Washington County Long Term Recovery Group Invites
Community to ‘A Day When Reflection Gives Way to Hope’ Event
Residents Encouraged to Gather for Reflection, Memorial Tribute
On First Anniversary of Hurricane Helene
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (Sept. XX, 2025) – On Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Washington County, Tennessee, leaving behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. Torrential rains and catastrophic flooding claimed lives, damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, and caused more than $40 million in residential losses. Thousands of acres of timberland were also wiped out, forever changing the landscape of the community.
Now, one year later, the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) will host “A Day When Reflection Gives Way to Hope” — a night of remembrance, stories and resources. Organized by the group’s Spiritual and Emotional Committee, the event will include dinner, service and memorial tribute on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Farm at Jackson Bridge Venue, 1090 Taylor Bridge Road in Jonesborough.
“This community has endured so much loss in the past year, and yet the strength and resilience of our neighbors continue to inspire us,” said Pastor Joe Pospischil, a member of the Spiritual and Emotional Committee. “We have heard your stories, we have shared in your grief, and we want you to know you are not forgotten. When it feels as if the world has moved on, we want to remind you there is still hope.”
The remembrance will begin at 4 p.m., with recovery resources and information available to attendees. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., followed by a service at 6 p.m. The evening will close with a special memorial tribute honoring those who were lost and those still rebuilding. The event will be held rain or shine.
“Sept. 27 will always remind us of the pain and loss Hurricane Helene brought to Washington County, but it also reminds us of the power of unity,” said Mayor Joe Grandy. “In the face of tragedy, neighbors, churches, businesses and organizations came together to support one another. That spirit of compassion and cooperation is what defines our community, and it will continue to guide us as we rebuild and move forward.”
Pastor Jeremy Dykes, chair of the Spiritual and Emotional Committee, said the invitation extends to the entire community, not only those directly impacted by the flooding.
Attendees are asked to RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/recovery-group. For more information, call 423-791-0494 or visit wcltrg.org.
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About the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group: The Washington County Long Term Recovery Group was designed to support Washington County, Tennessee, residents after flooding from Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, go to https://www.ftdd.org/washington or https://wcltrg.org. You can also find the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group on Facebook.