“We all know that something is eternal. And it ain’t houses and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even the stars”, Thornton Wilder says in his classic American play Our Town, “everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years, and yet you’d be surprised how people are always losing hold of it. There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being.”
Parkway Playhouse’s upcoming production of Our Town is a testament to the special human beings who live here in Burnsville and in WNC. As the area recovers from the Hurricane Helene disaster, this production explores community, resilience, and the wonder of the everyday. Having seen how people came together, the theater put out a call to the community for folks to nominate someone who they thought embodied the spirit of community here in OUR town. Here’s what they said!
Amy Fitzgerald Buchanan: “In the early days after Hurricane Helene, Amy worked effectively and without pause to create a helicopter landing space where there wasn’t room for one. She organized brilliantly and tirelessly, along with her husband Thomas Buchanan, to find and assist those neighbors who could not hike out or be bumped out on ATVs. She used her voice and her power to rescue and to reassure those around her. In the weeks that followed, she didn’t let up in communicating in all directions and in advocating for her community. Many, many people owe her so much, and are not even aware of her labor, day after long day.”
“Amy coordinated all the helicopter rescues at Cattail, and she and Thomas checked on all the houses. She worked tirelessly from Day 1 of the hurricane to get nearly 100 people out of the completely cut-off Cattail Creek Community, where there was no food, no power, and no drinkable water for many days.”
Pana Columbus: “Pana Columbus is an inspiring member of our community. Over the past few years, she has developed THRIVE Appalachia, which engages youth in fun and creative entrepreneurial opportunities in Yancey County and beyond. She is an incredibly enthusiastic person who is always open to the possibilities of new ideas.”
Caryl Cullom: “Carol has turned 90 and is now living in Winston-Salem due to the hurricane. She was a wonderful fundraiser for the Playhouse in the early 2000’s and we grew up as a family going to all of the plays. She misses Burnsville so much, and I know she misses being a part of the Playhouse activities.”
Bruce Chuvala: “Bruce has been my mentor and friend at Parkway Playhouse for 27 wonderful years of theater. When I started at Parkway as a 15-year-old, he was a joy to be around then, and I still relish time spent with him today. He is knowledgeable about all things scenic design and building, tells the most interesting stories about his “former” life, and is the most genuinely kind human I’ve ever known. To know him is to love him.”
Elaine McAlister Dellinger: “Elaine McAlister Dellinger, historian, has written extensively about Yancey County and Lost Cove. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and her family has been here for eight generations. Elaine worked for the Health Department for many years. She creates beautiful historical period clothing and has been a force of good for historical groups in town, including the Center for Pioneer Life. She and her husband, Charles Dellinger, have been wonderful neighbors and friends to all who know them.”
Erica Griffith-Edwards: “Ms. Erica has been in Yancy County all her life. She has worked diligently to help and save the children in Burnsville while being a Social worker and currently working with the Guardian ad Litem program. Erica is a heartfelt professional who cares about Burnsville and Yancey County as a whole. She gave numerous hours helping after the hurricane at her own expense and family time. Erica knows perhaps almost everyone in Burnsville and would give the shirt off her back if they needed it, truly. In my 62 years, I have not met anyone so dedicated to their hometown and child as Erica.”
Ralph Hammond: “If you’re looking for a place to spend the afternoon engaged in a fascinating conversation, look no further than Hammond’s Antiques on West Main Street, where you will find Ralph Hammond, a twinkle-eyed gentleman who carries around a ton of tales to share about almost everything, especially things related to vintage furniture, his years as an ATE agent, or his teaching career. He also may share a few trade secrets about pinochle or poker if you get him on a good day.”
“He embodies community and history; he’s Mr. Burnsville!”
Steve Harrison: “When Hurricane Helene hit, Steve Harrison sprang into action. He cleared culverts and repaired roads all along Blue Grass Lane and White Oak Road. He and his wife, Alicia, checked on the neighbors, and Steve worked tirelessly to clear and repair driveways so that everyone could get going as soon as possible. He took good care of his family, his friends, and his neighbors, all while figuring out how to keep the family business, Heritage Finance, going. Through the years, Steve’s leadership of Heritage Finance has included being supportive of many civic and nonprofit endeavors. His wife, Alicia, homeschools their children, Gracelyn and David. Steve made sure that his mother, Patsy, was safe with her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Randy Sellers, before he turned his attention to keeping the business going through the challenging flood and its aftermath. Steve and Alicia Harrison are true heroes, but they never call any attention to themselves.”
John Hughes and JoJo: “John Hughes plants corn now in a field where he used to hoe tobacco as a youth. His dog, Jojo, is the official greeter for the Center for Pioneer Life, making everyone feel welcome. John has taken many people fishing in the streams and rivers in the area, and he delights in helping people find their own bliss. He has deep roots in this area, and he and his family have attended Shoal Creek Baptist Church for many a year. After the big flood, John was instrumental in organizing a giveaway of more than 200 pumpkins to help children celebrate the turn of the season and a happy Halloween. By hybridization with heritage seeds, he’s created squash and pumpkins no one else ever grew. He was a leader for the interns, Isaiah Waycaster and Katie Duncan, and he enjoys teaching others.”
Jenny Martin: “Jenny is an incredible part of the WNC family. During the hurricane, she personally checked on students and their families, delivered meals, washed laundry, passed out supplies, and selflessly provided for the community. Students from years past often share the impact she had on their lives as a teacher, and her work at Parkway Playhouse is the reason they’re celebrating their 78th season this year.”
Schell McCall: “Schell deserves to be recognized for the months of service she devoted, twice-daily meetings for months after Helene hit. She provided an invaluable contribution to Yancey County in our direst hours of need.”
Mari Ohta: “Mari is a beautiful person, an amazing childhood educator, and a generous member of our community. She instills in young children a love of nature, seasons, music, and generosity through her work at an outdoor nature preschool and at AMY Library’s Play and Learn. After the Hurricane, she quickly reopened her preschool to help provide a sense of normalcy and connection to young children.”
Mark “Bubba” Presnell: “Bubba is a true Yancey County native whose heart has always belonged to this community. A lifelong supporter of the Mountain Heritage Cougars, he is more than just a fan—he is a pillar of support for the team and the town. For nearly 12 years, he owned and operated Bubba’s Good Eats, a beloved local restaurant filled with Mountain Heritage memorabilia that served as a gathering place for friends, families, and fans alike.
But Bubba’s impact extended far beyond serving great food. His restaurant became a place where community and generosity thrived. Every Friday during football season, he made it his mission to feed the entire Mountain Heritage football team, ensuring that no player went without a good meal before taking the field. His dedication to the young people of Yancey County didn’t stop there—he regularly supported school fundraisers, youth sports, and community events, always finding ways to give back.
Though Bubba has since passed the torch of ownership, Bubba’s Good Eats remains a staple in the community, continuing the traditions he built. His legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering love for Yancey County lives on—not just in the restaurant, but in the hearts of those he has helped over the years. Whether cheering on the Cougars from the stands or lending a hand to those in need, Bubba embodies the very best of Yancey County. He is more than deserving to be recognized as one of the Faces of Our Town.”
Sarah and Hannah Presnell: “Sarah and Hannah Presnell are two sisters who’ve come back to Yancey County after college to bring their knowledge home. They love their parents, Bubba and Tamara Presnell, and their beloved Nanny, Jane Presnell. Sarah graduated with a master’s degree from the University College of London, one of the most prestigious universities in the world for museum studies, and came back home to lead the Center for Pioneer Life. Hannah joined the Center after her college career, and in her first month on the job, she increased traffic to the website by 900%. They are brilliant, kind-hearted women, using their incredible skills to bring joy to their community while sharing the historical legacy of the region.”
Our Town kicks off Parkway Playhouse’s 78th Mainstage Season and will be showing May 23rd-June 1st. Directed by Erika Tyner, this moving show explores the simple beauty and profound meaning of everyday life in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, between 1901 and 1913. Through the eyes of the Stage Manager, the play follows the lives of two families, the Webbs and the Gibbs, as they experience birth, marriage, and death. The play’s minimalist staging and focus on the ordinary, rather than the extraordinary, highlight the importance of appreciating the small moments and the connections that bind us together. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.parkwayplayhouse.com/
Parkway Playhouse is a professional theater company located at 202 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville, North Carolina 28714. The oldest continually operating summer theater in North Carolina, they are celebrating their 78th season this year. Parkway Playhouse offers something for everyone including shows, classes, community events, and more! To find out more about Parkway Playhouse, please visit their website at www.parkwayplayhouse.com, or check out their Facebook or Instagram pages.
