Echoes from the Community — Week 3

By Olivia Hankey
SparkPoint, Transylvania County

Device Free Living Beyond the Storm

Welcome back to Echoes from the Community, a column that shares insights from real stories told by residents across Transylvania County, collected through SparkPoint, a local nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community connections and well-being.

Reflecting back on Hurricane Helene, many Transylvania County community members shared that they miss the time they spent device-free when internet access, cell service, and power were limited.

Others echoed this sentiment, describing how even in times of destruction and loss, without constant digital distractions, they felt more present and more connected to the people right in front of them.

These reflections also offer us challenges: how might we bring a little of that simplicity into our regular routines, without waiting for a crisis like Hurricane Helene to force it? Maybe this looks like choosing one device-free meal a day, taking a short walk without a phone, or setting aside a few minutes to really listen to someone we love. Small choices like these can restore the sense of presence people say they miss.

Echoes from the Community will continue to share stories like these, highlighting what residents are saying, why it matters, and how these insights are guiding efforts to build a more connected and compassionate Transylvania County. If this kind of collaborative work appeals to you, SparkPoint is seeking community members to be trained to help analyze and reflect stories - an exciting and rewarding experience!