One year ago, Hurricane Helene struck both my home state of Florida and my new home in North Carolina…leaving a lasting impact. In Cedar Key, I met a woman whose home had been devastated, yet she radiated generosity and gratitude. Her endless optimism was a powerful reminder of the strength and kindness within these communities.

When I arrived in Western North Carolina, I saw that same spirit reflected everywhere: from clothing and food drives to neighbors helping neighbors in countless ways. The resilience and compassion of individuals truly shone through, and I feel grateful to be part of these remarkable communities.

I also had the opportunity to contribute to News 13’s Helene One Year Later special, producing a segment on why radio remained a lifeline when other communication systems failed. Alongside that, I joined our team’s two-hour live coverage the morning of Helene’s impact, delivering weather updates and sharing stories of resilience across Western North Carolina.

In the aftermath of Helene, I sat down in studio with the River Arts District Board of Directors to talk about RAD Resilience and the Tale of Two Cities art exhibit. The discussion drew parallels between artists in New Orleans after Katrina and what Asheville faces now…underscoring how resilience is built through both infrastructure and community culture.

That same generosity carried over as kids prepared for a new school year. At the Tools for Schools supply drive, I went live with students, families, and partners who ensured every child had what they needed. One of the students I interviewed turned out to be a big fan of our weather team…a reminder of how much local broadcasting provides role models to even the youngest members of our community!

Autumn in the mountains is a special season. I’m loving the fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway! I covered the fall leaves in the area during the month of October, contributing photos of our local foliage and wildlife along with special reports.