L'intervista è tra Joe Astolfi, meteorologo conosciuto in Ohio, e La Gazzetta. Originario di San Marino, Joe spiega come la sua eredità ha influenzato la sua vita adesso. Spiega quanti immigrati sammarinesi si sono trasferiti a New York, ma i suoi genitori sono immigrati a Sandusky, Ohio. Descrive come i sammarinesi nella sua città continuino a fare picnic in onore della loro eredità. Astolfi descrive i motivi per cui ha deciso di studiare meteorologia all'università. Ha detto che per lui il tempo è qualcosa che affascina ancora. Ha detto che in tutto il mondo ci sono condizioni meteorologiche più estreme, come il caldo o il freddo. Questi estremi stanno diventando la nuova normalità. Alla fine, dice che è un onore avere questo lavoro e che continuerà a servire la sua comunità.

Joe Astolfi is an Italian American meteorologist at Spectrum News 1, a 24/7 local news network delivering news, weather and original programming to communities across Ohio. With a decade of forecasting expertise under his belt, Joe plays a pivotal role in contributing to the safety and well-being of his viewers. He’s proud of his roots, many of which were nourished in the “boot” of Italy. 

La Gazzetta (LG): As a familiar local meteorologist in Ohio, your weather updates are vital for your viewers. Please tell us about your hometown and your family’s roots in Italy. 

Joe Astolfi (JA): On my dad’s side, the Italian side, we’re Sammarinesi, originating from the Republic of San Marino, an independent nation surrounded by Italy. I grew up in northern Ohio, Sandusky and Norwalk, where our Italian heritage had a strong presence in my life.

LG: I’ve never met anyone, let alone interviewed someone from San Marino. Have you been to San Marino? What’s that country like? 

JA: We are definitely a small group! In fact, the population of the entire country of San Marino is similar in size to my hometown of Sandusky. I have been very fortunate to visit San Marino twice, once in 2002 and again in 2018. It was an incredible experience, connecting with two of my great aunts and numerous cousins who live there. The country is centered around Mount Titano and has such gorgeous scenery. At the top of the mountain in the capital city, you can walk through winding medieval streets with beautiful stone buildings that have stood for centuries. From there, you can see the gorgeous rolling hills and valleys, as well as the Adriatic Sea. 

LG: How was your Italian heritage kept alive in your family?

JA: In the U.S., Sammarinese immigrants typically moved to New York, Detroit, or Sandusky. My grandparents, Joe and Rita Giuseppe, were two of the founding members of our local Sandusky Comunità. Every summer, a San Marino picnic is held for all those who share this heritage, providing an opportunity to get together and reconnect over amazing homemade Italian food. Speaking of food, my grandma and aunts were known for crafting exquisite homemade pasta, perfect for soups and sauces. My grandpa was also known for his homemade sausage and Zinfandel wine. To this day, my dad and uncles carry on his traditional sausage recipe. 

LG: You’re a trusted weather forecaster. How did you become involved in meteorology and end up in television? Have you worked nationally?

JA: As a kid, I was always fascinated with the various weather we experience in Ohio. I will admit to watching the Weather Channel religiously in my younger years. Additionally, I had the opportunity to watch Cleveland's well-known meteorologist Dick Goddard present the weather in an informative and relatable way. Once I realized how fascinating and how much of an impact weather has on our lives, I decided to pursue a career in meteorology.

I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology. From there, I began my television career at a local TV station in 2011 in Rockford, Illinois. From 2014 to 2021, I worked at WeatherNation, a national weather station in Denver, Colorado. Last year, in 2022, I returned to my local roots in Columbus. 

LG: What do you enjoy most about your job at Spectrum News 1? How long have you been there? Is there a weather team at Spectrum? What is that like?

JA: Spectrum News is an incredible resource for all Ohioans. We provide hyperlocal news and in-depth coverage of issues of importance to the communities, along with real-time weather reports every 10 minutes throughout the day by a team of meteorologists. 

I joined Spectrum News 1 in 2021 and am very grateful to forecast the weather for my home state. Our team of meteorologists bring their unique expertise to the table. In times of severe or winter weather, we rely on each other to ensure our viewers receive crucial and timely forecast information. 

LG: We’ve been experiencing record weather events these past few years, some catastrophic. What major weather news that you had to deliver will be forever etched in your mind? Can you tell us that story? 

JA: Just this year, we experienced numerous days with tornado outbreaks. In the span of just three hours on June 15, a total of 12 tornadoes touched down in a 100-mile swath from Toledo to Ashland. Spectrum News’ meteorologists, including myself, worked around the clock with live and up-to-the-minute weather reporting, tracking the path of the storms as well as providing lifesaving information. Many of those tornadoes were close to where much of my family resides, adding an extra layer of intensity personally.

Similarly, another 12 tornadoes swept through Northeast Ohio in late August, and between February and April, central and southern Ohio found itself in the grips of nearly two dozen tornadoes. 

LG: Since you’ve been a weather forecaster, what changes have you seen in the weather?

JA: We have all encountered extreme weather from time to time, but it seems the extremes are becoming more pronounced and happening more frequently. Globally, catastrophic weather events are on the rise. On the positive side, forecast technology has significantly improved over the years, which allows us to better understand weather patterns and provides an opportunity for earlier detection of adverse weather events.

LG: On a lighter note, what do you enjoy doing off the job?

JA: I enjoy riding my bike and taking walks around the neighborhood or hiking in the woods. In the warmer months, I love returning home to hang out with family and friends around Lake Erie and engaging in all the fun summertime activities the area has to offer. My occasional travels are always a great time! I'm a pretty laid-back person, so it doesn't take too much to make me happy.