Carrigan Chauvin, who is now a meteorologist AND new traffic anchor for CW39 Houston KIAH's "NO WAIT WEATHER + TRAFFIC," talks to mikemcguff.com about her participation in The Alzheimer's Association 2023 RivALZ to End ALZ flag football game this weekend at TDECU Stadium on the University of Houston Main campus - MAY 6, 2023 12:00pm Kick Off | 3:00pm After Party at McIntyre's Heights.
Plus, we also talk about how she's handling both weather and traffic duties during the morning newscast.
Mike McGuff: How did you get involved with RivALZ? Why is it important for you to help raise money for Alzheimer’s disease care, support and research efforts?
Carrigan Chauvin: Although I do not have an immediate family member that has been impacted by the disease, I still have seen the tragedy this can cause through some distant family members that I would only see on occasion for a Holiday here and there through the years.
It was not until I was asked to join the team by a group of fellow gym members, at a crawfish boil, to partake in this event, that I realized how important this was and why my close friends here in Houston were so passionate about playing. They knew I was semi-athletic with a big heart and would be a great addition to the team. Many of them have lost parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles in recent years due to Alzheimer’s. Money raised from this game will help advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
MM: You look blonde, so why are you on Team Brunette? Does hair color actually even matter when it comes to the team?
CC: Believe it or not, I am brunette. Kudos to my hairstylist in town for keeping my roots looking sharp! In the end however, the hair color doesn’t matter. On game day we spray paint our braids and ponytails to match the appropriate hair color of our team of choice.
MM: Are you an athlete? How do you prepare for the game?
CC: I was a major athlete in high school. I played nearly every sport under the sun. In college, only for a single year, I kept up the soccer gig for a small school in the northeast. After that it was just club ball and a few pickup games of soccer here and there, but never any football!
I figured my athleticism would transfer over onto the football field. Ehh! That wasn’t exactly the case. I am not the worst, but I am surely not the best. Some of these girls that I play with/ against are TALENTED. A few of them even compete across the state and country throughout the year.
MM: You now do meteorologist duties and anchor traffic for NO WAIT WEATHER + TRAFFIC (Hannah Trippett left CW39 Houston). Has that been a difficult juggling act to get used to?
CC: Believe it or not since I have taken on this new gig of traffic anchor and meteorology, my stress levels have gone down significantly!
I think it a mix of gaining experience on how to juggle and having a great support system at CW39. Management has allowed me to be creative in this new self-made hybrid role. I get to wrap in my love for weather, community events, health, wellness, and (… appreciation for Houston traffic). It is a lot easier to work hard when you are doing work with a purpose. I want to use my platform to do as much good as I can for others.
Whether it is bringing awareness to non-profits, giving lifesaving alerts during severe weather days, or just simply saying “heads-up” … “leave a little early”... “Houston traffic is acting up again“. Finding my WHY has been a game changer through my years in NO WAIT WEATHER + TRAFFIC.
MM: I remember you joining the station CW39 on Christmas Eve 2020 because I literally blogged about your hiring before my dinner! Has Houston been a good present for you since your arrival?
CC: It has been the gift that keeps on giving to say the least. I hope to spend many more Christmas Eve’s in H-Town. One day I hope to give back all that this place has given me.
MM: Anything else you want to add that I didn't ask?
CC: Please come out to the game to support! A $25 donation to the link below gets you into TDECU stadium and free beverages at the post-game afterparty at McIntyre’s Heights.
It is a really neat time where family, friends, Moms, Dads, and even grandparents of both teams get together to speak about personal stories of how Alzheimer's has impacted their life. This is also a time where the winning team parades around with the game winning trophy. Gameday is on May 6th!
