Greg O’Hara and Hurricane Helene in Taylor Valley Virginia
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
Taylor Valley, VA (WNN) – In May 2024, Knoxville native Greg O’Hara bought a cabin along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Taylor Valley, Virginia. A quiet little area with breathtaking views that offered a wonderful get away. Hurricane Helene spared his hometown of Knoxville, and he traveled to Virginia to see how his cabin had fared. He knew many areas along the trail had taken a tremendous hit with significant damage. He was apprehensive as he drove the two and ½ hours to his cabin. The area of Taylor Valley had several bridges washed out, and temporary bridges were installed for access. A main water pipeline had burst just 250 feet away from his cabin. Expecting the worst, he felt lucky and blessed to learn his cabin had survived and only taken on water in the mudroom. Neighboring cabin owners did not fare as well.
Cabins Destroyed
Two neighboring cabins sustained substantial damage and were declared structurally unsafe, so they must be demolished. More than a dozen cabins sustained damage. One of the owners had their 1955 cabin totaled and had no flood insurance. The flooding from the hurricane caught everyone by surprise. Families lost everything they owned, including mementos such as photos, letters, etc. Many families had to be rescued by rafts and helicopters from water rescue teams.
Paying It Forward
O’Hara decided to pay his blessings forward and set out on a quest to help his neighbors near his Taylor Valley property and other areas hit by flooding, such as Asheville, NC, and Damascus, VA. During the storm, he had a sister and niece near Greenville, TN, and relatives along the Nolichucky River. He first went to help them. It took government agencies about a week to access the area while families helped other families. Greg took much-needed supplies and water. As much as the outpouring of help inspired him, he was saddened to see some looting. Unfortunately, some people use the distraction of natural disasters to help themselves to the unguarded belongings of others.
The Chainsaw Guys
Back in Taylor Valley, several Baptist volunteer groups helped tear out sheetrock. They were returning this week to install new sheetrock and flooring. Some of the groups had been scheduled to assist in North Carolina, but due to limited access, their efforts were redirected to the Valley. While helping clear debris, he met three guys, a three-man chainsaw crew. These guys, Josh, Mike, and Matt, along with the help of two locals with tractors, helped clear debris free of charge. Greg joined forces with them to remove 20 tons of debris from the home of an elderly couple.
The trio had been sleeping in a tent; Greg offered them the use of his cabin so they could stay in a heated area with electricity. They also used this as their headquarters. In return, they cleaned out the mudroom. The generosity of the use of the cabin blew them away. This small gesture helped them to be able to stay rested and ready to face the challenges of each day. Initially, they had planned to stay for a few days, but the use of the cabin allowed them to extend their stay and help for a week. Pictures of the chainsaw guys below by Greg O’Hara.
Treasures In The Debris
The amount of trees and debris in creeks was mind-blowing. Much came from bridges that were swept away. Much of the debris also came to rest on houses. One house they had to remove massive amounts of trees and bridge debris to gain access to the flooded basement. The owner was in his 70s, and his wife was in the hospital, so the help was much appreciated and needed. O’Hara helped his neighbor, Heather, recover some of her family items that belonged to her mother and grandfather.
Two walls of her cabin had been blown out, and many of her belongings had washed downstream. It was very rewarding to help her recover these items. She smiled as the items brought back fond memories. This was one of the most memorable events of his time helping in Taylor Valley. Some things can be replaced, but some passed down through generations can never be replaced. Family photos and keepsakes are valued and treasured that are priceless. He did learn an important lesson when he returned to look for more belongings in the stream.
A lady who did not recognize him challenged him and asked why he was there. She was afraid he was helping himself with someone’s lost items. He explained he lived nearby and was helping to clean and recover any lost items he could salvage. This reminded him to be respectful and to make his intentions known.
Destruction
Damascus, not far from Taylor Valley, was hit very hard with damage from flooding. 18 bridges were destroyed on their side of the Virginia Creeper Trail, and the downtown area was covered in 2-3 feet of flood water. Governor Youngkin and Town Manager Chris Bell stepped in quickly to begin recovery efforts. Many neighboring communities rushed to lend a hand, but there was still much left to do. His assistance here was again delivering water and helping clear debris.
Companies Help
O’hara has made several trips to Asheville, NC, to assist employees of Cinemark Theaters. He is a manager of Knoxville Cinemark and wanted to help employees of their sister theater in Asheville. He was able to take a full truckload of employees and company-donated supplies that included water, toilet paper, paper towels, toys, tools, cleaning supplies, and clothing. They were able to assist the 50 Asheville employees.
They met a couple who worked for the cleaning crew: Mary and Alexander. Mary and Alexander had lost everything they owned except the clothes on their back when a tree fell and destroyed their rental. They had been living out of their car since the flood. Sadly, they also learned that Alexander’s brother had been swept away in the water, and his body had not recovered. The janitorial supplier made a sizable donation, and Greg met up with another Cinemark general manager from Gatlinburg and made a return trip to Asheville last week. They delivered supplies donated by the company and janitorial supplier. Mary cried when she received the generous donation from the supply company. She and her husband had lost everything, and this outpouring was overwhelming to her.
Helping Others
Greg O’Hara has set an example for each of us. The flood did not directly affect him, yet many of his neighbors and coworkers were. He used his time and resources to help others who had not been as blessed as he had been. There are many others like him; it is wonderful to see someone willing to help others. So many areas have been hit hard. Much help is needed and will be for a long time.
Remember, volunteers need to be vetted, and skilled workers are in high demand. If you plan to volunteer, contact local coordinators in your area who will match your skill sets with areas needing these skills. If you volunteer in any of these areas, remember that people have lost everything, and although they need help rebuilding physical things, such as homes, they also need someone willing to listen to their stories. The physical work is important, yet the willingness to spare a few minutes to listen can go a long way in their emotional and mental recovery as well.
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