Letters to the Editor

Letter: Snowflakes

Reliably, I shovel snow from our long driveway and common areas each snowfall. This is cathartic for me 98% of the time. I like to do a good job, make sure my work looks “pretty” and helps out the neighbors. I get a sense of accomplishment.

There’s fresh air, sparkly snow, beautiful surroundings, sunshine at times, and good exercise. New-fallen snow, if not wet, is 95% air. So it is light, flutters through the air when shoveled and makes for good exercise. After several hours of grooming the property, endorphins are increased. I feel toasty for hours and sleep like a baby.

Recently, as I walked to catch the Sunshine Shuttle — while others were on the road walking, skiing and dogs playing — I noticed how careful the driver of the huge snow plow was as he groomed the roads and passed all of us milling around. Our paths would cross twice. Not only was the driver safe and polite as he passed people, his work caught my eye.

The driver’s work seemed deliberate, well thought out and even like a work of art. This, I thought to myself, as I noticed the precision tracks of his turnarounds, at a perpendicular, appearing as a Celtic jewel. How brilliant was this!

I felt inspired to call the Mat-Su Borough to let the folks there know what a pleasure it was to have this driver working with such skill, and flair, in our neighborhood. I spoke with an employee who was a delight and expressed appreciation for the phone call. Spirits were lifted; we were supporting our community.

We too can support our community in helping our elders and those with medical issues, who may run risks if shoveling snow. Plowed snow increases tenfold in weight. Injuries can be common. Be mindful of berm barriers left in a neighbor’s driveway if using a plow. Some community members may be unable to remove heavy snow. This neighborly gesture will resonate, through our community, as the multitude of shapes of snowflakes.

— Deborah Morel

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Talkeetna

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