Upper Dublin Lutheran Church (UDLC) in Ambler will be having a one-year anniversary of the Hurricane Ida tornado that struck Upper Dublin Township on Sept. 1, 2021. during Upper Dublin Township’s UD Strong Week.
The tornado and flood that struck Upper Dublin Township left an eight-mile-long path of destruction. Many neighborhoods were in the direct path of the EF-2 tornado that also struck Fort Washington Elementary School, Upper Dublin High School, and the Upper Dublin Township Building. It impacted the entire community as schools and businesses were closed due to flooding, lack of power, and access that was blocked by downed trees and wires.
The church will have a week-long series of events beginning Aug. 28 with a UD Stronger Resources Fair from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in its Fellowship Hall, followed by an outdoor Inter-Faith Service from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. From Aug. 29 to Aug. 31, the Days of Community Action will provide opportunities to create, volunteer, donate, and reflect throughout Upper Dublin. On Sept. 1., there will be a UD Strong Community Walk from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Mental health studies show that the anniversary of a natural disaster is emotionally triggering for many. Adding to this is the fact that several residents have still not returned to their homes or made necessary major repairs,” Traci Clapham, UDLC Commemorative Events Coordinator, said. “The organizations within Upper Dublin Township that had come together last fall met again to organize events that would allow for reflection and acknowledgment of loss and grief, but also to recognize the tremendous community response that followed. The events are intentionally different in nature to allow for residents to select those that are most appropriate for them and their families.”
The commemoration is open to the community and will be held in the church’s outdoor glen, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the service will take place in UDLC’s sanctuary. There will be on-site parking available.
Nearly 20 local and behavioral health organizations and practitioners are scheduled to attend. Children’s wellness activities will include fun art options, an opportunity to (bring a favorite book) read to a therapy dog, family yoga, tween yoga, karate and an open playground.
Five community faith organizations will lead the service, including Temple Sinai, St. Alphonsus Parish, First Presbyterian Church-Ambler, and Willow Grove Baptist Church.
“The resilience and unity that our Upper Dublin community has shown in responding to the tornado this past year has been nothing short of inspiring. We are grateful that we can play a part in this upcoming commemoration,” Rev. Keith Anderson, Pastor, said.
The tornado left an estimated 140 homes uninhabitable and approximately 1,400 dwellings in the township with severe damage in its aftermath. Over the past year, the church, led by a core group of devoted members, community volunteers and donors, were able to accomplish the following:
“We already knew that we lived in a special community before the tornado, but I think we have all been struck by the depth of neighborly care and concern that has poured out across Upper Dublin,” Anderson said.
For more information about UD Strong Week’s events and how to purchase UD Strong gear benefiting local charities, visit upperdublin.net/udstrong. For information on UDLC’s response and how to contribute to the “Assist UD Tornado Recovery Fund,” visit UDLC.org/tornado.
See also:
WATCH: Remnants of Hurricane Ida Wreak Havoc Across North Penn Area
Tornado Watch in Effect for Montgomery County, Surrounding Areas
Photos: Winter Storm Orlena Dumps Upwards of 10 Inches of Snow Across North Penn Area
National Weather Service Announces Winter Storm Watch For Wednesday
Photos: Possible Tornado Causes Damage To Homes, Stores In Montgomery Township
