Category Archives: Hurricane Helene

Echoes of the Forest to Host Unveiling Event for First ‘Echo’ in Asheville’s River Arts District

ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Echoes of the Forest, an Asheville-based 501(c)(3), is thrilled to announce the unveiling of its very first Echo. This is a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to promote community revitalization, environmental restoration, and economic rejuvenation through art. The event will take place at Foundation Woodworks in Asheville’s River Arts District on Thursday, June 12 at 5 p.m. (details below).

The Mountain Man, a Hurricane Helene salvaged walnut tree. Proceeds benefit Echoes of the Forest
Image caption: The Mountain Man, a Hurricane Helene salvaged walnut tree. Proceeds benefit Echoes of the Forest and the winner will be announced on June 12.

Echoes of the Forest was founded to honor the trees lost in our region by transforming them into meaningful works of art. Through the hands of local artists, these salvaged remnants become powerful symbols of renewal—supporting the creative economy and showcasing the resilience of our artistic community. By placing these “Echoes” in areas impacted by natural disasters, the initiative promotes restoration, inspires environmental awareness, and strengthens community connection.

The Echo project represents a powerful blend of art, nature, and resilience, designed to honor the recovery of one of western North Carolina’s hardest-hit regions after Hurricane Helene. This first Echo is a symbol of transformation both for the land and the people who call it home. Created by Chester Shuey of Appalachian Joinery, this masterfully crafted piece is made from an 800-pound piece of Hurricane Helene salvaged white oak. It’s sure to evoke reflection and encourage hope and healing.

“When Liisa first asked me about getting involved with Echoes of the Forest, I knew immediately that this was a special project and one that I couldn’t wait to get on board with. Within a few days, I got my salvaged white oak wood and was ready to get started on my bench. Right away, I knew what I wanted to design. It’s such an honor to be included in a mission that would involve my fellow woodworking community; it just felt like the right thing to do because these trees mean so much and so does our artist revitalization,” said Shuey.

This first Echo is a true testament to the mission of this organization.

“We’re excited to unveil it in the River Arts District at Foundation Woodworks. This area was one of the hardest hit regions post-Hurricane Helene,” said Liisa Andreassen, founder of Echoes of the Forest. “We aim to inspire connection, celebrate community strength with economic revitalization, and highlight the beauty of our natural surroundings.”

EVENT DETAILS:

  • What: Unveiling of the first Echo by Echoes of the Forest
  • When: June 12, 2025; 5 p.m.
  • Where: Foundation Woodworks, 289 Lyman Street (formerly the PLEB) in the River Arts District (RAD).
  • Who Should Attend: Media representatives, residents of western NC, nature enthusiasts, and art lovers

The event will also include an opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind Echoes of the Forest masterpiece crafted by Mike Ayers, an internationally acclaimed chainsaw artist.

Raffle tickets can be purchased here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/echoes-of-the-forest-hurricane-helene-art-raffle.

The raffle piece is crafted from a salvaged walnut tree that was the victim of Helene and depicts a mountain man with leaves swirling about his head with a tear coming down his cheek. Raffle tickets will be available for last-minute purchases and the drawing will take place at an after-party and “Meet the Woodworkers” mingle at the nearby Radical Hotel’s Roof Top Cocktail Bar at 95 Roberts Street.

Attendees will learn about future planned Echo installations in the region and will have the exclusive opportunity to be part of discussions surrounding community resilience and ecological restoration.

ABOUT ECHOES OF THE FOREST

Founded by Liisa Andreassen, Echoes of the Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create a meaningful and artistic education memorial for the fallen trees of Western North Carolina (WNC) in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Its goal is to transform the devastation into a project of hope and revitalization, enlisting local artists and engaging the community while boosting regional tourism.

Learn more about the organization, how it came to be, its artists, and its mission here: https://www.echoesoftheforest.org/

Intro video (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4opTHUf5eE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liisa Andreassen
of Echoes of the Forest
+1-828-273-3096
info@echoesoftheforest.org

https://www.echoesoftheforest.org/our-team

LOGO Link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0512-s2p-echoes-forest-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Echoes of the Forest


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Echoes of the Forest), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/echoes-of-the-forest-to-host-unveiling-event-for-first-echo-in-ashevilles-river-arts-district/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P126111 NOREL-3B

 

Pure Polymer Solutions Employee Runs Critical Supplies to Hurricane Victims in Pinellas

TAMPA BAY, Fla., Oct. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As Hurricane Helene & Milton wreaked havoc across Florida’s Gulf Coast, employees at Pure Polymer Solutions (PPS) took extraordinary action. Nick Strazzulla, a lead water treatment specialist at PPS, requested special permission from the company’s founder, Bob Davis, to use a company boat to deliver emergency supplies and assist in rescue operations in some of the hardest-hit areas, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Barrier Island, and Boca Ciega.

Nick Strazzulla delivering emergency supplies by boat in Tampa Bay
Image caption: Nick Strazzulla delivering emergency supplies by boat in Tampa Bay.

With permission granted and the company supplying fuel, Nick and team spent their time tirelessly volunteering to help neighbors and Pinellas community members in need. Accompanied by two medically trained volunteers – EMT and Marine Haley Crippen, and Army Veteran Trisha Perez – Nick ran multiple rescue missions, providing much-needed aid to residents trapped by floodwaters.

Among the many people Nick and his team assisted was Joe Mestas, who was in urgent need of heart medication before an upcoming surgery. Joe had left Barrier Island to check on his sister’s dog, Taffy, and found himself unable to return home due to impassable roads. Nick’s quick action ensured that Joe received his medication, allowing him to proceed with his surgery.

In addition to delivering essential supplies like food, water, and fuel, Nick and his team performed wellness checks on dozens of stranded residents. They responded to distress signals from an online resource called “Need Rescue Pinellas,” which listed individuals who were trapped, some on their roofs. On one of the missions, Nick and team transported a stranded individual to the hospital.

“When I heard about the storm’s impact, I knew I had to do something,” said Nick. “It wasn’t a part of my job description, but these were my neighbors, my community, and they needed help.”

Nick’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed, though he has remained humble about his efforts. “Nick came to me with the idea; it wasn’t something we asked of him. He wanted to help, and we were more than happy to support him,” said Bob Davis, founder of Pure Polymer Solutions. “But if you ask Nick, he’ll say he didn’t do anything special.”

PPS CEO Mitchell Stocki commended Nick and the team, stating, “It’s actions like these that make our Greater Tampa Bay community great. We’re proud of Nick and the selflessness he displayed, even though he seeks no recognition.”

Nick’s selfless efforts, alongside Haley Crippen and Trisha Perez, are a testament to the spirit of the Tampa Bay community and the company values of Pure Polymer Solutions. The team worked around the clock, saving lives, delivering supplies, and offering hope to those in desperate need.

Pure Polymer Solutions is honored to have employees like Nick who embody the company’s commitment to community, integrity, and service.

To learn more about Pure Polymer Solutions and the work they are doing, visit https://www.purepolymersolutions.com/awards-recognition.

About Pure Polymer Solutions:

Pure Polymer Solutions is a leader in environmental water treatment solutions, specializing in phosphate and nitrate removal. Our mission is to protect the world’s most valuable resource with integrity and provide service to our customers that is unparalleled.

For more information, visit https://www.purepolymersolutions.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media (Google Drive): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zNpiQUZ6yOq-ggX87dE9s4G5X8pXaFB_/view?usp=sharing

Image caption: Nick Strazzulla delivering emergency supplies by boat in Tampa Bay.

NEWS SOURCE: Pure Polymer Solutions


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Pure Polymer Solutions), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/pure-polymer-solutions-employee-runs-critical-supplies-to-hurricane-victims-in-pinellas/

Copr. © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P121527 NOREL-3B

 

Beach Automotive Group Helps Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Efforts in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Oct. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — After Hurricane Helene, Beach Automotive Group is helping aid the many communities across upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. Beach Automotive Group is facilitating a disaster relief initiative to collect essential items and provide support to those affected by the hurricane.

Beach Automotive Group
Image caption: Beach Automotive Group.

Beach Automotive Group is accepting donations of the following items at all four of its Grand Strand locations:

  • Bottled water and gallon jugs of water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Hygiene products
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, disinfectant wipes, etc.)
  • Pet food
  • Batteries

Residents and businesses are encouraged to contribute to the relief effort by dropping off donations at any of these Beach Automotive Group locations:

  • Beach Ford Lincoln, Mazda, Volvo – 851 Jason Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Beach Buick and GMC – 922 Frontage Rd E, Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Beach Chevrolet – 3740 Hwy 9 E, Little River, SC
  • Beach Truck and RV Center – 567 George Bishop Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC

The first delivery of collected supplies is set to leave from Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The donations will be transported to the Appalachian region, providing vital assistance to families and individuals in need.

“We’re committed to supporting our neighbors during this challenging time,” said Cliff Keener, spokesperson for Beach Automotive Group. “The communities in the upstate and western parts of the Carolinas have always been close to our hearts, and we’re honored to do our part in their recovery.”

For more information on how you can contribute, please contact Beach Automotive Group and other local services to get involved. Let’s come together to help those affected by Hurricane Helene rebuild and recover.

About Beach Automotive Group:

Beach Automotive Group has been serving the Grand Strand community for over 20 years, providing top-notch service and a wide range of vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Volvo, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, and more. Committed to community involvement, Beach Automotive Group continually strives to make a positive impact through charitable initiatives. Learn more: https://beachautomotive.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

Logo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0201-s2p-beachauto-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Beach Automotive


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Beach Automotive), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/beach-automotive-group-helps-hurricane-helene-disaster-relief-efforts-in-upstate-south-carolina-and-western-north-carolina/

Copr. © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P121245 NOREL-3B