Every kid loves a good snow day. My children look forward to the one or two days each year when they get to sip on hot chocolate all day between building snowmen, snow forts, and having snowball fights. At the same time, there are those in our community who do not have the luxury to play all day. They may require medical attention, emergency work repairs, or the rare occurrence when someone needs to report to work. These and other situations require clear driveways and walkways for safety. Not everyone is physically capable of shoveling snow to clear their driveway or walkway. The Cameron Station snow removal contract only requires the contractor to clear snow from Cameron Station roads and communal areas. To fill this gap, volunteer snow shovelers mobilize to help those that may not have a shovel, are physically capable, or are out of town.
I am fortunate to have a built-in snow removal crew, consisting of primarily my two strong teenage boys. However, my wife and daughter have also jumped in to help. As a family, we prioritize health in our daily lives. So, when the call goes out for the snow removal mobilization team, we grab our shovels and report for duty. Shoveling snow is a great bonding experience, a total body workout, and it can be very therapeutic to see immediate results in a tranquil environment.
Most snow shoveling jobs require removing snow from driveways and walkways, but we have also responded to snowed-in vehicles or vehicles stuck on a temporary ice skating rink. One owner needed to get to work after the roads had cleared, but her vehicle remained surrounded in snow. We helped that particular owner escape from her snowed-in parking spot. Another instance was a little dicier. An employee was leaving her employer’s house when she became stuck on black ice. If I remember correctly, we were out building a fort when we saw this vehicle spinning its wheels. We quickly responded and helped the driver safely get on solid ground. The driver actually let me drive her vehicle off the ice.
If you are capable, please lend a hand to your neighbor during the next snow event. If you do, hydrate, wear appropriate winter-weather gear, use your legs (not your back) when shoveling, and use a serviceable snow shovel. The rewards include getting a full body workout, the satisfaction of making roads and walkways safer, and the gratification of helping your fellow Cameron Station neighbor.
Be safe out there!
Chris Mulder and his snow shoveling family have lived in Cameron Station for four years. He was recently a member of the Cameron Station Board of Directors, enjoys playing pickleball with his family at Armistead Boothe Park, and appreciates everyone’s efforts that make Cameron Station a wonderful place to live.
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