From one “Apple Valley” to another: RI students help flood-ravaged NC village

SMITHFIELD, RI ― On September 27, Hurricane Helene unleashed flood waters that exploded in the mountains of western North Carolinadestroying entire buildings, carrying away the debris, and wiping out a large chunk of the small village of Chimney Rock.

“It looked like a huge bulldozer blade went through the gorge and almost reshaped the town,” Chimney Rock Mayor Peter G. O’Leary told the Globe on Friday. “Whole buildings have disappeared. The earth is gone. It was quite devastating. We’re still closed – 100 percent business. We’ve been knocked down, but we’re trying to get back on our feet.”

And now, high school students from Smithfield’s “Apple Valley” section are helping residents of that “Apple Valley” section of western North Carolina get back on their feet by raising money, gathering supplies and sending messages of support. Although the words “Apple Valley” do not appear on maps of those areas, both regions are known for their apple orchards, and some local businesses bear the name “Apple Valley.”

Smithfield High School National Honor Society students launched the initiative after asking their teachers what they could do to help those affected by the hurricane. They did research and focused on the Chimney Rock area after seeing the damage there.

They organized a three-phase campaign that included fundraising, donated items and “social emotional” support. And so far, they’ve raised more than $3,000 and nearly 2,000 items such as medical supplies, clothes, blankets, diapers and snacks. They also wrote cards and video messages offering support that will be sent around Thanksgiving.

On Wednesday evening, students gathered with local officials and supporters at the Smithfield Senior Center.

Sofia Muhtaseb, president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, spoke about the devastation in the Chimney Rock area, saying, “The damage caused by this event will be felt for many years to come. Cities have been left in ruins and lives are changed forever.”

But she said Smithfield students and residents are rallying to help.

“For this initiative, Apple Valley supports Apple Valley,” Muhtaseb said. “We lend a hand and care to a community not so different from our own.”

Hundreds of families have lost their homes and savings, she said.

“They need our support,” Muhtaseb said. “It is our duty, not only as members of the National Honor Society, but as Americans to help those in need.”

Vin Zibelli, a social studies teacher at Smithfield High School, said the initiative offers a unifying message in the wake of a divisive presidential election.

“In a time of political division in our city, in our state and in our country, there are times when people realize that they have to come together and they have to put everything aside and do the right thing and support them those who need it.” Zibelli said. “And the people in the room today were Democrats and Republicans and independents. They have all come together as leaders of our community to lead by example in doing what is right for Apple Valley, North Carolina.”

O’Leary said about 130 year-round residents live in Chimney Rock, a village southeast of Asheville, but thousands of people come to the area daily to see Chimney Rock State Parkwhich is now closed “due to the effects of Hurricane Helene.”

Almost all the villagers were evacuated before the flood, he said, but one woman refused to leave and ended up dying when her house was washed away.

O’Leary said the debris-laden flood waters crashed into the village like a battering ram, destroying a cafe, brewery, clothing store, restaurants, campsites and hotels.

The mayor, who owns Bubba O’Leary’s General Storesaid one of its two buildings had to be torn down due to flood damage, but the store will reopen in the other, newer building.

O’Leary spent Thursday in Washington, DC, meeting with members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation as he and other state and local officials made the case for federal aid for the area.

He said the Smithfield High School students’ initiative symbolizes the support Chimney Rock and other hard-hit areas have received.

“We’re shut down and we’re really down on our backs,” O’Leary said. “But the response is amazing and humbling. It gives us hope and gives us strength to continue and fight.”

Locals appreciate all the support and prayers, he said. “The old Chimney Rock is gone, but the new Chimney Rock – we’ll build it better than ever.”

Zibelli said Official Chimney Rock Village Disaster Relief Fund accepts donations.

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Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at [email protected]. Follow L @FitzProv.