A combination of faith, food and music allowed a couple with Bridgeport roots to help transform the devastation from the flood that hit Richwood, West Virginia a year ago this weekend.  The day started out as a normal day for Amy Cottrill and Mark Dinaldo in their home in Richwood last June. 

 

“You might think you are prepared, but nothing prepares you for the helplessness you feel during a natural disaster,” said Cottrill, a Richwood native who met Dinaldo when he was performing in Clarksburg in 2011.

 

They listened as the river came out of its banks and realized, for perhaps the first time, how mighty that river could be.  It had always been a source of joy for the couple as they hiked, fished and camped in the national forest that surrounds Richwood.  On June 23, 2016, it also became a source of fear, as they surveyed their beloved city’s damage, noting  how many memories were held in the buildings that were now under water.

 

Cottrill graduated from Richwood in 1999.  Dinaldo graduated from Notre Dame in 1985. Together, they marveled at how the strong loving communities of Bridgeport and Richwood came together in the thick of the disaster.  Since they were not directly affected by the flood, they wanted to use their gifts to help others in any way possible.  It was not long before their offer of help turned into a mission of hope as they began to feed thousands of volunteers and city residents.

 

“The town had already lost its grocery store and then the flood took the Dollar Store, the convenience store and the pharmacy,” said Cottrill.  “Those who depended on Meals on Wheels, the Senior Center and the Food Pantry were suddenly without assistance and many homes were left with no facilities or electricity, limiting food supply for nearly everyone involved.”

 

It was at that point that Cottrill and Dinaldo happened upon a couple who were serving chicken out of their truck. 

 

“We overheard them saying this would be a turning point of everything we did from this moment onward,” said  Cottrill.  “One of them had worked at Muriale’s in Faimont and had a connection for getting food, but no idea how to feed the multitudes of people.  Mark (Dinaldo), who had vast culinary experience in Harrison County and beyond, spoke up and said ‘I know how to feed hundreds of people.’”  That was the beginning of a journey that would demonstrate over and over how God would provide and make this food mission much bigger than anyone could have imagined.

 

The couple are humble and grateful that they could serve the community during such a dire time.  But they are only part of the puzzle, as volunteers from all over the country emerged on the tiny mountain town and became part of their team in the process.  Many of the helpers were from Harrison County.

 

“We were amazed when we heart how generous the people were from Mark’s hometown.  The schools collected school supplies and thousands of dollars for flood relief.  Many people from 

Harrison County travelled down to help with the recovery efforts and soon Muriales was donating food, people were donating money to provide fresh produce, and right when we were running out of staples to cook with, a truck pulled up full of exactly the supplies we needed.  It turned out to be Tony Lucente from Clarksburg, who followed his nudge to help and had perfect timing,” said Cottrill.

 

The first week after the flood hit, Dinaldo and Cottrill worked 10-12 hours a day feeding hot meals to volunteers, first responders, shut-ins, and residents.  When new groups came to town to help out, the couple would host “Get Out of Town” cookouts at North Bend and fellowship with their friends until the next need arose.  The process evolved into a full-time position as the Director of Food Services for Flood Relief for the city, with a distribution center being set up at the armory.  The site had no refrigeration and was operating with grills and coolers until, once again, their needs were provided for just at the right time.

 

“The National Guard heard what we were doing and provided refrigeration,” Cottrill said.  “It was breathtaking to watch Mark work during that time.  He would survey the food donations and come up with meals to feed hundreds each day.  It was amazing to watch.”

 

When the duo needed supplies that had not been donated, they turned to the Facebook page, I Am Richwood.  The network of alumni and local residents in the area were quick to do everything possible to help out.  Volunteers from everywhere took turns working with the culinary team, but none made quite the impression that 10-year-old helper Ayla Marlowe made.

 

“Ayla knew she wanted to be a chef someday, with hopes of living in Paris,” said Cottrill.  “Initially, we thought she could help out but figured her attention span would be limited and she would lose interest.  As it turned out, she had the determination and work ethic to become an integral part of the team, peeling, stirring and setting up desserts and quickly gaining a spot in the hearts of the team.  She was our morale booster when we got tired and frustrated.”

 

As August approached, the town was transitioning into a more self-sufficient state.  Cottrill and Dinaldo’s mission of mass meals ended, but with a combination of culinary and front-of=the-house experience, the couple continues to cater through their company, Silver Spoon Catering.  Most recently, they catered the Governor’s visit last week when the Faith Villas houses were dedicated to families who were displaced in the flood.

 

“As we watch the town continue to recover, we are amazed by the outpouring of support, the hope of the residents, the organization of those who led without pre-planning and the overwhelming love and pride for the town of Richwood,” Cottrill said.  “When we moved to Richwood, we thought it would be temporary, but every time we travel, Mark says, ‘It’s beautiful here, but it’s not Richwood.’”

 

The town nestled into the mountains of Nicholas County is celebrating recovery efforts this weekend.  It’s no surprise that there will be food, music, families and an abundance of faith present as they show the resilience of a community that was founded on those very priorities.