Tag: North Carolina

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Urgent Call for Assistance in the Wake of Hurricane Helene’s Devastation on North Carolina

In recent weeks, climate change has wrought untold hardship upon the mountain communities of Western North Carolina. The infamous and powerful Hurricane Helene mercilessly swept through these areas with little warning or respite for those in its path, leaving a trail of destruction that has brought to light both resilience and suffering among local residents.

Volunteers from the organization BonaResponds have been at the forefront since their arrival on-site last weekend—traveling through towns such as Burnsville and Green Mountain bringing hope in a time of despair by providing immediate relief to those affected. Their actions were recognized this morning when Jim Mahar was interviewed Olean area radio station WPIG.

The BonaResponds team has already accomplished significant tasks, including aiding in delivering essential supplies such as food and clothing which had been collected by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany which is highlighted in a news article in the Olean Times Herald.

In addition to these laudable efforts, there remains a critical need for further assistance as winter’s biting chill descends upon mountain towns already burdened by loss. With many homes left without power—a situation predicted to persist through the season—the urgency of support has never been more pronounced nor direly necessary.

In light of this, we extend a heartfelt plea for any form of aid that can bring solace and some semblance back into these communities’ disrupted lives: connectors compatible with propane tanks to keep warmth alive amidst the freezing temperatures have become an essential commodity. There is a pressing need for generators to supply homes in the area with electrical power. Electric generators with a recommended size is 3600 watts of sustained power.

Here’s how you can provide assistance effectively and immediately to BonaResponds:

  • Financial Support – Direct donations are accepted via mail at their onsite address: BonaResponds, St. Bonaventure NY 14778 Alternatively for convenience or anonymity reasons, please consider supporting through PayPal by visiting PositiveRipples website as suggested in the interview with Jim Mahar..

The communities in Western North Carolina have shown tremendous courage in confronting this calamity head-on; they are resilient and hardworking individuals who deserve our assistance. We welcome your help and prayers while assisting them in their need.

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Spring Break

I’ve been on the road this week. I work in public education and one of the frills is these nice breaks we get every spring. I’ve spent mine traveling all over hell’s half acre. I left home early Monday morning headed for Clemson, SC. I got there in fourteen hours, spent the night at a Sleep Inn there. I drove eight-hundred miles only to awake to rain and gray skies. There’s a bit of humor in that for a guy who lives in one of the grayer spots on earth. I did make lemonade with the lemons that day and spent part of the morning and early afternoon trying to visit the campus of Clemson University and the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. They are beautiful and though I had to dodge quite a bit of rain I did get to see some of them.

I  left Clemson Tuesday afternoon and drove toward Charleston and the South Carolina low country. Among other things I wanted to visit Mepkin Abbey at Moncks Corner, SC. I spent the overnight in Summerville, SC at another Sleep Inn and had lunch with some old friends who live in Summerville. It was a treat to meet our friend Michelle and her husband Mac. After lunch at Panera Bread in North Charleston, I made the trip to Mepkin. Having never been to the Abbey I didn’t exactly know what to expect, but I was left without words to describe the beauty and the peace of the surroundings there.  I left Mepkin after spending most of the afternoon there and headed north toward Virginia but exactly where I wasn’t sure. A call to my wife convinced me that I should stop along the way in North Carolina and so I spent the night at a Microtel Inn at Wilson, NC.  Yesterday morning I rose early had breakfast and headed north on Interstate 95. I hadn’t driven but ten miles when I saw a sign for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. I had heard of Hatteras, Nags Head and Kitty Hawk but never been there. I’m glad I made the trip. It’s beautiful there, but yesterday it was extremely windy. Maybe it alway is. I visited Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers Memorial and took the tour and then headed north on US 158 and later NC 168 toward the Virginia border. I connected with Interstate 64 and drove to Williamsburg, VA where I am now. Williamsburg is one of the constants in my life. I started coming here in 1961 with my parents and though I’m here alone this time it is a family favorite yet. My wife couldn’t make the trip and I miss her and the children. Coming here at 56 years young and alone is different, but I still love the flowers and the smells that make Williamsburg a special place in my heart.

I got up early this morning and attended a prayer and meditation meeting at the Parish House of Bruton Parish. I walked from the hotel where I am staying the nearly mile and a half to Bruton. It was a lovely morning for a walk as the sun rose and the birds were flying and singing. It was great to be alive this morning in the quiet peace of early morning in Williamsburg, VA.

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March madness

This weekend I’ve watched more television than I have in a long time. This afternoon I got to watch little Davidson College upset Georgetown. Davidson College like David himself, slew the Goliath Georgetown. I got nothing against Georgetown but this was sweet for those young men from Davidson. I’ve often driven along the interstate near Davidson. There are so many lovely spots in North Carolina.  I wish those young men from Davidson all the best because they showed me once again that all it takes to be successful in life is faith and a dream. Go Davidson!