don Julian, Noah Blair
Mon. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tues. & Thurs. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Items available:
• Adult clothes
• Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, wipes
• Water
• Cleaning supplies
• Some nonperishable food
• Health and beauty supplies
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Feminine products
• Adult hygiene products
• Bedding
• A few tarps, gloves and flashlights
• Ostomy supplies
Agencies & Organizations
There are many state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations that provide assistance for individuals and businesses after a declared disaster like Hurricane Helene occurs. I encourage everyone who suffered loss of or damage to their home (owned or rented) and/or property to explore these opportunities and apply for assistance to fix, rebuild, or find temporary housing. There are also some programs that will help restore other aspects of your life like food, loss of salary/employment, medical devices and prescriptions, business losses, etc.
Most of the disaster assistance programs provide financial support that you are not required to pay back. There are also a few programs that are low-interest loan programs, and these do require repayment over time.
The resources identified below focus on food, employment, housing and shelter, and businessrelated assistance opportunities.
FOOD
• D-SNAP Food Relief (TN DHS)
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), also known as disaster food stamps, helps you pay for food even if you do not normally receive or qualify for food assistance through SNAP benefits. For information about eligibility and how to apply: www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/ tdhs-disaster-emergency-assistance.html
Face-to-face assistance is available in the Multi-Agency Resource Center located in 1749 Hwy. 19E, Elizabethton. They are open Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
• Pet Food
The Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter are providing pet food for pet owners whose home or job has been affected by the hurricane. They are open Monday – Friday 10 am – 12 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm. They are located at 131 Sycamore Shoals, Drive, Elizabethton.
EMPLOYMENT
• Disaster Unemployment (TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development)
Any individual whose job is impacted by a major disaster should apply for benefits through Tennessee’s unemployment program, regardless of if the federal government has approved Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) yet. For information about how to apply: www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment/disasterunemployment.html
Compiled by Pamela Bernardo
HOUSING AND SHELTER
• Individuals and Households Program (IHP) (FEMA)
This program provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.
To learn more and apply: disasterassistance.gov, call (800) 621-3362, or download the FEMA mobile app. You should also visit the TN specific page here: www. fema.gov/disaster/4832 to see other disaster resources available.
BUSINESS and AGRICULTURE
• Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (USDA, Farm Service Agency)
The ELAP program provides financial assistance for livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish losses – such as death, feed, grazing, and associated transportation costs – due to disease and certain adverse weather events or loss conditions. This program addresses losses not covered by other USDA disaster assistance programs. For information about eligibility and how to apply: www.bit.ly/livestock_bees
• A.H.E.A.D. Small Business Flood Recovery Relief
The Appalachian Highlands Economic Aid Directory provides support to small businesses and sole proprietorships in the arts/entertainment/recreation, accommodation and food services, retail trade, and manufacturing sectors.
You are eligible to apply for funding from the Flood Local Business Recovery Fund if you are an existing business whose operations have been severely impacted by the September 2024 flood. For information about how to apply: www.bit.ly/ AppHighlands_AHEAD
OTHER
• Emergency Cash Assistance (TN Department of Health and Human Services)
Qualifying families (with children) who live or work in Tennessee counties affected by Hurricane Helene can receive one-time emergency cash assistance. For eligibility information and to apply: www.tn.gov/ humanservices/for-families/tdhs-disaster-emergencyassistance.html
Emergency Preparedness Tips
By Amy Campbell Clark
Many of us were caught off guard when Hurricane Helene caused major flooding in our community – even those of us who normally attempt to be ready for anything. We all have busy lives and there’s only so much we can fit into any given day, so often things that aren’t critical at the moment are put off. Making time for some basic preparations can help make the recovery process less painful for any future disaster event. It’s far better to be prepared and nothing happens, than the worst happens and you’re not ready.
Insurance
If you rent, look into renter’s insurance now. The monthly payments are usually less than $30 and will cover replacement of the contents of your home, any outbuildings, and even off-site storage units (up to the value of your policy). In addition, most policies will also cover costs to stay elsewhere if your home is uninhabitable. Be sure you understand what your deductible is and the levels of coverage. If you have homeowners and/or flood insurance, be sure you understand your policy. There’s a catch-22 between flood and property insurance. Flood insurance only covers the primary residence, and 10% of the value of any outbuildings. Your property insurance won’t cover anything flood related at all, which means unless you specifically purchase insurance for outbuildings (sheds, barns, detached garages), and insurance for vehicles, equipment, and other contents, it’s unlikely
all of your losses will be covered. Do an inventory of your home. Take photos of all valuable items (to include a photo of the brand and model number), both inside and outside your home. Take additional photos of each room to capture all furniture, inside closets and cabinets, and do the same in your garage and outbuildings. When you buy new items throughout the year, add photos of it to your inventory. Many insurance companies will ask you to itemize your losses – item, brand, purchase price (or replacement value), model number, condition, and where it was located. You can save yourself a lot of time and headache later by having all this information written down. Save all receipts for large purchases.
And remember, prior to filing a claim, get estimates for all repair work, even if you plan to do the repairs yourself.
Cash
How’d that “cashless society” concept work out for us when there was no power or internet for days? ATM machines require power and internet service, as do cash registers and credit card processing machines in most businesses. Begin building an emergency cash supply now, even if you can only put aside a few dollars a week. It’s best to have bills no larger than a twenty. Waiting until a disaster is predicted or has begun isn’t advisable as ATM machines may run out of money quickly and businesses may be unable to do cash-back on purchases.
Water
It’s never advisable to drink tap water during or immediately after a flood until advised by the water department that it’s safe to do so, or, if you have a well, until you’ve been able to test the water for contaminants. Keep a supply of drinking water on hand for household members and pets, and additional water for hand washing, keeping yourself clean, and washing dishes. Save empty 2-liter bottles to fill with safe water prior to the event. Clean and sanitize them thoroughly prior to filling (especially if using milk jugs). Plan for one gallon of drinking water per person, per day, for a minimum of three days (preferably a week), with additional water for hygiene needs. In addition, as our water supply comes from a reservoir; PLEASE do not use water for non-essential clean-up (such as pressure washing driveways, etc.) until you have made certain there are no water use restrictions in effect.
Many people lost everything in their refrigerators and freezers, either due to flood water or the power outage. Keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand at all times. Carefully consider what you stock:
• Purchased canned foods will require a manual can opener, so make sure you have one.
• Rice, pasta and beans all require water to prepare.
• Pork and bone-in chicken require much longer cooking times than beef or boneless meat – do you have enough charcoal or propane?
• Do you have pans that can be used on the grill (stainless or cast iron without wood or plastic handles)?
• Only stock things you’ll actually eat. The canned “meat” that rhymes with ham was a staple in our house when I was a kid and I can’t stand the stuff, so I’d have to be pretty close to starving before I’d eat it now. Instead, I keep a stock of canned chicken, salmon, and home-canned meats, as well as beef jerky, plus canned soups, beans, chili and vegetables.
• Keep some comfort foods on hand as well. During a disaster event, food is often the highlight of your day. Be sure to check expiration dates on your stored food quarterly and cycle through it to prevent waste (another good reason to stock things you’ll actually eat). It also helps to have a supply of disposable plates, cups, bowls and utensils to avoid washing dishes. This is important if the water supply is contaminated or if there are usage restrictions. Not to mention saving time. You can save the planet after the disaster.
Other Supplies
Create an emergency kit for your home. Water, food, prescription meds, and cash are the most critical items, but it helps to have a fully stocked kit with other useful items as well. Tall muck boots, work gloves, waterproof gloves (or surgical gloves worn under your work gloves can do in a pinch), unscented bleach for sanitizing, hand sanitizer, wipes and hand soap, a first aid kit, a flat-head shovel, good flashlights with extra batteries (a headlamp is extremely useful as well), camping lanterns, charcoal/ propane for your grill and a lighter, a camp stove with propane bottles is cheap and efficient (but don’t use it inside or in poorly ventilated areas), a fire extinguisher, paper towels, old towels/rags, an extra phone charger, and a small toolbox with basic hand tools. Seasonal
items could include a box fan, sunscreen, lip balm, hand warmers, a space heater, and clothing suited for the weather that you don’t mind getting ruined during clean-up. If you have a generator or can purchase one, be sure to have fuel cans, fuel, oil, and oil filters on hand, as well as heavy duty outdoor extension cords and inside cords.
Store things you don’t use regularly in plastic storage tubs. For things you use and maybe can’t afford to duplicate, at least know where they are and be prepared to grab them and put them in the tubs quickly. It helps to put a checklist in each tub that you can work from so you don’t forget anything.
Health Concerns
If you require electricity to power a life-saving device and there’s the potential for an extended power outage, you should be prepared to leave (sooner rather than later, and take the device with you). If you have a generator, make sure you have enough fuel (and oil) for an extended period of time.
Make sure you have enough medications to get you through at least two weeks. Keeping your tetanus and hepatitis shots current is critical, especially in flood areas. The last thing you need in the event of an emergency is to try to deal with health needs on top of everything else.
It's also a good idea to keep a first aid kit on hand in case of minor injuries.
Important Documents
Storing your important papers on the Cloud won’t help you if you lose cell/internet service. Print or make copies of important paperwork (store in a three-ring binder) and put it in one of your storage tubs. Do still store digital copies in a safe location, but a print copy could prove critical. This might include: mortgage/lease and vehicle documentation, deeds, all insurance policies (property, vehicle, health, life), your home inventory, pet shot records, your own medical records (including contact info for doctors), recent bank statements or at least your routing and account numbers, contact information for utility companies, living will, the manual for your generator, and a general information page with important phone numbers, drivers license/ passport numbers, and contacts outside the area.
Pets
Have carriers or crates for all pets for easy transport. You can usually find them cheap on Amazon. Do your best to keep pets calm with treats, attention, and make sure you give them food and fresh water regularly throughout the disaster. A storage tub to hold food, bowls, meds, a favorite toy or two, towels, litter, and other supplies is helpful. Make sure to keep their chip information updated with your phone number, emergency contact, and vet information. If there’s any chance you might not be able to take your pets with you in an evacuation, make plans in advance with friends or family to take them.
Evacuation Plan
If there’s any possibility at all that you might have to evacuate, have a plan in place ahead of time and be prepared to put it into action quickly. Where will you go? How will you get there? Can you get there? Plan multiple routes in case of road/ bridge closures. When will you go? What will you take with you? Let your neighbors and someone outside the area know where you’re going.
Know how to shut off gas, water, and any breakers that need to be switched off. Make sure there’s room in your vehicle for what you plan to take (to include your pets). If the potential disaster is flooding, move valuable or irreplaceable items up high on counters or the tops of closets to minimize loss. (Family photos/heirlooms, firearms, etc.) Charge all devices, lanterns, and rechargeable batteries ahead of time. Fill water containers. Fill bathtubs with water for flushing (shower first). Move boats, extra vehicles, and equipment to high ground if possible. Fill a small cooler with drinks and snacks for immediate use. Eat something. Go. Don’t wait to see if things will get better.
Sheltering in Place
If there's any potential for your home to be impacted by flooding, fire or other event, or the roads/ bridges leading to your home to be impacted, do not stay. You could be trapped, emergency services will be suspended and you’ll be on your own, without help.
If you have serious health concerns, mobility issues, no transportation, or other issues that might prevent you from leaving, make arrangements in advance with family, friends, or neighbors to help you get out.
If you have no alternative but to shelter in place, still do everything listed in the evacuation plan section to minimize loss, and let someone know you've stayed put.
Communication
How will you contact family and friends outside the area if cell/internet service is out? Consider having one contact who knows how to reach everyone else. Have their number written down on a card in your wallet, along with your name, that you can hand to someone from outside the area (such as a volunteer) and ask them to call that person to let them know you're OK.
Satellite systems are great, but can be costly. Twoway radios will work for local information sharing.
Other emergencies
Flash flooding is a given in our area, but we should all also be prepared for wildfires, tornadoes (rare but possible), severe winter weather, and earthquakes. While it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, a few practical plans can make life a lot easier on the other side of a disaster, and could save your life.
Roan Mountain Magazine is working on a full-scale emergency preparedness manual that will be available free to all local residents. If you have tips or guidance you’d like to share that worked for you, please send them to us. With any luck, we’ll never need any of it, but better safe than sorry. Be prepared.
Color this picture! Follow the maze to help the turkey get to the pumpkin!
Things I'm thankful for:
Thanksgiving Word Search AMERICA
AUTUMN BLESSINGS
CORNUCOPIA
DRUMSTICK
FAMILY
FEAST
FOOTBALL FUN
HARVEST LEAVES PIE
PUMPKIN
THANKFUL
THANKSGIVING
TURKEY
Change on the Mountain
A Short Story by Diana Tolley
He sat on the porch, sipping from an old, brown, chipped mug as he waited for the sun to rise. The sky was just turning that ripe peach color his mama had always loved when he heard ol’ Chester flap his wings, preparing to crow. That rooster was gettin’ old. You could tell it by the fact he was waking up later and later every day. Or maybe he was just lazy.
Then again, pro’ly not. Everybody knew a lazy rooster made the best dumplin’s. Including Chester.
The man continued to rock a bit as he gazed out and over the ridge. The leaves were beginning to turn and the air had developed a little morning nip over the past couple of days. Autumn usually came quick-like to the east Tennessee mountains but it seemed the older he got, the faster it came. Summers never lasted quite long enough, in his opinion, and winter always seemed to last forever and a day. Fall heralded the coming of those long, cold months and even though he was never quite ready, the
change was necessary to let everything quiet down and rest. That had been his daddy’s philosophy anyway.
Pulling in a deep breath, he filled his lungs with the cool, fresh air that never disappointed. It made him feel young again, like he had more energy than a man his age normally would. Of course, that could be the fact that appreciation for such things came with age. Sad, if he thought about it much. He’d heard it said that ‘youth was wasted on the young,’ but he just wasn’t so sure about the truth of that statement. He’d been blessed all his life and had enjoyed the good things that the Lord had given him, no matter how young or old. He’d been taught respect and appreciation could be found in all forms, in all situations.
Old Marmalade nosed her way through the creaky screen door and stepped out onto the porch. She shook her long, hound dog ears, which flapped loudly in the still of the morning, causing Chester and the hens to startle and run around the house.
A man could wish for better things
thankful for it and let the Lord take care of the rest.“
He sipped the last of his coffee, noticing the dregs left in the bottom of the cup. Moving it from side to side, he remembered some of the tales from his younger days, when his granny used to read coffee grounds in her cup. His papaw never held much faith in such stuff, but granny did. He remembered her drinking the strong, black liquid down to the very last drop then taking her saucer and turning the cup upside down on it. All the kids would flock around her and watch as she slowly lifted the cup and peered down at the unique pattern the grounds made.
He sat back and chuckled at the memory of how she’d looked them each in the eye and told about the old ways and what all you could learn from them. To hear Granny tell it, animal shapes in the grounds could tell you a person’s character. Like, a bird meant a free spirit or somebody who wanted to fly the nest real bad. She always made it sound like a pretty good thing and he remembered Shelby Jean, his lil’ sister, gettin’ all
starry eyed at the thought of flying.
A cat represented a sneaky, independent streak, and everybody’d had to watch out for that. It used to scare the bug juice out of the young folk, because they all distinctly remembered his cousin Thadeus. Thad had been born sneaky and had gotten himself thrown in jail once or twice. The fact he’d complained about how bad the food was for months after he got out made them all determined never to be sneaky. Especially when it came to moonshinin’.
He sat rocking as the memories continued. Granny had sometimes taken a closer look at the saucer and raised her eyebrows, which in turn made all the young’uns inhale deeply then hold their breath. Circles, she would explain, meant family and that the importance of it led to happiness. Lines, which we saw more often than not, indicated a clear path if they were straight, or a hard, unpredictable time in life if they were jagged. It was agreed all ‘round, nobody wanted to see any zigzags in Granny’s saucer.
Symbols were special and rarely seen, but the old woman told us each symbol could be nature’s way of telling an event, like a weddin’ or a birthin’. Those were pretty exciting to think about, cause Granny was old and what she said could be taken to the bank. And if she didn’t know somethin’, it wasn’t worth knowin’. That was the God’s honest truth of the matter.
Chuckling to himself, the man tossed his coffee dregs out in the yard and watched the chickens scramble toward them. He reckoned the old ways were still the best ways when it came down to it. Even if his papaw had always shook his head at what he called foolishness, the truth in Granny’s words still rang in his head, even after all these years.
Standing, he stretched his long arms up and over his head. Definitely more crackles and pops than
there’d been back in his youth, but that was okay. Time moved on for them all, he thought, including the critters. The important thing was how a body spent his allotted years and how he treated others along the way. Taking another deep breath and casting one last look out toward the changing colors on the mountain, he headed down the steps. A slower pace was his, now days. He didn’t move as fast or climb to the top of the barn loft as well as he used to. But that was okay as well. Chores had to be done and his critters were waitin’ on breakfast.
Just as the sun broke over the treetops to cast its muted warmth across the ridge, the old man lifted his face to it, and soaked up the sounds of nature’s awakening. “Yep,” he murmured to the dog trottin’ along beside him. “Fall’s here, Marmalade. We’ve been blessed with another changin’ of the season. Whatcha think ‘bout that?”
The old girl “woofed” once in agreement, and as her friend bent down to give her head a scratch, she gave him an ole’ hound dog grin. They were together and that was just fine by her.
THE LAST WORD
Our Unified Goal: Help
By Noah Blair
Ipray that everyone who reads these words is safe, warm, and dry. If you have any needs, please reach out to me, any of the donation sites, or anyone here at the magazine, and we will make sure your family has what it needs.
The last month has been life-changing for all who live in the Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina communities. Many have tragically lost their lives. Many more have lost their homes, and all have suffered some kind of loss. We lost major infrastructure, businesses, and places of worship throughout this region we call home. Government aid and state assistance have slowly made their way to our small town, but many of our citizens’ needs are larger than the assistance and aid that are available. Times like these require both physical and mental toughness, the ability to self-sustain, elevated resourcefulness, and plain old-fashioned grit. I cannot think of more qualified people than those who call these mountains home.
Living in the Appalachian Mountains hasn’t always been easy. Being secluded from the rest of society, these mountains provide protection, but it comes at a cost. The cost is paid with sweat on the brow and calluses on the hands. Living in the mountains requires working yearround to keep one’s family safe and provided for. There is no off-season for us “hillbillies.” Spring means time to plant and clean up winter’s remnants. Summer brings long days in the fields tending to crops and hay, and rushing to get all of the projects completed before cold weather inevitably comes back. Fall is time to harvest the year’s efforts and to store up supplies for winter. And then Old Man Winter comes along and settles back down on the mountains with blankets of snow and ice. This rigid schedule and the need to stay prepared is what allows us to overcome and adapt when disaster and hardship strikes. Immediately after the storm, the
hum of generators, rumble of tractors, and the roar of chainsaws were louder than the raging waters still receding. There was no hesitation in the actions of those who drove over the broken and missing roads, who cut or climbed their way through down trees and power lines to go check on their families and neighbors.
There was no discussion on whether or not the local churches would open up their doors to the community. There was only one unified goal: to help. We all knew it was going to rest on our shoulders as a community to rebuild our town. And that was OK because that’s what this community has always done.
There are negative narratives from outsiders about those of us who call these mountains home. Some negatives include our being uneducated, uncultured, and maybe a little backwards. While there might be an argument to be made about myself being a little weird, I will take the “uneducated” farmer on his tractor burning his fuel to dig his neighbor out of the debris. I’ll take the “uncultured” woman voluntarily spending all her time at the local church cooking hot meals and making supply boxes for those in need. And I will take all the “weird” that we have in our little town because whether your family has lived here for generations or you moved here two months ago, it has taken all of us to rebuild our town to where we are now and it will take all of us to finish the job.
I’m proud to be a “weird” Appalachian and I hope that you are too.
Even the youngest among us lent helping hands! Young Hudson Mathes, toting a bag of chicken feed that probably weights more than he does! (Lower Shell Creek Christian Church)
Photo by Jessica Ledford Street
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