Emily Rhinelander Licensed Realtor

This post is from JJ Brown Vice Chancellor of Appalachian State University, Boone NC. When I read this I think of all the help we on the Gulf Coast receive from volunteers. We can repay the blessings we received by paying it forward.
I like many would have never recovered if it had not been for their labor and donations.

JJ´s Message:.
It is only in the last week that I have begun to process the last month following Hurricane Helene and its impact on our community. Our family loves the mountains, and this community…the mountain community. Our family has felt the love of good, hardworking, caring people who have invested in each one of us with their time and love beginning when we moved here in 2010. To see so many we know, and don’t know go through so much has been a roller coaster ride these last few weeks.

I am particularly proud of the AppState Nation who has responded with funding to help those impacted (faculty, staff and students), sent in tools, generators, shovels, rakes, water, food, supplies, volunteered all over the state, and cared for others in big and small ways. I am honored to work with colleagues on our Student Affairs team who ran to help in ways I can’t even describe. The staff who worked all throughout the storm, knowing their own house was gone, those who worked for days because they could not get home, and the joy we all had in being able to serve almost 80,000 meals to anyone who walked in the door, along with being able to give out disaster funds to faculty, staff and students ultimately serving over 5000 employees and students by raising and giving out over 3.8 million dollars. Proud doesn’t describe the deep gratitude I have for those who have been running towards the needs. Thank you to each of you.

The recovery journey is going to be long, and require lots of patience, courage, and strength. Please keep the communities impacted by this storm, especially Western North Carolina in your continued thoughts and prayers. Those who lost loved ones, lost their house, belongings, and all who have been scarred from this storm. The grit that is built into this environment is tough, but it has been tested these last few weeks. I took this picture yesterday (10/26/24) from the Blue Ridge Parkway from one of my favorite reflecting spots. This tree stands tall amidst the rocky soil, exposed to all the elements, yet thrives. We will find a way, we will find a path, and we will make it, somehow, some way. We are mountain strong, this is our home and these are our people. ❤️

Today is National Hug your Dog Day. This little explorer follows me like a shadow except when he sniffs or spots something that takes his fancy. He is like most loves honest to a point, but I love him in spite of his fickle heart.

Honored to be part of this extraordinary company. Locally owned, worldwide connections.

Neither rain, sleet, fog, sand on the road, big puddles or gloom of night keep this trusty Realtor from opening doors for you.