Don’t forget fellow Americans who need help after Hurricane Helene

“The little town that rocks.” – tagline from the Black Mountain, N.C., website

This column is not my usual outreach to you, dear Readers, to assist you in reaching your fitness and nutrition goals. Rather it is a catharsis for me as I am heartbroken and mourning my beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain community and all of the residents affected by the tragic turn of Hurricane Helene.

I was looking forward to leaving next week for my twice-annual foray to my beloved Black Mountain (just 15 minutes east of Asheville) community; my “second home” as the area is actually the generational home of my Scot ancestors who came here in the early 1700s as many Scots immigrated there. Most of my family members are gone from the region, having traveled and settled in other places – such as Indiana! Spending much time there as a child and visiting frequently through the years has always been a restive and delightful experience. I have now connected with one cousin in Greensboro, N.C., an area which saw some damage but not of a catastrophic nature. I have yet to communicate, of course, with my cousin in Black Mountain.

Sharon’s “second home” of Black Mountain, N.C. (Photo provided)

Black Mountain was originally known as Grey Eagle to the Cherokee and Catawba Native Americans who lived and hunted here in great numbers. Early settlers of the area were lured by the adventure and rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains. Bruce and I owned a condo in the community for many years and sold it just a few years ago. I am wondering and worrying of course about my former neighbors and my friends there. I understand, also, that many of the places where I loved to shop and dine there are gone now. Today it is reported that mules are being used to get to those people trapped in the upper mountain regions.

During this time of political upheaval and discourse I hope that we all can continue to pray for those throughout the six states affected and please, please consider donating to the American Red Cross or any reputable charitable organizations which are providing outreach to those whose lives have been forever changed. Thank you!