Resilience in Action: Ashley Galleher, Zionville Ramp Company and the State Line Resource Center STORY BY HARLEY NEFE
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n the wake of Hurricane Helene, the High Country faced unimaginable challenges. Lives were upended, homes destroyed, and landscapes that once inspired awe became unrecognizable. Yet even in the midst of such devastation, stories of hope and resilience emerged—stories embodied by people like Ashley Galleher and the work being done through the Zionville Ramp Company (ZRC) and the State Line Resource Center (SLRC). Galleher has become a symbol of determination and selflessness for many. Her commitment to her community shines in her tireless efforts to support neighbors in need. Her words reflect the exhaustion, heartache, and unyielding resolve felt by those on the frontlines: “There are many moments when I feel like I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel with a toothpick. It’s been 45 days since a hurricane ravaged my community, the homes of my friends and neighbors, our beautiful mountain landscape, and many of our small businesses, and the local economy. Much of the nation has moved on from this once-in-a-lifetime disaster, but we haven’t
forgotten. We’re still here, and we’re not giving up.” Before Hurricane Helene, Zionville Ramp Company was a hub for the skateboarding community, offering lessons, a welcoming space for skaters to practice, and an opportunity to connect with others who shared their passion. The building resonated with the clatter of skateboard wheels and the energy of young and old skaters alike, making it a cornerstone of community recreation and creativity. After the storm, the skatepark underwent a transformation. It pivoted from being a space for skating to a base of operations for disaster relief, offering resources and support to a community in crisis by clearing debris and helping families regain access to their properties. Ashley shared a heartwarming story about a team of volunteers from Nebraska who arrived ready to help. “When all of this seems like a steep uphill climb in the same mud that still surrounds our mountain home some good ole cornand-steak-fed Nebraska boys show up to work their hearts out for an entire week,” she recalled. “They said to me, ‘We wanted to wait until things had settled a bit, and we could be of the most help, but we didn’t forget about y’all.’” Ashley further described, “They mucked out a garage and an outbuilding, tackled tree work, built a footbridge, and did
Zionville Ramp Company on a typical day compared to Zionville Ramp Company as they respond to the community’s needs. Photos submitted. 48
HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE
December 2024