Our View: Build community with a snow shovel

We encourage residents to clear the sidewalks in front of your houses and businesses as soon as possible after a snowfall this winter.

Sure, it’s a chore, but when you consider all those who rely on the sidewalks to move throughout your neighborhood, it’s almost essential that we keep the sidewalks cleared.

Plus, it’s good exercise. Shoveling snow is a good workout, even for those of us who are a bit out of shape. In that case, just remember to take it easy to avoid injury. There’s no need to shovel snow fast if you can get it done slow and easy, while keeping yourself safe and healthy.

Shoveling sidewalks also builds responsibility in young people. Sending your children out to shovel after a snowfall helps show them that they have an obligation to help out, too, and this is one way they can do it. Sweeten the deal a bit by promising hot chocolate if they do a good job. Chances are it will take some persuading (and maybe even a bit of pressure) to get them outside to shovel, but once they’re out there, we bet they start enjoying the job and may be reluctant to come back in … maybe. It’s worth a try.

Keeping your sidewalks shoveled provides economic opportunity for young people, too. How often have you had some strong young person knock on your door, offering to shovel your driveway or sidewalks for a small fee? Snow falls bring out good old American capitalism. That’s good, too.

And with all the deliveries we get nowadays, from the post office, FedEx and UPS to all the restaurants that are delivering food to homes (since their dining rooms are closed due to Covid), a shoveled sidewalk is more important than ever.

And, face it: shoveling the sidewalks gives us a chance to reconnect with our neighbors, as we pleasantly grumble to each other about the chore we are doing.

So, please be considerate and keep your sidewalks clear this winter. Do it yourself; send out a child; hire a professional. Help out an elderly neighbor if you can, and notice the unshoveled sidewalks a few doors down and do something about it. It’s been said that a civilized society keeps its sidewalks shoveled, or something like that. Let’s show everyone how civilized we are in Carlton County this winter.