Let’s Be Careful Out There

By Matt Riiska

Mother Nature did not help to create a Currier and Ives Christmas in Norfolk, but West and Marie Lowe and their band of elves certainly made things festive. The Christmas trees with their white lights created a beautiful scene all through the town, especially once the snow arrived. Thank you so much.

I think everyone forgets how to drive once the first snowflakes start to fall. I can only provide one word of advice, slowdown. Our Public Works Department (PW) tries to stick to a plan for the winter. We pretreat with a sand-and-salt mixture when snow and ice is in the forecast. To try to save on overtime, we send the crew out in the afternoon before the event, so as not to keep the crew working into the night. We then bring the PW crew in at 4 a.m. to get the roads in shape for the school buses, which are out at 6 a.m., and the early morning commuters. Our PW crew does their best to keep our roads passable. We will never have perfectly clear roads no matter how much plowing we do or how much material is applied to the roads, but they are passable and safe if you use common sense.

On Sunday, Jan. 21, there were two car accidents, both on state roads. Whether these accidents were caused by road conditions is under investigation, but blowing and drifting snow can cause issues. Pay attention while you are driving. When you come upon drifting snow, slow down. All-wheel drive and snow tires do not help when the snow lifts your car off the pavement.

The remediation on Maple Avenue has been completed, but the reconstruction project goes on. I do have to apologize for the condition of the road, but you will thank us later. The crew from Guerrera Construction has chosen to work through the winter in order to complete the storm drainage and road project in June. Seeing them installing the storm drainage piping and the new catch basins in single-digit temperatures, I can only think how lucky I am to be working indoors. I am sure we will all enjoy a quiet summer on Maple Avenue.

 Winter is one of my favorite times of the year since I’m an avid skier, but there are still many events for those of you who do not want to brave the cold. Winter WIN will be coming up at the end of February, there are always events at the library and the Hub, there are “learn to curl” and bonspiel events at the Curling Club, and of course if you are really bored, there are always municipal meetings, which can be interesting. So do not be bored this winter while hoping for spring to come. Norfolk has a lot to offer whether you want to enjoy outdoor events and to be inside.

Take care and stay healthy.