As yet another snowstorm dumped snow on our region, we noticed posts on social media from those who live here: Can anyone come plow me out? Can someone provide emergency firewood? 

The posts are met with multiple comments of people responding, ready and willing to lend a helping hand. It’s times like these when we see neighbors coming together to help neighbors. 

Also during cold and extreme weather, it’s important to check in on elderly neighbors or others in precarious situations, like those with small children, especially if the power goes out. 

The famous quote, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,” is from Mr. Rogers, who said that is what his mother would tell him when he would “see scary things in the news”. 

We thank the helpers: the plow truck drivers, emergency responders, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, healthcare workers and senior living personnel who show up through it all and who many of us rely on. 

And while this snowstorm certainly did not set any records, its longevity and timing did have its impacts. The snow began at 6 a.m.Sunday  in Sullivan County and stretched to almost 11 p.m. Sunday in most parts of the county. 

Between 16-24 inches were reported in most areas, enough to make travel hazardous and clean-up exhausting. Luckily, if you followed the advice of experts, you were able to do your clean ups throughout the day, avoiding the huge undertaking on Monday morning.

And although most mail was delayed, and schools and government buildings were mostly closed, shops were shoveling out and open for business throughout most of Sullivan County on Monday morning, another testament to our business communities strong resolve to keep open.

And as we continue to enjoy this beautiful winter season, let’s continue to take care of each other, helping those in need, especially those who cannot help themselves.

It will certainly make our winter months a lot more bearable.