Snow Can Make Buddies out of Neighbors
Robin Clay of Springfield, Missouri, clears the sidewalk of an elderly neighbor.
It was the winter of 2019 and two elderly neighbors had just moved in down the street. When I introduced myself, they said this was their final move after the husband’s job had led to 14 different cities during his career.
The wife also mentioned that her husband was having knee surgery the following week.
So, when a snowstorm struck the following week, I decided to go down and shovel their driveway and sidewalk. Now, do not give me too much credit. Both are pretty short!
But when I was done shoveling, I turned around to see the wife on the front porch with a big cup of hot chocolate. She handed the cup to me and said, “Of all the places we have lived, you are the best neighbor we have ever had.”
Well, the zipper on my Carhart coveralls nearly burst. I walked home carrying my shovel and hot chocolate with an extra spring in my step—until I realized that was only the second time I had ever spoken to them and the first time I had ever done anything for them. Does this qualify me as the best neighbor ever?
At that moment, I realized two things. One, the bar for what qualifies as a good neighbor is set very low. And two, winter snow provides an excellent opportunity to serve and love your neighbors.
ORGANIZED SNOW VOLUNTEERS
During this past year, I have been fascinated by a growing effort among cities in the northern half of the United States to develop volunteers as Snow Buddies or Snow Angels.
I first learned about this type of program from Brady Porterfield-Finn, a neighborhood specialist in Arvada, Colorado, who is also a graduate of Mizzou. But similar programs also exist in Englewood, Colorado (also led by a Mizzou graduate), Alexandria, Virginia, and Kansas City and Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
While the organization of these programs varies, the goal is similar: help elderly and disabled people dig out their sidewalks, driveways, or cars following snowstorms.
In these examples, people who need help register, and the city works to match volunteers who can do some digging with those who need help.
Volunteers cannot accept payment for their services, whether through tips, food, or other items. It is simply an act of kindness.
Madeline Hinkfuss, Neighborhood Engagement Program Manager for Englewood, says they have discovered both groups (buddies and volunteers) benefit.
“Our volunteers say they enjoy having someone to check in on and that the actual work goes relatively fast,” said Hinkfuss. “Those on the receiving end say the program provides a way for them to get snow cleared and have access outside instead of sitting inside, lonely and disconnected from others. There is a real mental and physical health aspect to this for both parties.”
ARVADA TAKES SNOW SERIOUSLY
In Avrada, the Snow Buddies Program is reserved for residents of Arvada who are physically unable to shovel, cannot financially afford to pay for similar services, and do not have neighbors, family, or friends nearby to assist.
“The program's volunteers do receive training on snow removal. The meet their buddies at a fall event. And the city recognizes and celebrates them with a unique logos beanie and shirt at the start of the season,” said Porterfield-Finn.
Volunteers are assigned a Snow Buddy (or two) for the duration of the winter season. A Snow Buddy volunteer is expected to shovel the front sidewalk and walkway to the front door and enough of the driveway to allow one vehicle to enter/exit. The service is supposed to happen within 24 hours after a snowstorm ends and only when snowfall accumulation totals two inches or more.
In Arvada, not clearing your sidewalk can earn you a citiation and fine.
“We have new applicants pop up during the year due to health issues,” said Brady. “So that makes volunteer recruitment and retention a important and year-long effort and need.”
Some volunteers are able to build relationships with their Snow Buddy over the phone or they smile through the window with the person they are helping.
“Then to close the season in June, when we're celebrating the end of snow, we have an ice cream party. That's another chance for the volunteers to be able to sit and chat with the people they've been shoveling for. There were tears shed at the last one. People sharing just a couple of months ago how special this program is for them,” said Porterfield-Finn.
MEANWHILE BACK IN THE OZARKS
Author David Burton contemplates the best shovel options for this snow season at Lowes after looking at the price tag on snow blowers!
For me, a winter storm means strapping on boots, grabbing a trusty shovel, and bracing myself for an epic battle with Mother Nature. But about 20 years ago, I had an added wrinkle—my neighbor became the proud owner of a snowblower.
I have nothing against my former neighbor — I’ll call him Aaron. He was a nice guy, always waved when he saw me. But on this particular snowy morning, his new snowblower might as well have been a $500 engine-powered smug machine, and I was left standing there with my measly shovel.
As I wrestled with my shovel, taking my first scoop of snow, Aaron fired up his snowblower with a dramatic flair—like a NASCAR driver revving his engine at the starting line. The machine roared to life with the power of a thousand angry squirrels, launching snow across his driveway like a snow-cannon. I paused, watching in awe as he effortlessly cleared his driveway in what seemed like seconds. I, on the other hand, had barely managed to clear a single footpath.
With each push of my shovel, I heard the *whirr* of Aaron’s snowblower, followed by a triumphant plume of snow spraying onto his driveway, followed by… silence. My shovel felt like a metaphor for my entire life—slow, cumbersome, and totally lacking in modern innovation.
As Aaron continued to glide over his driveway, effortlessly converting snow into neatly piled drifts, I struggled with the “hard” snow that had already begun to freeze over. My back ached, my arms burned, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a one-man version of the tortoise and the hare, except in this case, the tortoise was really, really slow, and the hare was incredibly smug.
In that moment, it seemed like the universe had drawn a very clear line: Aaron was the sleek, modern marvel of snow removal, while I was the guy still relying on primitive tools and my own willpower (and maybe a few choice curse words). As I finished my second trip around my driveway, Aaron waved, grinning, his driveway completely clear.
I waved back, a snow-covered mess of a man, and thought to myself: “Next year, I’m getting a snowblower.” Or at least hiring Aaron.
In the end, shoveling snow is a brutal reminder that nature, while beautiful, has a cruel sense of humor.
Next year I’m requesting a Snow Buddy with a snowblower.
ADVICE FOR SAFE SNOW SHOVELING
University of Missouri Extension, offers these tips for keeping safe while removing snow.
Shoveling snow puts an extra load on your cardiovascular system. Exercise experts say shoveling heavy snow requires as much energy as running 9 miles per hour.
Clothes should be snug-fitting and worn in layers in case of overheating. Shoes should be sturdy and provide traction on icy surfaces, and warm gloves or mittens will prevent finger frostbite.
Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth to prevent breathing cold air, which makes the heart work harder.
Lightweight aluminum shovels work best, and surface conditioners like Teflon, silicon, or wax can prevent snow buildup on the shovel's surface.
Partially filling the shovel rather than heaping it full will reduce strain on muscles and joints.
Bend legs slightly at the knee, letting thigh muscles do most of the pushing and lifting work. This will reduce strain on the heart and back.
Stay hydrated. You are sweating more than you realize.
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